The Toyota Crown Signia is a hybrid crossover with wagon-like cosmetics and an Lexus-like feel. It carries Toyota's new design language familiar on the new Camry and RAV4, with a polarizing "monochromatic" grille design.
It offers exceptional efficiency of 38 miles per gallon combined on the city and highway, as per EPA. During my testing, it averaged over 30 miles with a heavy right foot. That's mainly thanks to its electric motors and the Ni-MH hybrid battery that's neatly tucked away under the rear cargo area. At slow speeds over short distances, the Crown Signia can drive in pure EV mode. Push the pedal harder and the gas engine switches on seamlessly.
However, the gas engine and the e-CVT transmission sounds loud and unrefined. But I might be biased. I'm used to 500+ horsepower EVs that deliver instant torque in near silence and feel much more refined than gas cars.
The ride quality was comfortable but the Crown Signia thuds over larger bumps and expansion joints. It doesn't quite have the plushness of Lexus models, but it gets close. The interior is premium, but lacks the software chops of the new RAV4. Overall, it's a great option for buyers seeking close to Lexus levels of luxury for Toyota money.
