Between being sad over the demise of pure ICE-powered cars and skeptical of the rise of fully electric vehicles, the bridging role of hybrid cars is gravely underappreciated. A significant reason for this is that hybrids have a “boring” tag stuck to them, thanks to examples like the Toyota Prius and the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid. The conservative approach of these cars, including sluggish performance and not-so-exciting CVT transmissions, is to blame here. For these reasons, a bunch of rare, interesting hybrid cars fly under the radar. Furthermore, the heightened reliability and insane driving range of hybrids cannot be sidelined. One such example of a well-rounded car, packing all the good bits and helping hybrids look cooler, too, is an underappreciated Toyota hybrid SUV.
While it’s a relatively new offering, with the first model year being 2025, this Toyota Crown Signia SUV has been out of the spotlight, primarily due to its pricing and an identity crisis. Flaunting a Toyota badge and being priced at close to $45,000 is a mismatch. While the Crown Signia is the most luxurious yet from Toyota, people wanting a luxurious Japanese hybrid SUV will be more comfortable with the likes of the $38,250 Lexus UX Hybrid and even the $45,470 Lexus NX Hybrid. Pricing is clearly the futuristic-looking Toyota Crown Signia’s Achilles heel. But it balances things out by being a very reliable hybrid SUV, one that can outlast and outrun a lot of other top-selling options thanks to Toyota’s proven reliability quotient and a frugal powertrain that has a total driving range of over 550 miles.
The 2026 Toyota Crown Signia Is A Reliable Hybrid SUV That Is Overlooked
Reliability Rating: 82/100
The primary reason for the Toyota Crown Signia’s elevated reliability appeal is its solid powertrain. The proven hybrid setup comes with an impressive hybrid system warranty of eight years/100,000 miles, with the hybrid battery alone covered for 10 years/150,000 miles. The powertrain alone also offers a warranty of five years / 60,000 miles. Furthermore, the Toyota Crown Signia scores a solid 82/100 in Reliability and Quality at J.D. Power.
This value helps boost the overall J.D. Power rating to 80/100. This puts the less-popular Toyota hybrid SUV at number five on the ‘Best Midsize SUVs’ list. It is commendable to see a four-year-old Toyota climb up the ladder so quickly and be just a shade away from the likes of the Chevy Blazer, the Subaru Outback, the Honda Passport, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee; cars that have been around for a lot longer.
Reasons Why The Toyota Crown Signia Is So Reliable
- Low maintenance costs ($2,041 as per CarEdge)
- Proven and refined hybrid powertrain
- Precision Japanese manufacturing
- Reliable and solid construction
- Substantial warranty package
It is, however, disheartening to see such a solid Toyota SUV not get the attention it deserves. Its sales figures cater to this dullness. The Crown Signia sold the highest in March 2025 at 2,806 units, according to Good Car Bad Car. Since then, monthly sales have not exceeded 2,000. In 2025, the Toyota Crown Signia saw an annual sales figure of 20,550 units. This is minuscule compared to the top-selling SUVs in America, like the Toyota RAV4 with yearly sales of well over 470,000 units, followed by the Honda CR-V with annual sales of over 400,000 units in 2025.
Even the all-electric Tesla Model Y sold well, with over 255,000 units being sold in 2025. The primary reason the sharp-looking Toyota Crown Signia is now doing well in sales or popularity is its pricing overlap with luxury, as Lexus already has an established stance in this segment. This further creates an identity crisis for the Signia and further confuses prospective buyers. But there is a silver lining to this futuristic-looking Toyota. It offers a unique combination of style, comfort, and performance. We will even go so far as to say it actually looks a lot cooler than the sharp Lexus UX and NX offerings. Also, the cabin oozes commendable luxury and comfort while being solid in terms of technology features. All of these features make this Crown SUV a cozy and entertaining companion on long drives.
10 Hybrid Vehicles That Offer Great Value When Bought Used
These 10 hybrids offer the best blend of price, performance, and features in the used car marketplace.
Powered By A Highly Efficient Hybrid Four-Cylinder
Combined Fuel Efficiency Of 38 MPG
A standard hybrid powertrain powers the Toyota Crown Signia. It includes a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine aided by three electric motors, a single planetary gear, and a reduction gear for the final drive. Thanks to the clever setup, the Crown Signia comes standard with AWD. The combined power output is 240 horsepower, which is transmitted to the wheels via a relaxed CVT gearbox.
I was getting into this thing thinking that I would be handed over a RAV4-like driving experience, but I was instead greeted by a firm chassis, an impressive level of grip, and more than enough performance to get this large wagon flying through southern California’s mountain roads.
Despite its affinity for an efficiency-oriented gearbox setup, the Crown Signia can do 0–60 mph in a not-so-shabby 7.1 seconds while returning a commendable combined/city/highway fuel economy of 38/39/37 MPG. According to Fueleconomy.gov, this translates to a total driving range of 551 miles.
Tailored Driving For Various Situations
The Crown Signia comes with three standard selectable driving modes (Normal, Eco, and Sport). To help ease the “boring” tag of this hybrid, Sport mode sharpens throttle response and enhances the “Fun” driving experience. This Toyota’s versatile character is also showcased in its driving dynamics. According to the automaker, the Crown Signia offers ‘the best of both worlds: sedan-like driving comfort and SUV versatility’. The former is courtesy of its 6.7-inch ground clearance, width of 74 inches, and a wheelbase of 112.2 inches, which gives this SUV a low, stretched stance. This helped it stay firmly planted even through engaging corners. The AWD system plays a significant role in cornering grip and stability, too.
The Japanese Luxury SUV That’s Quietly Outselling The Most Popular Mercedes
This luxury Lexus SUV is covertly outselling the most popular Mercedes-Benz model on the market. There are a couple of good reasons why it is.
The Most Luxurious SUV To Wear A Toyota Badge
An Interior High On Technology, Comfort, And Even Practicality
Technology features are solid on the Crown Signia. A 12.3-inch fully digital cluster is standard across the board. This display offers different layouts depending on driving modes and also includes a Hybrid System indicator to show the system output and regeneration status. The central infotainment touchscreen is also a 12.3-inch unit that can be coupled to an available 11-speaker JBL audio system. Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and OTA updates are standard here. Toyota also adds a lot of convenience-focused technology features like USB ports, an available Panoramic View Monitor with the Advanced Tech Package, and a Smart Key System that works on all four doors as standard.
In terms of comfort, the Crown Signia gets standard plush seats. The front row is heated and ventilated with eight-way power adjustability. Other comfort features include dual-zone climate control and high-solar-gain glass. The lux-appeal is taken care of with features such as a standard fixed panoramic moonroof, ambient LED lighting, overhead and footwell lighting, and leather upholstery. Technology also seeps in to elevate comfort, with features like a vertical wireless Qi charger with a charge indicator and a 12V charging port in the front seat. The rear row also gets dedicated air vents.
Practicality is given due importance with 60/40 folding second-row seats with extension panels. When folded, the cargo space becomes a 6.5-foot long storage area capable of comfortably holding skis, golf clubs, and even extra-long luggage. The rear power liftgate offers a hands-free opening and an easy-to-use rear seat release accessible from the liftgate opening. Toyota also packs the Signia with a solid suite of connected services that elevate comfort, convenience, and luxury equally. These include Drive Connect, Service Connect, Safety Connect, Wi-Fi Connect, and Remote Connect.
Safety And Assistance Are Top-Notch
William Clavey | TopSpeed
As standard, the 2026 Toyota Crown comes with eight airbags, including side curtain airbags. Also aiding in a safer driving appeal are features like Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist, and Smart Stop Technology. In addition to the standard safety suite, the Crown Signia offers Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Safe Exit Alert. Furthermore, an Advanced Technology package for the higher trims adds Front Cross-Traffic Alert and Lane Change Assist.
TSS 3.0 Includes
- Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
- Proactive Driving Assist
- Automatic High Beams
- Lane Tracing Assist
- Road Sign Assist
The top-spec trim also offers a sophisticated available feature—Traffic Jam Assist. This, when equipped with the Advanced Technology Package and coupled with an active Drive Connect subscription, helps ease the burden of straining stop-and-go traffic by providing control of the vehicle’s steering, braking, and acceleration at speeds up to 25 mph. In short, it is a fully autonomous driving technology, but only for tight traffic conditions, with a top speed of 25 mph.
The Pros And Cons Of Leasing A Hybrid Vehicle
Leasing a hybrid has its benefits but it can be more expensive over an extended period
New Toyota Crown Signia: Pricing And Trims
Starts From $44,490
The 2026 Toyota Crown Signia begins from $44,490 for the base XLE trim. Offered in just two trim levels, the top-spec Limited model starts at $48,890. The powertrain, drivetrain, and a wholesome suite of standard technology features are shared across the board. This helps the base model carry a fair amount of desirability. Not much has changed on the new 2026 model, with the Crown Signia updates being confined to aesthetics. It adds new two-tone paint job options and new designs with 21-inch alloy wheels on the Limited trim.
Find 2025 Toyota Crown Signia SUV and more cars for sale on our Marketplace
Sources: Toyota, J.D. Power, Good Car Bad Car, CarEdge, and FuelEconomy.gov