I've been buying Toyota's for 50 years now. Feel some connection with a crown. We both were born same year; 1955. Currently own 2 Toyota's 2016 se camry 82,000 run like new. Considering gifting it to son. He has a money pit 2014 nissan rogue. Other vehicle 2019 Rav4 adventure, 62,000 runs like a top.Can only imagine the Crown signia Xle would even top their performance.
I have driven the ‘25 Crown Signia Limited for about a month now. It comes with a “digital key”. I love how quiet the inside cabin is. Back seat is comfortable. The full time AWD is a plus, normal and sport mode feels like you’re driving a V6. My only complaint is the manual steering column.
I purchased the Limited yesterday and would tend to agree with this assessment. I actually like the moonroof and wanted rear heated seats for our kids. However, the XLE is a great deal and better bang for the buck, no doubt.
Need a retirement road trip vehicle for me and the Mrs.. We want something smooth, quiet, comfortable, and reliable. Giving this one a close look. Currently have a 2020 Forester with 70K.
Interesting that no one mentioned that the Outback is dated & due for a major update for 2026. That will make for a better comparison & decision. Interior materials upgrade is expected but probably no hybrid until 2027 at least. Disappointing that the Hybrid Max in the Crown sedan, isn't available in the Signia which is designed to haul more cargo/more weight. Strange.
The outback has a better all wheel drive. It also has more interior and cargo space. It's a better off road vehicle. The crown has the advantage in slightly better interior and gas mileage. Overall I would pick the Outback as I live in the NE where we get snow and ice. When Subaru comes out with a hybrid there is no contest.
Longer and wider than the Outback, with larger wheels and skinnier tires, and a little less ground clearance, are minuses. Better MPG is a plus. The instrumentation and infotainment (save for all the subscription requirements) seems more refined than the Outback offerings.
I see this more as a successor to the 2009-2015 Venza rather than the 2021-2024 Venza. I think point of this crossover is more focused on passenger comfort than off roading and for people who will never need a 3rd row. The interior of the Outback isn't this nice but has more ground clearance for those wanting to go off-road . Everyone says "wagon" but also think large hatchback. Neither sell well in America but it's what most of us really need. I love it. I wish this trim at both front and back sensors for the price. the 360 camera is great but I see how that would be a limited only option. Needs the power adjusting steering wheel and maybe heads up display
Much newer and more contemporary than Outback. Hybrid. Very efficient AWD arrangement. Value retention? The one of choice. Very good review, as typical!
Currently own a newer Forester and have previously owned 8 Toyotas and 2 Hondas. This car appears superior to the Outback or the CRV. It contains many Lexus parts. Considering seriously.
The Toyota has a smoother drivetrain. No turbo lag or god awful start stop feature that plagues the Outback.I hate the Subaru infotainment system.Subaru does have superior all wheel drive.
I have watched about a million videos. Yours was the best on the xle. You covered it all with no mistakes in 30 minutes. Thank you!!!; i have the xle on order. Wish it had raining sensing wiper and a digital mirror rhat comes with the limited but other than that this car should be perfect. Trading in my noiser 2022 rav4 xle hybrid for a more quiet and more comfort. Comes in October or November.
Do you mind how much you paid for before the sales tax? I’m seriously looking into one and planning to bargain for $41,000 before tax. Not sure if it’s doable. Thanks in advance.
In Minnesota no negotiating. All dealers in MPLS st Paul area are charging full MSRP. Offering Kelly Blue book value for my Rav 4 XLE hybrid. Good luck
Was considering it, coming from an Outback, but it needs a $5K price cut to compete with CR-V hybrid (Sport-L), which has a standard moonroof, reclining rear seats, and factory rear tint. This car is lacking features that are expected in its price range. Toyota needs to realize that this is not Japan, and Crown is not a premium brand in America, it's just a Toyota. They can't expect to just command $5K extra than better equipped competitors. Also 0W-8 motor oil is too thin. Seems like they are sacrificing longevity and throwing out spare tire to hit MPG rating.
No information to speak of regarding the mechanics such as the fact that the engine and trans are well developed products with a good track record in other Toyota models.
For heavy snow and off road, the outback. Ground clearance on the crown is not enough for heavy now and off road. Also the All wheel drive on the Subaru is superior.
Give me a 2WD option, lower trim level, and drop the price by 6K and I'd be in. At this price with (for me) un-needed AWD, fancy seats, subscription stuff, not sure.
So more expensive for less power, MUCH less torque, less towing, worse AWD in return for much better fuel economy. As you can see, this isn't a direct competitor at all. It's simply a choice for the consumer: fuel economy vs performance. Also for shoppers, please compare feeling of the door handles on the inside of both cars and let me know which one feels better. To me, one felt like it wanted to rip off the door handle if I sneezed at it too hard while the other felt very premium and sturdy.
If you want performance SUV, just get a Ferrari Purosangue then. 90% of people don’t shop for an SUV for performance, but versatility and functionality. Not drag racing.
@@MiahV007 1. Has limited budget ever crossed your mind? Good for you being able to afford a Ferrari Purosangue. I would argue 95% of people can't reasonably afford to own one. 2. Where is the Toyota Signia better than the Outback in versatility and functionality? Outback has more interior cargo room, better towing, better AWD for more difficult terrain, just to name a few of Outback's advantages leading to better versatility and functionality. Can you show me where the Signia beats the Outback apart from fuel economy?
@@anthonyng3014 I was being hyperbolic about the price and budget. I thought that was obvious. But I’d trust a hybrid signia that’s been out 4-5 years over ANY Subaru. Watch the car care nuts review.
@@anthonyng3014 Fuel economy and reliability beats the Outback EVERY time. How often are you really going to be towing a small box? Since that’s all it’s good for. Want to ACTUALLY tow something? Get a U-Haul truck for $19.95 a day, big deal.
@@anthonyng3014 Actually. Have you EVER in your LIFE seen an Outback tow anything? lol. I’m all over the East Coast for work and have never seen it 7 years of driving . Cargo capacity? Get the ascent…
It depends on buyers needed, but I will pick the Outback touring over the Insigna XLE. There's nothing wrong about these 2 cars, but the Outback is more practical, safer and fair price. I don't know about Toyota new safety senses but the one in my wife Highlander platinum is not sensitive at all compare to my Outback touring. The options on Insigna XLE is definitly less than the Outback touring unless it's a Limited or platinum, but then the cost will be to the roof. The only advantage on the Insigna to me is MPG, but since 80% of my driving is hwy daily... I don't think I need a hybrid. Insigna platinum was my first picked when shopping for a car but ended with the Outback touring with Napa brown leather interior. For $41K OTD and 2.9%, I think I can't go wrong with it.
@@tuan056585 You may feel differently when the TCV leaves you walking. Other than that, the Outback provides a great deal of utility and is sure-footed if you live in snow country.
@@FordEnthusiast413 Camry is new 5th gen hybrid with Li Ion battery. This one is 4th gen hybrid with Ni-Mh battery. Not sure which one will last longer as they age.
@@litchips Got the Ni-Mh battery in a 15 year old Prius with no signs of deterioration. That's the one I'd want. Also, should be cheaper to replace when the time comes.
You mean the Honda with 200hp vs 260hp in the Outback and 179lb ft of torque vs 277lb ft? If you want to be 30% down on power, then sure go for the Honda.
@@billyrock8305 I stand corrected on the powertrain numbers. Yes, 204 hp and 247 lb ft for the Honda hybrid. Which does 0-60 in 7.9s compared to the Outback's 6.0s. Again, this is far down on power and towing capacity. Let's not even go into the AWD capabilities of each. Sure, the Honda gets great mileage as do all hybrids. I just don't see the reason for the emphasis on mileage when purchasing a vehicle approaching $50k after all fees are accounted for. It's like worrying about the cost of ink when you buy a $300 fountain pen.
@@anthonyng3014 If you don’t tow or live in the high Rocky Mountains with deep snow get the Honda. 🤓 The Honda gets twice the fuel economy of the Outback. The cost savings in fuel alone over 5 years is Massive. Subaru Touring XT $44,000 Honda Sport Touring $41,000
@@billyrock8305 And each day for those 5 years the Outback will be leaving the Honda in the dust. What's your point? That you like seeing the tailgate of the Outback so much that after 5 years you break even but get to stare at the rear of the Outback everyday?
Almost in the age of retirement and kids are out of the house. I can finally afford something feels good and long lasting. I am glad I bought Signia.
Congrats! Enjoy. Thanks for tuning in.
I've been buying Toyota's for 50 years now. Feel some connection with a crown. We both were born same year; 1955. Currently own 2 Toyota's 2016 se camry 82,000 run like new. Considering gifting it to son. He has a money pit 2014 nissan rogue.
Other vehicle 2019 Rav4 adventure, 62,000 runs like a top.Can only imagine the Crown signia Xle would even top their performance.
I have driven the ‘25 Crown Signia Limited for about a month now. It comes with a “digital key”. I love how quiet the inside cabin is. Back seat is comfortable. The full time AWD is a plus, normal and sport mode feels like you’re driving a V6. My only complaint is the manual steering column.
Thanks for the ownership feedback. Much appreciated 👍
XLE is the one to get, no sunroof to worry about, heated and ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, missing just some meh stuff like 360 camera
Absolutely
Agreed. No sunroof is a big plus for me. Heated seats are a must here in WY. No spare is a severe omission, though.
I purchased the Limited yesterday and would tend to agree with this assessment. I actually like the moonroof and wanted rear heated seats for our kids. However, the XLE is a great deal and better bang for the buck, no doubt.
I wish you could option the better stereo into the XLE.
I love and use a sunroof all the time!
Have an Outback but would like to upgrade to the Crown Signia.
Need a retirement road trip vehicle for me and the Mrs.. We want something smooth, quiet, comfortable, and reliable. Giving this one a close look. Currently have a 2020 Forester with 70K.
Interesting that no one mentioned that the Outback is dated & due for a major update for 2026. That will make for a better comparison & decision. Interior materials upgrade is expected but probably no hybrid until 2027 at least. Disappointing that the Hybrid Max in the Crown sedan, isn't available in the Signia which is designed to haul more cargo/more weight. Strange.
The outback has a better all wheel drive. It also has more interior and cargo space. It's a better off road vehicle. The crown has the advantage in slightly better interior and gas mileage. Overall I would pick the Outback as I live in the NE where we get snow and ice. When Subaru comes out with a hybrid there is no contest.
Thanks, that was a very sensible review of a very sensible car.
Longer and wider than the Outback, with larger wheels and skinnier tires, and a little less ground clearance, are minuses. Better MPG is a plus. The instrumentation and infotainment (save for all the subscription requirements) seems more refined than the Outback offerings.
I see this more as a successor to the 2009-2015 Venza rather than the 2021-2024 Venza. I think point of this crossover is more focused on passenger comfort than off roading and for people who will never need a 3rd row. The interior of the Outback isn't this nice but has more ground clearance for those wanting to go off-road . Everyone says "wagon" but also think large hatchback. Neither sell well in America but it's what most of us really need. I love it. I wish this trim at both front and back sensors for the price. the 360 camera is great but I see how that would be a limited only option. Needs the power adjusting steering wheel and maybe heads up display
Much newer and more contemporary than Outback. Hybrid. Very efficient AWD arrangement. Value retention?
The one of choice. Very good review, as typical!
Thanks Louis!
Good review! Looked at a red and black one at the dealer. I like this crown wagon thinking about an XLE want to see one in storm cloud color.
Thanks. Thank you for watching and the feedback 👍
Currently own a newer Forester and have previously owned 8 Toyotas and 2 Hondas. This car appears superior to the Outback or the CRV. It contains many Lexus parts. Considering seriously.
The Toyota has a smoother drivetrain. No turbo lag or god awful start stop feature that plagues the Outback.I hate the Subaru infotainment system.Subaru does have superior all wheel drive.
I have watched about a million videos. Yours was the best on the xle. You covered it all with no mistakes in 30 minutes. Thank you!!!; i have the xle on order. Wish it had raining sensing wiper and a digital mirror rhat comes with the limited but other than that this car should be perfect. Trading in my noiser 2022 rav4 xle hybrid for a more quiet and more comfort. Comes in October or November.
Thanks! Thank you for watching and the feedback. Much appreciated. Best of luck with the order.
Do you mind how much you paid for before the sales tax? I’m seriously looking into one and planning to bargain for $41,000 before tax. Not sure if it’s doable. Thanks in advance.
In Minnesota no negotiating. All dealers in MPLS st Paul area are charging full MSRP. Offering Kelly Blue book value for my Rav 4 XLE hybrid. Good luck
Was considering it, coming from an Outback, but it needs a $5K price cut to compete with CR-V hybrid (Sport-L), which has a standard moonroof, reclining rear seats, and factory rear tint. This car is lacking features that are expected in its price range. Toyota needs to realize that this is not Japan, and Crown is not a premium brand in America, it's just a Toyota. They can't expect to just command $5K extra than better equipped competitors.
Also 0W-8 motor oil is too thin. Seems like they are sacrificing longevity and throwing out spare tire to hit MPG rating.
Great car, just ge aware that it has no spare tire and no room beneath the cargo area floor to hold a spare you might buy, not even a donut.
@@danfarrand9072 Agreed. No spare or a provision for one is a severe omission. Where I live in WY it could be a potentially life-threatening issue.
Thank you. Very detailed review.
Thank you for tuning in. Much appreciated 👍
No information to speak of regarding the mechanics such as the fact that the engine and trans are well developed products with a good track record in other Toyota models.
Harsh. The car guy is a mechanic. This gentleman is not
For heavy snow and off road, the outback. Ground clearance on the crown is not enough for heavy now and off road. Also the All wheel drive on the Subaru is superior.
I will still need to test drive this plus 2 other hybrid.
What other hybrids are you looking into? I’m on the market for one too.
how can it compete against Outback with such a price?
Give me a 2WD option, lower trim level, and drop the price by 6K and I'd be in. At this price with (for me) un-needed AWD, fancy seats, subscription stuff, not sure.
So more expensive for less power, MUCH less torque, less towing, worse AWD in return for much better fuel economy. As you can see, this isn't a direct competitor at all. It's simply a choice for the consumer: fuel economy vs performance. Also for shoppers, please compare feeling of the door handles on the inside of both cars and let me know which one feels better. To me, one felt like it wanted to rip off the door handle if I sneezed at it too hard while the other felt very premium and sturdy.
If you want performance SUV, just get a Ferrari Purosangue then. 90% of people don’t shop for an SUV for performance, but versatility and functionality. Not drag racing.
@@MiahV007 1. Has limited budget ever crossed your mind? Good for you being able to afford a Ferrari Purosangue. I would argue 95% of people can't reasonably afford to own one.
2. Where is the Toyota Signia better than the Outback in versatility and functionality? Outback has more interior cargo room, better towing, better AWD for more difficult terrain, just to name a few of Outback's advantages leading to better versatility and functionality. Can you show me where the Signia beats the Outback apart from fuel economy?
@@anthonyng3014 I was being hyperbolic about the price and budget. I thought that was obvious. But I’d trust a hybrid signia that’s been out 4-5 years over ANY Subaru. Watch the car care nuts review.
@@anthonyng3014 Fuel economy and reliability beats the Outback EVERY time. How often are you really going to be towing a small box? Since that’s all it’s good for. Want to ACTUALLY tow something? Get a U-Haul truck for $19.95 a day, big deal.
@@anthonyng3014 Actually. Have you EVER in your LIFE seen an Outback tow anything? lol. I’m all over the East Coast for work and have never seen it 7 years of driving . Cargo capacity? Get the ascent…
It depends on buyers needed, but I will pick the Outback touring over the Insigna XLE.
There's nothing wrong about these 2 cars, but the Outback is more practical, safer and fair price. I don't know about Toyota new safety senses but the one in my wife Highlander platinum is not sensitive at all compare to my Outback touring. The options on Insigna XLE is definitly less than the Outback touring unless it's a Limited or platinum, but then the cost will be to the roof.
The only advantage on the Insigna to me is MPG, but since 80% of my driving is hwy daily... I don't think I need a hybrid.
Insigna platinum was my first picked when shopping for a car but ended with the Outback touring with Napa brown leather interior. For $41K OTD and 2.9%, I think I can't go wrong with it.
@@tuan056585 You may feel differently when the TCV leaves you walking. Other than that, the Outback provides a great deal of utility and is sure-footed if you live in snow country.
Nice but I will take an Outback over this any day. LOL 😂
Go drive one Anthony. It’s really good.
@@chabbysrides maybe I will. Test driving a Camry XSE AWD in a couple of days.
@@FordEnthusiast413 Camry is new 5th gen hybrid with Li Ion battery. This one is 4th gen hybrid with Ni-Mh battery. Not sure which one will last longer as they age.
@@litchips Got the Ni-Mh battery in a 15 year old Prius with no signs of deterioration. That's the one I'd want. Also, should be cheaper to replace when the time comes.
Another important factor is it’s made in Japan!
Yes
If the Outback was offered as a hybrid Toyota would have not built this car.
Oh boy, another vehicle with a BLACK interior. Maybe they can find a way to make the windows BLACK too!
The saddle tan leather interior is gorgeous. Don’t like the black at all
Have you looked at the current Outback? Ugly!
Toyota throws out the Venza and brings in Signia with less features, no spare tire and thousands more.
to bad NO v6
Unfortunately the V6 Toyota is a thing of the past. Once the new 4Runner comes out, there won’t be any naturally aspirated V6’s left in the lineup.
Outback destroys this station wagon.
Honda CRV HYBRID far better choice ✅
You mean the Honda with 200hp vs 260hp in the Outback and 179lb ft of torque vs 277lb ft? If you want to be 30% down on power, then sure go for the Honda.
@@anthonyng3014
Exactly. The one with 247 ft lbs. of torque. And gets 43 MPG (6 litres/100). That’s the one. 😉
@@billyrock8305 I stand corrected on the powertrain numbers. Yes, 204 hp and 247 lb ft for the Honda hybrid. Which does 0-60 in 7.9s compared to the Outback's 6.0s. Again, this is far down on power and towing capacity. Let's not even go into the AWD capabilities of each. Sure, the Honda gets great mileage as do all hybrids. I just don't see the reason for the emphasis on mileage when purchasing a vehicle approaching $50k after all fees are accounted for. It's like worrying about the cost of ink when you buy a $300 fountain pen.
@@anthonyng3014
If you don’t tow or live in the high Rocky Mountains with deep snow get the Honda. 🤓
The Honda gets twice the fuel economy of the Outback. The cost savings in fuel alone over 5 years is Massive.
Subaru Touring XT $44,000
Honda Sport Touring $41,000
@@billyrock8305 And each day for those 5 years the Outback will be leaving the Honda in the dust. What's your point? That you like seeing the tailgate of the Outback so much that after 5 years you break even but get to stare at the rear of the Outback everyday?
Another overpriced toyota
More like underpriced Lexus
Nissan has something for you…
No, not even close. Try taking this off road, lol.
I'll drag race the Toyota anyday in my Outback XT.
to bad NO v6