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3 Things You Didn't Know About the 2018 Highlander Hybrid

A red 2018 Toyota Highlander Hybrid driving down a sunny highway.
When you're in the market for a reliable, mid-sized SUV with an upscale cabin, excellent gas mileage estimates, and plenty of family-friendly safety features, then the 2018 Toyota Highlander Hybrid might be the perfect choice for you. Toyota's new hybrid offers drivers everything that matters most in an SUV from comfortable, three-row seating for up to eight passengers to a spacious cargo area, and a long list of convenient, standard features. Let's explore a few things you didn't know about Toyota's new 2018 Highlander Hybrid.

Well-Appointed Trims

Toyota beats out its automaker rivals as the only crossover hybrid on the lot. After a complete refresh last year, the Highlander's four hybrid trims are just as versatile as you are. The lineup includes the LE, XLE, the Limited, and the Limited Platinum package. The XLE comes equipped with a sunroof, heated, power front seats upholstered in leather, second-row sunshades, 120-volt power outlet and flip-up rear windows, an adjustable, power liftgate, satellite and HD radio, and a navigation system. When you want a little more for the kiddos, the Limited is just the right size for most families and comes well-equipped with an optional rear-seat entertainment system. The second-row captain's chairs are perfect for teens; plus, you'll appreciate the handy rear cargo cover and snazzy 19-inch wheels. At the top of Toyota's hybrid trims is the Limited Platinum package with a glorious panoramic sunroof, automatic windshield wipers, and a heated steering wheel with heated rear seats.

Acceleration and Power

Every Highlander Hybrid comes standard with a powertrain that combines a 3.5-liter V-6 engine with three electric motors, and a continuously variable automatic transmission. This eco-friendly family-hauler offers a surprising 280 hybrid system net horsepower, while still earning the celebrated super ultra low emissions vehicle (SULEV) badge. SULEVs like the Highland Hybrid run 90-percent cleaner than your average SUV. Of course, fuel economy is where the hybrid SUV really shines. Toyota's fuel-sipping crossover gets up to 30 mpg city, compared to its cousin, the gas-only Highlander's 21. Unlike many hybrids, the Highlander offers strong acceleration from a stop and while at cruising speeds, and smoothly transitions between electric and gas power sources. All-wheel drive comes standard with the hybrid, which is another nice perk.

Advanced Driver Assist Features

Drive confidently with the latest in advanced driver accident-avoidance tools from Toyota Safety Sense P — the pre-collision system. This suite of innovative new technology offers families the added peace of mind with standard features, such as a bird's eye camera, brake assist, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warnings, and lane keeping assist, to name a few. As reported by U.S. World News, the new Highlander Hybrid also earned the coveted Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash test rating of good and an overall five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The 2018 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has a base sticker price of $36,670, while the loaded Highlander Hybrid Limited tops out with a retail price starting at $45,160. Test drive your favorite trim today at Smart Motors Toyota.   'Image' used with permission via Toyota.com / cropped from original
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Blue Toyota Tacoma SR5 Double Cab parked in a lumber yard.

Expect More in a 2026 Toyota Truck

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I-FORCE Turbocharged 2.4L Four-Cylinder Other trims of the 2026 Tacoma feature a more capable four-cylinder engine that improves performance and capability. Performance: The upgraded four-cylinder builds on the SR trim's performance. The engine produces up to 278 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque. Drivers can choose either an eight-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission. Capability: In addition to the increased performance, the upgraded four-cylinder gives the Tacoma its highest tow rating of 6,500 lbs. It can also facilitate a payload of 1,705 lbs. Fuel Economy: The advantages of the other four-cylinder engine don't stop at better performance and capability. RWD models achieve 21 MPG in the city, compared to 20 MPG on the SR trim. I-FORCE MAX Turbocharged HEV Four-Cylinder An advantage of both the Tacoma and the full-sized Tundra is access to a hybrid powertrain. The i-FORCE MAX covers every possible base. 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A red 2020 Toyota Yaris.

The 2020 Yaris Should Be On Your List of Vehicles to Test Drive

Considering buying a car in 2020? Then you'll definitely want to check out the 2020 Toyota Yaris. The Yaris is a spunky and stylish vehicle with plenty of power and a cozy interior. Read through these highlights of the 2020 Toyota Yaris, and you'll discover why it should be on your list of vehicles to test drive. Sporty Style For 2020, the Yaris is sold in both hatchback and sedan models. The 2020 Yaris hatchback will be available for sale in the fall, and will include LE and XLE trims. The 2020 Yaris sedan is available in L, LE, and XLE trim levels. Though it is a smaller vehicle, the Yaris features numerous sporty design details and vibrant exterior color options that will have heads turning. On the exterior, the Yaris is characterized by clean lines, a sizable front grille, and LED headlights, which give the vehicle a smooth and polished look. The Yaris' 16-inch alloy wheels are standard on the LE and XLE trims. Additionally, the available heated power side mirrors with LED turn signals assist you with changing lanes. more Superior Performance The Yaris hatchback comes equipped with a 1.5-liter inline-four engine that produces 106 horsepower. The hatchback is only available with a six-speed automatic transmission. According to estimates from Toyota, the Yaris hatchback gets up to 40 mpg for highway driving. On the other hand, the Yaris sedan features a direct-injection 1.5-liter inline-four engine combined with a standard six-speed manual transmission. However, an available six-speed automatic transmission with sport mode is an option for the Yaris sedan. Whether you go with a Yaris hatchback or a Yaris sedan, this vehicle is as light as a feather. The lightweight nature of the Yaris allows it to handle curves with ease, without compromising power. The strong acceleration, superior handling, and small stature of the Yaris make it an ideal vehicle for commuters. Comfortable Interior The Yaris may be compact in size, but its interior is cozy and features an abundance of up-to-date technology. Technology features include a 7.0-inch touchscreen for information and entertainment, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities, satellite radio, and two USB ports. In addition, the standard steering wheel-mounted controls allow you to access the technology features without taking your hands off the steering wheel. The Yaris XLE hatchback model features synthetic leather upholstery, automatic climate control, and leather trim around the steering wheel. In terms of cargo space, with its 60/40 split fold-down rear seats, the Yaris can accommodate a wide range of items. The Yaris hatchback provides approximately 16 cubic feet of cargo space in its trunk. Modern Safety Features Safety features for the 2020 Yaris include the standard low-speed pre-collision system as well as the standard active safety system. This active safety system includes multiple safety features such as dynamic stability control, a traction control system, brake assist, electronic brake-force distribution, an anti-lock brake system, and a brake override system. Additionally, upper-level trims feature available rain-sensing windshield wipers. For 2020, the Yaris includes two years of scheduled maintenance. With so many technology upgrades as well as impressive performance features, it's easy to see why the 2020 Yaris should be on your list of vehicles to test drive. Visit Smart Toyota in Madison, Wisconsin, to see the 2020 Yaris in person. Image used with permission via toyota.com / cropped from original

A look at the stunning 2020 Toyota Supra GR.

The 2020 Toyota GR Supra Brings Power and Beauty Together

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