Latest news with #NATHANLEACH-PROFFER
Forbes
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
New Toyota RAV4 Reborn As Hybrid Only With 320-hp PHEV Model
Selling over 475,000 units in 2024, the Toyota RAV4 is America's biggest-selling SUV, out-performing the Tesla Model Y and Honda CR-V. And from 2026, the popular Toyota SUV will employ a sharper, fresh new design inside and out, and more importantly, only be available in hybrid form. Although the RAV4's hybrid variants had already started to account for a sizable share of sales in the US, the sixth-generation crossover makes a significant leap towards electrification by doing away with the non-hybrid variant altogether. A more potent plug-in hybrid drivetrain will be available as an option for the 2026 RAV4 packing some 320-hp, while a traditional gas-electric hybrid powertrain will be the base grade. The base model RAV4 NATHAN LEACH-PROFFER This move by Toyota to oust the ICE-only version is no surprise as the carmaker has just done the same thing with the Camry mid-size sedan, but it still marks a significant development in the direction of this hugely popular SUV. Along with a new exterior and interior design, the RAV4 also boasts increased horsepower, a new GR Sport trim level, and numerous new connectivity and driver-assistance capabilities. The hybrid powertrains used are mere upgraded versions of the current RAV4 Hybrid's gasoline-electric setups. The hybrid incorporates a 2.5-liter inline-four but gets more herbs, packing 226 horsepower in its new front-wheel-drive configuration and 236 hp with the optional all-wheel-drive version that gets a third electric motor to power the rear wheels. The new design looks more modern NATHAN LEACH-PROFFER The high performance variant of the bunch is the new plug-in hybrid system, which was previously called the RAV4 Prime. It now generates 320-hp, up from the predecessor's 302-hp, which is a significant amount for a mainstream SUV. Additionally, Toyota claims that its electric driving range has increased from 42 miles in the previous model to 50 miles in the new version. Additionally, some of the PHEV models now offer DC fast-charging capability. This functionality, which is offered on the Woodland and XSE PHEV variants but not the SE or the GR Sport, uses a CCS port. The company claims it will charge the battery pack from 10 to 80 percent in 30 minutes.. Towing capacity is also up, with most AWD hybrid and plug-in hybrid models rated at 3500 pounds now, while the FWD hybrid and the LE AWD model are still rated at the same 1750 pounds. The interior is subtle yet well set out. Jeff Ludes As you'd expect of such a popular SUV—the new RAV4's design is evolutionary and not revolutionary. It is sleeker, edgier and does come across as more modern and streamlined than the predecessor. To identify it as a RAV4, it still has a lot of black plastic cladding and thick side surfacing. Toyota calls this its 'hammerhead' look—yes, like the shark—the headlights mimic C-shaped lights on other current Toyota cars like the Prius, and the back end features intriguing new LED taillights that extend across the tailgate. With more screens and fewer buttons, the inside takes on a neater if not more simplistic appearance although some buyers may query the climate control knobs being replaced by a combination of buttons on the lower border of the infotainment screen and onscreen controls. A few physical buttons for the drive mode and other car settings are still located on the centre console while a new shift-by-wire functionality allows for a new gearshift design on some models. Toyota is remaining tight-lipped on pricing of the 2026 RAV4 until closer to its on-sale date later this year, but it should increase due to its now-standard hybrid configuration. Expect the base LE to land in showrooms at around $34,000, and the GR Sport PHEV to wear a $51,000 sticker price.
Forbes
26-03-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
Test-Driving The Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro
2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Toyota The Tacoma TRD Pro is a hasty, angry, delicious pickup that took a severe beating off-road during its week's test and came out properly caked with muck and ready for more driving. If you're a Tacoma fan, here's a trim particularly suited to the impatient, the power-hungry and those with a thirst for banging it freestyle over dirt, rocks and what-have-you. The TRD Pro is the most hardcore, off-road-focused version of the 2025 Toyota Tacoma. It's built to do sand, dirt, forests, streams with exclusive features like the FOX suspension, all-terrain tires, skid plates and a factory lift. It's also packed with tech to handle serious trails straight from the factory - you can buy it and head for the hills, literally. Prices start at MSRP $63,735, $67,410 with options. 2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD NATHAN LEACH-PROFFER The TRD Pro now comes with a hybrid powertrain as standard (i-FORCE MAX), an improved suspension setup, new multi-link rear suspension (no more leaf springs), and a fresh interior loaded with new tech. Toyota also introduces IsoDynamic Performance Seats—special seats designed to stabilize the driver and passenger over rough terrain. The 2025 TRD Pro looks like what it is, a tough little punk with flared fenders, a lifted suspension and exclusive TRD Pro grille with an integrated LED light bar. It rides on 33-inch Goodyear Territory R/T tires and boasts a hood scoop, rock sliders and a high-clearance front bumper. The signature color for 2025 is Terra, in case anyone's wondering. (That's a burnt-orange shade.) 2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Toyota It's not one of those trucks whose insides are cushy, coddling and plush, and you don't want it to be. Even during every day use, you're reminded that the truck's happy place is in the forest or the stream. You've also got leather-trimmed upholstery with red contrast stitching as well as a a 14-inch touchscreen with Toyota's latest infotainment system, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto and Premium JBL sound system with a detachable Bluetooth speaker. Multi-Terrain Monitor (that's a camera system for off-road navigation) 2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Toyota The TRD Pro comes with a 5-foot composite bed, so no need for a liner unless you want to put down your own. You also have Power outlets (120V & USB), built-in storage compartments and a tailgate with an integrated step. You've got a 2.4L 4-cylinder turbocharged hybrid (i-FORCE MAX) engine making 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. There's an 8-speed automatic transmission but unfortunately no option for a manual with the TRD Pro. Mileage is around 23 MPG city-highway combined, less of course when you're off-roading. Moments after I got in, belted up and set off, I was sold. I thought I was driving a 6-cylinder, but no, the hybrid-assisted turbo 4 shot me forward to my heart's content. Daily driving was a continued thrill, with steering sharp, braking swift, cornering reasonable and visibility excellent. You've got a coil-spring rear suspension and those shock-absorber seats so there's no bashing around as in previous models. Off road, I showed no mercy. I drove into the forested mountain and went as fast as I safely could, enjoying the tossing and turning and seeking whatever terrible terrain I could find to test the truck's mettle. It took everything I threw at it, and back down the mountain I drove, caked with mud, thumbs-up. 2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro Toyota FOX QS3 adjustable shocks, remote reservoirs, front skid plates, and a factory lift all add to the experience. Crawl Control & Terrain Modes: Toyota's Crawl Control (off-road cruise control) helps with rough terrain, and multiple terrain modes adjust traction control settings. Finally, the TRD Pro comes standard with a rear locking differential and a new front sway bar disconnect, giving it better articulation over rocks. The TRD Pro comes with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which includes a Pre-Collision System (with pedestrian detection), Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Blind-Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, 360-degree camera with underbody views for off-roading and so much more. Conclusion: The Tacoma TRD Pro did what any owner wants it to do - whatever is asked of it - and therefore gets the big thumbs-up. Ride safe! JM
