Discover the 2025 Toyota Crown Station Wagon: Redefining the Modern Family Vehicle

Toyota is once again pushing boundaries, blending practicality and style in their latest hybrid offering. While marketed as a crossover SUV, the 2025 Toyota Crown Signia is fundamentally a station wagon, reimagined for the modern driver. This vehicle offers a compelling alternative to traditional SUVs, boasting impressive fuel economy, ample cargo space, and the renowned Toyota reliability. However, potential buyers should be aware of certain design choices that might impact headroom, especially for taller individuals.

Later this year, dealerships will welcome the 2025 Toyota Crown Signia, a vehicle that expands upon the foundation laid by the Crown sedan, Toyota’s flagship passenger car. Starting at $44,985, including destination charges, the Crown Signia presents a spacious and versatile option. However, as prices climb above $51,000, some may find certain aspects, particularly in the higher trim levels, not fully aligned with the premium price tag.

Despite Toyota’s marketing positioning, the Crown Signia is decidedly a station wagon. Let’s delve into why this classification matters and what it means for consumers seeking a practical and efficient vehicle.

Toyota Crown Side Profile

Unmasking the Wagon: Why the Crown Signia Embraces its True Form

One of the most telling indicators of the Crown Signia’s station wagon identity lies in its window design. Unlike SUVs and crossovers, station wagons in the passenger car category typically do not feature factory-tinted rear windows due to regulatory distinctions. The Crown Signia follows this pattern, a subtle yet significant clue to its true vehicle classification. While American drivers often favor tinted windows, the Crown Signia’s clear glass panels are a nod to its wagon roots.

Toyota Crown Rear View

Aesthetically, the Toyota Crown Signia station wagon arguably surpasses its sedan counterpart. The proportions are more balanced, transforming the somewhat bulky sedan into a sleek and well-proportioned wagon shape. Measuring 194.1 inches in length, it closely matches the Toyota Highlander SUV in size, offering a substantial road presence. The design features distinctive LED daytime running lights positioned high on the front fascia, with headlights set lower in the bumper, and a stylish full-width LED taillight design at the rear.

Toyota Crown Front View

Stepping inside the Crown Signia station wagon, the interior layout will be familiar to those acquainted with the Crown sedan. The front cabin design is largely shared, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a matching 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. While the center console incorporates piano-black plastic surfaces that are prone to scratches, Toyota has thoughtfully retained physical buttons and knobs for essential climate and audio controls, enhancing user-friendliness.

Toyota Crown Interior Dashboard

Passenger comfort is a priority in the Toyota Crown Station Wagon, comfortably accommodating five adults. Legroom is ample, even for taller passengers seated in both rows. However, headroom may be limited for taller occupants, particularly in the front seats. The front seats are intentionally raised with plastic spacers to mimic the higher seating position of an SUV, a design choice that slightly reduces headroom. Despite this, ingress and egress are notably easier compared to the Avalon sedan it replaces. The 60:40 split-folding rear seats significantly enhance practicality, allowing for items up to 6.5 feet long, such as surfboards, to be easily transported. Cargo capacity is a major advantage of the wagon design, offering 25.8 cubic feet with the rear seats up and expanding to a generous 68.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, a substantial increase over the Crown sedan’s 15.2 cubic feet trunk.

Toyota Crown Interior Cargo Space

Hybrid Power and Efficiency: The Heart of the Crown Station Wagon

Every Toyota Crown Signia station wagon is equipped with a 2.5-liter inline-4 engine integrated into Toyota’s proven hybrid system. This powertrain delivers a combined output of 240 horsepower. While Toyota has not confirmed future powertrain options for the US market, the possibility of the more powerful HybridMax turbo-4 or a plug-in hybrid variant, available in Japan, remains open. All-wheel drive is standard across the Crown Signia range, providing enhanced traction, although in typical driving conditions, power is primarily directed to the front wheels. The system can dynamically adjust power distribution up to a 20:80 front-to-rear split as needed.

Performance is adequate for daily driving, with an estimated 0-60 mph acceleration time of 7.1 seconds. While not overtly sporty, the Crown Signia station wagon provides sufficient power for highway merging and passing. However, pushing the engine to its limits results in noticeable engine noise, a characteristic that sets it apart from the more refined Lexus driving experience. The powertrain is best suited for relaxed cruising, prioritizing efficiency and smooth operation.

The 2025 Toyota Crown Signia station wagon driving on a scenic road, showcasing its comfortable ride and handling.

Ride comfort is a key strength of the Crown Signia station wagon, leaning towards a plush and comfortable driving experience. Body control is well-managed, though during spirited driving, some wheel hop may be evident. However, the typical Crown Signia driver is unlikely to frequently encounter such conditions.

Fuel economy is a standout feature, with EPA ratings of 39 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 38 mpg combined. This makes the Crown Signia station wagon one of the most fuel-efficient wagons available with a gasoline engine in the US market. While slightly less efficient than the Crown sedan due to increased weight and less aerodynamic profile, the wagon still offers exceptional fuel savings compared to many SUVs and crossovers.

Toyota Crown Fuel Efficiency Display

Safety and Value in the Toyota Crown Station Wagon

Toyota prioritizes safety, and the Crown Signia station wagon comes standard with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety technologies. This includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. An optional Advanced Technology Package, available on the Limited trim, adds further safety enhancements like a surround-view camera system, parking sensors, and front cross-traffic alert.

Toyota Crown Safety Features Display

The 2025 Crown Signia station wagon lineup is straightforward, with two trim levels: XLE and Limited. The base XLE starts at $44,985, while the Limited trim is priced at $51,250. Both trims are well-equipped; however, the absence of adjustable lumbar support for the front passenger seat in the top-tier Limited model is a notable omission at this price point.

Pricing for the Crown Signia station wagon aligns closely with comparable Toyota Highlander Hybrid models. While the Highlander Hybrid offers a third row of seating, the Crown Signia appeals to buyers who prioritize wagon practicality and fuel efficiency over maximum passenger capacity.

For those who appreciate the unique appeal of a station wagon or seek a departure from the ubiquitous SUV, the Toyota Crown Signia presents a compelling option. However, families needing more seating may still find themselves drawn to the more conventional Highlander within the Toyota showroom.

Disclaimer: Travel expenses for the test drive were provided by Toyota.

High-Resolution Gallery: 2025 Toyota Crown Signia

Toyota Crown Red Color Option