2025 Toyota Crown Signia POV Start Up and Test Drive (2.5-Liter Hybrid eCVT Powertrain)

POV drive of the all-new 2025 Toyota Crown Signia crossover in Finish Line Red paint and two-tone black and caramel-colored leather material. 100% Hybrid, 100% all-wheel drive.

Toyota wouldn't say the Venza is replacing the Venza, rather, they will exist in the same segment during this current model year until the Venza is phased out.

Output of the 2.5-liter Toyota Hybrid System in the Crown Signia is rated at 243 horsepower and is capable of towing up to 2,700 pounds. With all-wheel drive standard on both Crown Signia trims, fuel economy is rated at 38 mpg combined.

Pricing for the Crown Signia starts at $44,985 for the XLE trim and $49, 385 for the Limited Trim (which overlaps with the similarly sized Lexus RX). Only 14,000 examples will be produced for the 2025 model year.

As one of the more premium vehicles in the Toyota lineup, looks on the outside and inside live up to this expectation in my opinion. Materials have an elevated feel to them over other Toyota models, without encroaching on Lexus quality.

The Crown Signia uses the same Toyota Hybrid System powertrain as the 2025 Camry, which I also had the opportunity to drive the same day I drove this. And somehow, the overall drive experience felt a smidge more refined in the Camry than the heavier and premium-level Crown Signia. Pre-production jitters that are being worked out? Perhaps. Use of acoustic glass helps NVH, enhancing the cabins premium feel for sure. However, engine noise is still more intrusive under throttle than I’d expect, and transitions between the engine and electric motor were not as smooth as I have experienced in other hybrids, specifically Lexus-equivalent (NX/RX).

There is a noticeable difference in the Lexus hybrid experience and Toyota hybrid experience (as there should be). For the price and intent of the Crown Signia, however, a little more refinement (that I hope is being worked out as production models begin hitting the streets) would go a long way. Ride quality is comfortable overall, but some bumps may feel a little sharper than they should IMO again for this price point. Depending on the buyer, a second consideration of a Lexus hybrid could be worthwhile.

Shot on GoPro Hero11 featuring binaural (3D) audio. The use of headphones is recommended.

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0:12 Start Up
0:43 Turning Radius
1:55 Casual Acceleration
2:49 Mild Acceleration and Engine Braking
4:04 Medium Acceleration
7:17 Casual Acceleration
11:11 Hard Acceleration