Toyota unwraps Crown Signia SUV

TOYOTA has released details this week of its Crown Signia, the second ‘Crown’ badged vehicle a mid-sized, five-seat SUV take on a nameplate that stretches back to the late 1950s and likely to remain available only in left-hand drive markets.

Riding on Toyota’s TNGA-K platform and powered by a 2.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid unit – the same found in the next-generation Camry – the Crown Signia outputs 181kW of power and drives all four wheels on demand.

Combined cycle fuel consumption is listed at 6.5 litres per 100km and braked towing capacity just 1200kg.

“The Toyota Crown Signia takes all of the exceptional attributes of the Toyota Crown name and shapes them into a functional, sophisticated package that customers will adore,” said Toyota North America group vice president, David Christ.

“It is the first-ever entry into the crossover SUV category for Toyota’s longest-running nameplate and it showcases how we continue to elevate our designs, deliver premium quality, and take hybrid efficiency in versatile new directions.”

Depending on the variant, the Toyota Crown Signia is fitted with 19- or 21-inch alloy wheels and like the recently announced Camry sports the brand’s new Hammerhead frontal treatment with LED headlights and DRLs, and geometric lower grille. Colour options include Storm Cloud, Finish Line Red, Oxygen White, Black and Bronze Age.

Interior touches include textured leather-trimmed upholstery in Black or Saddle Tan, bronze garnishing, soft-touch surfaces, and flexible storage offerings. A 12.3-inch instrument panel is complemented by a same-sized infotainment array that provides “a high-tech vibe”, and connectivity to the Apple and Android phones, Bluetooth, satellite radio and a host of “Hey Toyota” voice commands.

High grade variants feature an 11 speaker JBL Premium audio system Toyota says was tuned specifically for the Crown Signia to provide optimum audio enjoyment. A 360-degree camera system is also offered, along with keyless entry and ignition, a range of remote service features, and a thorough list of ADAS technologies.

While many of the Toyota Crown Signia’s driver assistance technologies are familiar to existing models, the latest Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 upgrade ensures all features provide the latest take on active safety with pre-collision with pedestrian detection, lane departure with steering assist, adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, traffic sign recognition, auto high beam and many others now updated.

Addition safety technologies include a blind spot monitor, front and rear cross-traffic alert, lane change assist, traffic jam assist and safe exit assist.

The MY25 Toyota Crown Signia will go on sale in North American markets towards the middle of 2024 as a likely rival to the Mazda CX-50, Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, Ford Bronco Sport, Dodge Hornet and Chevrolet Equinox.