Toyota Crown Signia 2025 vs. Toyota Venza 2024: Understanding the evolution of Toyota’s hybrid SUVs

When Toyota announced that the 2025 Crown Signia would replace the Venza in the lineup, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of nostalgia. The Venza, in my opinion, was an SUV that never got the love it deserved. Today, with the arrival of the Crown Signia, we see an exciting new direction for Toyota’s hybrid SUVs. But does the Crown Signia really fill the Venza’s shoes, or does it redefine what a hybrid crossover should be? Let’s look at the similarities and differences to better understand what each vehicle brings to the table.

Interior design and comfort

Both the Venza and Crown Signia are very stylish, but their approaches differ. The 2024 Venza features refined and elegant lines, as well as a sleek, coupe-like roofline that helps it remain discreet while still being sophisticated. Inside, the cabin offers premium materials, ambient lighting and surprising space for passengers. Its cargo capacity is 816 liters behind the rear seats, making it versatile for daily errands and travel.

Stepping into the 2025 Crown Signia, you’ll experience a bolder aesthetic. The hammerhead front design and monochrome grille give it an imposing look, while the flowing roofline and 21-inch wheels add a touch of drama. Inside, the Crown Signia steps up a gear with leather-trimmed seats, bronze accents and a fixed panoramic glass roof that floods the cabin with light. Additionally, it offers over 1,870 liters of cargo space with the rear seats folded flat, ideal for weekend adventures or big errands.

The verdict? If you liked the class and understatement of the Venza, you may find the Crown Signia’s flashier design a bit overkill. But for those looking for more luxury and utility, the Crown Signia delivers.

Comparison of interior dimensions

Hybrid performance and efficiency

Toyota’s hybrid range has always been very capable, and both models reflect that. The Venza is equipped with a 219-horsepower 2.5-liter hybrid system, combined with electronic on-demand all-wheel drive. It excels when it comes to efficiency, boasting a combined rating of 6.1 L/100 km, making it a great choice for city commuting and long highway trips.

The Crown Signia takes a slightly different approach, using an upgraded 2.5-liter hybrid system that develops 240 horsepower. Despite this extra power, it boasts a respectable combined fuel consumption rating of 6.2 L/100 km. Plus, it adds an important advantage: a towing capacity of 2,700 pounds, which the Venza does not offer. Both models offer multiple driving modes, but the Crown Signia feels more refined, especially on winding roads or rough surfaces.

In short, the Venza remains simple and efficient, while the Crown Signia offers a more robust and versatile driving experience. If towing and a touch of extra power are important to you, the Crown Signia is the clear winner.

Technology and connectivity

Both SUVs come with a host of technology, but the Crown Signia stands out with more advanced features. The Venza’s configuration includes an 8-inch screen on the base model, which increases to a 12.3-inch screen on higher trims. It supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as features like a wireless charging pad and a rearview camera.

The Crown Signia is not to be outdone. It offers a 12.3-inch Toyota Multimedia touchscreen as standard, as well as an 11-speaker JBL audio system for immersive sound. Other highlights include a digital rearview mirror, wireless charging, and even a digital key that lets you use your smartphone as a key fob. It’s the kind of technology package that feels seamless, meeting the needs of the modern driver.

If you like technology, the Crown Signia has the edge, but the Venza offers everything you want from a well-rounded hybrid SUV.

Comparison of external dimensions

Safety devices and driving assistance

Toyota has long been synonymous with safety, and both models reflect that commitment. The Venza is equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 system, which includes essentials such as Lane Keeping Assist, Pre-Collision Warning and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. You’ll also get a Blind Spot Monitor and Intelligent Clearance Sonar for added peace of mind.

The Crown Signia raises the bar with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which adds proactive driver assist and more advanced features like traffic jam assist and front cross-traffic alert. An optional Advanced Technology Package further enhances safety, making the Crown Signia one of the most technologically advanced SUVs in Toyota’s lineup.

In terms of safety, you’re well covered with either model, but the Crown Signia’s upgraded features offer a more complete package for tech-savvy drivers.

In conclusion…

What can we learn from this development? Although the 2024 Venza was overlooked by many, it offered a balanced blend of efficiency, comfort, and understated luxury. The 2025 Crown Signia builds on this foundation, offering more power, space and technology features while displaying a bold design.

If you like the Venza’s elegant simplicity, you may miss its more modest qualities. But for those ready to embrace a higher level of luxury and capability, the Crown Signia seems like a natural progression. Ultimately, it’s less about which one is better and more about which one fits your lifestyle. Both models reflect Toyota’s dedication to hybrid quality and efficiency; whichever you choose, you will get a carefully designed vehicle.