One correction: The Crown Signia uses the previous generation hybrid system (4th generation), not the latest Toyota hybrid system (5th gen), which is what powers the new Prius and Camry. The 5th gen system is smoother, more seamless, and more powerful than the system found in the Signia. If the Signia had the 5th gen system, it would equal or surpass the Hyundai's hybrid system for seamlessness.
I wouldnt say more powerful or smooth or even seamless. This is the same set up introduced in 2018 with the Highlander, Venza, and some Lexus hybrid models. It is more refined, but the changes are very minor ones, which is why Toyota didn’t mind putting it in basically their marketed flagship vehicle..
@@fr3ddy1461 Agree, I'm driving Signia, it's very smooth and quiet..highway rides are like a breeze. It's very seamless unlike Rav4 where it jerks while switching from EV to ICE, don't know why that issue is in Rav4 hybrids, it's annoying sometimes. BUT though Signia is very smooth and seamless, it still leaves an impression that its not using the latest gen hybrid setup. I understand there are minimal refinements but still it creates that impression. But ya, I know 4th gen hybrid is a well proven bullet proof power train which has been there for the last 7 years without a single issue.
@@fr3ddy1461 Except that the new 5th Gen hybrid system used in the new Camry and Prius is demonstrably smoother, more powerful, and more seamless than their 4th Gen predecessors. Besides the fact that they simply produce more hp due to a more powerful battery, everyone that has tested both systems reports that the new version is smoother under braking, more seamless in the ICE/electric handoff, and quieter in terms of overall NVH reduction, especially from the engine. Having owned both a 2023 Camry hybrid and now a new 2025 model, I also can confirm those differences. Toyota will eventually replace the 4th gen with the 5th gen in all its hybrid models, both Toyota and Lexus. They always introduce their next generation hybrid system not with their upscale models, but with their flagship hybrid, the Prius, then it filters down to their other models.
@@Gopinathk17one of the biggest improvements with the 5th gen is keeping revs down and making the overall experience quieter. There is an overall focus on using more of the electric system and less gas. Gen 4 is likely to kick the engine on at 25mph where gen 5 usually goes up to 30mph. It’s these small improvements that are difficult to notice but make the experience much better.
@@Gopinathk17 I have a question for you regarding the Signia. I don't know how old youare and in what shape your knees may be in, but I need a vehicle that I can get into and especially out of without having to "pull myself up & out of". Arthritis in the knees is my problem and that is why I think I need a highersitting up SUV where I can slide in and slide out of. But I really like all the other features that the Signia has. So, imagine you got some knee pain from time to time..... would you still have the Signia?
Good video! I just purchased the 2025 Outback Wilderness. My first Subaru. All three of the cars are really good for different reasons. But for me I wanted the more rugged off road of the Subaru and the more potent 0-60 mph. Plus many aftermarket options to make it more my personality. I do like the luxury of the Santa Fe but not for adventure. My wife’s car is our luxury transportation! Watching this video reminds me that I definitely made the right choice for my interests. Plus good resale value and dethroning Toyota as the most reliable automaker according to Consumer Reports, is a great added bonus.
Same here. I was torn between obw and Crown Signia. I knew Crown Signia had a higher build quality, but I realized that obw better fits my needs and personality.
Masterful review because you are not deciding which car is first, second, ..., instead you understand and articulate the strengths and weaknesses of each allowing viewers to better match their expectations to each of the cars.
I really really wish Toyota brought over the gorgeous Crown Sport instead of the Signia. Most of us just have no use for a vehicle as large as the Signia
Totally agree. Maybe they thought it would eat into the RAV4 given how similar the dimensions are (even though this is more similar in dimensions to the Highlander, it's marketed towards Gen Z couples who wouldn't splurge on a Lexus RX).
I heard in a TopherDrives video that turning off the WiFi hotspot in that Subaru infotainment helps response times. It’s not excuse for how laggy and slow but it might be worth looking into.
Outstanding, realistic analysis with nice tidbits of humor. These truly are three cars that are similar yet different. Each car has a variety of strengths. I appreciated your creative, real world traction compro between the OB & CS (@15.27). One area that most auto journalists overlook that is important for those who frequently drive at night is the headlights and interior lighting. I haven't driving the CS or SF at night but find my OB interior & exterior lighting to be excellent (with one exception detailed below). What is your lighting take on these three? Interestingly each of these are within a 1/2" of each other in width, the Signia is the longest (194" vs 191" for OB & 190" for SF), yet has the least cargo & passenger space. - When i drove the CS I too thought it felt a bit tight - yet it handles the best. The SF visually looks the largest yet is the shortest & also is the winner in good interior space allocation & utility. The humble, now somewhat dated OB, continues to do everything well despite being a 6 year old design. It does have less flash and truly is overdue for a hybrid drivetrain. It will be very interesting to see a compro when the OB gets its next update with a hybrid drivetrain. For that reason, I'm sticking with my low mileage '22 OB Touring (2.5NA) till 2026 or 2027. Like many OB owners, I hoping it keeps its "lifted wagon" format rather than going full SUV. Although I've been a very satisfied owner of 3 Outbacks, if mine was totaled today, I'd Limited model Signia (& ask the dealer to swap for XLE 19" wheels - don't need / hate the 21" wheels) on the basis of its balance performance, quiet, controlled ride, and fuel economy. I'd feel like I was giving up a bit of ground clearance and cargo space, but the difference is small and not a factor in 99% of my driving. As owner of hatchbacks for 45 yrs (Honda Civics to Minivans to multiple Subarus) one personal lighting gripe is that very few cars put an interior light in the tailgate to illuminate both the hatch and the area outside the car. This is a seriously missed opportunity to improve the ownership experience that I hope will change in the future so I don't need to continue to install my own tailgate lighting.
@@anthonyng3014 It has lighting inside the cargo area, but not in the tailgate itself. The hatch light doesn't provide much illumination for the area outside of the car.
My preference would be the Crown Signia of these three. But, stretching the budget a little more would get me into a CX-70 which is hands down my favorite.
Except the Outback's more capable in every performance metric except for fuel economy. Is that how Lexus works? Just worse than Toyota in every performance metric?
Subaru changing the format of the Outback is just so wrong. Just as huge a mistake is the looks of the new Santa Fe, also known as the Land Rover Pretender.
The Santa Fe looks is good, but it's writing a check it looks can't cash for the North American market. The Australian XRT trims have true off-road kits that rivals the Outback Wilderness trim. I don't know why Hyundai keep half-assing the XRT trims for our market. Also, where's the Kona XRT?
I disabled the driver monitor system in my Outback - It didn't like my glasses, and it harassed me when I wore polarized sunglasses. Otherwise, I'm pretty happy with the car.
Looking forward to seeing the updated 2026 Outback. I hope one of the more premium trim levels offers a brown leather interior. Also more physical buttons for climate control etc.
What a fantastic review! I've been loving me the Crown Signia lately, but totally forgot about the Santa Fe and now I'm really loving me that! F the Subaru 🙊 ye I said it!
Subaru all day everyday. The most rugged, the best AWD system. The best bang for your buck. The Subaru isn’t based for just on road like the others. Yes has some tech and other stuff that isn’t the best but for a car that starts a 29k and goes up to 45k compared to like the Toyota that starts at 45k that’s a much better deal and way more affordable especially in current day car markets.
I'm not one to chase the latest thing, however majority of consumers have been trained to do so... from that standpoint I can see why Hyundai and Kia have gained market share. Personally, I'd choose the Toyota in this comparison, but at its price I'd be looking for a used Lexus.
Give me the XLE model of the Signia with the smaller wheels of the base model and a slightly larger AT wheel for slick conditions and the Toyota would hit all the boxes. Good enough off-road use while having excellent gas mileage and a luxurious interior.
Hyundai styling is always risk -taking, and gets credit for that. But their models always look old very quickly. Really wanted the Signia. Went with the Outback, and very happy with it.
@danhall3450 I have never driven the CS, so can't speak to it. It's out of my budget. I'm a huge Toyota fan. I had heard it was coming and wanted it, but when I heard pricing, I immediately got the Subaru. I'm really not disappointed. I do miss the Toyota hybrid system (had that in my previous car), but I do like the full time mechanical AWD, and I've put 34k miles on it in 2 years, and other than an occasional rattle in the roof that they keep trying to fix, it's been trouble-free and excellent on road trips, and in the few snow storms we've had here in MN.
That Hyundai has such a disproportionately larger derier…It has a really odd side profile. The Hyundai steering wheel looks like an older Range Rover unit
Toyota did their best to copy the outback, whether they want to admit it or not, because they saw how how much success the outback has had, not to mention Subaru has now taken over as the most reliable vehicles on the road
@@naveenthemachinestill the worst investment 😂 Koreans can’t build anything good these days. My cousin’s 2022 Sonata’s transmission went out around 55,000 miles and then someone stole her car.
![Seungmin "그렇게, 천천히, 우리(As we are)" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kAzmhLHePqU/mqdefault.jpg)
One correction: The Crown Signia uses the previous generation hybrid system (4th generation), not the latest Toyota hybrid system (5th gen), which is what powers the new Prius and Camry. The 5th gen system is smoother, more seamless, and more powerful than the system found in the Signia. If the Signia had the 5th gen system, it would equal or surpass the Hyundai's hybrid system for seamlessness.
I wouldnt say more powerful or smooth or even seamless. This is the same set up introduced in 2018 with the Highlander, Venza, and some Lexus hybrid models. It is more refined, but the changes are very minor ones, which is why Toyota didn’t mind putting it in basically their marketed flagship vehicle..
@@fr3ddy1461 Agree, I'm driving Signia, it's very smooth and quiet..highway rides are like a breeze. It's very seamless unlike Rav4 where it jerks while switching from EV to ICE, don't know why that issue is in Rav4 hybrids, it's annoying sometimes. BUT though Signia is very smooth and seamless, it still leaves an impression that its not using the latest gen hybrid setup. I understand there are minimal refinements but still it creates that impression. But ya, I know 4th gen hybrid is a well proven bullet proof power train which has been there for the last 7 years without a single issue.
@@fr3ddy1461 Except that the new 5th Gen hybrid system used in the new Camry and Prius is demonstrably smoother, more powerful, and more seamless than their 4th Gen predecessors. Besides the fact that they simply produce more hp due to a more powerful battery, everyone that has tested both systems reports that the new version is smoother under braking, more seamless in the ICE/electric handoff, and quieter in terms of overall NVH reduction, especially from the engine. Having owned both a 2023 Camry hybrid and now a new 2025 model, I also can confirm those differences. Toyota will eventually replace the 4th gen with the 5th gen in all its hybrid models, both Toyota and Lexus. They always introduce their next generation hybrid system not with their upscale models, but with their flagship hybrid, the Prius, then it filters down to their other models.
@@Gopinathk17one of the biggest improvements with the 5th gen is keeping revs down and making the overall experience quieter.
There is an overall focus on using more of the electric system and less gas. Gen 4 is likely to kick the engine on at 25mph where gen 5 usually goes up to 30mph.
It’s these small improvements that are difficult to notice but make the experience much better.
@@Gopinathk17 I have a question for you regarding the Signia. I don't know how old youare and in what shape your knees may be in, but I need a vehicle that I can get into and especially out of without having to "pull myself up & out of". Arthritis in the knees is my problem and that is why I think I need a highersitting up SUV where I can slide in and slide out of. But I really like all the other features that the Signia has. So, imagine you got some knee pain from time to time..... would you still have the Signia?
Good video! I just purchased the 2025 Outback Wilderness. My first Subaru. All three of the cars are really good for different reasons. But for me I wanted the more rugged off road of the Subaru and the more potent 0-60 mph. Plus many aftermarket options to make it more my personality. I do like the luxury of the Santa Fe but not for adventure. My wife’s car is our luxury transportation!
Watching this video reminds me that I definitely made the right choice for my interests. Plus good resale value and dethroning Toyota as the most reliable automaker according to Consumer Reports, is a great added bonus.
Same here. I was torn between obw and Crown Signia. I knew Crown Signia had a higher build quality, but I realized that obw better fits my needs and personality.
Masterful review because you are not deciding which car is first, second, ..., instead you understand and articulate the strengths and weaknesses of each allowing viewers to better match their expectations to each of the cars.
Now this is a three-way worth watching.
Always shocked to see that you don't have at LEAST 300k subs. Great content and production.
Loving The Production's... Always entertaining 🙏
Thanks🤠
I want Santa Fe with Outback's AWD system and Signia's reliability and Mpgs.
I really really wish Toyota brought over the gorgeous Crown Sport instead of the Signia. Most of us just have no use for a vehicle as large as the Signia
Totally agree. Maybe they thought it would eat into the RAV4 given how similar the dimensions are (even though this is more similar in dimensions to the Highlander, it's marketed towards Gen Z couples who wouldn't splurge on a Lexus RX).
It won't happen. Because the 2 crowns are replacements for 2 outgoing Toyotas. Avalon = Crown, and Venza = Signia.
the signia is not large 😂
Seems like to Signia is targeting the same client-segment who in the past would buy a Volvo raised wagon
It's crazy how far Hyundai has come in the past 10 to 15 years.
They really want to be on top and it shows.
I heard in a TopherDrives video that turning off the WiFi hotspot in that Subaru infotainment helps response times. It’s not excuse for how laggy and slow but it might be worth looking into.
I wish Honda would make a competitor to Crown Signia. A more luxurious, powerful and wagon like CRV would sell quite well.
I’d just get an entry trim RDX at that point
Passport kinda fits in a similar size class, even though it is full boxy suv style.
Outstanding, realistic analysis with nice tidbits of humor. These truly are three cars that are similar yet different. Each car has a variety of strengths. I appreciated your creative, real world traction compro between the OB & CS (@15.27). One area that most auto journalists overlook that is important for those who frequently drive at night is the headlights and interior lighting. I haven't driving the CS or SF at night but find my OB interior & exterior lighting to be excellent (with one exception detailed below). What is your lighting take on these three?
Interestingly each of these are within a 1/2" of each other in width, the Signia is the longest (194" vs 191" for OB & 190" for SF), yet has the least cargo & passenger space. - When i drove the CS I too thought it felt a bit tight - yet it handles the best. The SF visually looks the largest yet is the shortest & also is the winner in good interior space allocation & utility. The humble, now somewhat dated OB, continues to do everything well despite being a 6 year old design. It does have less flash and truly is overdue for a hybrid drivetrain. It will be very interesting to see a compro when the OB gets its next update with a hybrid drivetrain. For that reason, I'm sticking with my low mileage '22 OB Touring (2.5NA) till 2026 or 2027. Like many OB owners, I hoping it keeps its "lifted wagon" format rather than going full SUV.
Although I've been a very satisfied owner of 3 Outbacks, if mine was totaled today, I'd Limited model Signia (& ask the dealer to swap for XLE 19" wheels - don't need / hate the 21" wheels) on the basis of its balance performance, quiet, controlled ride, and fuel economy. I'd feel like I was giving up a bit of ground clearance and cargo space, but the difference is small and not a factor in 99% of my driving.
As owner of hatchbacks for 45 yrs (Honda Civics to Minivans to multiple Subarus) one personal lighting gripe is that very few cars put an interior light in the tailgate to illuminate both the hatch and the area outside the car. This is a seriously missed opportunity to improve the ownership experience that I hope will change in the future so I don't need to continue to install my own tailgate lighting.
Doesn't your '22 OB have interior tailgate lighting?
@@anthonyng3014 It has lighting inside the cargo area, but not in the tailgate itself. The hatch light doesn't provide much illumination for the area outside of the car.
My preference would be the Crown Signia of these three. But, stretching the budget a little more would get me into a CX-70 which is hands down my favorite.
Crown Signia = Lexus Outback
Except the Outback's more capable in every performance metric except for fuel economy. Is that how Lexus works? Just worse than Toyota in every performance metric?
A comparison no one has done yet is the new Murano vs the Envsion, vs the grand Cherokee vs the Blazer.
Yes. Morano, Envision, and Crown compete.
I test drove both, and the Santa Fe felt like a luxury car while the Outback felt like a cheap toy in comparison.
Subaru changing the format of the Outback is just so wrong. Just as huge a mistake is the looks of the new Santa Fe, also known as the Land Rover Pretender.
Land Rover Pretender is wild😂
The Santa Fe looks is good, but it's writing a check it looks can't cash for the North American market. The Australian XRT trims have true off-road kits that rivals the Outback Wilderness trim. I don't know why Hyundai keep half-assing the XRT trims for our market. Also, where's the Kona XRT?
I disabled the driver monitor system in my Outback - It didn't like my glasses, and it harassed me when I wore polarized sunglasses. Otherwise, I'm pretty happy with the car.
Looking forward to seeing the updated 2026 Outback. I hope one of the more premium trim levels offers a brown leather interior. Also more physical buttons for climate control etc.
First time watching. Very helpful, especially since I am considering buying one!! I subscribed and will be watching some of your previous vids. Thanks
What a fantastic review! I've been loving me the Crown Signia lately, but totally forgot about the Santa Fe and now I'm really loving me that! F the Subaru 🙊 ye I said it!
Great review!
Thanks!
Subaru all day everyday. The most rugged, the best AWD system. The best bang for your buck. The Subaru isn’t based for just on road like the others. Yes has some tech and other stuff that isn’t the best but for a car that starts a 29k and goes up to 45k compared to like the Toyota that starts at 45k that’s a much better deal and way more affordable especially in current day car markets.
Why would they make the Outback more like the Forester? Changing it from a lifted wagon that sells extremely well sounds like a very bad idea.
I'm not one to chase the latest thing, however majority of consumers have been trained to do so... from that standpoint I can see why Hyundai and Kia have gained market share. Personally, I'd choose the Toyota in this comparison, but at its price I'd be looking for a used Lexus.
A used Lexus is almost a cheat code on the pre-owned market.
Signia is much more refined and upscale. Appeals to a different crowd than Subie. Both solid choices but that Hyundia is too ugly to consider.
Signia has real leather not synthetic leather
It's too bad the Subaru interior looks like it was designed by Fischer price in 2008
If aesthetics is you main criterium, Subaru is the wrong brand for you.
@@mauritsvw His next complaint will be there's not enough stitching on the dash.
It looks fine to me, but the infotainment is just not that good. I wish the HVAC was buttons.
@@faheemabbas3965 Have to agree with you on the subject of buttons.
The Signia would also be my choice also although at 45-50K and no spare, that slowly lets the air out of my decision.
Give me the XLE model of the Signia with the smaller wheels of the base model and a slightly larger AT wheel for slick conditions and the Toyota would hit all the boxes. Good enough off-road use while having excellent gas mileage and a luxurious interior.
Actual leather in the Signia. 😉
Outback and Crown Signia are lifted wagons, Santa Fe is a midsized SUV that have more seats and way bigger inside
Hyundais are pure shite and ugly.
Subaru is making a mistake if they abandon the wagon format.
The Crown Signia would look so good slammed.
I prefer the 'affordable' Outback over the 'Overpriced/unaffordable' Crown-Signia any day.
I like the Crown Signia, but all of that glossy black will not hold up to car washes and winters.
You must have heard me calling you for this
Hyundai styling is always risk -taking, and gets credit for that. But their models always look old very quickly. Really wanted the Signia. Went with the Outback, and very happy with it.
Minnybiker: Would love to hear your pros and cons on the CS vs OB.
@danhall3450 I have never driven the CS, so can't speak to it. It's out of my budget. I'm a huge Toyota fan. I had heard it was coming and wanted it, but when I heard pricing, I immediately got the Subaru. I'm really not disappointed. I do miss the Toyota hybrid system (had that in my previous car), but I do like the full time mechanical AWD, and I've put 34k miles on it in 2 years, and other than an occasional rattle in the roof that they keep trying to fix, it's been trouble-free and excellent on road trips, and in the few snow storms we've had here in MN.
You know, that's only in your head. In my perspective all cars are questionable.
That Hyundai has such a disproportionately larger derier…It has a really odd side profile. The Hyundai steering wheel looks like an older Range Rover unit
I hate the back of the SF
0:17 “Crown Sign”
Thanks, close enough😅
Pause on the brick
Crown Signia comes out ahead, if only it had a V6. The Subbie is a disposable car. Hyundai is junk.
Disposable 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂🤡
So damn true, unfortunately. 😅
Toyota did their best to copy the outback, whether they want to admit it or not, because they saw how how much success the outback has had, not to mention Subaru has now taken over as the most reliable vehicles on the road
False.
@ .... it's not false, go look it up and get your facts straight before making comments
@devilefan Shaddap, shibbal.
@@firstlast-wm3li .... up yours
@@firstlast-wm3li .... Truth Hurts doesn't it moron?
Junping off the car when hearing Hyundai is just so hilarious 😅
Santa Fe all day every day
Until your transmission fails under 10k miles
@ so then get the hybrid. No DCT to worry about
@@naveenthemachinestill the worst investment 😂 Koreans can’t build anything good these days. My cousin’s 2022 Sonata’s transmission went out around 55,000 miles and then someone stole her car.
Ew
@@naveenthemachine you still have to worry about hyundai’s build quality