Models
Best Cars Of 2021
With the pandemic still looming over our heads, 2021 was a pretty action-packed year for the auto industry. Sure, you had challenges, with automakers having to contend with issues like chip shortages, causing delays to consumers. But regardless, the show had to go on and we got some pretty cool cars making their debut, predominantly towards the latter half of 2021.
Let’s get one thing out of the way, 2021 really was also the year, when the market as a whole began to embrace EV’s and you could see several automakers both the legacy as well as EV startups bring several new models to market. Having said that, we did see some pretty cool ICE cars, also make their debut. Now there were several cars that made headlines this year, it was very difficult to pick out the best ones, but the cars on this list definitely stood out. Here’s our list of some of the most highly anticipated and important cars that were unveiled in 2021.
The Toyota BZ4X Launches in Mid-2022 With Just over 200 Horsepower and Decent Range
Toyota might not be the company that’s most critical of combating climate change and was recently ranked as the third most resistant to climate change polices, but that doesn’t mean it’s not inching its way into electrification. The very first step in the brand’s transformation is the BZ4X, which was revealed as a concept earlier this year and is now scheduled to arrive at dealers in production form by mid-2022 as a 2023 model. Now, we’ve learned just what the production model will offer, and it’s not that bad at all.
Can The Toyota GR Supra Shame The Mercedes-AMG C63 S In A Drag Race?
Lately, it seems like it’s Toyota GR Supra against the world, as the car is constantly being pitted against other, more powerful vehicles. What’s impressive is that the Supra tends to come out on top, even when pitted against V-8-powered vehicles. Speaking of V-8s, YouTube channel Sam CarLegion has managed to secure a Mercedes AMG C63 S Coupe in order to go up against the GR Supra. Will it win or will it become part of the statistics?
With less than impressive sales in one of the most profitable segments of the American vehicle market, and an ageing, 14-year old generation still on dealer lots, the Toyota Tundra is arguably due for a complete overhaul. And I’m here to tell you that the all-new and improved 2022 Tundra is closer than ever, with an estimated launch date sometime towards the end of 2021 as a 2022 model year.
Keep reading to find out all the latest information regarding the third generation Toyota Tundra, a truck that will be „dominating” soon.
This Is, Probably, The Fastest Toyota MR2 In Existence
When it comes to lightweight and affordable sports cars, the Mazda MX-5 is probably the first vehicle you think about. But the Toyota MR2 is an equally interested option, mostly because it features a mid-engined layout. Unlike the Miata, the MR2 is no longer available, having been discontinued in 2007. This didn’t stop a drag racing enthusiast from turning an old MR2 into a drag strip monster. Meet the fastest and most powerful MR2 ever.
Someone Carved a 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser Out of Wood And We Can’t Quit Watching
If you are active on social media, you would’ve seen people trying to pick up a new hobby or skill during quarantine. Everyone is trying to keep themselves busy by doing something out of the box. If you’re still looking to pick up a skill, I’m sure this video will convince you to try out wood carving. This ‘woodsmith’ has a channel on YouTube by the name Woodworking Art where he uploads his creations. Recently, he carved a 2020 Toyota Prado Land Cruiser to absolute perfection. This video is the ultimate example of skill and craftsmanship at its finest.
Crown Prince Naruhito has transitioned to Emperor Naruhito of Japan as of May 1, 2019, and now that he’s taken the throne it’s time for him to choose a car for his ceremonial parade. Up until now, this has been a Rolls-Royce but, with new leadership comes new desires, and because of this, Rolls-Royce is out and, while you might not believe it, Toyota is in. That’s right; it has been officially confirmed via a press release directly from the Japanese Government that Emperor Naruhito’s new car is, in fact, a Toyota. And, it’s one that we don’t have in the States – it’s a Toyota Century. So what can lead a new Emperor to ditch the luxury that comes with any Rolls-Royce for a Toyota? Well, only the best from Japan’s best automaker – that’s what. It’s not just any Toyota Century that can’t be had in the United States – it’s a one-off Century convertible, and it’s the only one in the world.
Lexus is Rebadging the Toyota Alphard Minivan So It Can Sell a Luxury Van
Lexus is joining the minivan segment with the upcoming release of the LM minivan. Yes, you read that right. Lexus, the same company that gave us the LFA supercar, is dipping its toes in the minivan market, proving that automakers will do just about anything to make money these days. The automaker has yet to unveil the LM minivan — that’s happening at the upcoming Auto Shanghai 2019 that kicks off on April 16 in Shanghai, China — but a teaser image of the model has provided clear hints that the model will be largely based on the Toyota Alphard. Yes; the same luxury van that Toyota has been selling in various Asian markets for the better part of 17 years. Production plans for the Lexus LM suggest that we’ll see the minivan hit the road sometime in 2020, though it’s unlikely that we’ll get to see the LM in the U.S.
2019 Lexus ES Versus 2019 Toyota Avalon - Which Is Better?
If you’re in the market for a new mid-size four-door from Japan, Toyota’s offering up the 2019 Avalon, while Lexus has the 2019 ES, and truth be told, there’s lots of overlap between the two. However, there’s also several critical differences, so to find out which was best, we put ‘em side by side and broke out the magnifying glass.
Continue reading for the full story.
2019 Toyota Avalon - Driven
First unveiled in 1994 at the Chicago Auto Show, a total of four generations have come and gone for Toyota’s large, mid-size, flagship sedan, also known as the Avalon. Now, following a debut at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show, the Avalon enters its fifth generation, and it’s bringing fresh exterior styling, a brand-new interior, tons of technology and equipment, and both a V-6 and hybrid four-cylinder powertrain, all in the name of resurrecting the beleaguered sedan segment. The question is - is it any good? To find out, Toyota flew me down to Del Mar in San Diego, CA, to give it a try.
Continue reading to learn more about the 2019 Toyota Avalon.
2019 Toyota Avalon: First Drive Impressions
The sedan segment has taken some pretty big hits over the last few years, regularly losing ground to the ever-popular SUV and crossover body styles. But while overall sales are down, some automakers are sticking it out with fresh new four-doors in the hopes that customers will once again see the light. Toyota is one such automaker, and the latest 2019 Avalon is a great reason to go against the grain.
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The Adaptive Suspension On The 2019 Toyota Avalon Works Wonders
In the race to pack in as many gadgets and features as possible on new vehicles, automakers are gravitating towards adaptive suspension systems as a means to bridge the gap between sporty handling and a comfortable ride. It’s not always an easy balance to find, which means these systems are usually relegated to pricey models from Europe - unless you’re talking about the 2019 Toyota Avalon, that is.
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The 2019 Toyota Avalon’s Interior Looks Fantastic
The Toyota Avalon brings a lot to the table for its latest fifth-generation changeover, tempting buyers with a premium approach that’s befitting of Toyota’s flagship four-door. Part of the formula is a redesigned interior, and all told, it’s quite the looker.
Continue reading to learn more about the 2019 Toyota Avalon here.
Test Drive: The 2019 Toyota Avalon Hybrid Has Some Surprising Punch
Toyota recently gave me an opportunity to drive the latest fifth-generation Avalon mid-size sedan, and suffice to say, I was impressed. There’s a lot to like about this “attainable premium” four-door, but the thing that really grabbed me was what happened when I put my foot down while behind the wheel of the hybrid model.
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2018 Toyota Sequoia - Driven
The Toyota Sequoia is alive and kicking. You’re forgiven if you’ve forgotten, even despite Toyota giving the full-size SUV a slight update for 2018. The Sequoia’s sales pale in comparison to its rivals, and as such, there are simply fewer on the road. But that doesn’t mean the Sequoia is a bad SUV, right? We decided to have a look.
Our tester came decked out with all the extra goodies thanks to the range-topping Platinum trim. Of course, it also carried all the update Toyota gave it for the 2018 model year, including a new nose, a revised gauge cluster, and the now-standard Toyota Safety Sense-P active safety system. Beyond that, however, the 2018 Sequoia looks and feels nearly identically to the 2008 version.
It’s hard to believe the Sequoia’s second-generation is now a decade old. It harks back to Toyota’s major revamp of the Tundra pickup. It changed to a full-size truck for the 2007 model year and the Sequoia followed suit the next year. The Sequoia shares plenty with the Tundra, including its drivetrain and interior. Toyota did cater the Sequoia towards family usage with an independent rear suspension with available air ride rather than the Tundra’s solid axle and leaf springs. Yet despite the differences, the Sequoia still felt like a truck. In practice though, many full-size SUV customers were into that sort of thing. It fosters a sense of invincibility and a go-anywhere attitude. Well, so long as there’s a gas station close by.
Continue reading for our full review.
2018 Toyota Century
Introduced in 1994, the Avalon helped Toyota become a notable force in the full-size segment in the United States. At the same time, the Lexus LS achieved a similar status in the luxury market. However, the Avalon isn’t Toyota’s largest vehicle. While the Japanese-spec Crown is slightly shorter than the Avalon (by some three inches), the second-generation Century trumps even the latest Lexus LS in terms of length at a whopping 207 inches. Or at least it did until it was discontinued in October 2016. But only one year has passed, and Toyota is getting ready to launch the third-generation model at the 2017 Toyota Motor Show.
Longer and wider, the new Century has been redesigned from the ground up. But, interestingly enough, it retained the traditional boxy design of its predecessor, which makes it a classy, old-school limo that reminds of the 1990s. In a good way! Toyota also replaced the old 5.0-liter V-12 with a V-8 and added an electric motor for enhanced fuel economy. As usual, it’s equipped with Toyota’s most luxurious features and technology, but updated to modern standard compared to the 20-year-old second-gen model. Unfortunately, the Century remains a Japan-only model, so don’t get your hopes up seeing it on North American roads. Let’s have a closer look at what we’re missing.
Continue reading to learn more about the Toyota Century.
Motor Trend Pits the Mercedes G65 Against Icon’s FJ44 Prototype
It’s not everyday you see two quarter-million dollar SUVs plunging into rocky riverbeds and barreling through muddy ditches, but that’s exactly what’s happening in Motor Trend’s latest episode of Head2Head.
Most everybody is familiar with the Mercedes G-Wagen. It’s Mercedes answer to the Jeep, and likewise, the G served its time in the military. However, the most common place to find a G-Wagen is on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, California. Mercedes’ most plush, powerful, and opulent version of G-Wagen is the Mercedes-AMG G65. It comes packing a 6.0-liter V-12 that cranks out 621 horsepower and an insane 738 pound-feet of torque.
Sadly, as our dubious hosts point out, the V-12 is a hunk of old-school tech that is in need of serious updating. Turbo lag and a small power band are the highest offences. On the other side of the muddy ditch is a 6.2-liter V-8 packing a supercharger within the Icon FJ44’s engine bay. This GM small-block might have its origins in the 1950s, but it still lays down 465 horsepower.
Now both SUVs are plenty capable off-road, but the Icon is certainly the more rugged of the two. Its no-nonsense interior and tall ground clearance allow it to traverse anywhere without damage – something we can’t say for the Mercedes G65. Conversely, the FJ44 would be nearly impossible to daily drive, whereas the Benz fits right in at your local Whole Foods or billionaire’s club.
So which SUV wins this crazy head to head? You’ll have to watch the video to find out. All I’ll say is it’s rather surprising and unforeseen. Click HD and full screen for the full effect.
You may have noticed an unusual number of “Back to the Future” references in your social media; that’s because 10/21/2015 is the date shown on Doc Brown’s DeLorean time machine in “Back to the Future 2.” In the plot of the movie, this is the day that Marty McFly arrives in the future to try and fix the things that have gone wrong in the timeline.
Though the DeLorean is the automotive star of the franchise, there’s a Toyota connection as well. Marty’s dream car is a black 1985 Toyota Xtracab 4x4 pickup, and Toyota’s taken the opportunity to play it up a little bit. (DeLorean probably would too, if it was still in business.) In addition to creating a “Back to the Future” edition of the all-new 2016 Tacoma, complete with 1980s-style KC light bar and nerf bumpers, the brand has brought its Mirai fuel-cell vehicle into the loop with a short video called “Fueled by the Future.” The video features the aforementioned Tacoma concept along with Christopher Lloyd, Michael J. Fox and other familiar faces.