This week I bring you a great-looking SUV that's facing some challenges in the sales department. It's the hybrid-only 2026 Toyota Crown Signia, a mid-size SUV now in its second model year. It doesn't have to look outside the brand for stiff competition - because it's priced along side the popular and very differently-styled Toyota Highlander Hybrid which currently has more the double the sales of the Signia in 2026. While the Highlander is clearly the sales winner of the two, I can make the case for the Signia for buyers looking for a sleeker, more sophisticated crossover design.
Exterior
Toyota bravely went into new design territory with the Crown sedan and the Crown Signia SUV, both of which are markedly different in style than the rest of its lineup. We've been impressed with both since their introduction.
The biggest Crown Signia update for 2026 is that the Limited adds new two-tone looks which up its already upscale appeal. My test vehicle gives off polished vibes in Finish Line paint with a black roof, color-matched grille and outstanding 21-inch dark gray metallic wheels.
Standard Limited features include auto leveling LED projector headlights, LED Daytime Running Lights, low profile roof rails and power-folding side mirrors.
Performance
The Crown Signia shares its powertrain with the Highlander Hybrid. It's 2.5-Liter four -cylinder hybrid system delivers 240-horsepower - which does feel better than the numbers suggest. (The Highlander hybrid eeeks out 3 more horses.) The hybrid engine is mated to an eCVT and it's equipped with electronic on-demand all wheel drive.
Interior
Aside from the exterior, the Crown Signia really differentiates itself from the Highlander with its more modern, sleekly style interior. I'd even say my test vehicle's interior almost reaches Mazda near-luxury status with its saddle tan leather-trimmed seats, double stitching, two-tone soft touch dash and bronze metallic-finished accents.
The large, well-designed driver's seat with cushiony side bolsters is heated and extremely comfortable. The seat's gold trim piping really looks nice. As does the leather-wrapped steering wheel.
A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster is bright and colorful and I like the navigation in the center of the digital dials.
I'm admittedly on the fence about the ergonomics of the high center console. You'll like it or you won't. There is plenty of storage space in the center console bin.
A large panoramic sunroof is nice - but it's not single pane, a thick black pane splits it half.
The 12.3-inch touchscreen runs Toyota's now-last generation multimedia system. (Its next-generation system just launched in the 2026 RAV4.) It's simple with easy to read graphics and nice screen resolution. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. While you'll need Drive Connect to use some of the features, climate controls remain traditional (something that changes with the next-gen system.) The Limited is equipped with an 11-speaker JBL sound system.
The 60/40 split second-row features stadium seating, so check headroom back there. The outboard seats are heated and optional cargo mats give it a premium look. The second row features a soft touch drop-down center armrest, and non-digital A/C controls.
Standard features include hands-free liftgate, wireless phone charging, LED interior lighting, and multiple USB-C ports.
The Crown Signia offers a ton of cargo space - you get a 6.5-foot long cargo area with the fold-flat second row down. The cargo area is nice, too, with a tonneau cover, aluminum scuff plate and an optional cargo mat.
Really, my only real knock on the upscale interior is flimsy door handles.
Ride and Drive
The Crown Signia's ride and drive is really enjoyable. Visibility is great, too, thanks to the ride height. It also handles well with fairly engaged steering. Drive modes are normal, eco, sport and EV. I'd love a bit more off-the-line acceleration but hey we're not talking performance hybrid here and overall acceleration is great.
I will say despite Toyota's efforts at soundproofing - including acoustic glass on the front driver and passenger side windows -it was still a bit noisier than I'd like in terms of road noise.
Safety
Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 just launched on the 2026 RAV4. The Crown Signia is equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0. It includes: Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist, Automatic High Beam and Proactive Driving Assist. The Limited is also equipped with blind spot monitor w/rear cross traffic alert and a backup camera with gridlines and my vehicle has some optional safety features in the Advanced Tech Package.
Options
Options include the Premium Paint ($475), Two-Tone Color ($500), Advanced Tech Package: Panoramic View Monitor, Traffic Jam Assist (Drive Connect trial or subscription required), Lane Change Assist, Front Cross Traffic Alert, Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking, Outer Mirrors with Puddle Lights and Reverse Tilt Down Feature ($1865), Illuminated Door Sills ($395), Carpet Cargo Mat ($130), Carpet Floor Mats ($189) and Wheel Locks ($105).
Verdict
The Crown Signia is a unique crossover that stands out from the sea of other SUVS including the Toyota Highlander. It's sleek style, premium interior and enjoyable driving dynamics make it worth a test drive if you're deciding between the two.
2026 Toyota Crown Signia Limited
- What I Liked Most: Upscale looks inside and out, 21-inch wheels, near luxury interior, cabin comfort.
- What I would change: Flimsy door handles.
- MSRP: Base price $48,790; Total MSRP: $53,944 with transportation.
- Official Color: Finish Line ($475) and two-tone paint ($500.)
- Fuel Economy: Rated at 39 City/37 highway/38 combined.
- Odometer reading when tested: 335 miles.
- Ground Clearance: 6.7-inches.
- Weight: 4,210 pounds/GVWR 5,280 pounds
- Spare tire: Tire repair kit.
- Length-Width-Height: 194.1” long/74” wide/64” high.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 14.5 gallons with the filler on the driver’s side.
- Towing Capacity: 2,700 pounds.
- 2026 Crown Signia Limited in a few words: A unique crossover that adds style to the road and ups the ante for Toyota interiors.
- Warranty: 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper, 5-year/60,000 mile power train warranty, 8-year/100,000 mile hybrid system warranty, 10-year/150,000 mile hybrid battery warranty and Toyota Care 2-years or 25,000 miles of free maintenance.
- Final Assembly Location: Aichi, Japan.
- Manufacturer's website: Toyota
