Recently in Toyota Category

Auto Express have published their "test driven" review of the Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid. 'This is a Prius like no other - a plug-in electric Hybrid which Toyota claims will do an astonishing 108.6mpg and emit just 59g/km of C02. The biggest difference between this car and the regular third-generation Prius is in it's electric power source. The Plug-in version uses Lithium-ion batteries for the first time in a Toyota. They can carry more energy and recharge faster (a full charge now takes just 90 minutes) than the smaller nickel-metal hydride units fitted to the current Auris and Prius hybrids.'

A review of the 2010 Toyota LandCruiser 200 VX V8 has been posted over at The Motor Report. 'The LandCruiser 200 is truly a giant, and it feels like one on the road. Its sizable bulk can be a handful in tight quarters, and caution needs to be exercised in carparks and narrow streets. The reversing camera helps, but front and rear parking sensors would've been handy to have. Dynamically though, it's no lumbering elephant. Yes, you certainly feel the LandCruiser's 2.6 tonne kerb weight when accelerating, braking and cornering, but the steering is light, the brakes strong and the engine more than brawny enough to motivate the 'Cruiser at a reasonable clip.'

A reivew of the 2010 Toyota 4Runner SR5 V6 4×4 has been posted over at LeftLane. 'Looking like a high-tech version of a rolling fortress, the 4Runner features prominent flares and bulges that make one think of a guy spending too much time in the gym. Even the flares have flares. But we do like it. Equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels on our SR5 (the Limited rides on 20-inchers) for improved grip off-road, the 4Runner makes no bones about being a sissified crossover> A tasteful amount of sparkle is added to various points around the exterior. The better to set it off from its competitors, we think. The rear hatch "spoiler" is a bit trying though, especially when considering this ride won't be attempting any land speed records or trips down the dragstrip. A roof rack is standard.'

A review of the Toyota 4Runner Trail has been posted over at the Garage Blog. 'The first 4Runner debuted as a 1984 model, and was nothing more than a two-door pick-up truck with a fiberglass shell over its bed. Over the years, the 4Runner has offered two and four doors, 4, 6, and 8 cylinder engines, and even its share of available equipment to rival luxury SUV's. 2010 marks the intro of the fifth generation 4Runner. The V-8 engine is gone, and a 4-cylinder engine returns. Down on power, and nearly equal in fuel economy to the V-6, I doubt the base four will find many buyers.'

A review of the 2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid has been posted over at the National Post. 'The Camry Hybrid is powered by Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive system, which the automaker calls the most proven gasoline-electric full hybrid system on the planet, having been installed in more than one million hybrid vehicles since its introduction in 1997. Under the sedan's sheetmetal is a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine mated to a high-torque electric motor/generator and powerful storage battery that delivers the equivalent of up to 187 horsepower. Admittedly, that's not much more than the 169-hp, 2.5L gas-powered four that's found in the LE, SE and XLE models, but the beauty of the Synergy Drive system is its electric motor, which delivers maximum torque (199 pound-feet from zero to 1,500 rpm) instantly.'

Car And Driver have published a review of the 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid. The Prius PHV doesn't differ much from the regular Prius from a dynamic standpoint either. No surprise, really: The Prius PHV is essentially just a Prius whose nickel-metal hydride battery pack has been swapped for a far pricier, far heavier, and far more potent lithium-ion pack. (How potent is unclear, as Toyota won't tell us how much it improves on the regular car's 1.3-kWh capacity.) The new batteries can be fully charged in three hours from a simple household 110-volt outlet or an hour and a half from a 220-volt plug. The battery swap allows for more miles on electricity alone and a commensurate boost in real-world fuel economy.'

A review of the 2010 Toyota 4Runner has been posted over at Search Chicago. 'If you're familiar with the FJ Cruiser and Land Cruiser, the new 4Runner looks like a member of Toyota's SUV family. But unlike those SUVs, the 4Runner's styling doesn't stand out as being cool, quirky or iconic. I'm not a fan of the blocky styling, but that doesn't mean that some people won't find it attractive. Regardless of what I think of the design aesthetic, the body's fit and finish was top flight. The body of my SR5 test vehicle rode high on its four-wheel-drive chassis. Rolling on big 17-inch aluminum wheels and 265/70R17 tires, the SUV provides an impressive 9.6 inches of running ground clearance.'

A review of the Toyota Corolla Conquest Hatch has been posted over at Drive.com.au. 'The Corolla's cabin picks up fresh trims, better sound systems, a snazzy square-bottomed steering wheel (leather-shod in the Conquest) and some new soft-touch surfaces on the instrument binnacle and glovebox. Only tacky silver plastic trim, which was already scratched on our 4000km-old test car, strikes a flat note. In practical terms, the Corolla is a mixed bag. It's roomy up front, has loads of handy storage, has excellent foot and leg space in the back and, unlike many small cars, you get a full-sized spare wheel.'

The Truth About Cars have published their "Comparison Review" of the Toyota Venza and Honda Crosstour. 'The most complementary thing that can be said about the Crosstour is that it is an Accord Coupe stretched to accommodate a second pair of doors. Bumper to bumper, it embodies a sportiness that is entirely lacking in the entirely too practical Venza. That's not to say that the Crosstour is a hardened 'bahn burner. Or that it isn't a practical mobile for the modern family. Let's just say that the car has a little of that magic that made earlier generations of the Accord sedan a good deal more satisfying to drive than your average family car.'

The USA Today have published a review of the 2011 Toyota Sienna minivan. 'It's the only minivan with optional all-wheel drive (AWD), making it a credible alternative to a crossover SUV for the open-minded. While just 10% of buyers are likely to bite, Toyota even invested in a new AWD system aimed at better real-world gas mileage, though federal ratings are about the same. A bonus: The AWD is among Sienna models fitted with run-flat tires. Stiffer than conventional tires, their firmer feel could attract some fans of the taut Honda Odyssey. Of course, the price will be steeper when it's time to replace those run-flats.'