Vehicle Profile: 2013 Toyota Venza

The Toyota Venza is back for 2013! This crossover was created to provide SUV capability with luxury car refinement. It delivers the perfect combination of performance, luxury, versatility and bold design.

What’s New?

For 2013, the already stylish Venza sports a refreshed front fascia with foglamps, new upper and lower grilles, and new taillamps. A new 19-inch wheel design and three new exterior colors – Attitude Black, Cypress Pearl and Cosmic Gray Mica – round out the visual changes.

Trims

The 2013 Toyota Venza (MSRP $27,700) is available in 3 different trims: LE, XLE and Limited.

The LE comes equipped with a Display Audio system with 6.1-inch touch-screen, Bluetooth® wireless technology and dual-zone climate control. An available Convenience Package adds a power liftgate and rear back-up camera. There is also a Preferred Package, which gives the Venza LE a panoramic glass roof and adds navigation and Entune® to the Display Audio system.

The Venza XLE offers a little more luxury with the addition of a leather-trimmed steering wheel, seats and shift knob, multi-stage heated front seats and the Display Audio system complete with Entune and navigation as standard equipment. An anti-theft system with alarm, the Smart Key System with Push-Button Start and the power liftgate with back-up camera are also standard on the XLE. The only option package available for the XLE is the Premium Package, which adds the panoramic glass roof and a JBL® audio system with 13 JBL Synthesis speakers including subwoofer.

The top Limited trim comes standard with the panoramic glass roof, Premium HDD Navigation with Entune and the JBL speaker system, and adds High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps with LED daytime running lights.

All Venza trims are available with a choice of front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), and all models come equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission. LE and XLE models offer your choice of a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 181 hp or a 3.5-liter V6 that puts out 268 hp. The Venza Limited is available exclusively with the V6.

Performance

Fuel economy for the FWD four-cylinder Venza is EPA-estimated at 21 mpg city/27 mpg highway, with the AWD model coming in at 20 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. V6 models return 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway for FWD and 18/25 for AWD.

For those of you looking to lug some stuff around, the 2013 Venza offers an optional Tow Prep Package for V6-equipped models, which provides a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. That is nearly the full weight of the Venza itself.

Safety

The 2013 Toyota Venza is equipped with Toyota’s Star Safety System™ which includes safety features such as Traction Control (TRAC) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) combined with advanced airbags. Antilock brakes (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and Smart Stop brake override technology (SST) are also included in the Star Safety System.

Conclusion

The 2013 Toyota Venza received substantial improvements in entertainment and connectivity from its predecessor, while remaining a comfortable, practical, and stylish pick for those who are not looking for a super rugged SUV.

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Vehicle Profile: 2013 Toyota 4Runner

The Toyota 4Runner is back for 2013!

This bad boy has the ability to seat up to seven and is offered in three available trims: the all around well-equipped SR5, the off-road-capable Trail and the luxury minded Limited.

Under the Hood

Every trim comes standard equipped with a 270-hp 4.0-liter V6 paired with a five-speed Electronically Controlled automatic Transmission with intelligence (ECT-i).

Drivetrain options for all 2013 models include rear-wheel drive (4x2), part-time four-wheel drive (4x4) and full-time multi-mode 4x4 with locking center differential. Fuel economy for the 4Runner has been EPA-estimated at 17 mpg city/22 mpg for 4x2 models, and 17 mpg city/21 mpg highway for 4x4s. New for 2013, the SR5 features a switch control for the transfer case, in place of a lever.

Trim Features

Limited trim models of the 2013 Toyota 4Runner come standard with an X-REAS suspension system that automatically adjusts to changing surfaces. The system also features a center control absorber that links the 4Runners shocks at opposite corners to reduce yaw and pitch (which would cause the vehicle to move side to side or dip forward otherwise). The benefit of the X-REAS system is that it makes the 4Runner Limited corner flatter and handle more predictably across uneven surfaces.

The 4x4 SR5 and Trail trims feature the two-speed, part-time four-wheel drive system with a neutral position, while the Limited comes with the full-time 4x4 system with the locking center differential.

The A-TRAC traction control system is standard on all 4x4 models and can send power to any one wheel in contact with the ground, making sure that power is not wasted on tires with little or no traction. Downhill Assist Control (DAC) and Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) are also standard systems on all 4x4-equipped 4Runner trims.

2013 4Runner buyers who opt for the Trail trim will have the option to upgrade to Toyota’s Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), which is an optional upgrade that allows the 4Runner to dynamically disconnect its stabilizer bars for greater suspension travel, making the 4Runner better able to negotiate difficult terrain. Also for the Trail trim is standard equipped Crawl Control (CRAWL) which acts as a low-speed throttle control, making it easier for drivers to focus on steering through rough terrain. Lastly, the Trail trim is standard equipped with a Multi-Terrain Select system which lets the driver select differing levels of wheel slip to match terrain conditions.

The Limited trim for the 2013 Toyota 4Runner brings high levels of luxury equipment as standard features for your 4Runner including: Leather seats, a standard Audio Display system equipped with navigation and Entune^®, and dual-zone climate control. There is an available JBL^® premium sound system with 15 speakers for owners who desire more audio power.

To make the 4Runner more versatile, an available third-row seat provides seven-passenger capacity, and an available pull-out cargo deck allows you to more easily load cargo. No need to worry about how much your groceries weigh either, as the shelf can support up to 440 pounds.

Safety Features

The 2013 Toyota 4Runner is equipped with the Toyota Star Safety System^™, which includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with traction control and Antilock Brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) Brake Assist (BA) and Smart Stop Technology (SST).

To make sure the car protecting you is also protected, the 2013 4Runner comes with a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The 4Runner also comes standard with Toyota Care^®, which covers normal factory-scheduled maintenance and provides 24-hour roadside assistance for two years or 25,000 miles.

Conclusion

The 2013 Toyota 4Runner offers a little bit for everybody. Whether you want a rugged, a luxury or a well rounded SUV, the Toyota 4Runner will certainly be a crowd please. MSRP for 2013 Toyota 4Runner starts at $31,340.

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Vehicle Profile: 2013 Toyota Tacoma

Luxurious and Tough to Match 

The Toyota Tacoma is back for 2013 adding new enhancements for this model year. The new upgrades for the 2013 Toyota Tacoma look to increase the refinement of the vehicle. Look for the Tacoma to also sport a refreshed look for added visual appeal.

What’s New?

The new upgrades for 2013 help to add new levels of comfort to the interior , thanks to the Tacoma’s new Limited Package, which adds some improved interior features like SofTex^®-trimmed heated seats, a leather-trimmed steering wheel with audio controls, a Display Audio System with Entune^™ and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror with a rear camera display.

The exterior updates for the Tacoma under the Limited Package include 18-inch chrome wheels, a chrome grille surround and fog lamps, while adding a chrome rear bumper, exterior mirrors and door handles.

What Stayed?

Some features from the Tacoma’s predecessor carried over from last year, including the many customization options.

The Toyota Tacoma offers three cab sizes, two engine choices, available 4WD and multiple performance packages, making this a very customizable vehicle depending on your needs. The 2013 Tacoma’s engine choices include a 159-hp 2.7-liter four-cylinder that can be mated to a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission. The 4.0-liter V6 produces 236 hp and comes paired with a six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic.

Cabin options for the 2013 Toyota Tacoma include: a Regular Cab, Access Cab and Double Cab.

The Regular Cab and Access Cab models come standard with a 73.5-inch bed, while the Double Cab gets a shorter, 60.3-inch bed standard, though it does offer the longer bed as an option. Mileage estimates range from an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city/25 mpg highway for the Regular Cab 2.7-liter with the five-speed manual, to 16 mpg city/21 mpg highway for the 4.0-liter V6 4x4 Double Cab long bed with the five-speed automatic.

The 2013 Tacoma 4x2 Regular Cab features a Display Audio stereo with a 6.1-inch touch-screen, Bluetooth^® and USB capability. All Access Cab and Double Cab models get added features like power windows and locks. The Double Cab V6 models feature a more advanced version of the Display Audio system with seven JBL GreenEdge Synthesis speakers including a subwoofer.

Off Road and Safety

Looking to take this bad boy off into the dirt? Then you are looking for a little more capability than the standard 4x4 provides. If you are one of those drivers, Toyota offers the TRD Off-Road Package for V6 automatic models. The package includes Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), Downhill Assist Control (DAC) and a switch-activated locking rear differential. HAC controls the brakes on each wheel independently to stop the Tacoma from rolling backwards or sliding sideways when climbing a grade from a stop. DAC works by using engine braking and brake control to regulate downhill speeds.

The Tacoma, like all Toyota vehicles, features the Star Safety System^™, which includes Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, an Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist, and Smart Stop brake override technology. Each Tacoma also comes equipped with six airbags. To keep your Tacoma in optimal running condition, the standard Toyota Care covers all scheduled maintenance for two-years/25,000 miles. Free 24-hour roadside assistance is also included with Toyota Care.

The 2013 Tacoma’s refreshed look and luxury features give it an overall nicer feel, while at the same time maintaining all of the power and favorite features from the previous models.

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Vehicle Profile: 2013 Toyota Avalon

Avalon redesign aims to bring it back to the top of the class

It all began this year when Toyota began hinting plans to reveal a new vehicle at the New York Auto Show (Read at: http://newtoyotanews.blogspot.com/2012/03/toyota-to-debut-new-sedan.html). After much hoopla, Toyota revealed that the new sedan would come in the form of a new and improved version of the 2013 Toyota Avalon. The redesigned Avalon raised the bar on its predecessors with new styling and the introduction of the first full-hybrid in the segment.

What’s New?

So what’s new with the 2013 Avalon? Simply put, the new 2013 Toyota Avalon is shorter, lower, and less wide than previous models, and it features a brand new design created here in America, and featuring a smooth, sleek shape with muscular lines as well as a sporting profile. In addition to being designed in the U.S., the new Avalon is also assembled in the USA, at the Toyota Manufacturing Plant in Georgetown, Kentucky.

 Under the Hood

Under the hood, the standard Avalon has seen enhanced capability and fuel economy. Toyota’s go to engine, the 3.5-liter V6, now comes matched to a more responsive, and efficient, six-speed automatic transaxle. This all-aluminum engine is able to produce 268 HP, which allows the Avalon to go from 0 to 60 mph in less than seven seconds.

The 2013 model also sees the addition of three driver-selectable powertrain modes: “ECO,” “NORMAL” and “SPORT”.

In SPORT mode, the new Avalon sees an increase in its acceleration response, as well as enhanced steering feel. ECO mode maximizes the Avalon’s fuel efficiency by altering its throttle response and reducing the energy used by the air-condition system, allowing the Avalon to achieve an impressive 31 mpg highway estimate from the EPA. The 2013 Toyota Avalon has a city fuel efficiency rating of 21 mpg.

Looking to save money on the pump?

Looking for the best possible fuel economy? Then the all-new, segment-first full-hybrid Avalon is the way to go. Award-winning Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive combines with the Avalon Hybrid’s reduced weight and more aerodynamic shape to deliver an EPA-estimated 39 mpg highway and 40 mpg city. The Avalon Hybrid features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder paired with a nickel-metal hydride battery pack. There is also a pair of electric motor/generators within the transaxle. 

The system has a total power output of 200 hp and has three separate driving modes: “EV,” “ECO” and “SPORT.” 

EV mode allows the Avalon to travel on pure electric energy for up to one mile at speeds up to 25 mph. This is especially useful for traveling through parking lots and residential areas. ECO mode uses the gasoline motor, but adjusts throttle response and climate control to help improve fuel economy. Sport mode, designed to take advantage of the dynamic characteristics of the Avalon, alters engine throttle and enhances steering feel.

 Safety

The Avalon comes with the Toyota Star Safety System™ and is standard equipped with Toyota Care. The Star Safety System includes a very impressive array of safety features including: Traction Control and Vehicle Stability Control combined with advanced airbags. Anti-lock brakes, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist and Smart Stop brake override technology are also included in the Star Safety System. While Star Safety protects you, the Toyota Care complimentary maintenance program provides free factory scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles.

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2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser

The 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser is back with minimal changes for the new model year.

This year the FJ cruiser will see a new available color scheme for the Trail Teams Special Edition. Other changes include standard power outside mirrors with illuminated markers and a new Magma Red exterior color.

But the highlight for the new year is the Trail Teams Special Edition Package, which incorporates a standard Off-Road Package and features a new color, Cement Grey, replacing Radiant Red. The exterior gets a sportier look with black bumpers, front grille, and door handles, while the interior gets matching Cement Grey accents on the door trim, steering wheel, and fabric seat inserts.

Under the hood, the FJ Cruiser comes equipped with a cyclone pre-air cleaner designed to trap sand and dirt. Those who opt for the Trail Teams package will have give their FJ Cruiser better chassis performance thanks to trail-tuned Bilstein shock absorbers, a rear differential lock with Active Traction Control system, fuel tank, and transfer cases, skid plates, and rock rails, while the exterior gets 16-inch Toyota Racing Development (TRD) wheels mated to 265/75ZR16 All-Terrain tires from BF Goodrich.

The FJ Cruiser can be configured as 4×2 or 4×4 and will be powered by a 4.0-liter V6 engine able to produce 260-hp and 272 lb-ft of torque. Interior technology includes USB Port, iPod connectivity, and XM Satellite Radio Capability.

The 2013 FJ Cruise also offers a Convenience Package which adds cruise control, daytime running lights, a rear window wiper, and a spare tire cover, plus a rear backup camera--really a necessity if you plan to drive the FJ around town, or parallel-park.

Optional for the FJ Cruiser to increase towing capacity is a Class Four hitch receiver, making the vehicle capable of towing up to 5,000 lbs.

If you are looking to combine trail ability with fresh styling, then go for the Trail Teams Special Edition Package. It includes most of the above named extras plus body color-matched interior highlights, off-road lights, an aluminum shift knob and aluminum scuff plates. Lastly for 2013, the Trail Teams Package is newly offered in Cement Gray.

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2013 Toyota Corolla Vehicle Preview

What’s New?

The Toyota Corolla is back for the 2013 model year and it now offers a new front grille. Also for 2013, the midlevel LE trim adds a chrome-accented beltline and grille.

Under the Hood

The 2013 Toyota Corolla is powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder that can be paired to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Front disc and rear drum brakes are standard on all 2013 models.

The 2013 Corolla’s 1.8 liter engine is able to push 132-horsepower with 128 pounds-feet of torque. Gas figures for the 2013 Corolla are 26-27 MPG City and 34 MPG’s Highway:

Trims

The 2013 Toyota Corolla is available in three trims: L, S and LE trims.

As mentioned before all Corolla trims get a new front grille for the 2013 model year.

S trim models offer unique steering wheel, gauges and sport seats, while the LE trim gets a chrome grille and a chrome-accented beltline. Both LE and S trims get standard a 6.1-inch touch-screen display with USB connectivity and Bluetooth streaming audio.

The LE offers two new available packages, and the S three new packages, including a Premium Complete Package, which comes with an available navigation radio with a 6.1-inch touch-screen, HD Radio that comes complete with iTunes tagging iPod connectivity, Bluetooth audio streaming, automatic climate control and Toyota’s Entune navigation system.

Starting MSRP for the 2013 Corolla is between $16,230to $18,230, depending on trim level.

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Toyota Announces Pricing for Baja Series Tacoma

Do you love off-roading as much as we do? If so you will be happy to read that Toyota Motor Inc. has announced pricing for the TRD T/X Baja Series package for the Tacoma pickup truck. The off-road package will add $5,015 to the sticker price of a four-wheel-drive Toyota Tacoma, bringing the price to $33,800 (after the $650 factory credit and including shipping charges)

The Baja Series Package can be ordered on both the Tacoma Access and Double Cab 4x4 models equipped with the TRD Off-Road Package.

The Baja Series package adds the following features to your Tacoma:

A 4.0-liter V-6 engine with either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission, an electronically-controlled locking rear differential, traction and hill control systems.

Performance upgrades for the package includes a TRD exhaust system, raised suspension sitting on Bilstein shocks and TRD coil springs, and BF Goodrich T/A KO tires (LT265/70R16).

On top of these features the TRD T/X Baja Series package increases  the Tacoma’ s front ride height by nearly two inches and adds bead-lock style off-road wheels for a better off-road experience.

The Baja Series was co-developed with Toyota Racing Development (TRD), The automakers motorsports and performance division. It gets its name from Mexico's Baja California Peninsula, where the grueling Baja 500 and 1000 desert off-road races are held. Toyota has a long history with these races, earning numerous titles at the Baja 500 and the Baja 1000.

The Tacoma received an upgrade for 2012, offering buyers a restyled front end that included a new hood, grille and headlights. The Tacoma also received some interior redesigns.  For more information on the redesigned 2012 Tacoma go to http://newtoyotanews.blogspot.com/2012/02/2012-toyota-tacoma.html

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