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2017 Toyota Prius V

Does a Prius V or Prius C Suit You Better?

The Toyota Prius is the most popular alternative fuel vehicle on the market today. For more than 10 years the Prius lineup included just one vehicle, but over the past few years, Toyota has added several new versions. The Prius v and the Prius c are now part of the family. Here is some information about both so you can choose the one that suits you best. The Exterior From the outside, the Prius v and the Prius c are very different. The Prius c is the smallest vehicle in the lineup, and it comes only in a hatchback body style, but it has an edgier design. The Prius v is the model's larger version and has enough room for both passengers and cargo. The Prius v's exterior design looks different from the other models because it gets rid of the arched shape to make room in the back for the larger cargo area. The Prius v has more than 34 cubic feet of cargo space, and the Prius c has 17.1 cubic feet of cargo space. more Interior Inside the Prius v, you'll find soft and comfortable SofTex trimmed seats that are lighter than genuine leather. This model comes with an eight-way power adjustable driver's seat and the Smart Key system with a push button start. The rear seats in the v have a power recline and sliding feature to maximize the amount of space in the vehicle. The Prius c features a fun two-toned fabric upholstery and the option to add a moonroof. Technology Choose the Prius c or the v for a premium Entune audio system that comes with integrated navigation. It also features app integration so you can use mobile apps such as Pandora and Open Table while on the go. Both models have a high-resolution touch-screen display, and they come with Bluetooth connectivity. The Prius c adds a touch tracer display that features a duplicate image of the steering wheel controls on the Multimedia display so you can see the buttons without having to take your eyes off the road. Safety The Prius v comes with seven air bags, and the c comes with nine. The v also adds whiplash-injury-lessening front seats. These seats have a special design that helps reduce the motion differential between the passenger's head and torso in a rear-end collision, minimizing injury during the crash. The Prius c's design includes crumple zones that help absorb energy in the event of a crash. Fuel Efficiency Both models are extremely fuel-efficient. You can get up to 48 miles per gallon on the Prius c and 43 miles per gallon in the Prius v. The biggest difference between these two vehicles is the size and the amount of cargo space. If you need more room, whether for people or gear, the Prius v is your answer. If you want a smaller footprint, then the Prius c is the one for you. Image via Dealeron

2017 Toyota Camry

3 Reasons to Test Drive the 2017 Toyota Camry

If you're looking to buy a new car, dedicating the time to take a given vehicle out on a test drive is a big commitment. You need to be sure that there's a good chance you'll love the vehicle before scheduling a test drive in it. The 2017 Toyota Camry is one such vehicle that you should definitely consider taking out on a test drive. Originally manufactured as a compact car in 1982, the Toyota Camry has developed into one of the most reliable and smart mid-size sedans on the market. Keep reading for the lowdown on the 2017 Toyota Camry and why you'll love it. Superb Performance The Toyota Camry comes with two engine options, each of which offers superb performance in what is a competitive class of cars. The standard engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 178 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque. An upgrade is available that amps up the power with a V6 engine that delivers 268 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission that shifts smoothly and efficiently every time. The less powerful engine is steady and brilliantly reliable. The more powerful V6 takes these attributes and adds a real sense of power to the vehicle. more Easy Infotainment Car manufacturers have been developing increasingly complex infotainment systems in the last few years that can be difficult to get to grips with, but the 2017 Toyota Camry's Entune system is incredibly easy to use. The 6.1-inch touchscreen is crystal clear and simple to navigate through its options. The Entune system comes with Bluetooth connectivity and, at more expensive trim levels, you can avail of features such as satellite radio and music streaming apps. There is also an available wireless charging pad for your smartphones or other devices, and a USB port is included as standard. The Toyota Camry offers that desirable combination of simplicity and in-depth features with its in-car entertainment. Comfortable Interior Even though the Toyota Camry looks good from the outside, the interior is where it shines. The Camry's interior could best be described as comfortably spacious. The large intuitive buttons and knobs that control the air conditioning and other important functions are all easy to identify and don't require much stretching to reach. A snug fabric trim is included on the seats as standard that holds up to scrutiny even on long distance trips, providing an exceptional level of comfort at all times. A classy leather trim is included in the more expensive XLE Camry for an added level of luxury. There are over 38-inches of headroom and 38.9-inches of legroom for rear seat passengers, which are best-in-class figures. There are eight cup holders on board, all within an arm's reach, meaning you can easily sip your favorite beverage without any sense of awkwardness. Overall, the effort that has gone into developing an incredibly comfortable and roomy interior is evident from the moment you first step into the car. Now that you've read about all the reasons you'll love this vehicle, the next step is to see if the experience matches this and take the 2017 Camry on a test drive. Image via Dealeron

2017 Toyota Sequoia

Does Your Outdoorsy Life Need a Sequoia or a Land Cruiser?

For outdoorsy folks, getting out into the elements is the highlight of a weekend getaway. There is nothing like a long scenic drive to relax before a difficult work week or a trip to the local park for a walk on the trail. Having the perfect ride makes this feat even more enjoyable. You may need room for some extra gear and snacks, or just a few touches of elegance to help you relax along the way. The 2017 Toyota Sequoia and the Toyota Land Cruiser both offer comparable features that complement any regular meeting with mother nature. Toyota Land Cruiser The Land Cruiser is widely known for its ability to maneuver through various types of terrain. Its versatile design features appeal to those who enjoy outdoor adventures. This includes a 32-valve V8 engine with 381 horsepower and an eight-speed automatic transmission that all make it easy to shift gears depending on the road conditions. more Springs and Shocks Advanced suspension systems are also useful for driving along dirt roads or woodsy trails. The Land Cruiser features a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System in the front and a similar linked system in the rear. This makes for smooth handling and safety no matter where you venture off to. You can expect better aerodynamics and a smoother ride. Safe Cruising Also, the Land Cruiser includes the Toyota Safety Sense, which is quite advantageous for extended trips. This system includes a pre-collision system that monitors potential vehicle obstructions, maintains lane stability, and automates lighting as extra safety measures. The cruise control system offers an added feature to moderate trip time and even gas usage. Toyota Sequoia The Toyota Sequoia is equally appealing for family escapades. It offers the right amount of strength and durability with a 5.7 liter V8 engine with 381 horsepower. The four-wheel drive options deliver added power when hauling a trailer or additional cargo. The construction also complements Toyota's dominance on the road. It is built with a remarkable fully boxed frame construction. Road Ready As opposed to the Toyota Safety Sense system, this model includes the Star Safety System with Vehicle Stability Control, Brake Assist, Traction Control, Anti-Lock Brake System, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, and Smart Stop Technology. These features help to prevent collisions and manage car features in the event of a dangerous circumstances. Reliable Quality Both models embody the high level of quality and luxury that the Toyota brand is widely known for. The Sequoia and Land Cruiser can comfortably accommodate eight passengers and are both moderately priced. Another similarity is the expansive entertainment functions that make travels even more delightful. The Entune Multimedia suite gives drivers an aesthetically pleasing touch screen display, an auxiliary input to plug and play from personal devices, and Bluetooth wireless capabilities. The Entune system also allows users to access popular applications within the vehicle's dashboards. Once again Toyota gives drivers an enjoyable experience behind the wheel. Those who enjoy a few extracurricular activities outside of the home will be enlightened by these two models and their added features. They are both well matched for those who can benefit from a forceful SUV that takes command of the road. Image via pixabay.com

Number Four

4 Safety Features You Need in Your Next Toyota

Technology is incredible — with all the advancements being made nowadays, cars are actually able to think for themselves and actively help keep you safe while you're out and about driving. Toyota is leading the pack in this regard, and many of their cars come with amazing safety features standard, making them the ideal choice for safety-conscious drivers. With that in mind, here are our top picks for the safety features you need in your next Toyota. Pre-Crash Braking Many crashes can be minimized or even avoided completely if you brake fast enough. Human reflexes can be slow, though, so Toyota gives you the option of letting the car itself take care of you. Using both a front-facing camera and a laser radar, the car detects any obstacles ahead and works to avoid them or, if that's not possible, to minimize impact. The driver is warned to put on the brakes, and if you don't put enough pressure on, the car will modify your braking to ensure that you don't end up hurt. This feature is available across the entire Toyota range. more Lane Departure Alert Another standard feature on Toyota vehicles is lane departure alert, which helps to keep you on track at all times. Should you start to drift out of your lane without activating your turn signal, the car will play an audio alert letting you know that you need to adjust your course and help keep you focused on the road in front of you. Newer models like the RAV4 are able to go one step further, though, and will activate corrective steering to set you back in the right lane. Blind Spot Monitoring One of the biggest causes of road traffic accidents is the fact that drivers often don't see other cars approaching when they go to switch lanes. The special blind spot monitor system ensures that you'll no longer run into this problem. It works by detecting any cars in your blind spot and then activating a light on your rear-view mirror to let you know that someone is there. If you activate your turn signal and go to switch lanes while there is still a car in your blind spot, an alert will sound so that you don't pull out in front of them and cause an accident. This feature is available for all models of the Tundra and Camry. Automatic High Beam Assist If you tend to drive a lot at night, then automatic high beam assist will certainly come in handy. Using a sensor, the car detects lighting conditions, analyzes factors such as your vehicle's speed and whether or not other cars have their taillights on, and activates your high beams to provide improved visibility when needed. Should the car detect oncoming traffic, or if you enter a well-lit area, it then switches back to low beams. This ensures that you don't dazzle other drivers by mistake so that everyone stays safe on the roads. As with many other safety features, this is standard across the Toyota range. These Toyota features will make you feel safer on the road at all times! Image via https://pixabay.com/en/number-4-four-digit-background-2052105/pixabay.com

2017 Toyota Camry

Reviewing the 2017 Toyota Camry

As America's top-selling car for 14 years straight, the Camry is in a class of its own. The sedan looks to continue its run into a 15th year with the 2017 edition. This newest version of the Camry features a bevy of new tech and comfort features but at no extra cost. In 2017, see what all the talk is about by putting yourself in a spectacular new Camry. Here's a look at what it has to offer. more Under the Hood This year the Camry boasts three engine options, including the hybrid version. The first engine option is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, capable of 178 horsepower and up to 170 lbs-ft of torque. While it's not nearly as robust as other engine options, it still provides swift acceleration with a zero-to-60 time of only 7.9 seconds, as well as a top speed of 115 mph. On the efficiency side, this four banger gets 33 miles per gallon (mpg) on the highway and 24 in the city. If you're looking for something with a little more pep, check out the 3.5-liter V-6 version. This beastly engine is on par with several luxury competitors, sporting 268 horsepower and 248 lbs-ft of torque. With this behemoth on board, you can easily cruise from zero to 60 in about 6 seconds, making it one of the fastest cars in its class. The increase in engine displacement hardly affects fuel economy, as the V-6 still gets 30 mpg on the highway and 21 mpg in the city. The last engine option is for the Camry hybrid. It has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that's linked to an asynchronous motor. This powertrain gets up to 40 miles per gallon city and 37 mpg on the highway. It's What's Inside That Counts Prior models of the Camry had superior features, even for an economical mid-sized sedan. However, many of the fancier features required you to dip into your pocketbook. In 2017, the Camry offers several options that come standard, depending on the trim level you select. New interior specs include a JBL premium sound system, a wireless phone charging station, and the Toyota Entune infotainment system, which allows you to link your phone seamlessly with the car. Attractive Exterior Features If the Camry's engine and interior haven't enticed you to race over to your local dealership, the sedan's new body should have you rushing out the door. Many competitors pare down the exterior for the sake of price, but the Camry's sleek, sophisticated appearance makes it look more like a luxury car. Amenities include projector-beam halogen headlights, daytime running lights, an available moonroof on all trims, 16-inch steel wheels, an available rear spoiler, and a chrome-tipped exhaust. When you break it down, the Camry is every bit as amazing as it was 14 years ago. With technology that's ahead of the pack, excellent aesthetics, and an engine that conjures up visions of a sports car, the Camry is the car to have in 2017. Image via Dealeron

Toyota Safety Sense

Everything You Need to Know About Toyota Safety Sense

While vehicle safety has improved greatly over the past few decades, many automakers continue to pour money into research and development to make cars even safer. Toyota is perhaps at the forefront of modern safety technology. The Toyota Safety Sense system is the latest safety program from Toyota that provides preventive collision technology. It gives drivers three key safety elements, including crash mitigation, lane warnings, and nighttime driving enhancement. If you're looking for a car to keep you and your family free from harm, there's none better than one with Toyota Safety Sense. Here's a more in-depth look at some of its amenities. more Pre-Collision System Toyota Safety Sense helps keep drivers safe by providing proactive measures rather than reactive. That's why Toyota created a Pre-Collision System, or PCS. Using an in-vehicle camera and a laser, this system detects obstructions in the road, be it a barricade, pedestrian, or another motorist. When it senses these obstacles, it alerts the driver through a series of aural and visual cues. If the driver still doesn't slow down, the system starts to brake automatically, averting a potential collision. Lane Departure Warning When you have kids in the car or if you're fiddling with the radio, you stand the chance of veering ever so slightly out of your lane. However, with the Lane Departure Warning system, this problem is a thing of the past. While there's no substitute for attentive driving, Lane Departure Warning uses cameras to see the lines on the road. If the car starts to drift too far out of the lane, the warning system kicks in. Like the Pre-Collision System, it uses sights and sounds to tell the driver to return to his or her lane. The only caveat is that the vehicle has to reach speeds of up to 32 mph before the system activates. Automatic High Beams If you've ever driven at night on a pitch-black road, you know just how dangerous it can be. While the Automatic High Beam system doesn't engage your brights automatically, it does provide an innovative way to keep yourself and other motorists safe. Using cameras, it "sees" cars coming from the opposite direction and switches from high-beam to low-beam lights when the car closes to a distance of about 500 feet. Once the car passes, the high beams return, leaving you with excellent visibility, but without all the extra work. Dynamic Radar Cruise Control Another awesome safety feature of the Toyota Safety Sense system is Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. It functions similarly to traditional cruise control, but it also offers an extra layer of safety. Using the onboard radar, this "smart" cruise control detects other motorists in the roadway. If you get too close to the car in front of you, the system applies the brakes automatically, keeping a safe distance between vehicles. With these systems in place, Toyota takes the upper hand when it comes to vehicle safety. When you're behind the wheel with Toyota Safety Sense, you'll have peace of mind knowing you're going to make it to your destination in one piece. https://www.flickr.com/photos/toyota-europe/18721462194/sizes/l Image via Flickr by Toyota Motor Europe

2017 Toyota Camry

Which Trim Level of the 2017 Camry is Right For You?

With the 2017 Toyota Camry, you get a roomy cabin, a smooth ride, and a powerful engine. While it works well as a midsize sedan to get you around town, the Camry is also an engaging car to drive. The four trims range from basic to luxurious. Here's a guide to help you decide which one is right for you. more The LE: The Most Affordable Camry Even though the LE is the base model for the 2017 Camry, it has plenty of attractive features, making it ideal for the value shopper. On the inside, a 6.1-inch Entune touchscreen is your portal to hands-free phone, music streaming with Bluetooth, and iPod connection and compatibility. Whatever audio you select plays through a six-speaker system. For added safety, a rearview camera provides visibility when you put the Camry in reverse. To create a better driving experience, this trim includes cruise control, a driver's seat with an eight-way adjustment control, air conditioning, and automatic headlights. The SE: A Camry That's Sporty Anyone who wants a sporty look and ride for an affordable price should opt for the SE trim. It has sport-tuned suspension, and the exterior has contemporary design elements such as daytime running lights, color-keyed rear spoiler, and chrome-tipped exhaust. On the interior, the steering wheel has leather trim and paddle shifters, which let drivers draw more power from the engine. In terms of entertainment and connectivity, the SE trim builds on the features included with the LE. The XSE: Sporty and Luxurious This amped up version of the SE boasts synthetic suede and sport leather-trimmed upholstery, rear-seat vents to assist with climate control, heated front seats, and a premium audio system consisting of 10 speakers. This trim is meant to appeal to drivers who want both a sporty look and touches of luxury. Included as a standard feature, the Entune audio package comes with a free three-month trial of SiriusXM All Access. As a bonus, this trim offers wireless charging for smartphones. You're sure to enjoy the comfort of dual-zone automatic climate control. Measuring 18 inches, this trim offers the largest wheels. The XSE is easy to spot on the highway because it's equipped with daytime running lights that use LED technology. An exterior accent that's exclusive to the XSE trim is the sport mesh lower grille in piano black. The XLE: Top of the Line Features With features that are similar to the XSE, the top-of-line trim comes with the comfort suspension rather than the sport-tuned version. The seats get a luxurious upgrade with full leather upholstery. Only with the XLE do you get projector-beam halogen headlights that turn on and off automatically. Another exclusive feature is the leather-trimmed steering wheel with tilt-and-telescoping capabilities. It also has built-in Bluetooth hands-free technology to let you access your phone's features using voice commands. The XLE gives you the option to add Safety Connect, a comprehensive emergency assistance package. When your car is in an accident, the technology system sends an automatic crash notification to the Safety Connect response center. Depending on your tastes, budget, and preferred driving experience, there's a 2017 Toyota Camry trim that's right for you. Image via Flickr by nox-AM-ruit under use of CC BY 2.0

2016-Toyota-4Runner

Reasons to Consider a 2016 Toyota 4Runner

All sport-utility vehicles have some ability to go off-roading, although for some it's nothing more than an all-wheel drive option that allows drivers to get more traction in slippery conditions. However, the 4Runner goes above and beyond what you might expect from an off-road vehicle, making it the best Toyota vehicle for dirt trails and other unpaved conditions. Here are a few of the features that make the 2016 4Runner shine where the pavement ends. more HAC/DAC Hill Start Assist Control comes standard on every 4Runner, and it works by holding the brake in place for a second when it senses that the SUV might otherwise roll. This allows the driver to move his or her foot from the brake to the accelerator without having to worry about bumping into anything in the instant it takes to switch. The available Downhill Assist Control makes it easier to drive and park on hills. When active, the DAC system will automatically engage the brakes to maintain a consistent speed on steep and slippery descents. Eight Air Bags In addition to the six standard air bags that come on every new vehicle (front, side, curtain), the 2016 4Runner also comes with two front knee air bags. Not every vehicle comes with knee air bags, since the more immediate concern is usually to protect the more vital parts of the upper body, but knee air bags can protect both the driver and the front passenger's legs from potentially crippling injuries. Full-Size Spare Tire Many automakers have switched to smaller spare tires or even tire repair kits which only last long enough to get you to a repair shop without a tow truck. They do so to save weight and improve the mileage, but when you're out in the middle of nowhere you need something more durable than a temporary fix. That's why every 4Runner comes standard with a full-size spare. Fuel Efficiency The 2016 4Runner's EPA-estimated gas mileage is 17 city and 22 highway miles per gallon, which is efficient for a large, off-road-capable SUV. Off-Road Controls Off-road controls are standard on the Trail and TDR Pro trims. They include Crawl Control, which puts the 4Runner into a special extremely low gear which allows you to carefully control your SUV's speed over very rough terrain. Another button locks the rear differential, which makes both rear wheels spin at the same rate, even if one of them has no traction. A third switch controls Multi-Terrain Select, which adjusts the 4Runner's automatic traction systems to account for different kinds of rough and slippery conditions, including snow, mud, and rocks. More so than any car, and even most SUVs, the 4Runner's home begins where the pavement ends. With standard features like a full-size spare tire and a powerful 270-horsepower V6 engine, the 4Runner can go where few four-wheel vehicles have gone before. And with optional features like Downhill Assist Control and the off-road controls on the Trail and TDR Pro, you'll enjoy every minute of your adventure. Image via Flickr by _joshuaBENTLEY under use of CC BY-ND 2.0

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