Toyota Introduces First SUV to Carry the Iconic Crown Nameplate – The Crown Signia
In a surprising move, Toyota has announced the upcoming arrival of the Crown Signia – the first-ever SUV to carry the iconic “Corona” nameplate. With the Crown Signia set to make its debut in 2025, this mark’s the first time the revered name has been used for an SUV model. The new vehicle will be launched in the United States and is set to be positioned alongside its sedan counterpart.
The Crown Signia will follow in the footsteps of the standard Crown, as well as the new Camry, by being sold exclusively as a hybrid. It stands out for its resemblance to the new sedan from Toyota – the Prius, as it features wraparound headlights and a body-color grille. While the front end takes after the Prius, the rest of the design is simple, understated, yet still attractive and generic, with smooth lines and a simple horizontal LED light bar. This is a strategic move by Toyota to distinguish the Crown Signia from its sedan counterpart, which has received polarized responses to its often funky styling, especially its two-tone looks.
The Crown Signia is built on the same TNGA-K platform that underpins the regular Crown. Despite being a crossover, the ride height of the Signia is similar to that of its sedan counterpart, which is unusually tall to provide added comfort when getting in and out of the vehicle.
Under the hood, the Signia is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine along with two electric motor generators, delivering a combined 243 horsepower. Additionally, the Crown Signia comes standard with all-wheel drive, enabling it to handle a variety of driving conditions. With a towing capacity of 2,700 pounds, it is designed to be a quiet and comfortable everyday driver, rather than for heavy-duty towing.
The vehicle offers a stylish and comfortable cabin, featuring a layered dashboard design, a dual-screen infotainment/gauge cluster setup, and thick-backed seats. While leather isn’t standard, it is available, along with a panoramic sunroof and an 11-speaker JBL surround-sound system. The Crown Signia also features Toyota’s 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia (TAMM) infotainment system as standard, along with a digital gauge display of the same size. In addition, it includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, both of which can be used wirelessly, along with digital assistants Siri and Google Assistant. The Limited model and above also comes with an optional 360-degree camera system, which includes Curb View for low-speed and reverse maneuvers.
From a sales perspective, Toyota’s decision to introduce an SUV carrying the Crown nameplate is a strategic one, particularly in the SUV-dominated market of the United States. With its less polarizing appearance compared to the sedan, the Crown Signia is expected to become a popular choice among buyers, potentially outperforming its sedan counterpart in the near future.
While some long-time fans of the iconic Toyota Crown name might be apprehensive about it being placed on a crossover, it is a move that aligns with the current market trends, catering to the growing demand for SUVs. The introduction of the Crown Signia is a significant step for Toyota and reflects its willingness to adapt to evolving consumer preferences.
The Crown Signia marks a pivotal moment in the history of Toyota’s iconic “Corona” nameplate, introducing a new chapter for the revered brand as it ventures into the world of SUVs. As the launch of the Crown Signia approaches, anticipation is certainly building as consumers eager to experience the new SUV from Toyota.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve, this bold move by Toyota exemplifies its commitment to innovation and adaptability, setting the stage for the brand’s next chapter as it continues to cement its position in the highly competitive global automotive market. We can only wait and see how the Crown Signia will perform and whether it will live up to the legacy of the iconic Toyota nameplate. As the industry eagerly awaits the arrival of the Crown Signia, it’s clear that Toyota is set to unfold new possibilities and redefine the SUV category with its ground-breaking introduction.
