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
One in a series of articles examining makes and/or 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 … Read more
Toyota brings the TRD Off-Road to the RAV4 line. Things have certainly changed for Toyota and we’re not talking about the current pandemic world we live in. Prior to 2020, we saw a shift in car-buying habits that remains current today: consumers are moving away from traditional car models such … Read more
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
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
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
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 models. In more recent years we’ve seen the 4Runner, a midsize model based on … Read more
4×4 fun in a Toyota 4Runner. Sixty models came and went in 2014. Those 60 represented my weekly drivers, an array of utility vehicles, coupes, sedans, sports cars, pickup trucks and vans that I had the pleasure (or misfortune) of driving. All joking aside, even the most sedate of the … Read more
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
New models put the extreme in off-roading. Sport truck and SUV enthusiasts appreciate that Toyota Racing Development (TRD) has been providing design and engineering muscle to various Toyota products for the past 35 years. TRD delivers a viable alternative to what the domestics offer by routinely putting forth a collection … Read more
How to do you define a large crossover? That definition includes models that offer seating for at least six or seven, are powered by V-6 engines and offer generous storage room. GM builds more large crossovers than any other manufacturer, but it divides that production among three brands. Chrysler sells … Read more
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
The fifth generation Toyota 4Runner has been revealed, a midsize sport utility vehicle with standard seating for five or optional seating for seven. Like each model built to date, the all-new Toyota 4Runner features body-on-frame construction, an arrangement that makes it possible for the optional 44 model to handle off-road … Read more