It’s no coincidence that you’re considering alternatives to the Toyota Crown, as many car buyers find themselves in the same predicament. As you weigh your options, you’ll likely come across the Subaru Outback, a formidable competitor that offers a distinct set of strengths. While the Outback undercuts the Crown on price, it’s essential to examine the trade-offs. Does the Outback’s rugged capability and towing prowess outweigh the Crown’s refined on-road experience and advanced tech features? Let’s delve into the key similarities and differences to determine which car best fits your needs.
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Key Takeaways
- The Subaru Outback is a similar car to the Toyota Crown, offering a balance of comfort, practicality, and rugged capability.
- The Crown Signia XLE’s hybrid powertrain and 39/37/38 mpg city/highway/combined fuel economy make it a great option for those seeking efficiency.
- The Crown Signia boasts a modern interior environment with premium materials, LED-lit steering wheel, and a sophisticated multimedia system.
- If towing and off-road capability are priorities, the Outback XT may be a better fit, with a 3,500-pound max towing rating and higher ground clearance.
- The Crown Signia is ideal for those who prioritize a premium on-road experience, with a sportier handling and lower ride height, but at a higher price.
Dimensions and Capacity
When shopping for cars similar to the Toyota Crown, you’ll likely prioritize interior space and exterior dimensions.
The Crown Signia XLE, for instance, boasts ample cargo space, with 11.6 cubic feet available behind the rear seats. Fold those seats down, and you’ll get around 45.6 cubic feet of storage capacity.
In terms of exterior dimensions, the Crown Signia XLE measures 194.9 inches in length, 72.4 inches in width, and 56.9 inches in height. Its wheelbase spans 112.2 inches, ensuring a smooth ride and agile handling.
These dimensions make it an ideal choice for those seeking a comfortable and practical ride.
Performance and Fuel Economy
As you step on the gas, you’ll appreciate the Toyota Crown Signia’s impressive performance and fuel economy.
Its hybrid powertrain provides instant torque, making it feel zippier than the Subaru Outback. With an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 39/37/38 mpg city/highway/combined, the Crown Signia outshines the Outback in efficiency.
- 240 horsepower total from the 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas-electric hybrid system
- Electric-augmented powertrain provides responsive driving experience
- Hybrid system achieves a higher combined fuel economy rating than the Outback
- Toyota’s two decades of hybrid expertise shine in the Crown Signia’s powertrain, making it a better option for eco-friendliness.
Interior, Features, and Technology
The Toyota Crown Signia boasts a fully modern interior environment, shared with the Crown sedan, but with added perks such as more second-row headroom and a larger, more useful cargo area.
You’ll appreciate the premium feel of the interior, thanks to newer materials and designs. The steering wheel features LED lights, adding a touch of sophistication.
The multimedia system is also more modern and sophisticated, offering a seamless user experience.
In contrast, the Subaru’s interior looks outdated, with older systems, fonts, and analog gauges.
Towing, Off-Road Capability, and Ride
Moving beyond the premium interior and modern features, you’ll find significant differences in the towing, off-road capability, and ride quality of the Toyota Crown Signia and Subaru Outback XT.
The Outback XT has a 3,500-pound max towing rating, outperforming the Crown Signia’s 2,700-pound rating.
The Outback’s higher ground clearance and available all-wheel drive make it better suited for inclement conditions and modest off-road driving.
The Outback delivers a smoother ride, making it ideal for those who prioritize comfort on rough roads.
The Crown Signia’s lower ride height and smaller wheels make it less capable for towing and off-road driving, and its suspension is tuned for sportier handling at the cost of a firmer ride.
Price, Value, and Overall Comparison
You’ll need to weigh your priorities when considering the price and value of the Toyota Crown Signia and Subaru Outback XT.
The Outback has a clear price advantage, making it a better value for those who prioritize cost. However, the Crown Signia offers a more premium experience for a premium price, making it a better choice for those who want a sophisticated driving experience.
If you need standard all-wheel drive for rugged duty, the Outback is the better value. But if you prioritize a premium on-road experience, the Crown Signia is the better choice, despite its higher price.
Conclusion
As you weigh your options, bear in mind that “you get what you pay for.” The Toyota Crown Signia XLE and Subaru Outback cater to different needs. If you prioritize a luxurious ride, advanced tech, and comfort, the Crown Signia is the better choice. However, if you need a rugged workhorse for towing and off-roading, the Outback’s your best bet. Ultimately, it’s about identifying your needs and budget – and choosing the car that checks those boxes.
