As the frost begins to thaw and the first signs of spring whisper in Georgetown, the Canadian International Auto Show has become a showcase for the latest advancements in automotive excellence. This year, the spotlight was on Toyota, as the reputable automaker introduced two groundbreaking models to the Canadian market: the 2025 Toyota Crown Signia and the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser. Both vehicles, set to arrive at Georgetown Toyota later in the year, mark significant milestones in Toyota’s storied history of innovation and dedication to automotive craftsmanship.
The unveiling of these models was more than just a routine debut; it was a showcase of Toyota’s impressive innovation in the realm of sport utility vehicles. The Land Cruiser and Crown Signia are two very different types of SUVs, but they share a common ability to redefine expectations in their respective segments. The introduction is timely, coinciding with a resurgence of interest in diverse vehicle types – from rugged, off-road adventurers to sleek, electrified urban cruisers. Toyota's strategic move to introduce these vehicles at the Canadian International Auto Show aligns with their global vision of a future that embraces versatility, sustainability, and design excellence.
Let’s take a look at the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser and the 2025 Toyota Crown Signia, two new Toyota sport utility vehicles that are sure to be quite popular this year.
2024 Toyota Land Cruiser: A Legend Reborn
The Toyota Land Cruiser, a name synonymous with durability and off-road prowess, makes a triumphant return to Canada after a 35-year hiatus. The 2024 model is engineered to excel in the toughest environments, designed on the TNGA-F global truck platform. It promises an authentic, reliable, timeless, and professional driving experience, thanks to the collective efforts of Toyota's North American-based CALTY Design Research and the global development team.
Design and Functionality
True to the Land Cruiser heritage, the 2024 model sports the iconic round LED headlights and the "TOYOTA" heritage grille on the 1958 grade, while upper grades feature rectangular headlights akin to the FJ62. The classic squared body profile and a pushed-back A pillar not only harken back to the model's storied past but also improve visibility and the vehicle's approach on trails. The reduced front overhang contributes to this capability, enhancing the vehicle's off-road approach angle.
Performance and Capability
Underneath the hood, the new Land Cruiser boasts the i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain, producing a robust 326 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque. This hybrid system not only delivers the power expected from a Land Cruiser but also promises to enhance fuel efficiency, with numbers to be announced closer to the vehicle's sale date.
Equipped with a full-time four-wheel drive system and an array of off-road focused features, such as a locking centre differential, electronic locking rear differential, and a two-speed transfer case, the 2024 Land Cruiser is prepped to conquer diverse terrains. The approach angles and ground clearance have been meticulously engineered to tackle the roughest landscapes, further fortified by the option to add rock rails and skid plates for underbody protection.
Technology and Comfort
The new Land Cruiser does not compromise on technology and comfort, with features like Multi-Terrain Select and CRAWL Control to assist in off-road conditions. The 12.3-inch touchscreen available on upper grades provides a window into the vehicle's multimedia offerings, including navigation and rear-view monitor functions.
The cabin is designed with both driver and passengers in mind, offering fabric seats on the base models and the option for heated and ventilated SofTex-trimmed seats or leather-trimmed seating depending on the grade. Toyota's latest multimedia system is at the heart of the vehicle's connectivity, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and enhanced with OTA updates.
2025 Toyota Crown Signia: The Pinnacle of Style and Efficiency
Joining the Land Cruiser in its debut, the Toyota Crown Signia enters the Canadian market as a distinctive crossover SUV. It carries the legendary Crown badge into the SUV segment, blending the premium qualities of the Crown sedan with added functionality and versatility. The Crown Signia is a marvel of electrification, with a hybrid-electric powertrain and electronic on-demand all-wheel drive as standard features.
Striking Design and Functionality
The Crown Signia showcases a monochromatic grille and sleek roofline, supported by 21-inch wheels. The stylish exterior is matched by a premium interior that boasts soft-touch materials, leather-trimmed seating, and a panoramic glass roof. The cabin provides a quiet retreat with fold-flat second-row seats, unveiling a cargo area that extends up to 6.5 feet in length.
Hybrid Power and Performance
The Crown Signia is exclusively equipped with a hybrid powertrain, delivering 243 horsepower and an impressive combined fuel consumption of 6.5 L/100 km. The SUV's performance is complemented by its on-demand AWD system, providing the traction necessary for diverse driving conditions and enabling towing capabilities of up to 2,700 pounds.
Advanced Technology
On the tech front, the Crown Signia doesn't disappoint with a 12.3-inch Toyota Multimedia touchscreen and the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite as standard offerings. This vehicle is not just about performance; it also focuses on connectivity and safety, ensuring a comprehensive and forward-thinking driving experience.
With the introduction of the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser and 2025 Toyota Crown Signia this month, Toyota is demonstrating its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and the continual evolution of its vehicle lineup. These models stand as a testament to Toyota's pursuit of excellence, offering buyers in the Georgetown region a chance to own a piece of the brand's storied legacy combined with the very latest in automotive technology and design.