They’re both all-new two-row models, they’re both hybrids, but they’re also very different too
The Crown Signia is the second vehicle to wear the revived Crown name, following the new-for-2023 Crown sedan, and ours is $60,335 as tested. Crown is Toyota’s highest nameplate before you move up to Lexus, and the Crown Signia basically replaces the discontinued Toyota Venza. The CX-70 is sorta all-new — it’s the three-row CX-90, which was an all-new model for 2024, with virtually no changes save for the third row taken out. Mazda doesn’t have a luxury division as Toyota does with Lexus, but we’re in the top Signature trim, which is Mazda’s poshest. Ours is $62,300 as equipped. Both are hybrids, although their systems are considerably different. Brian, what’s the story on that?
Both the Crown Signia and CX-70 are really decent drivers, but they differ in how they do it. The Mazda has a much sportier feel, with tighter and firmer steering, while the Crown Signia is also responsive but feels more relaxed. One isn’t inherently better than the other; instead, it depends on each driver’s preference for steering feel and handling.
The CX-70’s transmission could use a tweak. It goes into the higher gears quickly for better fuel efficiency, but so fast that acceleration tends to be bumpy. It gets smoother with a firm foot or when it’s in Sport mode, but now the engine’s revving higher and that’s not what I want in a daily commute. And neither shift lever is intuitive, but the Mazda’s is the worse of the two.
BH: I mostly agree with you on their drivability, Jil. My only “but” is the Crown Signia’s 2.5L four-cylinder: under heavier load, such as passing acceleration or when climbing steeper inclines, the engine produces a rather discordant note. At steady cruising speed, it’s as quiet as a church mouse. There’s no inherent sportiness to the way it handles itself, and I’m not saying that with any negative connotation. Being very middle-of-the-road works for it. The CX’s inline six, however, is a thing of beauty, silky smooth and responsive to a prod of the gas pedal. If I paid complete attention to the eight-speed’s shifting, I felt what you felt. But in traffic situations and with my fave Sirius XM station going, I found it barely perceptible.
JM: I don’t dislike the Crown Signia’s all-black interior as you do, but there are more firm-plastic surfaces than one would expect for what you’re paying. It also didn’t help the Toyota that the CX-70’s top-trim Signature cabin is gorgeous, with that two-tone colour scheme and high-quality feel to everything. That includes a generous amount of faux-suede material on the dash and doors, although I wonder how good it’ll look long-term, as this stuff tends to trap dirt and turn shiny with use after a while.
On both, I found the seats comfortable, and with simple controls for climate functions. Their infotainment screens differ though. The Toyota has a touchscreen, equipped with Google Built-In which works very well but will eventually require a subscription to keep it going. The Mazda has an embedded system, including navigation, but it’s operated by a controller on the console. It’s easy to use for the most part, although if the voice control doesn’t recognize your spoken destination, you have to awkwardly spin and tap the numbers and letters with the joystick. But here’s the thing: If you connect your phone through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, its functions are touch-activated. It’s very odd to have a screen that’s both joystick-only or sure, give it a tap-and-swipe.
As for cargo capacity, the CX-70 can pack way more suitcases, hockey equipment, camping gear, etc., than can the Crown Signia. Behind the back seats, there’s 1,122 litres (39.6 cubic feet) of space versus 702 litres (24.8 cu. ft.). With the back seats stowed, capacity stretches to 2,132 litres (75.3 cu. ft.) compared to 1,872 litres (66.1 cu. ft). And since both of these crossovers could be described as family-oriented rides, towing capacity for active cohorts greatly favours the Mazda, which can haul up to 5,000 pounds, versus 2,700 pounds for the Toyota.
You’re right about me disliking all-black interiors. Fine 20 years ago when black was the de facto colour used in luxury car interiors; now it looks drab and uninspired, especially in a vehicle with a $60K price tag. If the Crown Signia Limited was about $5,000 less expensive, I’m sure I’d be switching my vote. But it isn’t and I haven’t. The CX-70 takes the “crown” here.
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