2026 Toyota Sequoia TRD PRO: The Brand’s Fullsize Three-Row Hybrid SUV

 

Highlight: A 6-cylinder hybrid powertrain fuels all of the Sequoias.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $88,486 (Base SR5 MSRP): $67,120

Seating Capacity: 7

Standard Safety Equipment: ABS; air bags; a rear camera; a blind spot monitoring system; a lane departure warning system; a rear cross traffic alert system; and a tire pressure monitoring system; a multi-terrain select and crawl control system monitor; 4WD demand; and a pre-collision system

Standard Equipment (on test vehicle): 18-inch BBS forge aluminum wheels; 10-speed automatic transmission; red push button ignition starter system; a three zone automatic climate control system; driver select mode for towing/hauling; transfer case and electric locking rear differential; TRD off-road suspension with FOX shocks; auto leveling headlights; Toyota grille with LED Light bar; TRD aluminum skid plates; heated/ventilated front seats; leather like seating power folding sliding third-row seats; heated leather steering wheel; adjustable cargo shelf; and power liftgate with flip-up glass

2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Platinum Max: The Brand’s Three-Row AWD Turbo Hybrid

 

Highlight: The Hybrid Max powertrain produces a net 362-horsepower.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $60,770 (Base LE MSRP): $46,705

Seating Capacity: 6 to 7

Standard Safety Equipment: ABS; air bags; a rear camera; a blind spot monitoring system; a lane departure warning system; a rear cross traffic alert system; and a tire pressure monitoring system; and a pre-collision system

2026 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab TRD 4x4: The Segment’s Best-Selling Midsize Truck

Highlight: Some Tacomas are available with the I-Force Max hybrid powertrain.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $56,609 (Base SR MSRP): $35,700

Seating Capacity: 4 or 5

Standard Safety Equipment: ABS; air bags; a rear camera; a blind spot monitoring system; a lane departure warning system; a rear cross traffic alert system; electronically controlled locking rear differential; multi-terrain select system; a tire pressure monitoring system; crawl control with downhill ascent control; and a pre-collision system

Standard Equipment (on test vehicle): 4WD; an 8-speed automatic transmission;17-inch alloy wheels; off-road tuned suspension with Bilstein shocks; smart key system, cloth seats with driver’s lumbar support; a leather trimmed steering wheel; an 8-inch infotainment screen; and a 5-foot bed

2026 Toyota Prius Plug-In Nightshade: A Sexy Hatchback Exuding Coolness

Highlight: The driving range for the plug-in model is 44 miles.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $41,304 (Base MSRP): $34,970

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Equipment: ABS; air bags; a rear camera; a blind spot monitoring system; a lane departure warning system; a rear cross traffic alert system; and a tire pressure monitoring system; and a pre-collision system

2026 Toyota Corolla Cross XLE AWD: Relying On An Iconic Name, While Dressed Up As A Subcompact Crossover

 

Highlight: The vehicle is also available as a hybrid.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $35,404 (Base MSRP): $26,085

Seating Capacity: 4

Standard Safety Equipment: a blind spot monitoring system; a lane departure warning system; a rear cross traffic alert system; and a tire pressure monitoring system

2026 Toyota Crown Nightshade AWD: The Brand’s Flagship Sedan

Crown Nightshade (Photo Credit: Toyota)

Highlight: The Crown is only available in an all-wheel drive configuration.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $49,900 (Base MSRP): $42,575

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Equipment: ABS; air bags; a rear camera; a blind spot monitoring system; a lane departure warning system; a rear cross traffic alert system; and a tire pressure monitoring system; a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection; left turn oncoming vehicle detection/braking; lane tracing assist; automatic high beams; and a tire repair kit

2026 Toyota Camry Nightshade AWD: The Hybrid Sedan with a Sporty Appeal

 

Highlight: The Toyota Camry is only available as a hybrid.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $38,519 (Base MSRP): $30,295

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Equipment: ABS; air bags; a rear camera; a blind spot monitoring system; a lane departure warning system; a rear cross traffic alert system; and a tire pressure monitoring system; and a pre-collision system

2026 Subaru Solterra EV Touring XT: The Brand’s First EV Now Offers More Horsepower And Driving Range

 

Highlight: The Solterra shares a platform with the Lexus RZ and the Toyota bZ compact electric crossovers.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $47,500 (Base Premium MSRP): $38,495

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Equipment: ABS; air bags; front passenger sensors; a stability control system; traction control; red-painted front and rear brake calipers with Brembo front brakes; automatic emergency braking system; tire inflator/sealant kit; and a tire pressure monitoring system

2025 Toyota Crown Signia AWD: The Brand’s All-New Lexus-Like Midsize Hybrid Crossover

Highlight: The Crown Signia has a total driving range of 551 miles.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $52,340 (Base MSRP): $45,285

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Equipment: ABS; air bags; a rear camera; a blind spot monitoring system; a lane departure warning system; a rear cross traffic alert system; and a tire pressure monitoring system; a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection; left turn oncoming vehicle detection/braking; lane tracing assist; and a tire repair kit

2025 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid: The Corolla’s First Crossover

Highlight: The vehicle is being manufactured in Huntsville, Alabama.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $34,705 (Base MSRP): $29,845

Seating Capacity: 4

Standard Safety Equipment: a blind spot monitoring system; a lane departure warning system; a rear cross traffic alert system; and a tire pressure monitoring system

Standard Equipment (Corolla Cross Hybrid):

'Auto Trends' First State Of The Minority Car Dealer: Trump's 25% Tariffs, DEI, EVs And More (Two Shows)

Ethnic minority new cars dealers own 1,574 of today's 16,957 dealerships in the United States, according to the latest stats provided by National Automobile Dealer Association (NADA) and the National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers (NAMAD). Thus, this number equates to 9 percent of today's new car dealerships being owned by ethnic minority dealers. 

Ironically, ethnic minority consumers drive 33 percent of today's new car sales, according to S&P Global Mobility's Marc Bland, a specialist in multicultural car sales. Out of the approximately 16 million new vehicles sold in the United States in 2024 through new car dealers, ethnic minority car buyers accounted for 5.3 million of those new vehicle sales.

'Auto Trends' Black History Spotlight: Two Of The Highest-Ranking Black Executives In Auto History Recently Shattered Glass Ceilings

 

Chris Reynolds (Photo Credit: Toyota)

Over the past two months, two Black auto executives in the industry have cracked through the thick glass automotive ceiling making history in industry.

Earlier this week, it was announced that Chris Reynolds, who is currently the executive vice president and chief strategy officer at Toyota Motor Corporation, will be retiring a the end of May to assume a new role. Reynolds will join Toyota's global Board of directors. In this role, he will serve as a member of the Board's Audit and Supervisory Committee in addition to his duties as a Board member, according to a press release. This board overseas both Toyota and Lexus. 

2024 Toyota Prius Limited AWD: The Brand’s Sexy Fuel-Efficient Compact Hybrid

Highlight: According to fueleconomy.gov, the Toyota Prius LE has a fuel driving range of 644 miles.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $39,819 (Base Model – LE): $28,545

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: air bags; ABS; a radar activate cruise control system; a pre-collision system with pedestrian protection; a lane departure alert system with steering wheel assist; a brake assist system; an electronic blind spot monitor system with rear cross traffic alert; a hill start control assist system; a heated power outside folding mirrors; a back up camera; and a tire pressure monitoring system

Its Shop Time Mondays: The Toyota Sienna Hybrid And Teslas Are Being Recalled

1. Loss of Power Steering Assist

Software Update Repairs Recall

A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V092000

Manufacturer Tesla, Inc.

Components STEERING

Potential Number of Units Affected 376,241

Its Shop Time Mondays: Toyota Is Recalling 2024-25 Tacoma 4WD Trucks

Rear Brake Hose May Leak

A brake fluid leak can reduce braking ability and increase the risk of a crash.

NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V058000

Manufacturer Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Components SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Potential Number of Units Affected 106,061

2024 Toyota Tundra i-Force Max Hybrid Crew Cab 4x4 :The Brand’s Most Powerful Fullsize Truck

Highlight: The Tundra is now available with its first factory installed lift kit. 

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $74,270 (Base SR Double Cab MSRP: $41,815)

Seating Capacity: 5 passenger seating

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a radar activated cruise control system; a lane departure warning system; a vehicle stability control system; a tire pressure control system; a hill start control system; a backup camera; a sway control system; and an electronic blind spot mirror

2024 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab TRD Offroad 4x4: An All-New Design

Highlight: This is the first truck we've reviewed with a hands-free power operating tailgate that open and close with a touch of a button.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $54,829 (Base SR Double Cab MSRP: $32,995)

Seating Capacity: 5 passenger seating

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a radar activated cruise control system; a lane departure warning system; a vehicle stability control system; a tire pressure control system; a hillstart control system; a backup camera; a sway control system; road sign assist; and electronic blind spot mirror

Standard Equipment (SR): 17-inch steel wheels; an 8-speed automatic transmission; 228-horsepower; four fixed cargo bed tie-down points; wiring harness with 7-pin/4-pin connector; class-IV towing hitch receiver; leaf spring rear suspension; polyurethane tilt/telescopic steering wheel; dual USB-C with power delivery; smart key system on driver’s door only; push button start ignition; and manual operated day/night mirrors

2024 Toyota Highlander Platinum Hybrid AWD: The Brand’s Three-Row Crossover

 

Highlight: Toyota offers a Grand Highlander Hybrid. The vehicle boasts more horsepower and interior space than the stand Highlander.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $55,478 (Base Model – LE): $42,115 (front wheel drive)

Seating Capacity: 7 or 8, depending upon trim

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; traction control; a stability control system; a blind spot monitor; a pre-collision safety system; a lane departure warning system; a radar activated cruise control system; and a tire pressure monitoring system

2024 Toyota RAV4 Adventure AWD: One Of America's Top Best-Selling Vehicles

 

Highlight: The RAV4 is available in a gasoline, hybrid and a plug-in configuration.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $40,334 (Base Model – LE 4x2): $29,825

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; traction control; a stability control system; a backup camera; a hill start control system; a radar active cruise control system; a lane departure system; automatic high beams; a trailer sway system; and a tire pressure monitoring system

2025 Toyota Camry XSE AWD: New Design Only Available As A Hybrid

Highlight: The stylish 2025 Camry is only available as a hybrid.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $43,194 (Base Model – LE): $29,945)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; traction control; a stability control system; a rear camera; a tire pressure monitoring system; an electronic blind spot monitoring system; pre-collision system; a radar activated cruise control system; automatic high beams; road sign assist; a lane tracing assist system; a lane departure warning system; and a hill start control system