With the exception of Volvo and Mercedes-Benz, most automakers shy away from the term "station wagon," but that peculiar breed of automobile has been serving the function of an SUV for nearly 100 years. There is also a sizable market that really wants the handling of a passenger car with the ability to carry substantial cargo, and that's what you get with a wagon.
If you ask Toyota, they'll tell you that the just-launched Crown Signia is a crossover SUV. But after a first drive and walk-around experience with the car at the recent Midwest Automotive Media Association's Spring Rally in Wisconsin, we came away thinking that the Crown Signia is the best new station wagon on the market.
The Toyota Crown launched in 2023 as a sedan. While it's a new model in America, the Crown is the mainstay of Toyota's Japanese market lineup. They've been building the Crown through 16 generations as Toyota's top-tier sedan. Now they've followed up with a long-roof wagon that is even better.
The Crown Signia comes with a 2.5-liter hybrid engine and drivetrain. No one does hybrid better than Toyota, and the Signia gets 39 MPG in city driving and 37 MPG on the highway. That's fantastic for a larger midsize wagon. With that, the gasoline engine creates 240 horsepower, while the front electric motor is good for 180 horses and the rear motor produces 54 horsepower. Power combines in odd ways with hybrids, so the exact power output is not advertised, but with the continuously variable transmission and electronic all-wheel drive system the Crown Signia feels like something better than 300 horsepower. The Crown Signia will tow up to 2700 pounds, beating many SUVs in that measurement.
Inside, the Crown Signia is spacious and comfortable with up to 68.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The layout and upholstery are typical of a premium brand, not a basic Toyota. The Crown Signia could easily have been a Lexus, and may yet make an appearance from Toyota's premium subsidiary. Still, the pricing is attractive at $43,590 for the mid-grade XLE trim level and $47,990 for the top-tier Limited trim. Limited trim buyers will get an 11-speaker JBL audio system, large 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
On the road, the Crown Signia is fast, powerful, and agile for its size. That's in keeping with many other great station wagons like the Volvo V90 and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class wagons. It's not any kind of stretch to compare the Toyota with those premium European brands, except that the Toyota will be much more affordable.
If you're one of the people who loves a good old-fashioned station wagon, updated with all the latest technology and performance, you can test-drive the Crown Signia today at any area Toyota dealer.
2025 Toyota Crown Signia
Base price: $43,590
Price as tested: $47,990
Type: Midsize station wagon
Engine: 2.5-liter hybrid (About 300 hp, about 300 lbs-ft)
Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission
EPA estimated mileage: 39/37
Overall length: 194.1 inches
Curb weight: 4,210 pounds
Final assembly: Aichi, Japan
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