Toyota revives the sedan and station wagon

The Crown sedan and Crown Signia from Toyota are refreshing alternatives to the SUV craze

For interview requests, click here

Large four-door sedans and station wagons have been disappearing from dealership lots for years as buyers flock to crossovers and SUVs. So it’s a bit surprising – and refreshing – that Toyota has launched two models that buck the trend: the Crown sedan and the Crown Signia, which many see as a station wagon.

The Crown sedan replaces the Avalon, which Toyota retired after the 2022 model year. Larger than the popular Camry, the Avalon never found a big market in Canada, with sales dipping below 1,000 units annually for its last nine years. But for Toyota fans looking for something bigger than a Camry, the Crown is here to fill that gap. And if you’re after more cargo space without joining the SUV crowd, the Crown Signia might be just what you need. Toyota calls it an SUV, but behind the wheel, it feels much more like a station wagon – a nostalgic term for many.

These new models also bring back one of Toyota’s oldest nameplates. When Toyota began selling vehicles in Canada in 1964, the Crown was one of its first offerings.

“Having these brand-new vehicles entering the market this year really brings us full circle to the founding of the company here in Canada,” says Stephen Beatty, Corporate Secretary at Toyota Canada.

The top-end Crown Platinum sedan sits on large 21-inch wheels.

The Crown is Toyota’s new flagship sedan.

The Crown Signia adds extra hauling capacity with a back end like a station wagon.

Luxury abounds in Crown interiors.

Reviving this historic nameplate is a smart move. The original Crown earned high praise, even from critics. Canada Track & Traffic magazine described the 1967 Crown as “one of the most solid, smooth-riding and quiet imports we have driven in a long time,” comparing it favourably to a Mercedes-Benz of the era. High praise for a Japanese car in the 1960s, when they were typically known for being small and inexpensive.

Fast forward to today, and the new Crown models are a study in luxury, technology, and versatility. I recently test-drove both the Crown sedan and Crown Signia, and they share a lot in terms of size, power, and styling. The key difference? The Signia’s station-wagon-like design offers much more hauling capacity, making it ideal for buyers who need space but don’t want an SUV.

The interiors of both vehicles are just what you’d expect from Toyota’s flagship models: plush, comfortable, and high-tech. The Crown sedan sits higher than typical sedans and rides on large 21-inch wheels, giving it a bold presence. Meanwhile, the Crown Signia sits lower than most SUVs and feels more car-like than its competitors.

The choice between the two largely comes down to cargo space. The Crown sedan has a trunk that holds 360 litres (12.7 cubic feet), while the Crown Signia boasts a spacious 702 litres (24.8 cubic feet) behind the back seats. Fold those seats down, and you get a massive 1,872 litres (66.1 cubic feet). If you like the feel of a sedan but need more room for gear or groceries, the Crown Signia is the clear choice.

Both the Crown and Crown Signia are hybrids, so there is no need to plug them in. The batteries recharge as you drive, thanks to regenerative braking. The lineup offers three powertrains:

• Crown Limited (starting at $57,857): A 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine delivering 236 combined horsepower, with excellent fuel efficiency at 5.6 L/100 km in the city and 5.7 L/100 km on the highway.
• Crown Platinum Hybrid Max (starting at $67,270): A 2.4-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine packing 340 horsepower. Fuel economy is 8.1 L/100 km city and 7.3 L/100 km highway.
• Crown Signia (starting at $60,999): A 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine with 240 horsepower, offering fuel efficiency of 6.0 L/100 km in the city and 6.3 L/100 km on the highway.

These powertrains deliver a balance of performance and efficiency that makes both models appealing in their respective niches.

Toyota knows these two Crowns won’t sell in the same numbers as their Corolla, Camry, or RAV4. Instead, they’re aimed at a smaller audience – buyers who want something distinctive. Whether it’s the sedan-like feel of the Crown or the wagon-inspired practicality of the Crown Signia, these models are a breath of fresh air in a market dominated by crossovers and SUVs.

For those who want a touch of nostalgia wrapped in modern tech and luxury, the Crown and Crown Signia are ready to make their mark. It’s a bold move by Toyota, and one that shows there’s still room for innovation and choice in today’s automotive landscape.

Dale Johnson is an award-winning author, broadcaster and journalist who has worked in TV, radio, print and online. While the manufacturer provided Dale with a vehicle to test drive, the content of this review was not reviewed or accepted by the manufacturer.

Explore more on Toyota, Hybrids, 2024 car reviews 

The views, opinions, and positions expressed by our columnists and contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of our publication.

© Troy Media
Troy Media is committed to empowering Canadian community news outlets by providing independent, insightful analysis and commentary. Our mission is to support local media in building an informed and engaged public by delivering reliable content that strengthens community connections, enriches national conversations, and helps Canadians learn from and understand each other better.