In a market with many fully electric vehicles, you would expect a list of the 12 greenest cars on the market to be dominated by EVs, and the list by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) meets that expectation. But the big surprise, and what Valley Hi Toyota is excited to inform you about, is that the number one model on the list is the Toyota Prius Prime SE.
ACEEE is a nonprofit research organization dedicated to developing transformative policies to reduce energy waste and combat climate change. ACEEE created the list to recognize the 12 vehicles it found through its research that best facilitate its goals. Vehicles were rated both on a Green Score and Estimated Annual Fuel Costs. To calculate the Green Score, ACEEE evaluated over 1,200 2024 model-year vehicles based on their cost to human health from air pollution associated with:
- Vehicle manufacturing and disposal
- Production and distribution of fuel or electricity they consume
- Vehicle tailpipe emissions.
Among all the models evaluated, the Toyota Prius Prime SE stood out with the highest Green Score of 71. But that’s not all. It also is rated with the lowest estimated annual fuel cost of just $529, based on U.S. Energy Information Administration data on gasoline, electricity, or a combination thereof. This cost-effectiveness makes the Prius Prime SE a smart financial choice for environmentally conscious car buyers.
The Prius Prime SE can be plugged in for 11 hours overnight on a standard household plug or four hours on a Level 2 charger, which will provide an EPA-estimated 45 miles of EV-only driving. This is enough to cover most, if not all, of most people’s commute or daily driving needs. When the gas engine is engaged, it will deliver an estimated 52 combined mpg and can have 600 miles of total range. Its overall MPGe rating is 127.
ACEEE does not mention that the 2024 Prius Prime is also one of the most stylish cars on the road and offers a combined 220 horsepower. When using both its engine and electric motors, the Prime reaches 0-60 in just 6.7 seconds, as measured by Car and Driver. The base MSRP for the Prius Prime is $32,975.
It is worth noting that out of the ACEEE list of the 12 Greenest cars, five are Toyota models. After the Prius Prime, the next four models in the ranking are indeed EVs, including the Toyota bZ4X. The next model, ranking in the 6th position, is the RAV4 Prime. In the 9th position is the Camry Hybrid LE, and in the 11th is the Corolla Hybrid.
The ACEEE also published a list of the 12 Meanest mass-market automobiles, none of which is a Toyota. While the list includes high-performance luxury cars, there are some Toyota competitors.
There are many areas to consider when purchasing a new car, and fuel efficiency can be chief among them. Because fuel efficiency indicates low environmental impact, it is all the better. Take a look at the Impressive Prius Prime and the many highly desirable green and efficient Toyota models at Valley Hi Toyota.
The Camry has a reputation for being considered a good family car, but it is still always welcome to have been declared the best. Valley Hi Toyota is proud to inform you that U.S. News & World Report awarded the 2024 Camry as the “Best Midsize Car for Families” and the 2024 Camry Hybrid as the “Best Hybrid Car for Families. “
The awards underscore the Camry’s ability to score well in a wide range of areas. Specifically, U.S. News & World Report rated the Camry and its competitors in the following categories:
- Performance
- Fuel Economy
- Interior
- Value
- Safety
- Quality & Reliability
- Critic’s Rating
The Camry scored admirably in all areas and earned 9.6 (out of 10) in safety and 10.0 in fuel economy. The Camry Hybrid, compared against other hybrid models, also scored a 9.6 in Safety and a 9.1 in fuel economy, and nowhere did it score below 7.2.
Another important point about the Camry is how it offers a model for every budget and taste. You have 4-cylinder, 6-cylinder, and hybrid drivetrains, a choice of front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, and two model hierarchies, with one offering increasing luxury and another that is sport-focused.
For the economically minded, the 2.5-liter inline-4 powertrain gets an EPA estimated city/highway/combined rating of up to 28 / 29 / 32. Of course, for the fuel efficiency-minded, the Hybrid model can deliver up an astounding 51 / 53 / 52 mpg. For the performance inclined, the 3.5-liter V6, which is now a distinct rarity in the segment, offers up to 301 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque while still providing a fuel economy of 22 / 31 / 25.
US News & World Report describes the Camry cabin as “attractive and well-constructed,” and the front seats are “well-padded and provide good support. There’s plenty of head- and legroom on offer, and outward visibility is good in all directions.”
On the safety front, 2024 Camrys have not been thoroughly tested by the NHTSA, but all 2023 models that have been, scored an overall 5-star rating. In addition, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named the 2024 Camry as a TOP SAFETY PICK. All models are equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ suite of safety and driver assist technologies, which include:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD)
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA)
- Automatic High Beams (AHB)
- Lane Tracing Assist (LTA)
- Road Sign Assist (RSA)
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC)
“The Best Midsize and Hybrid Car for Families awards are a testament to the blend of sport-inspired style, highly efficient performance, and driver-inspired interior offered by the Toyota Camry,” said Mike Tripp, Group Vice President Toyota Marketing. “These awards are a tribute to the passion of our North American design, engineering, and manufacturing teams who build America’s number one selling sedan. We are grateful to earn this honor from U.S. News & World Report.”
Toyota repeatedly shows how they know what families want in their cars. Another post in this blog describes how the Highlander Hybrid earned US News & World Report’s “Best Hybrid SUV” award.
The Camry’s winning attributes are no secret and have contributed to the model being the top sedan in the US for over two decades. Come and see the latest Camry, Camry Hybrid, or even the Highlander Hybrid models at Valley Hi Toyota, and see for yourself why they are award-winning.
Tacoma TRD OFF-Road is the Undisputed Winner in Car and Driver Comparison with Colorado ZR2
For a long while, the glory days of mid-size pickup trucks were back in the 1980s, when every manufacturer had one or had Mazda, Isuzu, or Mitsubishi make one for them. But now, that period is just the first glory days for the smaller pickup truck category because there is another one right now. Toyota, Ford, GM, and Nissan have all redesigned their trucks in the past two years. The trucks are a little larger and carry power that would have made full-size trucks envious not long ago, and they all have their off-road focused models.
Car and Driver compared two of the most popular off-road models: the 2024 Toyota TRD Off-Road and the 2024 Colorado ZR-2. Our headline gives away the ending, and the article is worth reading, but Valley Hi Toyota is here to give you the highlights.
The Players
The TRD Pro is Toyota’s most extreme off-road player, but the TRD OFF-road has long been the most popular. Car and Driver selected a TRD Off-Road equipped with the 378 horsepower version of the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine, which produces 317 lb-ft of torque when paired with the 8-speed automatic. Off-road goodies include 32-inch BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A tires, 46-mm Bilstein monotube dampers with external dampers, an electronically lockable rear differential, and the multi-terrain and crawl-control systems found in the top TRD Pro trim. The truck also included the $1230 disconnectable front anti-roll bar option. Heated seats and the JBL audio system brought the price from its base of $43,295 to $47,480.
Except for the overlander-focused AEV variant, the Colorado ZR2 is the model line’s top off-roader. Its TurboMax 2.7-liter turbocharged inline-four gives it a power advantage of 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft. of torque. Notable off-road hardware includes 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires, Multimatic spool-valve dampers, and electronically lockable front and rear differentials. Its base MSRP is quite lofty at $48,295, and the one Car and Driver had was optioned up to $61,590. That is quite a gap to which Car and Driver states: “…we have faith in our scoring system, which deducts points for added cost just as it awards them for extra features.”
Performance
The discussion of the exterior and interior is worth reading, mainly because Tacoma was the favorite, but for this post, we will skip directly to how the models performed. The first surprise was on-road acceleration, where despite its power deficit, Tacoma matched Colorado’s 0-60 6.8 second time and quarter-mile time of 15.2 seconds, with the TRD having trap speed of 92 mph to the ZR2’s 89 mph. As for the on-road experience, they had this to say: “The Toyota feels much more eager when it’s time to crank in some steering and squeeze the brakes, to the point that we’d call it a deft handler, engaging on the sorts of twisty roads that invariably lead to a trailhead. In places where the Colorado feels recalcitrant, the Tacoma is ready to play along.”
When off the road, they said this: “The Tacoma’s turbo 2.4-liter always felt more ready, willing, and able. Its transmission in the default setting was more eager to downshift and keep the party going than the ZR2’s was in Baja mode.” While they mention that the ZR2’s Multimatic dampers were better at soaking up bumps on the highway, they found the ZR2’s suspension lacking in flex when off-road. They have a metric for that, with the ZR2 scoring 461 in their ramp travel index, which is bettered by the TRD’s 489 with the disconnecting stabilizer bar.
Conclusion
This summarization of the comparison is music to our ears: “We were so impressed when the ZR2 first came out that we doubted Toyota could pull ahead again, but the new Tacoma proves that it absolutely has. The 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road is the clear winner here. It’s also on a different plane of existence from the aged truck it replaces. It goes about its business with enthusiasm in terms of powertrain response and handling, and it’s quite capable off-road. Its interior is smart and easy to live with, and it’s more entertaining to drive on your way to the dirt.”
If you have been considering these two new models, Car and Driver has done the hard work for you. Your next step should be to head to Valley Hi Toyota and look at the TRD Off-Road or any of the new Tacoma models for yourself.
The Legendary Land Cruiser Returns for 2024
The first Toyota Land Cruiser was introduced to the United States in 1958. Decades before the term SUV was invented, the Land Cruiser started its journey to become legendary for off-road capability and durability worldwide. The model continued through several design generations before going on hiatus in the U.S. after the 2021 model year. Now, Valley Hi Toyota is pleased to announce the return of an all-new Land Cruiser, which is now on sale.
The all-new 2024 Land Cruiser has stayed true to its roots as an extremely capable off-roader with standard or available premium features. It is significantly more affordable than the previous model, with a base MSRP of $55,950.
“The complete redesign of the all-new Land Cruiser amounts to an incredible evolution of the vehicle. We know this new iteration had big shoes to fill, and I am absolutely thrilled to report it has exceeded our high expectations.” said Mike Tripp, Vice President of Toyota Marketing. “This vehicle retains its legendary capability, and now it offers a significantly lower starting price, tons of creature comforts and even more maneuverability on the trails. We are excited for the world to experience the next edition of Land Cruiser.”
Strong Truck Platform
The new Land Cruiser is built on a version of the TNGA-F global truck platform that also underpins the Tundra, Sequoia, and Tacoma. Off-road capability is the top priority, but the platform enables refined handling and comfort. Both strength and ride comfort result from increased frame rigidity, which occurred in part by innovations such as laser blank welding technology, which pinpoints where reinforcement is needed without wasting mass where it is not. The frame is fully boxed, resulting in a Land Cruiser with an overbuilt structure ready for whatever you can throw at it.
i-FORCE MAX hybrid Powered
Those familiar with Toyota’s new trucks will recognize the i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain under the hood of all Land Cruiser models. As on the Tacoma, the powertrain consists of a 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-4 with an electric motor sandwiched between it and the 8-speed transmission. The combined power of the system is 326 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque. That is significantly more torque than the previous Land Cruiser’s V-8 produced. In addition, the 2024 Land Cruiser has received an EPA-estimated mpg rating of 23 combined, a higher combined rating than any previous Land Cruiser model. The frame and powertrain combine for a possible 6,000-pound towing capacity.
Conquering the Rough and Rugged with Sophistication
All Land Cruisers have a full-time four-wheel drive system with a 2-speed transfer case and both center and rear-locking differentials. The electronic locking rear differential can help split the power 50/50 between the rear wheels for improved traction and reduced wheel spin on rough terrain. Also included is an updated CRAWL Control function that acts as a low-speed, off-road cruise control with five selectable speeds. Downhill Assist Control will also limit vehicle speed on steep descents, allowing the driver to concentrate on steering. On-pavement traction aids include vehicle stability control (VSC) and an automatic limited-slip differential (Auto LSD).
Toyota’s Multi-Terrain Select is available and is now functional in both 4WD High and 4WD Low. The system offers adjustable settings to help control wheel spin on various terrains, such as Mud, Dirt, and Sand. Also available is the Multi-Terrain Monitor system, which is the onboard spotter that enables you to spot and steer around potential obstacles ahead.
Toyota has by no means overlooked that the Land Cruiser must also be effective and comfortable on pavement. The TNGA-F platform’s rigidity adds strength and improves the vehicle’s ride comfort and on-road manners. The cabin includes modern connectivity such as wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility, which appears on either an 8-inch or 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen, and an available configurable 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. Also available is Qi® wireless charging and a 14-speaker JBL® audio system. There are also two USB-C charging ports for the front row, two more for the second row, and a 2400-watt AC inverter house-type plug (120V) in the cargo area.
All 2024 Land Cruiser models come standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, Toyota’s suite of active safety and convenience systems. This suite of features includes:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
- Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Lane Tracing Assist
- Road Sign Assist
- Automatic High Beams
- Proactive Driving Assist
A new addition to Toyota Safety Sense, Proactive Driving Assist, is designed to provide gentle braking into curves or gentle braking and steering to help support driving tasks such as distance control between a preceding vehicle, pedestrian, or bicyclist. This is a driver-assist system, unlike the Pre-Collision System, which works on an emergency basis.
Three-Grade Model Line
The model line starts with the Land Cruiser 1958, named after the year of its original U.S. debut. The model nods to the original model with retro-round LED headlights flanking the iconic “TOYOTA” heritage grille while offering cloth seating surfaces, as well as the standard features mentioned above.
The step-up is simply called “Land Cruiser.” It adds rectangular LED headlamps, power, heated and ventilated SofTex®-trimmed front seats, a 12.3-inch driver information display, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and a 10-speaker sound system. Mechanical features include the Stabilizer Disconnect Mechanism (SDM), Multi-Terrain Select (MTS), and a Multi-Terrain Monitor (MTM) system.
A Premium Package for this grade includes leather-trimmed heated and ventilated power front seats with lumbar support and driver memory features. The package also includes a 14-speaker JBL premium audio system, digital rearview mirror, Head-up Display (HUD), illuminated entry, power moonroof, center console cool box, and two additional USB-C ports in the cargo area.
The top of the model line is the First Edition. It includes all the features in the Premium Package plus the round LED headlamps, unique 18-inch wheels, a roof rack, rock rails, and a front skid plate.
The Land Cruiser is back and better than ever! The first models have already arrived in the Valley Hi Toyota inventory. Check out the return of the Legend!
Valley Hi Toyota is thrilled to share that the 2024 Highlander Hybrid has been crowned the “Best Hybrid SUV for Families” by U.S. News & World Report. This prestigious accolade is a testament to Toyota’s unwavering commitment to delivering unmatched quality, innovation, and performance to families across North America.
Toyota, by far, develops, markets, and sells more hybrid vehicles than any other manufacturer, and it is hard to think of a better application for the technology than the Highlander. The Highlander can be expected to perform all the around-town duties of an active family as well as be the vehicle of choice for long-distance travel. With EPA-estimated fuel mileage of 36 in the city and 35 on the highway for FWD models and a minuscule drop to 35 for city and highway on AWD models, the Highlander saves families in fuel costs every day.
“We are thrilled to receive this great award from U.S. News & World Report,” said Mike Tripp, Group Vice President Toyota Marketing. “It is a testament to our ongoing commitment to offer vehicles with family-friendly features that fit busy lifestyles. We look forward to continuing to focus on what customers need and providing families with vehicles that help them take on each day.”
Built for American Families
Assembled in Toyota’s Princeton, Indiana manufacturing facility, the Highlander Hybrid is crafted with precision and attention to detail. From its long, lean exterior to its meticulously designed interior and room for either 7 or 8, the Highlander Hybrid stands out in terms of style and functionality.
Hybrid Power and Economy
The Highlander Hybrid is powered by a 2.5-liter inline-4 combined with Toyota’s Hybrid system, which has either two permanent magnet synchronous motors in the front for FWD models or one motor in front and another in the rear for AWD models. Combined power is 243 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque for FWD models and 265 hp and 310 lb-ft for AWD models. The model has a towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds.
Wide Model Range
An additional attraction of the Highlander Hybrid is the wide range of its availability from the economically accessible LE, with a starting MSRP of $40,970 on through the model hierarchy of LE Nightshade, XLE, XLE Nightshade, Limited, and Platinum grades, there is a Highlander Hybrid to fit a wide range of families.
As a family-centered vehicle, all models come standard with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ suite of safety and driver assistance technologies, including:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD)
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA)
- Automatic High Beams (AHB)
- Lane Tracing Assist (LTA)
- Road Sign Assist (RSA)
- Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC)
Inside, drivers and passengers alike will enjoy the U.S.-developed Toyota Audio Multimedia System with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ and additional connectivity via one USB media port and four USB charging ports. Audio systems range from a 6-speaker standard system to the available 11-speaker JBL audio system, which includes a powered subwoofer.
It is a sophisticated model designed to please a wide variety of people, and the best way to get to know it is to visit Valley Hi Toyota and test drive one. Bring the whole family.
Living in California and having access to a hydrogen fuel station is all you need to drive the luxury sedan of the future. The 2024 Mirai is a large, comfortable rear-drive sedan that uses a hydrogen fuel cell and electric motor as its power plant. Like gasoline, hydrogen can be refilled in a matter of minutes rather than hours and can be filled to 100% rather than 80%, as is the norm for most EVs at public charge stations. That gives the Mirai an operating range of up to 402 miles. Valley Hi Toyota offers this brief rundown on the Hydrogen-powered Mirai.
Electric Power, Hydrogen Energy Storage
The best way to think about the Mirai is that it is an electric car storing energy as hydrogen rather than a battery. Just as electrolysis breaks water into hydrogen and oxygen, a fuel cell does the opposite, combining hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity, with the only emission being water vapor. The electricity powers a motor connected to the rear wheels. Electricity overflow and power from regenerative braking is stored in a lithium-ion battery to use as needed.
Thus, the Mirai benefits from the smooth, quiet, and high torque characteristics of an EV. Yet when refueling, compressed hydrogen moves much faster than electrons, so the car is fully refueled in a matter of minutes. Toyota sweetens the deal by providing up to $15,000 of complementary hydrogen upon purchase or lease.
Lexus Platform
Outside its unique drivetrain, the Mirai is a large, comfortable, luxurious sedan. It shares its GA-L rear-drive platform with the Lexus LS and LC models. The exterior is long and smooth with a 0.29 drag coefficient thanks to its overall shape and plenty of aerodynamic enhancing details, such as windshield wipers that retract to a lower position when not in use. The car has a near 50:50 weight distribution and a low center of gravity. LED lighting is all around, including auto-leveling LED headlights and projected LED “puddle lights” that light the ground by the car upon your approach.
Plenty of Comfort
Inside, the Mirai is every bit the high-tech luxury sedan with a standard 12.3-inch digital driver’s display and a second 12.3-inch center screen resting on an elegantly sweeping dash design. Wireless charging is standard, with one USB media port and three USB type C charging ports. The Mirai XLE grade features heated SoftTex®– trimmed front seats with 8-way power adjustability for the driver and 4-way power adjustability for the front passenger. The Limited has perforated SoftTex®-trimmed front seats that are both heated and ventilated and adds 8-way power adjustability for the front passenger. Rear passengers get touch-sensitive controls for the climate system and the shade panel for the panorama sunroof. The Limited adds manual shades for the rear window and rear door windows.
Every Mirai has the latest in Toyota connectivity, including wireless smartphone compatibility and a one-month trial for Wifi-Connect that turns the Mirai into a hotspot for up to five different devices. Available audio sources include HD Radio®, USB data, and a SiriusXM® 3-month trial subscription. For 2024, the Mirai has the latest Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite of safety and driver assist features.
Hydrogen-Powered Perks
Besides the $15,000 of free hydrogen, there are several additional Mirai owner benefits, including:
- Extended ToyotaCare for three years or 35,000 miles (whichever comes first)
- Safety Connect Enhanced Roadside Assistance for up to 10 years, including expedited towing service and trip interruption reimbursement
- Dedicated Mirai 24/7 phone support for three years
- Complementary hydrogen fuel of $15,000, or up to three years for new Mirai leases or up to six years for new Mirai purchases (whichever comes first)
- Eight-year/100,000-mile FCEV warranty on key fuel cell electric vehicle components
- Ten-year/150,000-mile hybrid battery warranty on key hybrid components
- Complimentary rental experience for up to 21 days during the first three years of ownership
- HOV carpool sticker eligibility
The Mirai incorporates cutting-edge technology that isn’t widely available yet. But if you have access to a hydrogen fueling station and desire an emission-free luxurious sedan without recharging, ask one of the Valley Hi Toyota sales professionals about the Mirai.
Toyota Adds EV Production to Kentucky Operations
Toyota has been building vehicles in Kentucky since the mid-80s. Valley Hi Toyota is pleased to announce that Toyota plans to expand its Kentucky manufacturing to include battery electric vehicles. The plan estimates a $1.3 billion investment in its flagship Georgetown, Kentucky facility.
While more than one EV is expected to be built there, Toyota specifically mentioned plans for a new all-electric three-row SUV to be sold in the U.S. market, which is currently expected to be called the bZ5X. A battery pack assembly line will also be added to the facility using batteries from Toyota’s battery manufacturing plant in North Carolina. Those batteries may be used for both battery electric vehicles and Toyota’s many hybrid models.
“You cannot think of the Bluegrass region and Scott County without thinking of Toyota,” said Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear. “We are grateful that they continue to invest in our commonwealth and continue to set a standard for high-quality, well-paying jobs for our citizens. Thank you, Toyota for yet another $1 billion-plus investment coming to Kentucky.”
Toyota’s Kentucky operations are currently building two of their most popular models, including the Camry and RAV4 Hybrid, along with the Lexus ES 350 and ES 300h. In the U.S., Toyota makes Highlanders, Grand Highlanders, and the Lexus TX in Indiana, Tundras and Tacomas in Texas, and Corollas in Mississippi. More Corollas and RAV4s are built in Canada. On a more local level, in Long Beach, they produce sheet metal and aluminum components, weld subassemblies, steering columns, catalytic converters, and painted service parts for both Toyota’s North American manufacturing facilities, with exports to Toyota’s facilities in Japan.
“Today’s announcement reflects our commitment to vehicle electrification and further reinvesting in our U.S. operations,” said Kerry Creech, President of Toyota Kentucky. “Generations of our team members helped prepare for this opportunity, and we will continue leading the charge into the future by remaining true to who we are as a company and putting our people first for generations to come.”
Toyota has announced $17 billion in its U.S. manufacturing operations to support electrification efforts. Bringing BEV assembly into the U.S. advances Toyota’s portfolio approach to electrification and their commitment to build where they sell.
“Every investment Toyota makes is proof of its commitment to employees,” said Chris Cohelia, Group Leader at Toyota Kentucky. “I joined this company 26 years ago as a production team member. Job stability, competitive pay and opportunities for growth are all reasons I love working here. It’s also exciting to be a part of the team building Toyota’s first battery electric vehicle in North America.”
Odds are that the Toyota you buy here at Valley Hi Toyota was built somewhere in North America. When the all-electric three-row bZ5X finally arrives, you’ll know that it came straight from Georgetown, Kentucky.
Camry vs. Corolla
Just a few decades ago, the sedan was the household car. Station wagons were popular with families, coupes were for the singles, and convertibles for the extroverts, but at the center of it all was the 4-door sedan. Today, crossovers, which are basically today’s station wagons, have supplanted the sedan as the default vehicle. Still, there remains a place for the sedan in today’s world, and two of the best, the Camry and Corolla, are sold here at Valley Hi Toyota.
If you have just one vehicle, a crossover is a good choice, particularly for its ability to be a cargo carrier when called upon. However, the sedan could be the best choice for the next vehicle in the stable. A lower ride height and more aerodynamic shape combine for greater fuel economy. Closing off the cargo area often makes the interior quieter, and, of course, the trunk contents are always hidden from prying eyes.
Toyota makes two of the most popular sedans in the world, and the question is, which is best for you? These two sedans, of course, are the compact Corolla and midsize Camry.
Does Size Matter?
The funny thing about all sedans, including these two, is that they generally have the same utility. They all seat five, have a trunk for cargo, and most are front-wheel drive. Of course, the primary difference between the Camry and Corolla is size. And where that size most manifests itself is in the rear seat. The Camry cabin is wider for both front and rear seat passengers, but two adults will fit fine in the front seats of either model. The back seats of both vehicles seat three, but the Corolla and other cars in its class work best as four-seaters for adults, which can carry five in a pinch. The Camry’s 3.7 more inches of shoulder room is enough additional space to fit a fifth average-size adult without multiple shoulders fighting for the same space. The Camry also has 3.2 inches more rear legroom, which can make a difference when adults are in both front and back.
The Camry gives you a 15% larger trunk. Specifically, it is 15.1 cubic inches compared to the Corolla’s 13.1, which, in practical terms, is the equivalent of 1.2 more inches of width, height, and depth. The other advantage of a larger car is a longer wheelbase. Besides enabling more rear legroom, the Camry’s nearly five more inches of wheelbase can also result in a more relaxed highway ride where bumps in the road translate to less body movement, all things being equal.
Efficient and More Efficient
Of course, a bigger car means more weight, leading to a larger engine and less fuel mileage. The most popular Camry weighs about 385 pounds more than the most popular Corolla. As a result, the standard Camry engine is 2.5 liters to the Corolla’s 2.0 liters. As a result, the Camry has an EPA estimate of 28 / 39 / 32 (city/highway/combined) to the Corolla’s 32 / 41 / 32.
Of course, if fuel mileage is a priority, the Camry Hybrid bests the standard Corolla with EPA figures of 44 / 46 / 46. But the Corolla has a hybrid model of its own, which delivers 53 / 47 / 50. In both cases, you will find a more significant difference between the Corolla and Camry’s fuel mileage when driving in the city rather than on the highway. Thus, the type of driving you would do with this car could make a significant difference in determining whether the small size is worth the difference in mileage. These figures are for front-wheel drive models, which has to be said because both the Camry and Corolla also offer all-wheel drive on some grades.
The outlier for the Camry is that it is still available with a V6 engine, one of the last in the class to do so. The XLE-V6 and XSE grades are available with a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 301 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque. The Corolla has no such high-performance upgrade unless you include the 300 GR Corolla Hatchback, which is a whole other animal.
Either is a Safe Choice
When it comes to safety, the Camry comes with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 (TSS 2.5) while the Corolla has TSS 3.0, both of which feature:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD)
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA)
- Automatic High Beams (AHB)
- Lane Tracing Assist (LTA),
- Road Sign Assist (RSA)
- Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC)
The Corolla adds Proactive Driving Assist (PDA). Both models have an overall 5-star rating from the NHTSA, and the Corolla is an Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick, while the Camry is a Top Safety Pick+. Both are good results, with the Camry scoring better on the IIHS side impact test.
Similarly, both models have the enviable reputation for quality, reliability, and durability that help establish Toyota’s reputation in the industry. Consequently, both have some of the highest resale value in their respective classes.
So, in general, you can’t go wrong with either Toyota sedan, and choosing which one can largely depend on how often the rear seat is used and who will use it, your fuel efficiency priorities, and how you drive. If you are still not sure, then come to Valley Hi Toyota and test drive them both.
The Grand Highlander is the dedicated 3-row crossover Toyota fans have long waited for. Contrary to the name, it is not a Highlander with an extended wheelbase but an entirely new model with its own exterior, interior, and drivetrain options. For those not into minivans, this has been designed as the ultimate Toyota family vehicle. Automotive website “The Truth About Cars” dispatched admitted minivan fan Chris Tonn to review the Grand Highlander. Valley Hi Toyota summarizes his review.
Turbo + Hybrid = More than Enough
Tonn tips off his feelings about the Grand Highlander in the headline, which says: “Yeah, it Is That Good.” He spent time with the Grand Highlander Hybrid Max Platinum, which is as much Grand Highlander as one can get. The Hybrid Max part of the name makes a big impression. It consists of a 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-4 hybrid. Combining a turbocharger with hybrid systems is a thing Toyota does now, but it is still not common elsewhere. It amounts to 362 total system horsepower @ 6,000 rpm with a massive 400 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm. A decade or two ago, these were numbers you would only find on high-performance models.
Tonn also celebrates that the Hybrid Max controls its power with a six-speed automatic instead of the usual CVT. That may sound like a paltry amount of gear ratios, but with both a turbocharger and an electric motor churning out torque during acceleration, you don’t need more. That combination also gives the Grand Highlander a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds compared to 3,500 in non-Hybrid Max models. Of course, fuel economy is the main reason for a hybrid, and Tonn states that his testing perfectly matched the 27 combined EPA estimations.
The Top Model is Great But Not Necessary
The Platinum model was quite fancy inside, and Tonn points out that while his as-tested model was almost $62K, the Grand Highlander hybrid model line starts at about $45K, which is about the average price of a new car. That model will be front-wheel drive and without the hybrid max engine, but you will get superb packaging that can place adults in any of 3 rows of seats without complaints. You will get the 12.3-inch center screen with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless charging with a USB-C charging point for everyone else (1 media port, six charge ports), tri-zone climate control, and plenty of other niceties. The non-turbocharged hybrid has a 36 combined MPG rating compared to the Hybrid Max’s 27. Tonn also points out that the Hybrid Max comes standard with a combination of leather and Ultrasuede seats for the front and 2nd-row seats, which are lovely but may not be as family-resilient as the Softex® seats of the hybrid and other models.
Tonn concludes that while the Grand Highlander still won’t swallow as much as the Sienna minivan – he refers to a dishwasher as an example – “…this 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max will fit just about every other need nicely.”
The crossover that will handle all of your family car needs with aplomb and give you the Toyota quality and reliability you crave can be found in the Valley Hi Toyota inventory, with one ready for you to test drive. Check out the Grand Highlander soon.
When the Corolla Cross was launched in 2022, it seemed like only a matter of time before this practical crossover overtly based on Corolla Mechanicals would follow the Corolla’s tire prints and be available as a hybrid model. That time is now, and the result is a slam-dunk for anyone looking for a compact, versatile, and economical vehicle to purchase and operate. That this vehicle can be counted on to have the same quality and reliability as other Toyota models sold here at Valley Hi Toyota is the icing on the fudge brownie.
Shining Versatility
The Corolla Cross is an excellent candidate for a single-vehicle household or an addition to the stable as a versatile commuter. It can seat five when needed and four comfortably with up to 94.9 cubic interior space (93.8 with the moonroof). It has all the versatility you expect of a compact crossover, with 24 cubic feet behind the rear seats expanding to 62 cubic feet with the rear seatbacks down. The wide tailgate makes it easy to load and unload bulky items.
The traction optimization qualities of all-wheel drive are standard on all Corolla Cross hybrid models, with the rear wheels powered by an electric motor when needed. With a respectable 8 inches of ground clearance, the model may not be ready for rock-hopping, but it will get you down two-track trails and snow-covered roads without a fuss.
Blatant Efficiency
Up front is a 2.0-liter inline-4 connected to Toyota’s Synergy Drive System, enabling a combined 196 horsepower. Without the drag of a mechanical drive to the rear wheels, the Corolla Cross is remarkably efficient. As of this writing, the EPA has not published figures, but Toyota estimates an mpg of 45 city, 38 highway, and 42 combined. That is an 18% improvement over the non-hybrid Corolla Cross on the highway and a whopping 55% increase in city driving.
Striking Appearance
Outside, the Corolla Cross Hybrid is distinguished from its non-hybrid sibling with a unique face featuring a lower grille and upper air slot. Behind the grille, the hybrid models share the same long headlights and subtle fender contouring. In this land of too many black, silver, and gray cars, it is worth pointing out that the Corolla Cross is available in some striking colors, including a vibrant red, bright blue, and the unique Acidic Blast, a form of metallic gold. The roof and window treatment was designed to accommodate a contrasting black roof, which is how you will find Acidic Blast. The dual-color aesthetic can also be combined with silver and blue. In addition to the three two-tone combinations, there are six monotone colors, though not all colors are available on all four Corolla Cross Hybrid grades.
Accommodating Interior
While all Corolla Cross exteriors share nothing with the Corolla, the connection is clear inside where both sedan and “Cross” modes share the dashboard. This makes sense as it is an attractive design that is perfectly proportional to the interior. A high-mounted 8-inch display is backed by Toyota’s latest Audio Multimedia system, which features standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The screen sits above a housing with center vents and physical climate controls. The instrument cluster features a digital speed reading with analog gauges on S and SE models. Nightshade and XSE models get a full digital instrument display. The Corolla Cross Hybrid also comes standard with the latest Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite of safety and driver-assist technologies.
Imminently Affordable
You can get all this stylish, efficient usefulness with a starting MSRP of $28,220. Moving up the grade hierarchy, you will find some very upscale features such as wireless smartphone charging, a 10-way power adjustable driver seat, ambient lighting, and an available 8-speaker JBL audio system.
The Corolla Cross is a spectacular addition to the Toyota model line that many a smart, frugal buyer will highly appreciate. To see if one of those buyers could be you, visit Valley Hi Toyota and look closely at the Corolla Cross.
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