Beyond 40 With the Toyota 4Runner

Toyota 4Runner 40th anniversary

If you’re an off-road enthusiast, then you’re familiar with the Toyota 4 Runner. This midsize, traditional body-on-frame SUV is an uncommon model in a segment dominated by crossovers. Yet, like the Jeep Wrangler and the revived Ford Bronco, its fandom remains strong some 40 years after it was introduced. Toyota … Read more

What is the Toyota Fortuner?

2021 Toyota Fortuner

One in a series of articles examining car models not sold in the U.S. market. The Toyota Fortuner is a mid-size SUV built by this Japanese brand since 2004. The Fortuner came to replace the highly successful 4Runner, as it was discontinued in most global markets (but not in the … Read more

2020 Lexus GX (The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly)

2020 Lexus GX

Toyota builds several modern and forward-thinking models, but the Lexus GX 460 is not one of them. Indeed, this midsize traditional body-on-frame utility vehicle features an aged design, which is undergirded by the same platform supporting the Toyota 4Runner. The Lexus has a modern look, which does its best to … Read more

Taking a 2019 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Through Uwharrie

2019 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited offroad

The Jeep Wrangler has a reputation for off-road prowess, but you’d never know how well this utility vehicle performs unless you personally put it to the test. Admittedly, my previous two times with the Wrangler barely touched on its capabilities, although navigating through several ruts offered a tantalizing taste of … Read more

Goodbye Toyota FJ Cruiser (One and Done)

Toyota FJ Cruiser

The Toyota FJ Cruiser is a unique sport utility vehicle, one that pays tribute to the Land Cruiser FJ40, a 1960s era off-road model. The FJ Cruiser, itself based on a modified version of the platform underpinning the previous generation Toyota 4Runner, enjoyed an eight-model-year run from 2007 through 2014. … Read more

2019 Toyota 4Runner Review

2019 Toyota 4Runner review

The TRD Pro is the only 4Runner model with “TOYOTA” emblazoned on its grille. True off-road SUV adventuring belongs to Jeep and Land Rover, with GMC, Ford and Chevrolet also represented. Not to be overlooked is Toyota, which has decades of experience in delivering various Land Cruiser, Sequoia, and FJ … Read more

2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser Ultimate Review

2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser review

Toyota is saying “good-bye” to its FJ Cruiser in a big way. To mark the end of this utility vehicle’s 8-year model run, it launched a special “Ultimate” edition in Jan. Instead of the usual solid color body with a white roof, this edition features a white grille and Heritage … Read more

2014 Toyota 4Runner Review

2014 Toyota 4Runner

It was an opportunity too good to pass up. Fly in to Atlanta, get whisked away to a luxuriant resort some 75 minutes north of the city, and then take in a ride and drive event for the third generation Toyota Tundra. Also making an appearance was the Toyota 4Runner, … Read more