Category: Toyota

Jul 21

Why the 2023 Toyota Corolla Sedan Might Be the Smarter Choice Over the GR Corolla

Affordability and Value

The 2023 Toyota GR Corolla, with its impressive 300 horsepower and all-wheel drive, is a standout in the hot hatchback segment. However, it carries a steep price tag starting at $35,900, which may be out of reach for some buyers. In contrast, the Toyota Corolla sedan offers a more budget-friendly starting price of $21,700 for the base SE model, making it a compelling option for those seeking a more economical vehicle without compromising on everyday performance.

Lower Markup and Practicality

The GR Corolla’s exclusivity has led to significant dealer markups, often adding $10,000 to $20,000 above its MSRP. This inflated cost can make the GR Corolla a less attractive option for value-conscious buyers. On the other hand, the Corolla sedan avoids such markups and provides a more accessible entry point into Toyota’s lineup, catering to those who prioritize practicality and cost-efficiency.

Convenience and Efficiency

While the GR Corolla features a performance-oriented manual transmission, the Corolla sedan offers a user-friendly continuously variable transmission (CVT). This CVT includes a “launch gear” for smooth acceleration, eliminating the need for a third pedal and making driving more accessible for those who prefer automatic transmissions. Additionally, the Corolla sedan boasts impressive fuel efficiency, with an EPA estimate of up to 32 mpg city and 41 mpg highway, far surpassing the GR Corolla’s 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.

A Balanced Choice for Everyday Driving

For many buyers, the GR Corolla’s high-performance features may not be necessary for daily driving. The Toyota Corolla sedan delivers a practical and economical solution that meets the needs of those who value cost-effectiveness and fuel efficiency. If the high price and potential dealer markups of the GR Corolla seem excessive, the Corolla sedan presents a sensible alternative that doesn’t sacrifice reliability or efficiency.

Jul 21

Rethinking Your Legal Strategy: Why the 2023 Toyota Corolla Sedan Trumps the GR Corolla

Value and Cost-Efficiency

Despite the allure of the 2023 Toyota GR Corolla with its robust 300 horsepower and all-wheel-drive system, the standard Corolla sedan emerges as a more pragmatic choice for many. Not only does the sedan start at a much more accessible price point of $21,700, but it also avoids the hefty premiums that often accompany the high-performance GR Corolla. This price disparity makes the sedan a considerable saving for buyers, offering nearly all the practicality with sufficient power for daily commuting at a significantly lower cost.

Market Realities and Usability

Market dynamics further tilt the balance in favor of the Corolla sedan. With many dealers imposing substantial markups on the GR Corolla due to its rarity and high demand, the cost can escalate far beyond its MSRP, diminishing its value proposition. Additionally, the sedan’s inclusion of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) may not thrill performance enthusiasts but offers a practical advantage for everyday drivers, particularly those who prefer or require automatic transmission.

Fuel Efficiency and Daily Practicality

Fuel economy is another critical area where the Corolla sedan shines, boasting up to 32 miles per gallon in the city and 41 on the highway, significantly outperforming the GR Corolla’s 21 city and 28 highway miles per gallon. This efficiency translates into direct savings on fuel costs and makes the sedan an ideal choice for long commutes and regular road trips. Coupled with its comprehensive safety features and comfortable interior, the sedan presents a compelling case for being more than just a budget-friendly alternative but a wise choice for cost-conscious consumers seeking balance between performance and everyday utility.

In conclusion, while the GR Corolla offers undeniable appeal for those seeking a thrill, the Corolla sedan stands out as a sensible option that aligns closely with the needs and budgets of a broader audience. Its combination of affordability, practical features, and superior fuel economy makes it a standout choice in Toyota’s lineup for 2023.

Jul 21

Toyota GR Supra 3.0 vs. C7 Corvette Stingray: Which Is the Faster Sports Car?

Performance Overview

The Toyota GR Supra 3.0, a product of Toyota and BMW’s collaboration, delivers impressive speed and agility. With a 0 to 60 mph time of under 4.0 seconds, it competes fiercely against recent sports car models, including the Nissan Z and Ford Mustang Mach 1. Despite its prowess, the Supra must also contend with older sports cars, such as the now-discontinued C7 Corvette Stingray.

Acceleration and Speed Comparison

When comparing the Toyota GR Supra 3.0 to the C7 Corvette Stingray, both cars boast similar acceleration capabilities, reaching 60 mph in about 3.7 seconds. However, the C7 Corvette edges ahead in quarter-mile performance, completing the run in 11.8 seconds versus the Supra’s 12.3 seconds. Additionally, while the Corvette’s top speed of 181 mph surpasses the Supra’s governed limit of 160 mph, both vehicles offer exhilarating driving experiences.

Power and Performance Metrics

The 2023 Toyota GR Supra 3.0 is powered by a 3.0L turbocharged inline-six engine, producing 382 horsepower and 368 lb-ft of torque. In contrast, the C7 Corvette Stingray’s 6.2L V8 engine generates a robust 455 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. This significant horsepower advantage helps the Corvette maintain a lead in straight-line speed, although the Supra remains a formidable competitor in the sports car arena.

Competitors and Comparisons

While the GR Supra 3.0 can outperform certain rivals like the Nissan Z Performance, it faces tough competition from newer models like the mid-engine C8 Corvette and the BMW M240i xDrive. These competitors offer superior speed and handling, highlighting the ongoing evolution in sports car performance. The Supra, with its blend of power and precision, continues to be a strong contender among sports cars, but it must continuously innovate to stay ahead.

Jul 20

Thought We Had a Few More Years of the Toyota GR86? Think Again

The current Toyota GR86’s days might be numbered. Toyota may make the next-gen model on a hybrid platform.

The Toyota GR86 and its mechanical companion, the Subaru BRZ, are staples in the driver’s car landscape with a fervent attachment to a joyous manual transmission. However, the engaging Toyota sports car might give up its analog, naturally aspirated platform sooner than you think. That’s right; the 2025 Toyota GR86 might be a turbo hybrid rather than the rev-happy N/A four-cylinder coupe fans love.

Does the GR86 have a turbo?

The 2023 Toyota GR86 doesn’t use forced induction like a turbo or supercharger. Instead, the sports coupe packs a 228-horsepower 2.4L flat four-cylinder “boxer” engine. The result is a rev-happy and responsive mill with a distinctive soundtrack.

The GR86 isn’t the only one, either; it shares the H4 engine with its mechanical sibling, the Subaru BRZ. Both models produce 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque without the assistance of a turbo. Moreover, the H4-powered duo offers traditional manual transmissions, a feature that competitors like the upcoming 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost won’t have.

Will the next Toyota GR86 be a hybrid?

The 2025 Toyota GR86 might be a turbocharged hybrid, ditching the Subaru flat four-cylinder engine. According to MotorTrend, the Japanese marque might rethink the GR86, including an all-new platform.

It’s surprising news given the latest GR86’s short tenure. Specifically, the 2022 Toyota GR86 took over from the 86 Coupe after a year-long hiatus in 2022. As a result, the 2024 GR86 is just the third model year of the “GAZOO Racing” (GR) model, still sporting the much-needed aesthetic and mechanical upgrades from the 2022 model. Moreover, Toyota’s commitment to fun driver’s cars under the GR lineup should allow the current N/A platform to survive beyond 2025.

What generation of Toyota GR86 are we in now?

The Toyota GR86 is in its second generation after the new platform took over in 2022. Of course, the first-generation sports coupe didn’t carry the “GR” prefix.

Second-gen GR86 2022-Present
First-gen 86 (Post-facelift) 2019, 2020
First-gen 86 2017, 2018

Unlike the Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger, Toyota hasn’t allowed the 86’s looks to become too familiar. The first update arrived after just two model years, and the marque closed the books on the post-facelift, first-gen model after another two years.

Will the next Subaru BRZ be a hybrid, too?

The latest buzz surrounding the 2025 Toyota GR86 suggests that the next model will not be a collaboration with the Subaru BRZ. As a result, the BRZ may continue to be a boxer-engine sports coupe devoid of hybridization.

Jul 20

Toyota’s Next Move: Trademark Filed For Lexus TZ Three-Row Electric SUV

The Lexus TZ might be the electric alternative to the recently unveiled TX.

Toyota might be developing a new Lexus-branded three-row electric SUV. The Japanese carmaker filed four new trademark applications with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPA) on July 19, 2023, for different versions of the Lexus TZ, as per the Lexus RX Owners forum.

The brand is hoping to trademark four names, including TZ450e and TZ550e. If you’re familiar with Toyota and Lexus nomenclature, you’d know that ‘Z’ connotes BEVs. Toyota has the bZ4X, while Lexus has the RZ 450e, the electric alternative to the RX.

The brand recently introduced the 2024 Lexus TX, a swanky gas-powered three-row SUV that shares its GA-K platform with the Toyota Grand Highlander and slots between the RX and the GX. The new TZ could be the TX’s pure electric counterpart.

If this turns out to be true, it will be clear that the brand is maintaining an alphanumerical naming consistency for its upcoming electrified models.

Details are limited to the trademark names, but we can expect the TZ to adhere to the RZ’s design language. It might feature the aerodynamic spindle body and sport elements like the illuminated Lexus emblem and a full-width taillamp.

So far, Toyota and Lexus have used the e-TNGA platform for their electric SUVs, but the TZ could be based on a dedicated EV platform. The e-TNGA shares several components with the ICE-specific TNGA and hence is not as cost-effective as dedicated EV platforms.

The automaker has plans to manufacture a three-row Toyota electric SUV at its Georgetown Assembly Plant in Kentucky from 2025, and the TZ is likely to be its more premium Lexus iteration. Even though the trademark filings were done with EUIPA, it’s possible that the Lexus electric SUV would be offered in the US as well.

The SUVs could be powered by US-assembled batteries, as the automaker has ramped up investments in its under-construction battery manufacturing site in North Carolina. The company will reportedly infuse $5.9 billion to manufacture HEV and BEV batteries at the North Carolina site.

The brand is still lagging behind competitors when it comes to scaling up BEV production and generating appeal among buyers. Its H1 2023 US BEV sales increased but they weren’t spectacular by any measure. The group sold 20,710 plug-in vehicles (BEVs and hybrids) in the first six months of 2023, of which 3,415 were Lexus models and 17,295 were Toyota cars.

Jul 20

Toyota’s Latest Trademark Hints at a New Electric Three-Row Lexus SUV

Exciting News: An Electric Three-Row Lexus SUV on the Horizon

Recent trademark filings suggest that a new electric three-row SUV from Lexus is in the works. Toyota has submitted applications to the EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIO) for a model designated as the Lexus TZ, including variants like the TZ450e and TZ550e. While specific details are sparse, these filings hint at an innovative addition to Lexus’s electric lineup.

What We Know About the Upcoming Lexus TZ

The trademarked TZ name aligns with Lexus’s naming convention, where “Z” signifies zero-emission vehicles. This follows their pattern seen in the RZ 450e, their first all-electric SUV. The new TZ is expected to share design elements with the RZ 450e, such as the aerodynamic “Spindle Body” replacing the traditional spindle grille, and will likely be built on Toyota’s new EV-specific platform set to debut in 2026.

Anticipations for the TZ and Market Trends

With the rise in consumer preference for larger vehicles, including electric SUVs, Toyota’s introduction of this model aligns with current market trends. This new electric SUV is set to be Toyota’s first US-assembled EV, produced at the Georgetown, Kentucky plant from 2025, with batteries sourced from a new factory in North Carolina. As competitors like Rivian, Tesla, and Mercedes prepare their own electric three-row SUVs, Lexus’s entry into this segment could offer timely competition in the evolving electric vehicle market.

Jul 20

The 2023 Chevy Colorado Rocks the Toyota Tacoma in 1 Critical Area

The Chevrolet Colorado has been trying to catch the Toyota Tacoma for years, but it has one undeniable advantage. The revamped 2023 Chevy Colorado has the muscle to finally dethrone the 2023 Toyota Tacoma, and it still beats the remodeled 2024 Tacoma too.

Can the 2023 Chevy Colorado tow more than the Toyota Tacoma?

Yes, the 2023 Chevy Colorado can tow more than the 2023 Toyota Tacoma. When properly equipped, the 2023 Colorado can tow up to 7,700 lbs and carry a payload of up to 1,684 lbs. It matches what the Jeep Gladiator can tow.

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma can tow up to 6,800 lbs and can carry a payload of up to 1,685 lbs. So, the Colorado can tow up to 900 lbs more, which isn’t that big of a difference. But hey, size matters.

Plus, the 2024 Tacoma can tow up to 6,500 lbs. It actually lost 300 lbs of towing power. So, the Colorado can tow 1,200 lbs more than the new Tacoma. That’s a much better-looking figure. Also, the redesigned Tacoma can carry a payload of up to 1,709 lbs.

Does the Colorado or Tacoma have more power?

The standard Colorado has more power than the entry-level 2023 Tacoma. The Colorado kicks things off with a turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that churns out 237 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque.

With the standard 2023 Toyota Tacoma, you get a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine with 159 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque. But you can upgrade to the 3.5–liter V6 engine for 278 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque.

The Turbo Plus variant of the Colorado provides 310 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. The High Output variant boosts the torque to 430 lb.

With the 2024 Tacoma, the standard turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine provides 228 and 243 lb-ft of torque. It’s tuned to provide 278 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque on higher trim levels.

The Tacoma Hybrid benefits from the new i-FORCE Max powertrain, which pairs the 2.7-liter engine with a battery pack and an electric motor to generate 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque.

So, the Colorado has more power than the 2023 Tacoma and the gas-powered 2024 Tacoma models. However, the Tacoma Hybrid squeezes in a win with 16 more hp and 35 more torque.

The 2023 Colorado can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 7.0 seconds, and the 2023 Tacoma gets there in roughly 7.7 seconds, but it has been clocked as low as 6.6 seconds.

Does the Colorado or Tacoma have more space?

The 2023 Chevy Colorado provides more interior space than the 2023 Toyota Tacoma. You’ll find that taller adults fit more comfortably in the front and rear of the Colorado. However, the rear seat is still pretty tight.

If you want more passenger space, then consider going for the Jeep Gladiator or Honda Ridgeline. They have the largest backseats in the segment. Also, the Colorado has more storage capacity.

It has a larger center console and glove box. The rear seats are easier to fold up in the Colorado as well. However, the 2024 Tacoma boasts increased space and storage capacity. It could have more passenger room too.

For now, we can determine that the Chevy Colorado has more muscle than the Tacoma. It can tow more than the 2023 and 2024 models. Stay tuned for updates as we get behind the wheel of the 2024 Tacoma to compare its new features.

Jul 12

2025 Toyota Land Cruiser: What to Expect from the New Off-Road Legend

A New Chapter for the Land Cruiser

The Toyota Land Cruiser has long been celebrated for its rugged performance, from the classic FJ40 to the upscale J200 models. Known for its remarkable versatility, the Land Cruiser has tackled diverse terrains—whether it’s fording rivers or traversing deserts. Although Toyota ceased U.S. sales after 2021, the anticipation for a new model is heating up, promising to rekindle the Land Cruiser’s off-road spirit.

Rumors and Expectations for 2025

Excitement is building around the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser, with speculation suggesting a shift back to its adventurous roots. Unlike its recent luxury-focused iterations, this new model is expected to emphasize robust design, all-terrain capability, and practical comfort. Toyota is rumored to use the Lexus GX platform for the 2025 model, potentially enhancing its agility and trail readiness, while maintaining its legendary durability.

Insights into the New Design

According to industry sources, the upcoming Land Cruiser may draw from the rugged Lexus GX, which shares a platform with the globally popular Prado. This connection could mean a more compact, agile vehicle that still upholds the Land Cruiser’s off-road prowess. Key features are likely to include impressive towing capacity and advanced locking differentials, catering to both daily drives and rugged adventures.

Market Impact and Enthusiast Appeal

With the growing popularity of adventure-ready SUVs like the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler, the return of the Land Cruiser could fill a significant gap in the U.S. market. Combining Toyota’s renowned reliability with off-road capability and retro styling could make the new Land Cruiser a standout choice for enthusiasts. This model promises to offer both functionality and classic appeal, enhancing the diverse SUV landscape.

Jul 12

Classic Charm: 1983 Toyota Tercel SR5 Wagon vs. Modern Electric SUVs

Embracing Simplicity in a Modern World

While electric SUVs are increasingly popular for their efficiency and advanced features, there’s something refreshing about the simplicity of classic vehicles like the 1983 Toyota Tercel SR5 Wagon. Unlike modern electric models, this Tercel represents a time when cars were straightforward, yet fully capable. With a manual transmission and four-wheel drive, it’s a reminder of how driving used to be before technology dominated every aspect of our vehicles.

A Glimpse into the Past

The 1983 Toyota Tercel SR5 Wagon stands out with its manual six-speed transmission and a rugged 4WD system, making it ideal for those who appreciate driving fundamentals. Powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, this classic boasts a nostalgic driving experience, complete with a carburetor and minimalistic features. Despite some minor cosmetic issues and an oil leak, its well-preserved condition and low mileage make it a unique find that contrasts sharply with the complexities of modern electric SUVs.

Secure a Piece of Automotive History

With the Tercel up for auction on Bring A Trailer, this charming piece of Toyota history is currently priced at just $3,600, a fraction of its original cost. While it may not offer the high-tech amenities of newer electric models, its manual transmission and classic design offer a pure, engaging driving experience. Don’t miss the chance to own a vehicle that embodies the essence of driving simplicity and nostalgia.

Jul 12

New Toyota Land Cruiser might be four-cylinder only

We don’t hear much from Kurdistan outside of conflicts between the Kurds in the north of Iraq and the Iraqi and Turkish governments. Turns out the region is the home of a relatively lively car blog that knows its way to a scoop. After digging up details of the LC300 Land Cruiser before the new truck’s debut, the blog is back, via Australia’s Drive, with what’s purported to be a leaked screenshot outlining engines for the coming 2024 Land Cruiser. Let’s get the info that some might consider bad news out of the way up front: The screenshot shows three engines, all of them bored out with just four cylinders. If this is the way things go down, the Land Cruiser will be without a six-cylinder in the lineup in the U.S. for the first time since the nameplate arrived here.

There’s some context to go with this. The Land Cruiser we’re getting is what’s been known as the Land Cruiser Prado, or just Prado, in many overseas markets, and it will continue to be known as such outside the U.S. As a junior version of the full-size Land Cruiser that’s historically been our only fare, the first-gen Prado only got four-cylinder mills. Even when a V6 debuted underhood with the second-gen Prado, the four-cylinder offerings always outnumbered the sixes.

The engines in the screenshot start with the 1GD-FTV, a 2.8-liter turbodiesel that powers the current Toyota Prado SUV, Toyota Hilux pickup, and Toyota Fortuner SUV in Australia. The second engine is the 2TR-FE, anticipated to be a 2.7-liter four-cylinder gas engine allotted to entry-level mill in markets where there will be Prado trim steps. The Land Cruiser’s always been sold here with one engine at a time, so if U.S. shoppers get a choice, that would be another departure.

The third engine is figured to be a turbocharged 2.4-liter gas engine, the T24A-FTS four-cylinder we know from the new Tacoma pickup in hybrid form. In the Tacoma, the setup comes in three outputs: 228 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque; 270 hp and 310 lb-ft; or 278 hp and 317 lb-ft. When the Land Cruiser retired in the U.S. after the 2021 model year, it drove off with a 5.7-liter V8 making 381 hp and 401 lb⋅ft. The new version will be a comedown in power, but remember, we expect the new model to be substantially lighter than the 5,815-pound 200-Series Land Cruiser.

Rationalizing the engine lineup to four-cylinder-only could make production easier, and in the U.S., it could help keep distance between the Land Cruiser and the 2024 Lexus GX 550h. The Lexus uses a twin-turbo 3.4-liter V6 hybrid making 340 hp and 479 lb-ft. It’s also possible a six-cylinder joins the Land Cruiser lineup later.

Drive reports that new Land Cruiser production is expected to commence in November for certain markets like Europe, dealer arrivals starting early next year.