Toyota Venza Departs after 2024 to Make Way for Crown Signia SUV

 

Toyota Venza Departs after 2024 to Make Way for Crown Signia SUV

Toyota has announced that the Venza crossover will be discontinued after the 2024 model year, ending a seven-year run for the midsize hybrid vehicle. The Venza, which was revived in 2020 after a five-year hiatus, will make way for a new flagship SUV in Toyota's lineup: the Crown Signia.

The Crown Signia is expected to debut in late 2024 as a 2025 model, and will be based on the same platform as the Lexus RX. The Crown Signia will feature a sleek and futuristic design, with a large grille, LED headlights, and a coupe-like roofline. The interior will be spacious and luxurious, with premium materials, advanced technology, and a panoramic sunroof.

The Crown Signia will also offer a range of powertrain options, including a hybrid system that combines a 3.5-liter V6 engine with an electric motor, delivering a total output of 308 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid system will be paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel drive system. The Crown Signia will also have a plug-in hybrid variant that can travel up to 40 miles on electric power alone.

The Crown Signia will compete with other luxury SUVs such as the Audi Q7, BMW X5, and Mercedes-Benz GLE. Toyota has not revealed the pricing or availability of the Crown Signia yet, but it is expected to start around $50,000 and go up to $70,000 for the fully loaded models.

The Venza, meanwhile, will bid farewell to its loyal fans with a special edition model for 2024. The Venza Limited Edition will feature exclusive exterior colors, alloy wheels, and badges, as well as leather seats, a JBL sound system, and a wireless charging pad. The Venza Limited Edition will be limited to 2,000 units and will cost $42,000.

The Venza was first introduced in 2009 as a crossover between the Camry and the Highlander. It offered a spacious cabin, a smooth ride, and good fuel economy, but it struggled to find its niche in the crowded SUV market. Toyota discontinued the Venza in 2015, but brought it back in 2020 as a hybrid-only model with a more modern design and technology. The Venza received positive reviews from critics and customers alike, but it could not match the sales of its rivals such as the Ford Edge, Honda Passport, and Hyundai Santa Fe.

Toyota hopes that the Crown Signia will be able to attract more buyers with its premium appeal and performance. The Crown Signia will be the first Toyota model to use the Crown nameplate outside of Japan, where it is reserved for the company's flagship sedan. The Crown nameplate has a long history in Japan, dating back to 1955. Toyota says that the Crown Signia will embody the spirit of innovation and excellence that has defined the Crown brand for over six decades.