Toyota of Orange, the number 1 dealer of new and used cars near Santa Ana will be the first to tell you that the trend today is to purchase a vehicle that is more like a workhorse rather than a show pony. For over the past ten years, SUVs and pick up trucks have become the staple vehicle for many American households.
Vehicle manufacturers see this trend occurring, so they have ramped up their SUV segment to offer more to their customers and to compete with this ever-growing market. Toyota is no exception to this change in consumer behavior.
Many customers who have been sedan drivers for all their life, usually head down to Toyota of Orange, the leader among the dealers of used cars serving Santa Ana to scope out a second-hand SUV to see whether they can get used to a bigger, higher, and more powerful vehicle.
Most of the time, they remark how they were surprised how they never lived without an SUV or pickup before. The vehicle changed their life, and for the better. They can carry more people, things, and go to off-road places, that with a sedan would be impractical to do.
Furthermore, since SUVs and pick-up trucks are taller and heavier than sedans, some consumers prefer them because they feel safer in them. Also, the higher ride height gives the driver a commanding view of the road ahead of them, which is ideal to get around traffic and other obstacles on or off the road. Although the higher ride and bulkier over vehicle might make you feel safer, it is the extra driver-assist features and airbags that are the real chef’s kiss.
So, let us take a look at the top-selling Toyota SUVs and pick-up trucks.
RAV4
According to the dealers of used cars near Santa Ana, the RAV4 is usually the vehicle that loyal Camry drivers go for when they want to make the switch from sedan to SUV.
The RAV4 is a very popular vehicle because Toyota did a fine job with it. You get an SUV style vehicle from just the way it looks and the more interior flexibility and functionality, however, you are paying the same price you would pay for a Camry.
The 2020 RAV4 at used cars near Santa Ana is available in six trim levels: LE, XLE, XLE Premium, Adventure, TRD Off-Road, and Limited. No matter what trim level you select, your RAV4 will have a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 203 horsepower, 194 pound-feet of torque, and have an eight-speed transmission. Front-wheel drive comes standard on all trim levels except for the Adventure and the TRD Off-Road which are equipped with all-wheel drive. Or else, all-wheel drive is optional.
Highlander
The Toyota Highlander started the entire three-row midsize SUV crossover trends. The 2020 Toyota Highlander got a slight redesign which makes it a solid choice for a vehicle in its class.
Overall, the 2020 Toyota Highlander is a three-row crossover that has up to eight seats. Customers of used cars near Santa Ana can select from five trim levels: L, LE, XLE, Limited, and Platinium. Every model is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque that is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional.
4Runner
Similar to many other Toyotas, the 4Runner is a token of predictable reliability, but many customers also love the 4Runner for its rugged off-road capability.
The 2020 Toyota 4Runner is a midsize SUV available in eight trim levels: SR5, SR5 Premium, Venture, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, TRD Pro, Limited and Limited Nightshade. Every trim comes with a 4.0-liter V6 engine that generates 270 horsepower, 278 pound-feet of torque, and is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission.
The SR5 and Limited trims are available with two-wheel drive and seating for up to seven passengers. The other trim levels are 4WD-only and seat up to five passengers.
Sequoia
The Sequoia is Toyota’s beast of a vehicle. The 2020 Toyota Sequoia is a full-size, three-row SUV available in five trim levels: SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Pro, Limited, and Platinum. Every trim level is powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine that produces 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque.
Also, it is matched with a six-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and four-wheel drive is optional. The SR5 and Limited models seat eight passengers, while the second-row captain’s chairs on the TRD Sport, TRD Pro, and the Platinum lower seating to seven.
When you compare the Sequoia in its same class of full-size SUVs, you will realize the massive size it has over all of them. Apart from its size, it is a powerful vehicle due to the 381 horsepower, and it is very spacious, functional, and comfortable as well.
Tacoma
If an SUV is not your thing, but you are still looking for a vehicle that can take the tough roads ahead and be your bosom buddy when you have a ton to carry, a pick-up is still a classic American vehicle.
The Tacoma was the first Toyota pick up truck to make a massive impact in the U.S. market. The 2020 Tacoma is available in many submodels and styles.
Toyota Tacoma models are available with a 3.5 L-liter gas engine, which produce up to 278 hp, but this all depends on the engine type. The 2020 Toyota Tacoma comes with four-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive. The available transmissions include a 6-speed automatic.
Tundra
The Toyota Tundra is another favorite. It is a full-size pickup available in five trim levels: SR, SR5, Limited, Platinum, 1794 Edition, and TRD Pro. All 2020 Tundras come with a 5.7-liter V8 (381 hp, 401 lb-ft) paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Also, you have a selection of the type of body style you prefer such as the regular Double Cab, Crew Cab, or the extra-large CrewMax and you can choose one of the three-bed lengths.
In the end, an SUV or pick-up truck is usually a little more costly than a sedan counterpart, but you are getting more vehicle for your money. If you find yourself lugging around a lot of people and things at the same time, and are doing more annual road trips, you may find that switching from sedan to one of these vehicles is long overdue!