This is a significant year for Toyota and the debut of the new Camry and the Crown Signia are parts of it. The former eschews two gas-only engine options for a lone hybrid. The latter comes into the lineup as an upscale replacement for the aging Venza with the roofline of a wagon and the ride height of an SUV.
We’re about to drive both of them. What do you want to know about these two new entries in Toyota’s 2025 lineup?
More: 2025 Toyota Camry Goes Hybrid-Only, Loses V6, Thinks America Still Wants Sensible Sedans
There are very few classic sedans on sale these days, but don’t tell Toyota or the Camry that. It’s America’s best-selling car that isn’t a truck or SUV and now, it’s heavily updated and simplified. Gone is the base gas engine and that’s also the case for the 3.5-liter V6.
Instead, the new Camry is a hybrid only and comes with front or all-wheel drive. The body features influences from both the new Prius and the taller, larger, and more expensive Crown series. Under the skin, it’s largely similar to the 2024 model though. Will the updates be enough to keep it as high up in the sales charts as it currently is? Only time will tell.
The Crown Signia is a different beast altogether. It’s North America’s rendition of the otherwise, identical Crown Estate that will be sold in other markets including Japan. But over here, it adopted the SUV label, courtesy of Toyota’s marketing savvy, which apparently didn’t believe the original name would strike a chord with buyers and their stereotypes associated with estates.
That said, it also uses almost the same 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain as the Camry. Unlike the Camry, though, the Crown Signia is only available with AWD. It also comes standard with 19-inch wheels, a pair of 12.3-inch displays that serve as the infotainment system and gauge cluster, and power-adjustable heated front seats. That feature set is a good indication of what the Crown Signia is all about comfort. There’s a thin veneer of luxury atop that comfort focus too.
More: 2025 Toyota Crown Signia Is The Mid-Size SUV That Wagons Its Own Way
These two cars represent important changes for Toyota. Any time a brand updates a sales leader like the Camry it’s important. On the other hand, the Crown Signia is significant for two reasons. First, it’s an expansion of the Crown family. Second, it’s taking over for the Venza. Name recognition is important so Toyota must have a great deal of confidence in the Crown Signia.
We’ll drive both over a few days in sunny San Diego so what do you want to know about them? We’ll also be driving the new Land Cruiser and Tacoma Hybrid. In all likelihood, we’ll even get an in-person peek at the new 4Runner. Ask us the hard questions and we’ll dig deep to find the facts.
