2025 Toyota Crown Signia Limited Bumps Up Against Lexus
About this episode
The 2025 Toyota Crown Signia Limited is a unique addition to Toyota's lineup, replacing the Venza and offering a premium hybrid experience. With a price point of $52,500, it competes closely with the RAV4 hybrid and Lexus RX hybrid. The episode dives into its design, comfort, and engineering, highlighting its fifth-generation hybrid powertrain that delivers 240 horsepower. The Crown Signia is noted for its smooth ride, spacious interior, and advanced safety features, though it raises questions about its value compared to the RAV4. The host shares personal insights from a week-long test drive, making comparisons with other models in the segment.
Cars are transportation, right? Getting from point A to B. They're also status symbols, pop culture icons, sculpture, engineering, plus environmental and political touchstones (as Elon is finding out). Crown Signia replaces Venza in Toyota's SUV portfolio, in the same way the Crown sedan nudged Avalon aside a few years back. Crown has been the Big T's premium machine going back to the 1950's, just absent from US roads since the 60's.
Toyota RAV4
"...yota is, of course, very well known for Camry and RAV4, but a lot of people haven't heard of Crown Signi..."
The Toyota RAV4 is a type of car called an SUV, which is bigger than a regular car and can hold more people and stuff. It's known for being dependable and good for families, making it a popular choice among drivers.
The Toyota RAV4 is a compact SUV that has gained popularity for its reliability, spacious interior, and versatility. It is significant as one of the first vehicles to popularize the crossover segment, combining the benefits of an SUV with the handling of a car. The RAV4 is often discussed for its practicality and strong resale value.
Toyota Camry
"Toyota is, of course, very well known for Camry and RAV4, but a lot of people haven't heard of Cr..."
Toyota Crown
"...of Crown Signia. I am here to right that wrong. Cars are transportation, right?"
The Toyota Crown Signia is a luxury SUV from Toyota that has replaced another model called the Venza. It's part of Toyota's premium car lineup and has been around since the 1950s.
The Toyota Crown Signia is a model that represents Toyota's premium offerings, replacing the Venza in their SUV lineup. It has a long history, dating back to the 1950s, as a luxury vehicle for the brand.
Toyota Venza
"...Crown Signia replaces Venza in Toyota's SUV portfolio in the same way the Crown sedan nudged Avalon aside a few years back."
The Toyota Venza was a type of SUV made by Toyota that combined style with practicality. It has been replaced by the new Crown Signia model.
The Toyota Venza was a midsize crossover SUV that was produced by Toyota. It was designed to offer a blend of style and utility but has since been replaced by the Crown Signia in Toyota's lineup.
Toyota Avalon
"...the Crown sedan nudged Avalon aside a few years back."
The Toyota Avalon is a large car made by Toyota that is known for being comfortable and spacious. It is considered a more luxurious option in Toyota's range of vehicles.
The Toyota Avalon is a full-size sedan that has been part of Toyota's lineup, known for its spacious interior and comfort. It has been positioned as a more luxurious option compared to other Toyota sedans.
MSRP
"You'd be hard-pressed to option this up past the MSRP of $52,500."
MSRP is the price that car makers suggest dealers sell their cars for. It helps buyers know what to expect when shopping for a new car.
MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, which is the price that the manufacturer recommends that retailers sell a product for. It's often used as a benchmark for pricing new vehicles.
Lexus RX Hybrid
"I see two of Crown Signia's main competitors in the Toyota family, the RAV4 hybrid and the Lexus RX hybrid."
The Lexus RX Hybrid is a luxury SUV that uses both gas and electric power to be more fuel-efficient. It's known for being comfortable and high-tech.
The Lexus RX Hybrid is a luxury midsize SUV that offers a combination of comfort, advanced technology, and hybrid efficiency. It is known for its upscale interior and smooth ride.
hybrid
"Other direct competitors are harder to define given Signia's wagony look, and it's strictly a hybrid."
A hybrid car uses both gasoline and electricity to run. This helps it save fuel and produce less pollution than regular cars.
A hybrid vehicle is one that uses two or more types of power, typically combining a gasoline engine with an electric motor. This setup allows for better fuel efficiency and lower emissions compared to traditional vehicles.
Hyundai Tucson
"With two rows and seating for five, maybe consider the top-trim Hyundai Tucson and Kia..."
The Hyundai Tucson is a small SUV that can fit five people and is designed for everyday use.
The Hyundai Tucson is a compact SUV known for its practicality and modern features, making it a popular choice among families.
Kia Sportage
"With two rows and seating for five, maybe consider the top-trim Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage hybrids..."
The Kia Sportage is another small SUV like the Tucson, which is also made for families and everyday driving.
The Kia Sportage is a compact SUV that offers a spacious interior and a range of features, often at a competitive price.
Mazda Cx70
"Mazda CX-70 plug-in hybrid is a smidge more expensive but adds 26 miles of electric range."
The Mazda CX-70 is a type of SUV that can run on both gas and electricity, giving it a longer driving range.
The Mazda CX-70 is a plug-in hybrid SUV that combines traditional gasoline power with electric capabilities for improved efficiency.
Chevy Blazer
"Buick and vision, Honda Passport, Nissan Murano, Subaru Outback, and Chevy Blazer..."
The Chevy Blazer is a stylish SUV that can be used for everyday driving and has a sporty look.
The Chevy Blazer is a midsize SUV that combines sporty styling with practicality, making it appealing to a wide range of buyers.
Nissan Murano
"Buick and vision, Honda Passport, Nissan Murano, Subaru Outback, and Chevy Blazer..."
The Nissan Murano is a comfortable SUV that looks nice and is good for driving around town or on longer trips.
The Nissan Murano is a midsize crossover SUV that offers a comfortable ride and a stylish design, appealing to families and individuals alike.
Subaru Outback
"...and vision, Honda Passport, Nissan Murano, Subaru Outback, and Chevy Blazer, while you can get it, don't ha..."
Honda Passport
"range. Buick and vision, Honda Passport, Nissan Murano, Subaru Outback, and Chevy Blazer,..."
horsepower
"This 2.5-liter four-cylinder and three electric motors team up to make 240 horsepower on standard grade fuel."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful an engine is. The higher the horsepower, the faster and stronger the car can go.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for engine power. It indicates how much work an engine can do over time, which translates to the car's performance and speed capabilities.
ECVT
"The transmission is an ECVT, simulated shifts happen here, they feel authentic, if subtle, move to Lexus for a head-up display."
ECVT is a type of transmission that helps the car change speeds smoothly without noticeable shifts. It makes driving feel more fluid and helps save fuel.
ECVT stands for Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission. It allows for seamless acceleration without the distinct shift points found in traditional automatic transmissions, providing a smoother driving experience.
all-wheel drive
"All-wheel drive is standard, the rear tire is powered by an electric motor if more traction is demanded."
All-wheel drive means that all four wheels of the car get power from the engine. This helps the car grip the road better, especially in rain or snow.
All-wheel drive (AWD) is a drivetrain system that powers all four wheels of a vehicle simultaneously. This enhances traction and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions or off-road situations.
Lexus RX 350H
"Acceleration performance of the Crown Signia is similar to the Lexus RX 350H 0-60 in about seven seconds..."
The Lexus RX 350H is a type of SUV that uses both gas and electric power to drive, making it more efficient than regular SUVs.
The Lexus RX 350H is a hybrid SUV that combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor for improved fuel efficiency and performance.
0-60 time
"Acceleration performance of the Crown Signia is similar to the Lexus RX 350H 0-60 in about seven seconds..."
0-60 time is how long it takes a car to go from a complete stop to going 60 miles per hour. It's a way to measure how fast a car can accelerate.
0-60 time refers to the duration it takes for a vehicle to accelerate from a complete stop to 60 miles per hour, often used as a performance benchmark.
towing capacity
"...towing is rated at 2,700 pounds."
Towing capacity tells you how much weight a car can pull behind it, like a trailer or boat. It's important to know if you plan to tow something heavy.
Towing capacity is the maximum weight a vehicle can safely tow. It is an important specification for those who plan to haul trailers or other heavy loads.
CVT transmission
"It's very smooth, put your foot into the throttle, and the CVT transmission doesn't have that rubbery feel..."
A CVT is a special kind of automatic transmission that helps the car accelerate smoothly without the usual gear changes you feel in regular automatics.
A CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) is a type of automatic transmission that can change seamlessly through a continuous range of effective gear ratios. This allows for smoother acceleration without the 'rubber band' feel typical of traditional automatic transmissions.
Toyota Safety Sense 3.0
"The suite of standard 8-astek, dubbed Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, is good stuff, with the expected automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and solid lane keeping."
Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 is a collection of safety features in Toyota cars that help prevent accidents and make driving easier, like automatic braking and keeping you in your lane.
Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 is a suite of advanced safety features designed to enhance driver awareness and vehicle safety. It includes technologies like automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane keeping assistance.
traffic jam assist
"Well then spring for the advanced safety package that adds traffic jam assist that effectively takes over in stop and go slogging."
Traffic jam assist is a helpful feature that lets your car drive itself a little in heavy traffic, so you don't have to constantly stop and go.
Traffic jam assist is a feature that helps the vehicle navigate through stop-and-go traffic by automatically controlling acceleration, braking, and steering. This reduces driver fatigue during heavy traffic conditions.
surround view camera system
"The $1,800 package also adds a surround view camera system that shows what's under the vehicle."
This system uses cameras to show everything around the car, making it easier to park and avoid hitting things. It's like having a bird's-eye view of your vehicle.
A surround view camera system provides a 360-degree view around the vehicle, helping drivers navigate tight spaces and avoid obstacles. It uses multiple cameras positioned around the vehicle to create a composite image displayed on the dashboard screen.
EPA
"The EPA rates the fuel economy average at 38 miles per gallon."
The EPA is a government agency that checks how much fuel cars use and how they affect the environment. They provide ratings to help people choose more efficient cars.
The EPA, or Environmental Protection Agency, is a U.S. government agency responsible for regulating and enforcing national standards for environmental protection, including fuel economy ratings for vehicles. These ratings help consumers understand how efficient a vehicle is in terms of fuel consumption.
fuel economy
"The EPA rates the fuel economy average at 38 miles per gallon."
Fuel economy is how far a car can go on a certain amount of fuel. If a car gets good fuel economy, it means you won't have to fill up the gas tank as often.
Fuel economy refers to how efficiently a vehicle uses fuel, typically measured in miles per gallon (MPG). Higher fuel economy means a vehicle can travel further on a gallon of fuel, which is beneficial for both cost savings and environmental impact.
digital rear view mirrors
"Digital rear view mirrors help tremendously. Limited owners sit on honest-to-goodness leather, heat-inventing too."
Digital rear view mirrors are special mirrors that use a camera to show you what's behind your car. They can help you see better than regular mirrors.
Digital rear view mirrors use a camera feed to provide a clearer and wider view of what's behind the vehicle compared to traditional mirrors. They can help reduce blind spots and improve visibility.
leather upholstery
"Limited owners sit on honest-to-goodness leather, heat-inventing too. This doesn't encroach into Lexus territory, but it's as good as you'll get with a Toyota badge."
Leather upholstery means that the seats and some parts of the car's inside are covered with leather, which makes it look and feel more luxurious.
Leather upholstery refers to the use of leather as a material for covering seats and other interior surfaces in a vehicle. It is often associated with luxury and comfort, providing a high-quality feel to the interior.
Volvo XC70
"...he 425 bucks. It gives this Toyota a taller Volvo XC70 cross-country vibe. This seems to be a requisite ..."
The Volvo XC70 is a fancy car that looks like a mix between a regular car and an SUV. It's designed to be safe and comfortable, making it a good choice for families who want to go on adventures.
The Volvo XC70 is a luxury crossover wagon that combines the practicality of a station wagon with the ruggedness of an SUV. It is significant for its safety features and comfortable ride, appealing to families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The XC70 is often discussed for its unique blend of style, comfort, and capability.
Toyota Corolla
"... this time, Toyota is really into the crown name, Corolla, Corona, and Camry or Kanmudi also mean crown, ki..."
The Toyota Corolla is a small car that many people buy because it's easy to drive and doesn't use much gas. It's also known for lasting a long time without needing a lot of repairs, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious drivers.
The Toyota Corolla is a compact sedan that has been one of the best-selling cars globally for decades, known for its fuel efficiency and reliability. Its significance lies in its reputation for being an affordable and practical choice for everyday driving. The Corolla is often discussed for its value and low maintenance costs.
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