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2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid – Automotive Review

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Ian Harwood

2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid – Automotive Review

The 2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is ready to excite.

Looks:

The 2018 Toyota RAV4 is here, a bold design and one that many people are happy to see. The Toyota RAV4 is  one of those vehicles that people see on the roads every day, and it just starts to blend into the background. Over the past two years the RAV4 has kept the competition at bay with it’s updated version. This RAV4 is quite exciting, sleek body lines, lower and a little wider making this more aerodynamic. Swept back headlights and a more aggressive front end are just some of the changes made a few years ago. The rear lift-gate features a one touch operation that has selectable memory height settings, perfect for my family were my wife had it set so low I could barely get my arm in and I had it set so she would need a step ladder to close it.

There are five models to choose from FWD LE, FWD XLE, AWD LE, and AWD Limited, giving a little something for everybody.

In The Cab:

Ample use of soft touch materials can be found throughout the interior. Comfortable front seats and rear seats that take  into consideration the comfort of your passengers. 60/40 split fold down with reclining seat backs that are just as comfortable as the front seats and lots of leg room too. The driver’s seat on the LE models features a 6-way manual adjustment while the Limited model receives an 8 way power adjustable. The cargo area has a capacity of 1.09m and 2.08m with the rear seats folded down.

2018 Toyota RAV4 - Exterior Side
2018 Toyota RAV4 - Exterior Rear
2018 Toyota RAV4 - Exterior Front
2018 Toyota RAV4 - Exterior Action

Safety first:

Many safety items are standard in this RAV4. Dual stage driver and passenger airbags, driver knee airbags, front seat mounted side airbags, roll sensing front and rear head/ side curtain airbag. Star safety system which includes vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, and smart stop technology. There are also lane departure alert, blind spot monitor, and rear cross traffic alert available as an option, which I think should be standard on all new models.

Roadworthy:

I am really impressed with how quiet and comfortable the interior is. You can hold a conversation with your children in the back without have to yell over the road noise. I found the 4-cylinder engine to be smooth and responsive.

2018 Toyota RAV4 - Interior Cockpit
2018 Toyota RAV4 - Interior Rear Seats
2018 Toyota RAV4 - Interior Trunk
2018 Toyota RAV4 - Interior Rear Seats Folded

Verdict:

Improving upon a vehicle that has a proven track record, while keeping up with the latest technologies one reason Toyota continues to be so popular today.

Power:

A 2.5 Litre, Hybrid Synergy drive (HSD), 2.5 Litre, 4 cylinder gas engine with 176 horsepower and 172 lb ft of torque mated to a 6 speed automatic electronically controlled transmission with sequential shift mode.

Pump Frequency:

  • 8.7/6.4 L/100 km (city/highway)  FWD LE, XLE
  • 9.1/6.8 L/100 km (city/highway)  AWD LE, XLE
  • 9.3/6.8 L/100 km (city/highway)  AWD Limited
  • 6.9/7.8 L/100 km (city/highway)  Hybrid

Warranty Support:

  • Basic 36 months/ 60,000 km
  • Powertrain 60 months/ 100,000 km
  • Hybrid batteries are covered for 8 years/160,000 km
  • Hybrid-related components/ 160,000 km
  • Corrosion peroration Unlimited km

Sticker Price:

  • Hybrid Limited
    • $42,145 as tested
Automotive Reviews
2018 Toyota Sequoia Exterior
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2018 Toyota Sequoia – Review

2018 Toyota Sequoia Exterior
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Ian Harwood

2018 Toyota Sequoia – Review

The 2018 Toyota Sequoia, updated a little, and when I say a little, I mean not much at all.

This truck was introduced in 2008 and here we are in 2018 with little more than a few tech improvements and updated headlights. The laws of space and time seem to cease to exist on this platform. It is if you went into a black hole and came out 10 years later and nothing had changed. Then on top of all that as I am typing this, Toyota just announced a recall on 65,000 2018 Sequoias, so much for the updates.

Looks:

Oversized front and rear bumpers, large grille, LED headlights and running boards are some of the standouts to this large and in charge vehicle.

In The Cab:

The interior is designed to be comfortable and functional no matter what size the occupant. The driver’s seat is equipped with power lumbar support, and available as an option on the front passenger seat. The second row seats are split 40/20/40, and captain’s seats are optional. The Platinum comes with front and rear heated seats. The third row seat is split 60/40 and is reclineable. Optional power folding rear seats are also available and are very convenient when loading items. The switch is located in the rear and can be easily reached without any bending. There are many interior features and were very well thought out. Power rear lift gate with remote access, power fold side mirrors, auto dim rear view mirror, and power back door window with jam protection are just some of the highlights.

2018 Toyota Sequoia Exterior
2018 Toyota Sequoia Exterior
2018 Toyota Sequoia Exterior
2018 Toyota Sequoia Exterior

Safety first:

The Sequoia is equipped with Vehicle stability control, Active traction control, Anti-lock braking system, Electronic brake force distribution, and Brake assist. For added safety, Toyota created the braking system known as Smart Stop technology. This system cuts power to the engine allows brakes to take precedence over the accelerator when both pedals are pressed at the same time. I experienced this myself when my wife was driving and she heard about a shoe sale over the radio!

The collision safety features include side seat mounted side airbags, and roll sensing side curtain airbags that extend from the front seat to the third row seat.

New for 2018 is lane departure warning system, pedestrian detection, dynamic radar cruise control, auto high beams, rear cross traffic alert, and blind spot monitor.

Power:

Under the hood there is a 5.7L V8 engine with 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque, which is standard on all models. The transmission is a smooth shifting electronically controlled six speed automatic that utilizes hydraulic pressures that help ensure low noise levels.

2018 Toyota Sequoia Interior
2018 Toyota Sequoia Interior
2018 Toyota Sequoia Interior
2018 Toyota Sequoia Interior

Pump frequency:

18.4/13.8 L/100 km (city/highway)

Warranty support:

  • Basic 60,000 km
  • Powertrain 100,000 km
  • Corrosion perforation Unlimited km

Roadworthy:

This truck is incredibly smooth on the road, despite its massive size and weight.

Larger tires and wheels are required when manoeuvring a vehicle of this size. Standard 275/65R18 tires with 18-inch wheels complement the SR5 and Limited models with 275/55R20 tires and specially designed 20 inch aluminum wheels grace the Platinum

Verdict:

Can’t wait for the 2020 version. Hopefully the engineers have 20/20 vision.

Automotive Reviews
2017 Toyota 86 Exterior
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2017 Toyota 86 – Review
2017 Toyota 86 Exterior
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Jared Syrenne

2017 Toyota 86 – Review

The rebranded “86” is a refreshing addition to extremely limited Toyota RWD lineup. Born from the ashes of the now dead Scion brand, the 86 is the reincarnate of the FRS.

Starting as the groupthink project by Subaru and Scion, this small, affordable sports car makes a welcomed appearance in the Toyota brand. Being their only current two doors, rear wheel drive car, this addition is a clear nod to the past and the much loved Toyota Celica/Supra.

There wasn’t much that changed during the rebadge except for really the badge itself. You’ll see a few minor tweaks in places like the bumpers and lights. Toyota also did some tuning and re-gearing which is all that differentiates this from the nearly identical Subaru BRZ

The 86 is a sleek car with all the lines and shapes expected in a true sports car. It is a true back to the basics sports car. It’s a lightweight, rear wheel drive coupe, with Toyota focusing on the handling and driving experience. While it does give some much-needed choice to the entry-level sports car line, the “sports” is mostly external. The unique 2.0l flat 4 Boxer engine helps deliver a lower profile and center of gravity, making for a sportier feeling ride.

2017 Toyota 86 Exterior
2017 Toyota 86 Exterior
2017 Toyota 86 Exterior
2017 Toyota 86

However, to get the price tag to start at only $29,580, the Toyota scrapped everything that doesn’t fit the sports car image. Unfortunately, that might have meant giving up some raw off the line power. The Toyota 86 powerhouse pushes out a very unsatisfactory 200hp with 156ft. Lbs of torque. This pushes the almost 1300kg car from 0-60 in 6.2 seconds. When compared to similarly priced but much more powerful Nissan 370z, a 332hp v6 that goes 0-60 in over a second faster, the Toyota 86 looks like less of a sports car and more of a daily driver. Except that even the 1.5L Honda Civic Si, puts out the same HP, but with much better fuel economy.

The interior is also quite minimalist. While I expect there only to be two seats in a coupe (who uses the backseat in a two-door??) the cockpit of this vehicle is severely lacking. Toyota drives home the back to basics look with a dash that would look more at home in a higher end car from 20 years ago. Many of the tech goodies found standard in cars that are half the price are missing in this vehicle. While if you’ve never had some of those features, I’m sure your driving experience wouldn’t suffer, drivers who have had the pleasure of using them may be turned off this vehicle just for that reason.

2017 Toyota 86 Interior
2017 Toyota 86 Interior
2017 Toyota 86 Interior
2017 Toyota 86 Engine

In conclusion, the Toyota 86 is a welcomed addition to the lineup. It marks the re-entry of the Toyota brand into the RWD sports car market. At the under 30k starting point this is a perfect vehicle for a young adult to get their hands on a brand new driving machine. Toyota has ensured that the focus of this car is on the driving experience, especially if you enjoy drifting more so than speed. To keep the price on the lower end, the Toyota 86 cuts out all the frills and leaves you with a fun to drive RWD coupe good for the daily grind yet still suitable for the occasional rip around some winding backroads, or the hugging some curves on the track.

Key Features:

  • Starting at $29,580
  • 2.0L flat 4 Boxer engine
  • 205hp @ 7000rpm
  • 156 ft. lbs. torque @ 6400rpm
  • 0-60mph in 6.2 seconds
  • 1252kg base curb weight
  • Seating for 4
Automotive Reviews
2017 Toyota 4Runner Exterior
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2017 Toyota 4Runner – Review
2017 Toyota 4Runner Exterior
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Ian Harwood

2017 Toyota 4Runner – Review

Rugged, sporty, and bold are some of the words that come to mind when describing the 2017 Toyota 4runner.

Looks:

Toyota has a history in this province with a strong following making it an icon for the past thirty years. The large grille opening and molded headlights look like a big mouth bass coming up out of the water and biting down on your lure, how’s that for adventure? And the good thing is there is no limit on how many you can take.

In The Cab:

The 4Runner has two rows of seats, with an optional 3rd row, available on the upgrade and premium packages.

There’s an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat, four-way adjustable passenger seat, 40/20/40 split second-row seats, and 40/20/40 split third-row seats which include an optional one-touch walk-in feature to ease access to the back. All the knobs and dials have a rubber texture to emphasize the outdoor theme. The standard model comes with an eight-speaker, 160 watts AM/FM/CD system with an XM satellite-ready antenna. While the premium version receives a JBL AM/FM/CD/4 disc in dash changer that puts out 660 watts of power and includes; a sub-woofer, 15 speakers, iPod connectivity, steering wheel audio controls and Entune multimedia bundle. Entune includes destination search, iHeart radio, movie tickets.com, open table, Pandora, and Facebook. Great, now we’re going to hear  “ honestly officer, I was just posting a picture of you walking towards my truck on Facebook.” There is a12-volt DC power outlet located in the center console, glove box, and cargo area. The Trail edition and limited models feature a 400 watt AC power outlet. An available sliding rear cargo tray holds up to 200 kg and comes in very handy when camping.

2017 Toyota 4Runner Exterior
2017 Toyota 4Runner Exterior
2017 Toyota 4Runner Exterior
2017 Toyota 4Runner Exterior

Safety First:

Dual stage driver and passenger airbag, front seat-mounted side airbags, roll-sensing front and rear head/side curtain, driver and front passenger knee airbags and active front headrests with whiplash protection. Front and rear parking assist sonar.

Power:

Powering the 4Runner is a 4.0-litre V6 dual variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i ) V6 engine that produces an impressive 270 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque.

Pump Frequency:

  • 12.6L/100km city
  • 9.2L/100km highway

Warranty Support:

  • Basic 36 months/ 60,000 km
  • Powertrain 36 months/ 100,000 km
  • Corrosion perforation/ unlimited km
  • Roadside assistance 36 months / 60,000 km
2017 Toyota 4Runner Interior
2017 Toyota 4Runner Exterior
2017 Toyota 4Runner Exterior
2017 Toyota 4Runner Interior

Roadworthy:

Whenever I have a chance to test drive a Toyota 4Runner, I always talk about its legendary off-road capabilities, especially here in BC. What I don’t always talk about is the great on-road driving capabilities. The Toyota 4Runner hugs the road, and the bucket seats hug you. It is very comfortable to drive, and you feel safe driving it. The suspension and shocks give you a firm ride but not enough to give you that washboard effect. Vision while driving is superb, with little to no blind spots. The thick steering wheel and responsive steering make you feel like you’re driving a car. Now, all we need is a Hybrid model.

Verdict:

The Toyota 4Runner is on just about everybody’s wish list. Time to put on the red sports coat and jump!

Sticker Price:

  • SR5  $34,210
  • SR5 Premium  $36,040
  • TRD Off-road  $37,335
  • TRD Off-road Premium $ 39,295
Automotive Reviews
2017 Toyota Corolla Exterior Blue
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2017 Toyota Corolla – Review

2017 Toyota Corolla - Review

2017 Toyota Corolla Exterior Blue
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Jared Syrenne

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Jack of all trades but a master of none. The new 2017 Corolla ranks high on durability and offers many features for its modest price tag, but excitement was not included on that list. For such a landmark year for Toyota, I expected much less vanilla from the 2017 Toyota Corolla. This car is good for point A to B automobile, and it only does moderately well in meeting all the needs of the average car consumer. Toyota has positioned this vehicle to try to meet all the requirements the average commuter needs, but to keep the more economical price point, it is unable to surpass the competition in its class in almost every category.

Visually the only real big changes in this year’s model were in the front grille and bumper. Toyota also claims to offer more distinction in the wheel covers and rims now to attempt to help distinguish between trim lines. Feature-wise, however, there are plenty of behind the scenes technologies that helped heighten the driving experience, and many are included for free. Things that are included in the 6.1” touchscreen, automatic lights, keyless entry, push-button start, and even a backup camera (except the CE). 

Where the Corolla falls short is with its standard 132-hp, 1.8L, 4-cylinder, and the Continuously Variable Transmission with Intelligent Shift (CVTi-S). Compare that to Honda’s 2.0-litre i-VTEC® engine, or even Mazda’s SKYACTIV-G, and Toyota’s measly 132hp sure seems disappointing. The Corolla doesn’t even beat these competitors in fuel efficiency with Honda being the clear winner, and only a minor difference in Toyota compared to the more powerful Mazda engine.

A major selling point for the 2017 Toyota Corolla is the implementation of Toyota’s TSS or Total Safety System. This is included as a standard feature on all Corolla’s, which certainly puts them ahead of the competition in this feature category. This system features: “a pre-collision avoidance system that warns the driver of potential dangers. It also includes things like automatic high beams, a lane departure alert system as well as dynamic radar cruise control.” This safety feature is so effective it could often border on annoying, especially in situations like making room for people on bikes on the backroads.

The most surprising thing to happen to this lineup is the introduction of the Scion iM. After Toyota folded the offshoot Scion brand, the only things that survived the cut were the iM and the FRS. While slightly faster than the sedan model, it doesn’t improve much in fuel efficiency. It will be very unlikely to see this model continue long as Toyota already has a full stable of hatchbacks with the Yaris and Prius.

In conclusion, the Toyota Corolla could be a very logical safe choice, for someone looking to go from point A to B. This car was seemed to be okay with being okay, there was no wow factor, no excelling feature to drive the need to buy. In the end, however, I guess Toyota will have the last laugh, as they satisfy the biggest niche of them all. The part of the market that is satisfied with good enough, you get most of the features offered in any higher priced vehicle, but yet it will still be safe and economical for your daily commute.

Key Features

  •  Pricing starting from $16,390 to $21,490
  • 4/6.5 L/100km (City/Hwy)
  • 132-hp, 1.8L
  • Toyota Star Safety System

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Automotive Reviews
2017 Toyota Camry Exterior
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2017 Toyota Camry Hybrid SE -Review

2017 Toyota Camry SE - Review

2017 Toyota Camry Exterior
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Top Motorist

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The Toyota Camry has always been regarded as a huge sales success and an excellent value-for-money vehicle purchase. However, the new 2017 Toyota Camry has underwhelmed this year with their prized sedan. It’s not all a loss; the Camry has some new features and technology that does impress, but as a whole, the vehicle didn’t stand out from the others in its competitive class. In my opinion, I still think it has a way to go regarding a featured wow factor and price, thus being ranked below the 2017 Honda Accord and the 2017 Mazda 6.

I give credit to Toyota for their stylish exterior features giving the Camry somewhat of a performance look.  The front end of the vehicle looks okay, however, the gaping mouth look of the grille that cascades downwards makes me uncomfortable. Similar to a person with braces smiling with your mouth open; not appealing. The black mesh look is a recommended option. It’s apparent that Toyota focused on making the Camry incredibly spacious. It’s comfortable and roomy for all passengers. It features leather seats throughout and a featured moonroof which is always a nice touch. 

Some of the Features the new 2017 Toyota Camry offers are a Hybrid Synergy Drive®. This allows for the optimum output of both gas and electric capabilities while maintaining fuel efficiency (5.6/6.2 City/Hwy for 200hp). It had smooth handling that is common in the top sedan cars; however, it lacked the sportier tight handling where you find in the Mazda 6 and Honda Accord. Multiple safety features highlight the Toyota Camry by having a blind-spot notification, rear crossing traffic alert, and back-up camera. An underrated and unique feature is the Qi-compatible wireless charger. This gives you the ability to lay down your smartphone on a non-slip charging pad as you drive. This was an interesting concept, but then again USB cords do the same thing.

Overall the Toyota Camry wasn’t an exciting ride; it may be nice for someone who is willing to have fuel efficiency and reliability over drivability. That may also be a person who eats there hamburgers plain. It constantly felt like something was severely lacking in this vehicle. I’m hoping to see an increase in performance for next year’s model while maintaining or improving its fuel efficiency. When putting the vehicle into park, you experience a beeping alert that the door is in fact open. Well, I found this very pointless and annoying. I am aware my door is open because I need to exit this boring vehicle, I do not need a loud constant beeping to remind me. Perhaps if the door is left open after a certain amount of time it could beep and let me know, that might be helpful in that sense.

Key Features:

  • Price: $32, 150
  • 8L/100km City and 6.3L/100km Highway
  • 5L, 4-cylinder, Hybrid Synergy Drive®
  • 10 Airbags, Seats 5 

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Automotive Reviews