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7 Major Characteristics of the 2017 Toyota 4Runner
In a nutshell, the 2017 Toyota 4Runner is the auto equivalent of a multipurpose Swiss knife. It has everything you need from an SUV and more. Whatever you need it to be, the 4Runner will have your back. Thanks to its size, power, and that macho appeal, you can trust it to tow your boat, climb a mountain, carry seven passengers, and haul a variety of items such as picnic tables, barbeques, tents, and other supplies.
And yet, it still has the capacity to fit solo drivers. That is, if you love massive SUVs that can do anything you ask of it.
Strong and Dependable
No matter what you need, the 4Runner will offer comfort, versatility, and reliability because of its body-on-frame construction that features a 4-link rear axle and coil-spring suspension. You can choose between a 2WD, part-time 4WD with a two-speed transfer case or a full-time, multi-mode 4WD with a two-speed transfer case and locking center differential. All variants with four-wheel drive will have 9.6 inches of ground clearance.
There are three TRD models: the TRD Off-Road, the TRD Off-Road Premium, and the TRD Pro. Aside from these, the 4Runner is also available as the SR5, SR5 Premium, and the Limited.
Macho, Spunky, and Full of Character
Whether it’s freshly bathed or looked like they were born out of mud, the 4Runner will always look stunning. Physically, it has that catchy, bad-ass look that will make heads turn on the streets. All 2017 4Runners have projector beam headlights and LED rear combination lamps. The SR5 and TRD models have 17-inch alloy wheels that are available in three different designs: the 6-spoke design will be standard for SR5 and SR5 Premium, the 7-spoke design for the TRD Off-Road and TRD Off-Road Premium, and the TRD Alloy painted matte black for the TRD Pro.
Powerful and Durable
Under the hood of all 4Runners, you’ll find the 4.0-liter V-6 that can produce 270 horsepower and 278 lb. ft. of torque, thanks for being paired to a 5-speed ECT-i automatic transmission with sequential shift mode. The torque will allow the 4Runner to tow a maximum of 5,000 pounds with a maximum of 500-pound tongue weight.
4 Things To Check Out About The 2019 Toyota Supra
Toyota has yet to confirm the arrival of another Supra, specifically for the 2019 model year. But if the new spy shots are to be believed, it looks like the Supra name is making a comeback for this sports car, which will particularly be marketed in Europe.
In 2011, the Japanese automaker announced that it signed a deal with BMW to develop a sports car platform. This is supposedly that car. BMW, for its part, is using the platform as replacement for the Z4, which is believed to be a new model called the Z5.
1. It Is Smaller Than The FT-1 Concept Car
These spy photos reveal that the 2019 Toyota Supra will be relatively smaller than 2014’s FT-1 concept car, which already previewed the design. It did borrow a host of other elements from the concept, mainly the double-bubble roof, the protruding nose, the muscular rear fenders, the jet-fighter style glasshouse, and the ducktail trunk lid.
In some of the shots, there is also a glimpse of the new liftback. There are still few details about the Supra, seeing as there’s still plenty of time before Toyota takes this to the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show.
But what we do know is that the new platform features a front-midship layout and a low center of gravity based on the very low hood and roof. It might also boast of a multi-material construction, probably using more carbon fiber to take off the weight and boost speed and strength.
2. There Will Be At Least Two Powertrains
The Supra might have two powertrain choices. The range-topper is a hybrid powertrain that combines a twin-turbocharged V-6 engine with an electric motor or two. There is still no confirmation about the base model. The V-6 engine will be able to power the rear wheels while the electric motors will bring power to the front wheels. This should create a “through-the-road” hybrid setup. We saw this same setup in Toyota’s Hybrid-R concept back in 2013.
3. It Will Have A Mid-$50K Price Tag
The system might sound good on paper, but it also means a hefty price tag of mid-$50,000 for the base model. That is higher than a Corvette, the standard of classic sports car in the US. That price will quickly rise with modifications and a higher-range model.
There is a fear, of course, that the price tag will pull the sales down, so Toyota may offer an entry-level powertrain that will pack either a twin-turbo V-6 engine or a turbocharged inline-4.
4. Spy Photos
Check out the spy photos of the car below, which were provided by Car and Driver:
5 Important Features Of The 2018 Toyota CH-R
Let’s go straight to the point. Toyota outdid themselves with the new CH-R, their entry to the SUV crossover segment. It made its debut at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show, where it wowed motor enthusiasts with the very aggressive styling, rich interiors, and a competitive drivetrain options.
1. Exterior
The CH-R will remind you of the Hyundai Veloster because of the C-pillar-mounted door handles on the rear. These handles nearly intersect with the sloping roof, making for the sporty and aggressive design, which Toyota calls “distinctive diamond.” Up front, the CH-R looks a lot like the RAV4. But thanks to the unconventional design of the bumpers, grilles, fog lights, air scoops, and angular panels, the CH-R can easily be set apart.
The funkiness and slightly rugged look of the CH-R continues at the back and finished with 18-inch alloy wheels and rear spoiler that protrudes over the liftgate’s glass.
2. Interior
What you’ll find inside is a refined and polished design for a crossover. The dashboard is made of matte and gloss finish while bits of chrome can be traced in the overall layout of the interior. There’s the 7-inch infotainment screen, the HVAC controls, the leather-wrapped, three-spoke steering wheel, and small driver information screen to complete the interior look.
3. Drivetrain
Under the hood, the CH-R is a typical Toyota. Its power will come from a 2.0-liter natural aspirated four-cylinder that can produce 144 horsepower and 140 pound-feet of torque. The oil pump must be given special recognition. It’s a coaxial two-port oil pump that allows for continuous oil pressure manipulation during different driving conditions.
4. Safety
Toyota packed the CH-R with a variety of safety features, which are normally available for higher-trim models but will not be standard to the crossover. The Toyota Safety Sense P includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection function, forward collision warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist function, Automatic High Beams, and Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. Then, of course, there’s the usual full suite of airbags, seatbelts, rear seat child restraint LATCH points, crumple zones, and a passenger safety cell.
5. Price
There’s no pricing information yet for the CH-R, but prices are expected to be higher than the RAV4. It should start around $25,000.
3 Things To Know About The 2017 Toyota 86 Solar Orange Limited
Once again, Toyota released a special edition of its popular 86 model. And although it still didn’t turn the car into a full-blown performance car, it tinkered with enough technical and mechanical features to make the driving experience better for owners.
In many ways, it is similar to the 86 Yellow Limited and the 86 Style CB, though the Solar Orange Limited is still different in many aspects—the Creamsicle paint finish and the High Performance package, for example, are both exclusive to this edition.
1. It is Only Available in Japan
Sadly, much like Toyota’s other 86 limited editions, the 2017 Toyota 86 Solar Orange Limited will only be released in Japan, and will unlikely land on US shores. Not only does the Solar Orange paint job is making us frustrated in many ways, but this 86’s improved braking and sharper handling make the envy for Japanese cars shoot up to the roof.
2. It Sells for Less Than $30,000
Toyota has yet to announce how many of these 86 Solar Orange Limited they are planning to build. They said, though, that prices will start at 3,251,880 yen ($29,400) for the manual transmission model and 3,318,840 yen ($30,000) for the automatic transmission model. Those who want to place their orders only have from January 31 to March 10, 2017 to do so. After the order book has been closed, Toyota will stop production to ensure the exclusivity of the edition.
3. It is Compatible with the High Performance Package
Toyota is also releasing a High Performance package, which is compatible with standard 86 models. The package includes a new set of Brembo brakes with red calipers and new shocks from Sachs. These are then paired with the special set of 17-inch thin-spoked wheels found on the 86. For those who want the Solar Orange Limited with High Performance package, you need to shell out an addition of $2,200.
Top 3 Cool Things About The 2017 Toyota Tacoma
Toyota rocked the midsize pickup truck segment last year when it introduced the all-new Tacoma. It will shake things up once again since Tacoma will be welcoming the new 2017 TRD Pro, along with revised value-loaded optional amenity packages for SR5 models.
Here are the three important features of the new Toyota Tacoma:
Brute Strength
The TRD Pro has the strongest foundation seen on any midsize trucks. Thanks to the use of high-strength steel in the frame and body, the TRD Pro can battle it out in terms of durability and performance. It also boasts of a “refined setup,” which means a double wishbone coil-spring front suspension and leaf spring rear suspension with staggered outboard-mounted gas shocks.
There are two available powertrains: the entry-level 2.7-liter DOHC four-cylinder with VVT-i that produces 159 horsepower and 180 lb.-ft. of peak torque and segment-first Atkinson-cycle 3.5-liter V6 featuring the Toyota’s innovative VVT-iW technology. The latter can produce 278 horsepower and 265 lb.-ft. of peak torque.
Stylist and Functional
The new Tacoma TRD Pro has a stylish yet functional design. It did not go away with its traditional ruggedness as can be seen on the overfenders, the hexagonal grille and tall, muscular hood. The Tacoma sits well above the ground clearance with the wheels ranging from 16 to 18 inches in diameter.
The Tacoma’s exterior palette is available in Black, Blazing Blue Pearl, Barcelona Red Metallic, Inferno, Quicksand, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Cement (TRD Pro only), Silver Sky Metallic, and Super White.
Inside, you can enjoy a host of new features that include: Qi wireless charging, smart key with push-button start, leather-trimmed seats, power tilt/slide moonroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, enhanced touchscreen audio, and blind-spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert.
Tacoma has Six Model Grades
You can choose from these six: SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited and Off-Road TRD Pro. It also has 31 models based on two cab types—either the extended Access Cab or the four-door Double Cab, each of which are available in 4×2 and 4×4 configurations.
Getting To Know 2017 Toyota RAV4’s Two New Grades
The 2017 Toyota RAV4 has upped the game by releasing two new grades: a top-of-the-line Platinum Grade and the new SE Hybrid Grade. It is also offering a slew of standard-issue safety technology through its Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) active safety package.
Based on the pressroom of Toyota, the package contains the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Automatic High Beams and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. These features will support a driver’s awareness and decision making while they are on the road.
Platinum Grade
Raising the bar even higher, Toyota truly delivers through the new RAV4’s full-body exterior and unique badging. Compared to the Limited’s menu, the Platinum adds SofTex®- trimmed seats, dash, and door panels, as well as heated front seats, 8-way power driver’s seat, Smart Key system with push-button start, remote power liftgate, and a frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink®.
Standard to the Platinum are amenities like a heated steering wheel, foot well ambient lighting, plush floor mats, and Platinum badge door sill protectors.
Tech lovers would drool over the standard Entune™ Premium JBL® Audio with Integrated Navigation and App Suite, five-door Smart Key, kick-type hands-free power liftgate, and Bird’s Eye View Camera with Perimeter Scan, Overhead 360 degree view in drive and reverse, and curb view.
The Bird’s Eye View Camera system includes the Perimeter Scan, which will display live and rotating 360-degree views of your surrounding when the car is parked.
The Entune Premium JBL Audio with Integrated Navigation and App Suite system has a maximum of 576 watts pumped through 11 JBL GreenEdge™ Technology speakers in seven locations. That includes a subwoofer.
SE Hybrid Grade
The sporty RAV4 SE, in itself, features sport-tuned gas-only suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels and paddle shifters for the six-speed automatic transmission (gas only).
On the exterior, you can expect the LED headlights and taillights, and the front bumper with honeycomb grill design. The SE is special in such a way that Toyota decided to combine three different colors–Super White, Black and Electric Storm Blue—over Silver Sky Metallic on the car’s lower grille.
Inside, that sport elegance exudes with SofTex-covered seats with contrast stitching, a choice of two colors for the interior—Black or Black and Cinnamon. It also comes with a Black headliner, Black A&B-pillar covers, sport floor mats, door sill protectors, and Gunmetal Gray trim. The instrumental panel has twin dials with red illumination and red pointers. This is partnered with a standard 4.2-inch color TFT multi-information display.
The Hybrid gets its power and quick acceleration by combining a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with a small high-torque electric motor. It can produce 194 system horsepower, and can go from 0 to 60 mph in 8.1 seconds.
Power derives from gas engine and electric motor, or a combination of both as needed.
Top 3 Rumors About The New Toyota Supra
2019 Toyota Supra spy shot. (Photo Source: Motor Authority)
For the past several months, we have seen prototypes for Toyota’s new sports car being tested in the wild. The car is expected to revive the Toyota Supra name, so a lot is being expected from this.
1. The New Supra will get a V-6 Engine
Based on the spy video of the prototype, the engine sounds a lot like a V-6 engine, based only on the turbo whoosh-like sounds coming from the car. This would prove a report back in July that the car is getting a new twin-turbocharged V-6 engine that has been developed for Lexus and some high-end Toyotas.
There were earlier claims that the Supra will get a 4-cylinder, but that seems impossible given the leak on the possible V-6 engine, which can produce up to 400 horsepower on its own. Paired with the Supra and a hybrid system similar to the Hybrid-R concept, and the V-6 can churn more than 500 horses.
2. The New Supra’s Design Might be Based on BMW’s Z4
Details about the new Supra are scarce for now since Toyota has yet to release any word about how the Supra is going to be designed. Rumors, however, are saying that the Supra will have a similar rear-wheel-drive platform that was developed for the BMW Z4. It can also be recalled that such a design was previewed along with Toyota’s series of FT-1 concept cars back in 2014.
The BMW Z5, a replacement of the Z4, will be a traditional sports car with a soft-top roof. The Toyota is aimed to be a showpiece for the Japanese company’s performance-oriented hybrid technology that is developed for the World Endurance Championship.
3. The New Supra is Going to Markets Next Year
Toyota is not sure yet what they’ll call the sports car, though we’re gunning for the Supra label. Whatever name it ends up with, we can see by next year once it’s released if it can live up to the name and the hype. It will arrive just in time for the 2019 model year.
Six Variants To Break Down The 2017 Toyota Highlander Range
The new 2017 Toyota Highlander has more power, more safety features and more model choices. Unfortunately, these also add up to the pricing of this refreshed Highlander with extended trapezoidal grille and flashier LED taillights.
Here is the lowdown on the 2017 Highlander’s six trims:
LE
No expert would recommend the base LE trim because of its inefficient 185 horsepower for the 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission it packs. All Highlander trim levels now come with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine with port and direct injection that can produce 295 horsepower and 1263 pound-feet of torque. All of these are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Standard to it are forward-collision alert, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automated emergency braking, and automated high-beams.
LE Plus
Priced at $36,000, it adds three-zone climate control, eight-way power driver’s seat, power liftgate, leather-wrapped steering wheel, softer fabric for seats, and 8-inch touchscreen with HD radio and SiriusXM.
XLE
For $39,190, you can have leather and heated front seats, push-button start, roof rails, sunroof, navigation with voice recognition and apps, second-row window shades, alarm, 4.2-inch color display, garage-door openers, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
SE
New to the 2017 Edition, the SE trim level can be had for $40,630. It has stiffer springs and shocks, darkened roof rails, grille and headlights, 19-inch wheels, all-black interior with stripes on the seats and contrast stitching. Exclusive also to the SE trim level is the Salsa Red Pearl paint.
Limited
The Limited, which sells for $42,620, can project the Highlander logo on the pavement, thanks to the mirror-mounted puddle lamps. There’s also extra chrome on the bumper, an option for 8-passenger seating capacity, chrome 19-inch wheels, cooled front seats, driver and passenger seat memory, and four-way power passenger seat. You can also opt for the Platinum package for a total of $45,740. This adds a panoramic sunroof, 360-degree-view cameras, heated second-row seats, darkened chrome wheels, and rain-sensing wipers.
Hybrid
The Hybrid models for the Limited and Limited Platinum trims will be sold for $45,700 and $48,820, respectively. The all-wheel drive, gas-electric powertrain is available on the base LE and the XLE.
2017 Toyota Highlander Will Get Stop-Start Function
2017 Toyota Highlander Limited Platinum edition. (Photo via Autoblog)
The stop-start technology is nothing new in the world of cars and SUVs. However, Toyota hasn’t introduced the feature yet in its North American vehicles. All that is about to change as the 2017 Toyota Highlander will come equipped with that system.
Simply put, the stop-start technology works by shutting off the engine of the vehicle when it is stationary. Brian Williams of Toyota explained that the integration of the function in their vehicles will allow the Highlander to have a fuel efficiency of one mile per gallon. It will also improve the EPA fuel economy of the SUV.
Even after turning off the engine, the stop-start functionally will still feed electric supply to the vehicle for at least two-minutes during a complete halt or when stopped under a traffic light. The engine is configured to be turned on by default every ignition cycle. Customers can choose to manually shut it off though with a push of a button. The auto stop-start operation is overridden too when the air conditioning unit of the auto is at a maximum or on a grade higher than eight degrees.
Williams revealed that more Toyota models will get the stop-start technology after the Highlander. However, he remained mum though about the specific models that will get it. The report claimed that the larger vehicles of the brand will most probably have it because those are the ones that could benefit more from it. The upcoming 2018 Toyota Sienna is a likely recipient of the system.
Williams estimated that around 85 percent of all 2017 Toyota Highlander SUVs will get the stop-start tech. He added eight percent of the Highlanders that will be sold to customers this year will be the LE trim while seven percent will come from the hybrid variants of the range.
2017 Toyota Mirai Pricing Officially Revealed
Customers may not be seeing the new Toyota Mirai in showcases anytime soon, but they can expect value pricing for the new model year. For 2017, Toyota is offering competitive and flexible price scheme options for the Mirai. This gives drivers an opportunity to be a part of the automotive industry.
The Mirai hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle mixes hydrogen and oxygen to create the electricity that powers the vehicle onboard. The car also emits nothing but water vapor, which make it environment friendly and fuel- and power-efficient.
Furthermore, the vehicle has zero emission with an EPA estimated driving range of 312 miles. It refuels in around five minutes too.
The Mirai has an MSRP of $57,500 plus an $865 destination fee. But the good news is that Mirai owners may qualify for an $8,000 federal tax credit and $5,000 potential California rebate, as well as an access to the covered California HOV carpool lane.
Toyota furthered their Mirai trailblazer support program for eligible and qualified customers. The program aims to enhance the purchase and ownership experience by offering it for Lease, which is $349 per month for 36 months with a $2,499 due at signing. It comes with 12,000 per year mileage allowance.
There is the Trailblazer APR Support as well—0% for 60 months or 1.9% for 72 months, and the Trailblazer Purchase Support of $7,500. These charges exclude official fees, taxes and dealer charges.
The 2017 Mirai will bring a new color option called the “Atmospheric Blue” which should complement the existing Celestial Black, Elemental Silver and Nautical Blue Mirai color choices of the model.
The car continues to offer a comprehensive ownership experience, which boasts a range of world class services–three years worth of complimentary fuel, Safety Connect and Entune, three years of 24/7 customer call support, Mirai Complimentary Experience for seven days each year for three years, and standard Toyota Care.