Toyota Chicago Auto Show Cars

Toyota is bringing an armada of trucks and SUVs at the 2020 Chicago Auto Show, including the Highlander XSE that’s infused with enough sporty characteristics that make us wonder if Toyota’s deliberately trying to jolt some life into what otherwise is a family-oriented three-row crossover. To be clear, the Highlander XSE is not a special edition Highlander; it’s a new trim level that comes with significant visual and performance upgrades that you normally don’t see in a Highlander. If this is Toyota’s attempt to catch our attention with the 2021 Highlander, consider our attention’s caught. The Toyota Highlander XSE will go on sale in the fall of this year as a 2021 model. No pricing details have been revealed, but Toyota did say that the Highlander XSE will slot between the XLE and Limited trims. With the Highlander XLE starting at around $40,000 and the Highlander Limited starting at $44,000, expect the Highlander XSE to start at $42,000.

Toyota created a buzz before the 2020 Chicago Auto Show kicked off by announcing it’ll bring “sporty and outdoorsy, with a touch of nocturnal mischief.” to the show. Toyota teased the Tacoma’s front passenger side lower fascia in a teaser image leading to the auto show, but now we have all the scoop. The company has brought along Trail and Nightshade editions for a handful of its vehicles.

The Trail Editions are introduced on the 2021 models of the Tacoma, Tundra, and the 4Runner. They are aimed at folks who prefer rugged vehicles for a “sporty and outdoorsy” lifestyle. The Trail Edition will be based on the SR5 trims on all three vehicles. They will be offered in special exterior colors that include Army Green, Cement, Midnight Black, and Super White, and also receive black badging to distinguish from the regular SR5 trims. On the inside, Toyota has upholstered the vehicles in black seats with tan contrast stitching. All-weather floor mats also come as part of the package. The Tacoma Trail will come with stuff like:

Dark Gray 18-inch TRD Off-Road wheels Kevlar All-Terrain tires Front fascia grille borrowed from Tacoma Limited A 115-volt power outlet in the bed Lockable bed storage that doubles up as a cooler as well Limited to 7,000 Tacomas

As for the Tundra Trail, you receive:

Chrome grille from the 1794 trim Special Edition exclusive wheels Lockable bed storage-cum-cooler like on the Tacoma Trail Limited to 5,000 Tundras

The 4Runner Trail will be equipped with:

Dark Gray TRD Off-Road wheels Yakima LoadWarrior Rooftop Cargo Basket Custom 40-quart Cooler Sliding Cargo Tray Limited to 4,000 4Runners

Toyota has also blacked out a few more models in its portfolio. Currently, the company offers the Nightshade package on five of its products – 4Runner, Camry, Corolla, Corolla hatch, and Sienna – on the SE trims. Now, Toyota has added the Tacoma, Tundra, and Sequoia to the range as well. The Limited trims of these three vehicles will be treated to the Nightshade package. Customers can have the Nightshade package on these new vehicles in Midnight Black Metallic or Magnetic Gray Metallic exterior shade. Toyota offers this package on the Tacoma in Super White shade, too. The common package details across the three models include:

Black Leather Seats Blacked-Out Front Grille Black Mirror Caps Black Door Handles

Apart from this, the Tacoma Nightshade also receives:

Dark Smoke 18-inch Wheels A Black Exhaust Tip Black Fog Light Bezels New Grille Insert Design Offered in Windchill Pearl shade as well Limited to 5,000 Tacomas

On the Tundra, the company offers black wheels and black exhaust tip. Other than the two standard exterior shades, you can order it in Windchill Pearl, or Super White as well. Toyota will only make 5,000 examples of this one. As for the Sequoia, it receives darkened chrome "Sequoia" badging, body moldings, lower grille, and fog light surrounds. The SUV with the Nightshade package can be had in Blizzard Pearl shade as well. The company has limited the production to 2,500 examples for the Sequoia Nightshade.

Toyota hasn’t revealed the pricing for any of the Special Edition vehicles, but we don’t expect a major increase in any of them. The company also hasn’t announced when these vehicles will be available.

The Chicago Auto Show is all set to kick off on February 6, and Toyota has already created some buzz about it. The Japanese automaker teased an image of a front passenger-side lower fascia that appears to be the Tacoma’s. Toyota coupled this pic with a statement that read, “sporty and outdoorsy, with a touch of nocturnal mischief.”

At the 2019 Chicago Auto Show, Toyota unveiled the 2020 Tacoma. In all likelihood, Toyota will use this year’s show to focus primarily on off-road stuff. All this indicates a new off-road trim for the Tacoma. Wait, just one off-road trim, or many more?

First introduced back in 1995, the Toyota Tacoma is currently in its third generation. With nearly a quarter century of history behind it, the Tacoma nameplate is well-established as one of the most unbreakably rugged and reliable vehicles on the planet, and now this mid-size pickup is headed for a refresh for the 2020 model year. The latest Tacoma is framed as the “best-equipped ever,” and in TRD guise, it looks to mate its traditional off-roading chops in the rough stuff with newfound comfort and tech appointment in the cabin. However, considering the latest third-generation made its debut back in 2015, as well as a major influx of competition throughout the segment, does the 2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD still manage to keep pace?

Toyota had an eventful time at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show. It was not just the Sequoia getting honored with the TRD Pro badge, or Toyota presenting the 2020 Tacoma. The automaker revealed the TRD Off-road version of the RAV4. Toyota’s trusted compact crossover was beefed-up and launched with more off-road capability. Does the RAV4 TRD Off-Road make a compelling case for itself as an ’off-roader"?

Toyota has been jacking up its trucks and SUVs and slapping them with the TRD Pro cadge for a long time now. The ’TRD Pro’ suffix is a privilege of sorts these days, and the vehicles that are honored with it go on to become big. Seeing mainstream Toyota vehicles injected with TRD DNA are a blessing. At the Chicago Auto Show, the Japanese giant decided to add one more model to its lineup that included the Tundra, Tacoma, and the 4Runner. Toyota teased the new addition to the TRD Pro family a few days before the Chicago Auto Show commenced and people took wild guesses to figure out which model had been drugged. But Toyota dropped a bomb when the vehicle happened to be the age-old Sequoia SUV. Well, the rest is history.

Toyota launched the 2020 Tacoma model at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show. Although its sibling, the Sequoia TRD Pro, stole its thunder at the, one cannot sideline the Tacoma. After all, it is the best-selling mid-size pickup truck currently on the market. The 2020 Toyota Tacoma does not bring a lot of changes to the table; mechanically or cosmetically. Do you think there is enough to differentiate it from the 2019 model and keep up with the rising competition?

Modern compact crossovers are some of the most popular types of vehicles nowadays, and one of the nameplates that helped establish this trend is the Toyota RAV4 that debuted in 1994. But ever since the first generation, now seen as a classic of the genre, Toyota has been watering down the RAV4 formula. This trend peaked with the previous-gen model that, in my eyes, was the least desirable RAV4 ever.

The 2019 Chicago Auto is now in full swing, and the McCormick Place convention center is absolutely overflowing with new trucks, crossovers, and SUVs. Many of the models on the show floor offer some claim to off-road utility, but few can match the Toyota Land Cruiser Heritage Edition, which mates a long history of conquering trails with a variety of unique cosmetic updates.

Who would have thought two or three years ago that Toyota will reveal the 2020 RAV4 TRD Off-road at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show? Well, I did, a bit, as back in 2016 Toyota decided it needed more young people (preferably males) in its showrooms that make deals on the RAV4. Toyota even entered a FWD rally competition with the cool RAV4 with Ryan Millen behind the wheel. And that was the start of the major revamp of the entire RAV4 character that has finally come to fruition with the reveal of the new Toyota RAV4. The RAV4 TRD Off-road, however, is a proper concoction spruced from the seats laid down by that Millen RAV4 rally SUV.

I freaking like it!

Although the Sequoia made the news for being roped in by the TRD Pro division, let’s not sideline the best-selling mid-size pickup truck in the States. Toyota refreshed the Tacoma for the 2020 model and has brought it to Chicago. Although the visual changes may not be visible to a layman, there are a few cues that help differentiate the 2020 Tacoma from the 2019 model. The drivetrain, however, still remains the same. Should Toyota have bumped up the power figures a little bit?

Toyota has managed to turn the TRD Pro badge into some sort a privilege for the SUVs in the Japanese lineup. It’s like an Ironman Triathlon where the beasts have to go through a series of challenges to earn the TRD Pro badge. The latest entrant to that list the Toyota Sequoia. Toyota teased a new vehicle being added to the TRD Pro lineup a couple of days back and to be honest, the Sequoia would have been the last option on everyone’s minds. But well, the TRD Pro Sequoia is ready and will be officially making its debut at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show.

Toyota dropped a teaser video for its next TRD Pro truck that will be unveiled on February 7th at the Chicago Auto Show.You don’t see much in the video, but we’re guessing Toyota is either previewing an updated version of the Tundra TRD Pro or a new model altogether.

We’ve talked about Toyota’s plans to add a TRD version to every Toyota there is in the past, and this means we’re on the cusp of getting more TRD Sport and TRD Pro models. This time around, Toyota is preparing us for a rugged new TRD Pro truck that’s seen disrupting the peace in a 15-second clip posted by the Japanese automaker on social media.

Toyota simply loves to celebrate important dates with heritage editions of its cars. Especially ones involving the almighty Land Cruiser (per my humble opinion the best vehicle on Earth, like ever). Revealed ahead of the official live debut at the Chicago Motor Show next month, the Toyota Land Cruiser Heritage Edition celebrates 60+ years of the Land Cruiser in the US. Although the Land Cruiser 200 is a decade old, it is still very much at the pinnacle of luxurious world of off-roaders. The Heritage Edition did gain a few interesting differentiating touches, but in essence, it is still very much the same body-on-frame truck with a two-speed transfer case and selectable low gear that it was a decade ago.

During its ten year tenure on the market, Toyota celebrated a number of anniversaries and important dates with the Land Cruiser 200. In 2013, Toyota said that the “Land Cruiser is the Luxurious Descendant of A Proud 50-Year Off-Road Heritage” In 2014 Toyota said that the “Land Cruiser Luxury SUV Doesn’t Look A Day Over 50” In 2016 Toyota mentioned that the “Land Cruiser Celebrates 60th Year in America with Ultimate Capability and Luxury” And, finally, in 2019 - “Land Cruiser Heritage Edition Celebrates 60+ Years as SUV Icon”

Toyota’s 2019 updates to its trio of TRD Pro models brings some impressive upgrades to the Tacoma. Headlining the features is the new Desert Air Intake, a high-rise snorkel that not only looks awesome but sucks in cleaner air from higher above trail. The suspension is also updated Fox Racing Shocks and a handful of cosmetic changes keep the truck fresh.

The Tacoma TRD Pro has been around since 2015 and jumped to the third-generation Tacoma for 2017 after skipping the 2016 model year. Now for 2019, the truck’s updates work to better align the Tacoma TRD Pro with the new and highly impressive Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 and the upcoming Ford Ranger Raptor. While the Tacoma enjoys a fat sales margin over the Colorado, its lead has been dwindling. Once Ford’s new Ranger his the streets for 2019, Toyota will have a real fight on its hands. Read on to see how the 2019 updates prepare the Tacoma for a tough battle.

Continue reading for more on the 2019 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro.

The Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro is one of the capable SUVs on the market today. While most SUVs have softened into crossovers with unibody chassis, the 4Runner continues its body-on-frame tradition matched with the even-more-capable TRD Pro suspension system. Yet, for 2019, Toyota is turning up the heat.

The 2019 4Runner TRD Pro gets upgraded Fox Racing Shocks that help better handle high-speed desert running while providing a civil ride around town and a new roof rack offers more storage for dirty gear. A few other changes inside and out help keep the 4Runner fresh as interest explodes for its main rival, the Jeep Wrangler.

Continue reading for more on the 2019 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro.

Toyota has upped the ante with its Tundra TRD Pro for the 2019 model year. The off-road package receives a mid-cycle refresh that includes both cosmetic and suspension upgrades. The move is completely understandable considering how hot the off-road segment is getting these days.

It’s important to understand the Tundra TRD Pro’s place in the market. It competes most directly with the Ram 1500 Rebel, both of which fall short of the Ford F-150 Raptor’s outright ownership of the high-speed desert racing niche. But while Ford is busy making the Raptor an extremely capable but very expensive upgrade to the F-150, both the TRD Pro and Rebel are more obtainable for the everyman. In other words, the Tundra TRD Pro might not match the Raptor’s off-road performance, but it’s also far less expensive.

Nevertheless, Toyota’s 2019 updates push the Tundra TRD Pro beyond what it was capable of from 2015 to 2018.

Continue reading for more on the 2019 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro.

Toyota has given its TRD Pro lineup a welcomed update for 2019. That includes the Tundra, Tacoma, and this, the iconic 4Runner. While the changes are relatively small, they contribute to a more capable and more enjoyable off-road experience. From updated Fox Racing Shocks to a new roof rack, the updates keep the 4Runner from gong completely stale.

Continue reading for more on the 2019 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro.

The biggest member of Toyota’s TRD Pro trio, the Tundra TRD Pro, is getting similar updates as the Tacoma and 4Runner TRD Pros for 2019. This includes updated Fox Racing Shocks and a few cosmetic changes to keep things fresh. The 2019 Tundra TRD Pro can easily be picked out thanks to its new secondary hood scoop and new 18-inch BBS forged-aluminum wheels.

As with its TRD Pro stablemates, the Tundra TRD Pro will arrive in showrooms in the fall of 2018. Toyota hasn’t released pricing yet, but here at the 2018 Chicago Auto Show, we’re getting our first look at the truck. Keep reading for the details.

Continue reading for more on the 2019 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro.

Toyota is giving its TRD Pro trio – Tundra, Tacoma, and 4Runner. – a mild update for the 2019 model year. The changes are mostly minor but help keep the already capable vehicles fresh in customers’ minds. That’s definitely needed considering how hot the off-road pickup segment is getting.

Continue reading for more on the 2019 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro.

Toyota has just dropped a massive teaser of the 2019 Tacoma TRD Pro in anticipation for its big debut at the 2018 Chicago Auto Show. There, Toyota will be announcing updates to the entire TRD Pro lineup, which includes the Tundra, Tacoma, and 4Runner.

Currently, the only solid lead we have is the dusty image Toyota released of the 2019 Tacoma TRD Pro. The glaringly obvious change is the snorkel mounted along the passenger-side A-pillar. It’s a big deal as it makes Toyota the only automaker to make a snorkel part of a production vehicle in the U.S. While we don’t know if the raised air intake will be an option or actually standard equipment, we’re definitely leaning toward the former. It’s worth noting, however, that Mopar does offer a snorkel kit for the Jeep Wrangler that can be installed by a Jeep dealership.

Technicalities aside, the snorkel will likely give the Tacoma TRD Pro a deeper water fording depth and should help to keep the air filter cleaner thanks to its higher, more dust-free location. Of course, Tacoma owners will have other components to worry about getting wet. Generally, things like computers, electrical connections, and interior bits don’t like getting wet.

Other updates to the TRD Pro lineup could include improved suspension systems, new wheel and tire combinations, updated traction management systems, and even new interior accents. Currently, TRD Pro models receive interior changes like TRD-branded shift knobs, floor mats, embroidered headrests, and other small niceties.

We will know way more come this Thursday, February 8. Toyota will have its press conference at 9 a.m. CST.