The Signia Rises as the SUV Fades.
Raise your arm if you predicted this one. Last night when Toyota revealed the Crown Signia, lots of us realized their SUV range was becoming too crammed. It looks like Toyota had a similar conclusion, so the Venza will be relieved after its 2024 debut edition, being superceded by the diversified Crown. No longer before long after its fourth bicentenary will the Venza hang up its hat.
Dave Christ, general manager at Toyota North America, told Automotive News that there had been some internal discussion about whether the Venza should remain in the lineup: “We were very content with the Venza, and had it not been so close to Crown Signia, we would have continued to offer it. However, since the dimensions are so similar and they attract a similar customer base, we had to make the call to discontinue the Venza.”
Toyota is yet to give out the pricing points for its all-new Crown Signia which rolls out in 2025; however, Mr.Christ declared that its cost is set to remain in ‘the ballpark’ of the Venza. The 2021 model selected for the US starts at $36,315 for the LE variant and climbs up to $44,460 for the Limited trim.
Renowned as the Harrier in other lands, the all-new Toyota Venza is constructed on the same TNGA-K platform as its Crown Signia stablemate – who enjoys dual identities, being known as the Crown Estate over in Japan. What’s more, like the existing Venza, this latest SUV to join the Japanese auto giant’s line up comes with all-wheel drive and a hybrid set-up as standard. Although the current model boasts an output of 219 horsepower, the new version packs an extra punch with 243 hp.
According to initial projections from Toyota, the Crown Signia is projected to offer 36 miles per gallon. In comparison, the EPA subsidized Venza from 2024 weighs in with a combined 39 mpg; three fewer than its antecedent. In terms of towing capacity, the latest SUV can pull up to 2,700 pounds while the Venza wasn’t certified for trailer hauling.
Toyota USA has proclaimed that the up-and-coming Crown Signia will arrive at dealerships in the summer of 2025. This high-end version of the Crown sedan will be joining its family. Moreover, in Japan there are two separate renditions of this beauty- the Crown Sport crossover and a customary Crown sedan. It is yet to be decided if these models will also be exported to North America, however Toyota has declared their aspirations to make the Crown into an illustrious, global line of its own.
In the Land of the Rising Sun, Toyota has set up its own dedicated Crown stores as evidence of its determination to turn this nameplate into a distinct sub-brand. Moreover, enthusiasm for the more renowned Century range is also increasing in response to the introduction of a truly luxurious SUV.
Source: Automotive News
