An Automotive Engineer's Point of View – News and Reviews
You’re not alone if you mistake the new Toyota Tacoma for its full-size brethren, the Tundra. Its tall front end, bulky body shapes, and wide stance deliver a big truck appearance but it remains notably more parking lot (and trail)-friendly. It continues to improve and even includes a more playful design, especially in one of the numerous bulked-up adventure-ready (like this TRD Off-Road) trims.
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Automakers respect the skeptical viewpoint that many pick-up consumers have regarding dramatic changes and in the case of the Toyota Tundra, the same essential truck carried on for 15 years. But now, for 2022, the all-new Tundra pulls in some of the best “new” technologies from across the segment to give it a unique advantage over others in its class.
Continue reading “2022 Toyota Tundra Limited”With expectations of a new design every five years, the automotive market doesn’t take kindly to models that don’t continuously push their boundaries. That is especially true of the crossover market, where an ever-increasing number of new players means that even the Toyota Highlander, the segment’s best selling model since 2016, needs to take some calculated risk.
And sure enough, the Toyota Highlander went big with its 2020 redesign and is impressive in nearly every regard.
Continue reading “2020 Toyota Highlander”As one would rightfully suspect, the Corolla Hatchback has a lot in common with the Corolla sedan (which is a good thing) but one peek around at its backside, and it becomes instantly clear that the stylists went for some added edge. The focus on styling may have cost some utility points but for the individual seeking practicality and a sense of individuality, the “HB” is an appealing small car.
The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser is unquestionably over-built for typical day-to-day commuting though simply knowing that “it can” is a big part of its allure. Its reputation as being one of the most dependable over-landing adventure vehicles in existence is held with little debate, however, as its capabilities have increased with each successive generation, so has its size, price, and appetite for fuel – almost to absurdity. Is it still relevant in today’s climate where SUV’s require fewer compromises than ever before? That’s what I set out to determine.
I really enjoy off-roading. It’s my bag. But what I don’t like is compromise. I want a vehicle that is able to confidently explore the beauty of the Rockies, as well as navigate through town. I don’t want clumsiness at 75 mph or tipsy handling around the mountain curves. I want to be assured that the design reviews, layout checks, and durability test cycles have worked out the weak points and, what the heck, a warranty would be nice to have too. Is that too much to ask for? Not for the growing list of vehicles that can provide it all – for a price, of course.
This RAV4 TRD Off-Road model has rally-car charisma in the way that it feels light on its feet while soaking up the noise from the dirt road underneath. Its skills are unique among the TRD line-up and they also extend their benefits into many everyday driving situations such as traversing highways that have seen better days, navigating side streets littered with potholes, or navigating through tight parking lots. The TRD Off-Road has plenty of value-added performance (as its steep price tag indicates) and has been transformed from a best-selling RAV4 into a truly unique and adventurous vehicle.
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First off, the 2019 Toyota Yaris is a legitimate car. It may seem silly to state, but the decades of rental econoboxes have really tainted the small car image. The small Toyota hatchback can easily handle the daily demands of American life, from navigating tight parking, providing entertainment during the endless rush hour traffic, and even hauling a week’s worth of groceries or a trip to Home Depot. But is there enough charm in its minimalistic approach to put aside preconceived notions and ask the question of why not?
Many brands hope to develop instant name recognition but few have had their product’s distinct silhouette become synonymous with an entire category. The Prius has earned a place as the symbol of hybrid cars with its efficiency-focus engineering and now, it reaches into the all-wheel-drive arena with a motorized rear axle to better meet customer demand, of which, Toyota states, could make upward of a quarter of Prius sales.
The 2019 Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE brings all of the goodness of a completely new (for 2018) body structure and design theme. Looking to break out from the just-another-Camry mold, this latest generation sees increased refinement with higher quality interior materials and presents a sound case that this is the best Camry yet.