Choosing Toyota’s top models is a lot like picking out the best John Wick movie; they are all equally awesome and should all make the list. This Japanese automaker is a well-known brand worldwide and continues to be one of the top performers in sales. There are several reasons for this, but mainly because Toyota manufactures vehicles that are critically acclaimed due to their performance, reliability, and dependability. But when you visit a Toyota dealer near you, what models are the ultimate expression of the Toyota spirit?
To make things a little easier, we decided to choose one model from each of the four main categories of vehicles that Toyota sells – a sports car, a sedan, an SUV, and a pickup truck. These four vehicles are some of Toyota’s best-selling or most capable models that you can count on to provide you with the reliable all-around performance that the Toyota brand is known for. If you are behind the wheel of any of these four vehicles, you will know exactly why they have their incredible reputations.
Toyota Supra
In 2020, the Toyota Supra returned after a 22-year absence from the US market. In its 3.0 trim, this sleek two-door sports car is powered by a turbocharged inline-six engine generating an impressive 382 hp. Alternatively, you can choose the more affordable 2.0 trim with a smaller 255 hp engine but over 200 lbs of weight reduction. Either way, you will be getting an eye-catching car with incredible handling – it even offers adaptive suspension and an electronically-controlled limited-slip differential for optimal performance across all conditions.
The Supra is not just a pure performance machine, either. Inside the two-seat cabin, you will find plenty of high-end features that will rival the best European luxury cars on the market. From the standard 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster to the available 14-way power-adjustable sports seats with premium Alcantara trim, the Supra is built to impress. You can even enjoy a 500-watt 12-speaker JBL surround sound setup for incredible audio quality. In other words, the Supra is Toyota’s ultimate sports car.
Toyota 4Runner
The Toyota 4Runner has been transporting families to grandmother’s house over the river and through the woods since 1984, and there are plenty of reasons why it has remained a top-seller for all of these years. Anybody who knows anything about SUVs knows that the 4Runner takes the already legendary Toyota dependability and reliability to the next level. With its traditional body on frame construction and rear-wheel drive, this is an SUV that can go anywhere you are willing to take it. In an era when most SUVs are designed for a comfortable ride on city streets, the 4Runner is a true off-road machine in every aspect.
In terms of performance, the 4Runner boasts excellent on-road handling and off-road capabilities. With the powerful 4.0L V6 engine, you get to enjoy 270 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque – plenty to carry this roomy vehicle wherever you want to go. The 4Runner is just as capable off the road as it is on the road. Even with the standard features, driving over rocks and through streams to get to your secret campsite is easy. Your off-road adventures are even better should you choose a TRD model that boasts performance features such as Crawl Control and a locking rear differential. While Toyota builds many iconic SUVs, from the RAV4 to the Land Cruiser, the 4Runner is a true embodiment of the Toyota spirit.
Toyota Camry
The Camry is the single most popular sedan in America and nearly synonymous with the Toyota name. It’s no secret that the Camry is a reliable and dependable sedan, but you might be surprised to learn just how much comfort and performance the latest models offer. Midsize sedans sales have been shrinking in recent years thanks to the surge of popularity in pickup trucks and SUVs. This made Toyota work even harder on the Camry, and the result does not disappoint. The 2020 Toyota Camry looks less like a family car, and you can sit behind the wheel and be proud to drive such a fine sedan.
If you are into saving money at the gas station, the standard Dynamic Force four-cylinder engine is tough to beat. Of course, everybody expects a four-cylinder engine to get great gas mileage – what you don’t expect is the fact it generates over 200 hp, which allows you to zip around town handily while enjoying fewer stops at the gas station. Alternatively, you can opt for the optional V6 engine. You still get decent gas mileage, but this dynamic engine packs some power – 301 hp to be precise (which is actually more than the base model Supra 2.0). This engine turns the Camry into a real muscle car, and with the TRD trim, you get the looks to match with enhanced aerodynamics and other performance features.
Toyota Tacoma
As mentioned earlier, trucks are becoming increasingly popular, and when it comes to midsize models, the Tacoma outsells its competition by a wide margin. Closely related to the legendary Toyota Hilux pickup (which is not available on the US market), the Tacoma is perhaps the greatest expression of Toyota dependability and reliability. This is a truck that will have no problem handling whatever you can throw at it, from hard work to off-roading. If you are looking for a truck to haul a quarter ton of gravel or tow a boat to the lake for a weekend outing. Well, the 2019 Tacoma will not disappoint.
The Tacoma is ideal for towing boats, trailers, and pretty much anything else you may need to get from point A to point B. It will also get you to your destination with a bed full of gravel, bricks, or other heavy materials safe and sound. The 3.5-liter V6 engine is capable of towing up to 6,800 lbs or hauling up to 1,685 lbs. The Tacoma is also the only midsize truck to offer the choice between an automatic and manual transmission. After all, there are drivers who desire the fun and adrenaline kick you get manually shifting gears. No kidding, manually shifting gears is a rush and will take your driving experience to a whole new level. Plus, manual transmissions offer better gas mileage.
The Toyota Spirit
Toyota is well known for producing reliable and dependable vehicles that will be on the road for a long time. In fact, there is simply no other manufacturer out there with the same reputation for building vehicles that have such incredible attention to quality. No matter what Toyota model you drive, you can rest assured that it will provide exceptional service for years and years.
However, even with such an incredible lineup, there are always some models that will boast a particularly strong reputation. If you are looking for the very best vehicles that you can find at the Toyota dealer near you, then you can’t go wrong with a Supra, 4Runner, Camry, or Tacoma. These four models cover the full range of Toyota’s lineup and will give you unbeatable capabilities in their respective segments.
