Thursday, 18 April 2024

Long a favorite of off-roaders who prefer rugged vehicles and sticking with the traditional, truck-based, body-on-frame style of SUV, the Toyota 4Runner is back again for 2022.

With its last major refresh over a decade ago, the 2022 version of the 4Runner is likely the last hurrah for this rendition before a new version is unveiled for 2023.

I recently spent some time driving a 2022 Toyota 4Runner TRD Sport, a new trim level added to the 4Runner lineup this year, and I’m back with a full report on how it looks, drives and performs.

Published in SUV / TRUCK REVIEWS

The 2022 Toyota Tundra has been completely revamped. Mike Sweers, the executive chief engineer of trucks for Toyota Motor North America (TMNA), takes drivers through the top 10 things they need to know about the automaker’s newest pickup to hit the road.

  1. Global F-Platform: The Tundra now shares the same Toyota New Global Architecture platform as the Land Cruiser, Lexus LX and Toyota compact vehicles.

  2. Towing Capability: A premium towing machine is about more than capacity. Drivers behind the wheel of the new Tundra will feel unparalleled confidence in their tow
    .
  3. Extensive Testing: The new Tundra was tested in a variety of extreme conditions: low altitude, high altitude, heavy snow and more.

  4. Incredible Power Train: Toyota went above and beyond to deliver the most power and performance possible —like adding a drivetrain 140% the size of competitors’ trucks.

  5. More Power + More Torque = More MPG: By supercharging the new Tundra with best-ever torque output, Toyota delivers maximum fuel economy along with the muscle drivers crave.

  6. Exterior Styling: Embracing the spirit of previous Tundra models, designers took the bits of Toyota DNA truck owners love and dialed them up to 11.

  7. Luxury Inspired: By benchmarking against premium luxury vehicles, Toyota embodies the same high level of quality in every new Tundra model.

  8. Innovative Aerodynamics: With the truck having an active air dam that tucks in and out as needed, drivers reap the benefits of better aerodynamics when they need them and elevated off-road capability when they don’t.

  9. Military-Grade Protection: With the skid plate made from ballistic nylon, it can’t be ripped off the truck or dented into the oil pan even if Tundra owners wanted to.

  10. Composite Deck: No denting, no rusting and easy to repair when damaged, the new composite deck makes for a smarter choice than the old steel bed.

    To see a video on the 2022 Tundra, visit Youtube or watch below.

 

— Press release courtesy of Toyota

Published in NEWS

While there’s no doubt that SUVs are taking over the auto industry, with about half of overall sales going to the segment, there’s also battles for supremacy between automakers in niche segments within the SUV category.

Hybrids would be one of those battlegrounds, and if we’re talking about the three-row variety of SUV, there are a few key contenders aiming to attract SUV buyers who are seeking some extra fuel mileage but don’t want to make the jump all the way to a full EV.

Toyota has been a leader in the hybrid world, pioneering the segment 25 years ago with the debut of the Prius, so it’s no surprise they are a player here with the three-row HIghlander Hybrid SUV offering — which has been around for about 15 years and competes against vehicles including the Ford Explorer hybrid and Kia Sorento hybrid.

I recently tested a Highlander Hybrid Limited trim model, and I’m back with a full report.

Published in SUV / TRUCK REVIEWS
Saturday, 27 November 2021 12:51

Toyota unveils new bZ4X electric SUV

Toyota is displaying an array of its latest vehicles at the 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show, including the all-electric bZ4X SUV and new 2022 RAV4 SE Hybrid grade. Additionally, the 2022 NASCAR Toyota Tundra TRD Pro makes its first auto show appearance, along with three customized SEMA builds, including the TRD Desert Chase Tundra, Tacozilla and GR Supra Sport Top. The event began Nov. 19 and runs through Nov. 28 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

Published in TECHNOLOGY

To say the 2021 Toyota Sienna is brand new would be an understatement.

Between its bold new exterior design and its new hybrid-only power plant, Toyota is swinging for the fences with this latest version of its long-running minivan — looking to distance itself and stand out from the rest of the minivan pack.

I recently spent time in a 2021 Toyota Sienna, and I’m back with a full report on how these bold new changes worked.

LOOKS

MInivans aren’t known for being lookers, but I was pleasantly surprised when the 2021 Sienna showed up in my driveway with its sharp red paint scheme.

With bold and aggressive styling and lines added throughout the exterior, from the grille to the rear and sides of the vehicle, it’s a machine that definitely grabs your eye much more than the previous iterations of the Sienna. Of all the current minivans for sale, the only one that has caught my eye more is the new Kia Carnival, but the Sienna is running a close second and outshines the remaining competitors’ designs.

Published in SUV / TRUCK REVIEWS

The 2021 Toyota Mirai has officially set the world record for the longest distance by a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle without refueling. The Mirai achieved 845 miles driven on a single, five-minute complete fill of hydrogen during a roundtrip tour of Southern California as it set the record. The Toyota Mirai’s record sets a new distance milestone for zero emission vehicles.

“In 2016, the Toyota Mirai was the first production fuel cell electric vehicle available for retail sale in North America, and now the next generation Mirai is setting distance records,” said Bob Carter, executive vice president, Toyota Motor North America. “We are proud to be leaders of this exciting technology, which is just one of a growing lineup of zero emission vehicles in our portfolio.”

The official record attempt was closely monitored by Guinness World Records, adhering to its strict rules and documentation procedures. On its efficiency-focused August 23 and 24, 2021 journey, the Mirai logged an152 MPGe with water as its only emission. Guinness World Records adjudicator, Michael Empric, validated the Mirai’s tank with a seal at both the beginning and end of the journey.

Published in NEWS

Since launching the hybrid craze years ago with the Prius, Toyota has been a leader in eco-friendly vehicles. Hence their recent emphasis on plug-in hybrids, the next step toward the inevitable arrival of electric-only vehicles for the masses.

One such offering in this vein that I recently got to test is the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime, a plug-in hybrid version of their wildly popular RAV4 SUV. With an electric range of 42 miles, and strong fuel economy when in hybrid mode, it’s definitely one of the plug-in offerings getting a lot of attention in this changing automotive landscape.

I recently spent some time in the RAV4 Prime, which serves a good landing point for people who want to move beyond standard hybrids but are not yet comfortable with electric-only options.

Published in SUV / TRUCK REVIEWS

When the Toyota Corolla first went on sale, Lyndon Baines Johnson was president. In the 55 years since, the vehicle has sold more than 45 million units worldwide. That’s quite a run, one of the best ever in fact, and there is no end in sight, with the Corolla selling over 237,000 vehicles in the U.S. in 2020.

Those are impressive numbers considering how the pandemic hit the industry last year, and are helped by the fact that the vehicle got a sharp redesign for 2020. Even more positive are the numbers in 2021 so far, with the Corolla on track to far exceed last year’s total.

I recently spent some time in a 2021 Corolla, and I’m back with a full report on how it measures up in the small car segment.

Published in CAR REVIEWS

A mention of the Toyota Camry is not usually accompanied by excitement. Sure, a ton of them are sold each year, and people view it as a safe and reliable vehicle for family travels and getting from point A to point B, but it’s not a ride that people are generally thrilled to get behind the wheel of.

To change that perception, though, let me introduce the Toyota Camry TRD, a model that soups up the traditional family vehicle to appeal to driving enthusiasts. I recently spent time behind the wheel of a 2021 Camry TRD, and I’m back with a full report.

Published in CAR REVIEWS

Trucks are not the first vehicles people think of when Toyota is mentioned, but they have a long-standing place in its history. The mid-size Tacoma truck has been in production since 1995 and remains very popular today. And the full-size Tundra began its run in 1999.

Overall sales numbers for the Tundra are far behind the domestic trio of the Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado and RAM 1500, but a loyal fan base keeps the model holding down its spot as the top non-domestic full-size truck with more than 100,000 sold annually.

While the Tundra has not been fully redesigned since 2007 (it got a slight refresh in 2014, and a brand new model is expected for 2022), its longevity comes from a few key factors: Its powerful V8, Toyota reliability, and strong tech features. There were also a couple new editions announced for 2021 with new styling: The Trail and Nightshade models.

The Trail edition gets features including: 18-inch dark gray wheels with Michelin all-terrain tires, lockable bed storage boxes, spray-on bed liner, black exterior badging, chrome front grill, black fabric trim seats with unique tan stitching, and all weather floor liners.

I recently spent some time in a Tundra, and I’m back with a full report.

Published in SUV / TRUCK REVIEWS
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