The Toyota Crown first appeared on our shores as an early Japanese import in the 1950s. Back in 1957, it was known as the Toyopet Crown, and it helped establish Toyota’s foothold in our market. Back then, it was a simple, small, petrol-powered sedan, but now the Crown has grown into a tech-filled sedan/crossover mix with a hybrid powertrain.
The 2025 Toyota Crown Signia cuts a fine line between Lexus and Toyota in terms of tech, luxury, and even pricing. In some ways, it makes up for the fairly recent loss of the larger-than-Camry Toyota Avalon as a powerhouse of tech, with plenty of gusto for most. I had it for a week, and I have mixed feelings.
This is where you have to draw a pencil-thin line between Lexus and Toyota. You are essentially getting a Lexus wagon, or a crossover if you prefer. If you’re okay without the Lexus badge, this might be an easy decision for people who are looking for a luxurious, efficient wagon in the United States.
Push down on the accelerator, and you’re rewarded by an audio mass of engine groan that you wouldn’t expect out of something this refined. As it winds up, the noise in the cabin is noticeable beyond what is normal, and it peaks quickly as the engine’s RPM is held until you get to the desired speed. That’s what I mean by a long seven-second run to 60 mph.
