Highlander,Tacoma and Tundra See Changes For 2013

For the 2013 model year Toyota has updated its truck and SUV line with trim and equipment upgrades. This year the Tacoma, Tundra each add a new trim level, with the Tundra receiving a new off-road oriented off-road trim. The 2013 Highlander Hybrid also sees some technology upgrades.

2013 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Changes

 

For 2013 every Highlander Hybrid models will come equipped with the Display Audio head unit with standard navigation and Entune. The hybrid models interior will also see an upgrade as it comes equipped with a Leather Premium Package instead of last year’s Leather Package. Every 2013 Highlander hybrid will include leather-trimmed heated seats, HomeLink, a power tilt/slide moonroof, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a leather-trimmed steering wheel.

For 2013 the Highlander Hybrid Limited model also adds rear automatic climate control, perforated leather seating surfaces, as well as a JBL Premium Audio system.

2013 Toyota Tacoma Changes

The 2013 Toyota Tacoma will add a new Limited package which adds a four-way adjustable driver’s seat, SofTex-trimmed heated front seats, variable-speed windshield wipers, metallic instrument panel trim, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror with rear camera display, exterior temperature gauge, and a Homelink universal transceiver.

2013 Toyota Tundra Changes

 

For 2013 the Tundra is back with the addition of a Platinum trim and a TRD Rock Warrior Special Edition package for 4×4 models. The Platinum trim, formerly a package on the Limited model, is now a stand-alone trim level.

The plush package includes a wood grain interior trim.and furnishes it with heated and ventilated front bucket seats, leather seating surfaces, a memory package, which includes two-position driver’s seat, exterior mirrors and steering wheel position memory, auto-dimming power-folding outside mirrors with turn signal indicators, navigation and a power tilt/slide moon-roof.

The TRD Rock Warrior package, for those that want a rougher truck, features Bilstein shock absorbers, Rock Warrior exterior graphic, 17-inch forged alloy wheels with LT285/70 R17 BF Goodrich T/A tires, fog lamps, privacy glass, an eight-way driver and four-way passenger adjustable black cloth bucket seats, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with backup display and HomeLink.

The Rock Warrior package is also available on the Limited trim level, which includes all the comfort and convenience features of the premium trim with a more aggressive look

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2013 Toyota 4Runner

Minimal changes announced for 2013

The Toyota 4Runner has always been known as one of the more capable SUVs in its segment. It combines style with suspension technology that allows it to ride comfortably even in bad road conditions.

The 2013 Toyota 4Runner will be available in three different trim levels: SR5, Limited, and Trail for off-road capability. All models are offered an optional third-row seat, allowing it to comfortably seat seven passengers.

The 2013 4Runner will be powered by a 4.0-liter V6, capable of producing 270 hp and mated to a five-speed ECT-i automatic transmission. The SR5 model replaces the 2012 model’s lever setup for its transfer case from the 2012 model with a switch-type control. Every 2013 model will be made available in rear-wheel drive, part-time four-wheel drive and full-time multi-mode four-wheel drive configurations.

For 2013 the Limited model also gets a few upgrades including an X-REAS suspension system which improves performance, vehicle control and comfort and control. The X-REAS system works by automatically adjusting restraining force when driving over bumpy surfaces and going around corners. The Limited also gets a full-time, four-wheel drive system equipped with a locking center differential and a three-mode, center console-mounted switch.

The Trail trim of the 2013 Toyota 4Runner offers Toyota’s Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) as an option, thus allowing it for a smoother trip, as well as better suspension for driving in difficult terrain.

The Trail grade of the 2013 4Runner comes standard equipped with Toyota’s Crawl Control which helps maintain the vehicles speed to keep it under control, thus minimizing load on its drivetrain and suspension components. The Trail model also has an available Multi-Terrain select function.

For the 2013 model year the 4Runner’s SR5 and Limited trims now come with automatic running boards, while the Limited model will get a new Display Audio system that incorporates today’s most in-demand connectivity features such as USB/Ipod connectivity and including Toyota’s Entune system.

While the 2013 4Runner will remain very similar to previous model, the few additions to the 2013 model offer a refreshed version of the already dominant SUV. The entertainment upgrades in the Limited model are also exciting. While not much has changed, we were already very pleased with the previous 4Runner model, and after all, if the shoe fits, wear it right?

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Vehicle Preview: 2013 Toyota Tacoma

If the Shoe Fits, Wear It!

Whats New?

For the 2013 model year Toyota proved the philosophy of if the shoe fits wear it!

For 2013 the new Toyota Tacoma will feature a new Limited grade package, just like the one offered on the Tundra. Also, every engine and body configuration will now carry daytime running lights, and all body types will have a new display screen when equipped with the Toyota’s Entune package. Lastly, all Tacoma models that are equipped with the Entune system will get added steering-wheel switches.

Limited Package

The 2013 Tacoma Double Cab 4x4 and PreRunner with the automatic transmission will be offered with a new Limited Package which includes the following features:  Chrome grille surrounds and rear bumper, chrome fog lamp housings, chrome door handles, chrome and power outside mirrors with turn signal indicators underneath, SofTex-trimmed heated front sport seats (with four-way adjustable driver’s seat), 18-inch chrome alloy wheels with P265/60R18 tires, color-keyed front bumper and over fenders, fog lamps, variable speed wipers, metallic tone instrument-panel trim, leather-trimmed steering wheel with audio controls, a leather-trimmed shifter, dual sun visors with extenders (with lighted mirrors), an auto-dimming rearview mirror with monitor and outside temperature gauge and HomeLink, as well as chrome Limited badging.

Pricing

Pricing for the 2013 Tacoma is the following: For the 4x2 Regular Cab with a four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual transmission the price will start at $17,520. For the 4x4 Double Cab V-6 long bed with a five-speed automatic the price goes up to $28,090.

Conclusion

Clearly, the 2013 model has no significant changes from the 2012 model, with the few exceptions listed above; however as we said before “if the shoe fits, wear it”. The 2012 model offered some great interior and exterior changes for the Toyota Tacoma. We don’t expect the same to follow next year, however for now the Toyota Tacoma took one more step at perfecting their craft.

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Vehicle Preview: 2013 Toyota Venza

Introduction

The Toyota Venza offers a combination of a great look, roominess and versatility that made it a main stay in the North American market. The 2013 Toyota Venza will be no different, offering consumers with SUV flexibility thanks to its fold-flat rear seats, a spacious cargo area, available AWD and up to 3,500-lbs. towing capacity.

What’s new for 2013?

The 2013 Toyota Venza now offers a redesigned exterior, as well as several new standard features and updated option packages that include Toyota’s Entune multi-media system.

The Venza’s exterior redesign will add a new upper and lower grille, fog lamps and rear taillights for the 2013 model year. The 2013 Venza will also get a 19-inch wheel design.

The 2013 Toyota Venza will be available in three new exterior colors: Attitude Black, Cypress Pearl, and Cosmic Gray Mica.

Interior Design

The 2013 Toyota Venza offers three interior colors: Ivory, Light Gray, and Black. Each color is offered in fabric and leather depending on the trim. 

One plus to the 2013 Toyota Venza is that it has a uniquely designed center console that gives both the driver and front passenger the feeling that 60 percent of the vehicles space is accessible from their seating position.

Trims and features

The 2013 Toyota Venza is available in the following trims: The base LE, mid-range XLE and the top of the line Limited trim.

The 2013 Venza is offered as either a four-cylinder or V-6 in the base LE and mid-range XLE trims while the Limited model is only available as a V-6.

Each trim level adds new features for the 2013 Venza. Those who buy the LE model will get new Display Audio systems, puddle lamps, a blind-spot side mirrors, and outer turn signals. In addition to Entune multi-media features, XLE models add on reverse-tilt outside mirrors, a memory power driver's seat, and a navigation system. The top of the line Limited models now get the above mentioned features plus LED daytime running lights, premium 13-speaker JBL sound and an upgraded navigation system.

Under the Hood

The 2013 Venza offers four and six cylinder models in FWD and AWD versions.  The Venza’s 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine pushes 181 horsepower and 182 lb.-ft. of torque and is EPA-rated at 21 MPG city/27 MPG highway for the FWD model and 20/25 for the AWD.The 3.5-liter V6 is able to produce 268 horsepower and 246 lb.-ft. of torque The V6 FWD model has EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 19 MPG city/26 MPG highway and 18/25 for the AWD. 

Both engines are mated to a six-speed sequential-shift electronically controlled automatic transmission with intelligence (ECT-i), which helps optimize fuel economy. Uphill/downhill shift logic selects the proper gear for driving conditions and helps provide moderate engine braking during downhill driving.

The 2013 Venza offers an available Towing Prep Package on V6 models which add on an engine oil cooler, a larger radiator fan and a heavy-duty alternator.

Safety

Safety features on the 2013 Venza include Toyota's STAR Safety System which features enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC) Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist and the Smart Stop Technology (SST).Other safety features include: a driver’s knee airbag, driver and front-passenger front-seat-mounted side airbags, and front and rear side-curtain airbags, Front seat-belt pretensioners and more.

One great safety feature in the 2013 Venza is the active headrests found on the driver and passenger seats.  This feature equips the seat with a cable mechanism that will move the headrest upward and forward if the vehicle is struck from the rear, and thus limiting the movement of the occupant's head.

Conclusion

I want to get my hands on one and give it a test drive! The new exterior gives it a much better look, while the extra features should make this one worth a trip to your dealer.

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