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22 Surprising Facts About Scion & Toyota

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Toyota vehicles are ubiquitous on today's roads and have earned a reputation for enduring quality, rugged durability, and innovation. The vehicles coming out of Toyota plants cover a spectrum of types, from burly full-size pickup trucks to eco-friendly electric hybrids like the Prius. Toyota's Scion line of vehicles have established new ways for a car company to involve its customers in the ownership process, but these and other innovations come on the back of a long history of automotive achievements, milestones, and little-known facts. Read on to discover some fun and surprising facts about Toyota and Scion. 1. Toyota first began production of vehicles in 1937 and have operated continually despite such interruptions as war, earthquakes, and tsunamis. It would be 20 years before the company began to do business in America in 1957. 2. Over 350,000 Americans work for Toyota in various capacities and at multiple sites across the country. 3. There are more than 1,500 Toyota, Lexus, and Scion dealerships in the United States, making finding somewhere to buy or service Toyotas an easy affair. 4. The Toyota Prius, a gasoline electric hybrid sedan, is now available in over 70 countries and is the most successful hybrid to be offered to date. 5. Despite the fact that the company is called Toyota, the company's founder actually spelled his name Toyoda. 6. Toyota has earned a reputation for dependability. In 2012, eight different Toyota vehicles won honors in the J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study. 7. Scion, a unique division of Toyota that produces efficient, value-oriented vehicles was founded in 2002. 8. By some estimates, 80 percent of Toyotas produced in the last 20 years are still in service today. 9. Torrance, California, is the site for the North American headquarters for Toyota. 10. The Toyota Tundra, the automaker's full-size pickup truck, comes off of assembly lines in Texas. 11. Toyota is the third largest automotive manufacturer in the world. 12. Toyota leads the world in the production of hybrid vehicles, with well over 1.5 million vehicles on the road today. 13. Toyota's daily budget for research and development operations worldwide is over $20 million a day. 14. Toyota is the 12th largest corporation on the planet when ranked by revenue. 15. Toyota was the first automaker to produce more than 10 million vehicles in a single year, achieving that mark in 2013. 16. There are over 100 different Toyota-produced vehicles sold in different markets around the world. 17. The Toyota Corolla has been through 12 different generations in its production run. With over 30 million vehicles on the road, it is the single best-selling nameplate in automotive history. 18. Toyota manufactures and sells a Corolla every 27 seconds. 19. Since 1991, Toyota has donated over half a billion dollars in grants, donations, and community development programs. 20. Toyota holds over 1,000 global patents. 21. Toyota developed a "Pure Price" technique to make purchasing a Scion a transparent and simple transaction. 22. Scion vehicles do not have traditional trim levels, but rather begin as a standard model to which each buyer can add features that they desire.   Image via Flickr by Daniel under use of CC BY 2.0
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Best Toyota Models for Families in Springfield, MA

If you're shopping for a new family vehicle, you already know how much is riding on that decision - literally and figuratively. Families in Springfield, MA need a vehicle that can handle school runs, road trips, weekend activities, and everything in between. Toyota has long been a trusted name for exactly that kind of reliability, and right now there are several standout Toyota family vehicles worth considering. The 2026 Toyota Sienna: The Minivan That Does It All When it comes to the best Toyota models for families in Springfield, MA, the 2026 Sienna deserves a spot at the top of the list. This minivan comes standard with a hybrid powertrain, which means you get impressive efficiency without sacrificing the space your family needs. With seating for up to eight passengers, a spacious interior, and available features like a rear-seat entertainment system and dual-zone automatic climate control, the Sienna is purpose-built for family life. The sliding rear doors and low step-in height make loading and unloading kids, groceries, and gear remarkably easy. The Toyota RAV4: A Family Favorite for Good Reason The RAV4 continues to be one of the most popular Toyota family vehicles on the road today. It offers a comfortable cabin, a generous cargo area, and a well-balanced ride that works just as well on city streets as it does on weekend getaways. Multiple powertrain options are available, including a standard gasoline engine and a plug-in hybrid variant, giving families flexibility depending on their daily driving habits. Toyota's Safety Sense suite comes standard across the lineup, adding features like pre-collision braking, lane departure alert, and adaptive cruise control for added peace of mind. The 2027 Toyota Sequoia: Full-Size Capability for Larger Families Families that need more room - and plenty of towing capability - should take a close look at the 2027 Sequoia. This full-size SUV offers three rows of seating and a twin-turbocharged hybrid V6 engine that delivers strong performance without compromising on efficiency for its class. The Sequoia is built for families that do more: camping trips, hauling sports equipment, or simply fitting everyone comfortably for a long drive. It's a commanding presence on the road and one of the most capable options in Toyota's current lineup. Toyota Safety Sense: Built-In Protection for Every Family One of the most compelling reasons to consider Toyota family vehicles is the standard inclusion of Toyota Safety Sense across nearly every model. This suite of driver-assistance technologies is designed to help prevent accidents before they happen. Features like automatic high beams, road sign assist, and lane tracing assist work together to create a safer driving environment for you and everyone in your vehicle. Whether you choose a compact SUV or a three-row minivan, you can count on this technology to be part of the package. Connected Services and Ownership Perks Toyota also offers a range of connected services and ownership benefits that make life easier for busy families. Through Toyota's connected services platform, you can remotely start your vehicle, check vehicle health, and access roadside assistance - all from your smartphone. New Toyota owners also receive ToyotaCare, a complimentary maintenance plan that covers initial scheduled service and 24-hour roadside assistance. Additionally, eligible college graduates and military personnel may qualify for special rebate programs, making it easier to get behind the wheel. Find Your Family's Next Toyota at Balise Toyota The best Toyota models for families in Springfield, MA are waiting to be explored at Balise Toyota. Whether you're drawn to the versatile Sienna, the ever-popular RAV4, or the spacious Sequoia, there's a Toyota built to match your family's lifestyle. Visit Balise Toyota to browse current inventory, explore special offers, and take the next step toward finding the right vehicle for your family.

EV charging cable connected to a vehicle showcasing electric vehicle charging technology.

Why Toyota's Electrified Lineup Deserves a Spot on Your Shortlist

Saving money at the pump doesn't have to mean settling for a smaller vehicle or changing the way you drive. Toyota has spent decades improving its electrified lineup, and today there's a model for nearly every kind of driver. No matter if you're commuting across West Springfield, MA, loading up for a family road trip, or simply looking to cut fuel costs, Toyota offers hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and all-electric models that make everyday driving more efficient. If you're shopping for your next vehicle, exploring Toyota's electrified lineup is one of the smartest places to begin. Hybrid Models That Keep Fuel Stops to a Minimum Toyota's hybrid lineup covers everything from compact cars to family SUVs, giving buyers plenty of flexibility without asking them to plug in. The 2026 Toyota Camry comes standard with a hybrid powertrain and delivers up to an EPA-estimated 51 city/49 highway MPG, making it an excellent choice for daily commuters who want impressive efficiency in a midsize sedan. Drivers looking for something smaller can turn to the 2026 Toyota Corolla Hybrid, which earns up to an EPA-estimated 53 city/46 highway MPG while remaining easy to maneuver around town. Need extra cargo space? The 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid delivers up to an EPA-estimated 45 combined MPG, while the 2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offers up to an EPA-estimated 39 combined MPG with the versatility that has made it one of Toyota's most popular SUVs. Plug-In Hybrids That Stretch Every Gallon Even Further For drivers with shorter daily commutes, Toyota's plug-in hybrid models offer another level of efficiency. The 2026 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid delivers an EPA-estimated 52 combined MPG after the battery is depleted while also providing an EPA-estimated 44 miles of all-electric driving range for many daily trips. If you want SUV practicality with plug-in capability, the 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid combines an EPA-estimated 94 MPGe with an EPA-estimated 42 miles of all-electric driving range. That means many errands and commutes can be completed using little or no gasoline before the gasoline engine seamlessly takes over for longer drives. Toyota's Electric Future Continues to Grow Toyota's all-electric lineup continues to expand for drivers ready to leave gasoline behind entirely. The 2026 Toyota bZ delivers an EPA-estimated driving range of up to 314 miles, offering confident everyday usability along with zero tailpipe emissions. Fast-charging capability and an increasingly accessible public charging network make owning an EV more practical than ever for many households. If you're considering your first electric vehicle or comparing it with Toyota's hybrid options, it's worth taking the time to experience both before making a decision. Find the Right Toyota for the Way You Drive If you're comparing Toyota hybrid SUVs, researching Toyota EVs, or looking for current Toyota lease offers near West Springfield, MA, the team at Balise Toyota can help you find the option that fits both your driving habits and your budget best! Schedule a test drive online today!

Red Toyota Highlander SUV driving through a forest trail with bicycles mounted on the roof.

Discover the 2026 Toyota Highlander: A Smart Choice for Families

The Toyota Highlander has long been a go-to option for families who want a capable, comfortable, and well-rounded three-row SUV. If you've been researching your next vehicle, and you need a larger SUV, you should check out the Highlander. What Makes the Toyota Highlander Stand Out The Toyota Highlander offers a well-balanced combination of interior space, ride quality, and available features that appeal to a wide range of buyers. So, if you're taking the kids to school, loading up for a weekend trip, or just driving around town, the Highlander is designed to keep up. Its stylish and comfortable cabin and available all-wheel drive also make it a practical choice for New England driving conditions. Powertrain and Efficiency Options One of the most compelling aspects of the Highlander lineup is the availability of a hybrid powertrain. The Highlander Hybrid pairs a gasoline engine with an electric motor to deliver a smoother, more efficient driving experience without sacrificing performance. The standard Highlander is powered by a 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque that delivers strong, responsive performance. The hybrid Highlander is powered by a 2.5L DOHC engine that provides a combined 343 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque. Interior Space and Comfort The Highlander is built to seat up to 8 passengers, making it one of the more spacious options in its class. The third row is easily accessible and functional, which is something that not all three-row SUVs can claim. Available features across trim levels include a touchscreen infotainment system, wireless charging, heated front seats, and a panoramic moonroof. Cargo flexibility is another strong point. With the rear rows folded, the Highlander offers generous cargo capacity for hauling gear, groceries, or luggage for a full family road trip. Available Trim Levels and Features The Highlander is offered in several trim levels, allowing buyers to find the right balance between value and premium features. Entry-level trims come well-equipped with standard safety technology, while higher trims add features like a premium audio system, leather-trimmed seating, and a hands-free power liftgate. Toyota Safety Sense comes standard across the lineup, which means features like Pre-Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Alert, And Adaptive Cruise Control are included regardless of which trim you choose. Why the Highlander Makes Sense for Your Next SUV For shoppers who need a vehicle that can handle the demands of family life, the Toyota Highlander delivers without overcomplicating the decision. It's not the flashiest SUV on the market, but it's one of the most consistently practical and well-regarded options in the three-row segment. Customers throughout West Springfield, MA, who are in the market for a dependable, feature-rich SUV will find the Highlander worth serious consideration. With a hybrid option available and a strong suite of standard safety technology, it's a vehicle that's built to serve your household for years to come. The Right SUV Is Waiting for You The Toyota Highlander continues to earn its reputation as one of the most reliable and family-friendly three-row SUVs available. From its spacious interior and available hybrid powertrain to its standard safety technology, this is a vehicle that's built around what families actually need. Stop by to chat with the Toyota experts at Balise Toyota and experience the Highlander for yourself - it just might be the right next step for you.