By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com
Remember the Venza, a midsize SUV that boasted “a sleek appearance, opulent cabin features, and commendable gas-sipping figures?” Well, the Toyota crossover is history, replaced for 2025 by an even more capable and luxurioius Crown Signia, joining the large Crown sedan in its stable.
Sharing the hybrid power train with RAV4, the 2.5-liter DOHC inline-4-cylinder gas engine develops 188 horsepower @ 6000 rpm and 178 pounds-feet of torque @ 4500 rpm. Three electric motors (two up front and one in the rear) boast hp up to 240 hp. A 230-volt nickel-metal hydride battery, which is placed under the rear seat for space purposes, is recharged by energy captured as the driver applies the brakes or coasts. Also, the electronically controlled continuous variable transmission-equipped SUV with paddle shifters boasts a regenerative braking system. Mind you, this is no speed demon, but 0 to 60 in 7.1 seconds is quite an achievement in a 4,210-pound vehicle.
An independent MacPherson strut front and multilink rear suspension with stabilizer bar does a particularly good job of soaking bumps and potholes with skill and sure-footedness in the all-wheel-drive ride. Also, the rack-and-pinion electric power steering makes it a breeze to pulling into a parking lot or step up to higher speed.
The Crown Signia operates in four modes: EV, which is electric at lower speeds of up to 25 mph; ECO, an efficient mode where the driver can control the throttle opening; normal; and sport for some feisty driving. The rounded instrument display showing charge, power and eco readings will come in handy for drivers who like to eke out every gallon of fuel.
Slim projector-beam LED headlights surround a body-colored monochromatic grille with a centered and familiar Toyota emblem. The lush cabin portrays a Lexus-comparable feel with opulent and tech backdrops. Two 12.3-inch displays, one for infotainment and the other presenting information to the driver, grab one’s attention. The 60/40-split rear-seat passengers get to appreciate not just two hidden cup holders in the center console but also air vents in front. Fold the seat down and you get a copious 6.5 feet length space. Standard amenities include dual auto a/c, leather tilt/telescopic steering column and shifter, fixed panoramic proof with power sunshade, eight-way power driver and front-passenger heated/cooled seats, height-adjustable power lift gate, an 11-speaker JBL audio system and a vertically-placed wireless phone charger.
Standard safety features include dual front airbags, side curtain airbag, front knee airbags, four-wheel antilock brakes, stability and traction controls, panoramic view monitor, blind spot and rear-cross traffic alerts, smart-stop technology, front/rear parking assists, daytime running lights and tire pressure monitoring system are included. Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 includes a pre-collision system to detect pedestrians, lane trace alert with steer assist and dynamic cruise control. Traffic Jam Assist, a subscription service, activates steering, gas and brake pedals under 25 mph.
RAV4 too small for the family and the seven-passenger Highlander bigger for your needs? Then the midsize Crown Signia with its plentiful passenger/cargo room and fuel-saver capabilities should fill in the gap. Besides, who wouldn’t want a Toyota that is almost Lexus-like?
CROWN SIGNIA (LIMITED)
Tires: 225/45R21
Wheelbase: 112.2 inches
Length: 194.1 inches
Width: 74 inches
Height: 64 inches
Fuel capacity: 14.5 gallons
City/hwy/combined: 39/37/38
Base price: $47,990
Price as tested: $52,074
Web site: www.toyota.com
