SUVs & Vans - By Mike Cotsworth
2008 Toyota Highlander – a Crossover SUV…
by Mike Cotsworth
With sales in 2006 of more than 2.5 million vehicles, and by many measures the largest and richest car company in the world, Toyota is on a roll. They have taken the lead not only in producing well designed, dependable. long-lasting vehicular transportation, but also in bringing Hybrid technology to the mainstream. So, when Toyota introduces an “all new” second generation version of one of its most popular models, in both gas and Hybrid iterations, it’s a big deal.
Amidst the spectacular views and palatial homes dotting the ridgelines of Cordillera high above Vail Valley, we met the new 2008 Highlander. As a key component in both Toyota’s 3-vehicle mid-SUV range, with the 4-Runner and FJ Cruiser, as well as the 3-vehicle Hybrid offering, with the Prius and the Camry Hybrid, the Highlander is clearly important to Toyota.
Unlike its other SUV siblings, the Highlander is built on a car chassis , rather than that of a truck. Sharing a platform with the Camry and Avalon, the Highlander offers a far more comfortable ride and responsive driving experience than do it’s truck-based competitors. As such, Toyota refers to the Highlander as a “crossover” vehicle, one that blends car-like driving dynamics with the visibility, versatility, and All Wheel Drive capabilities of an SUV.
Both the all-gas and Hybrid models now boost power output of 270 horsepower. The gas models achieve this with the impressive new 3.5 liter V6 engine introduced in the Rav 4 compact SUV. The Hybrid configuration depends on a fuel efficient 3.3 liter V6 combined with its high-torque electric motor. An electronically controlled 5-speed auto-manual is mated to the gas powered V6, while the Hybrids utilize a seamless CVT transmission. An alphabet-soup of driver’s aids and high-tech systems optimize engine performance, braking, and vehicle stability. Towing capacity for the standard Highlander is 5000 lbs, with the Hybrid rated to haul 3500 lbs.
The gas powered Highlander is rated at combined 19 MPG, while the Hybrid is rated at 26 MPG. In the best tradition of confusing governmental information, both these ratings are reflective of the new EPA testing procedures in place for 2008 vehicles, which are more stringent than the older, more generous rating system. In fact, fuel economy for both Highlander models have actually improved.
Larger in all dimensions with a resultant increase of 49 cu ft, and restyled inside and out, the 2008 Highlander is filled with safety and convenience innovations. No less than 7 airbags protect occupants, including a driver’s knee airbag, and side curtain systems for all three rows of seats. Active headrests respond in an accident to minimize whiplash injuries. Not only do the middle row seats recline, but they can be converted from a three person bench seat to captains chairs by removing the middle seat and stowing it out of the way under the console between the front seats. Naturally, the third row seats fold flat to allow plenty of stowage space to swallow up all the stuff that SUV’s seem to attract.
Gas powered 2008 Highlanders are in showrooms now, with the Hybrid models due in late September. Pricing will range from $27.300 for a base gas model to the mid $30,000’s for fully optioned gas models and the Hybrids. Plenty of power, good looks, versatility and state of the art technology make the 2008 Highlander a strong contender in the crowded SUV/Crossover market.
Toyota FJ Cruiser – Off Road Fun…
by Mike Cotsworth
Palm Springs, California, an oasis carved out of the sandy desert ,was the perfect place for Toyota to introduce their newest niche vehicle, the FJ Cruiser. Yes, Toyota Motor Company, the richest automaker in the world has a low volume niche vehicle. For Toyota, that means they expect to only sell 48 thousand FJ Cruisers, as opposed to half a million Camrys.
The FJ Cruiser is aimed squarely at the “true off-roader” who actually takes his everyday vehicle off the pavement on a regular basis to climb muddy hillsides, creep over boulders, and ford streams.
When rolling out a vehicle aimed at the “active life style” young consumers who spend their weekends exploring the undeveloped areas of this country, Toyota resurrected the name and styling of the legendary 1967 FJ40 Land Cruiser. The fact that “FJ Cruiser” sounds a bit like the popular “PT Cruiser” name from Chrysler is no doubt a coincidence.
In true off-roading tradition, the FJ Cruiser is square and boxy, with a spare tire hanging off the back, has a flat windshield with three wipers and oversized 32 inch tires. High ground clearance and generous approach and departure angles support the appearance, and performance, of a serious off roader. Power comes from the trusty 4.0 liter V6 common to the 4Runner, Tacoma, and Tundra. With 239 horsepower, the FJ won’t be at a loss for get up and go. Available in 2 wheel-drive and 4-wheel-drive configurations, and with either automatic and 6-speed manual transmissions, the FJ gets between 16 and 22 miles per gallon.
Various combinations of high and low ranges, locking differentials, limited slip differentials, and electronic traction control systems ensure that the FJ Cruiser will navigate most any terrain without getting stuck. An automatic hill decent feature will “walk” the FJ down a frighteningly steep slope, and a switch activated “clutch-start cancel” feature allows you to restart the engine without depressing the clutch, a comforting process when stalled half way up a muddy hillside. At the end of the day, grey plastic floors and special water resistant seat material make clean up a breeze. Without question, this is a vehicle for the dedicated off-road enthusiast.
In 2WD or high 4WD the FJ cruises along happily on the paved highway, although tire noise from the knobby off-road tires is noticeable. The interior is utilitarian, with hard plastic and metal trim matching the exterior color. The rear doors open to a 90 degree angle for easy entry and exit, and both front seats are fully adjustable. Appropriate to the demographics at which the FJ Cruiser is aimed, the standard sound system will play MP3 and WMA music files, has an iPod jack, and includes speakers in the ceiling that use the headliner as a diaphragm to create what Toyota calls a “sound shower”. An additional booming subwoofer is an option. Naturally, a sophisticated GPS navigation system with cool dash mounted altimeter and angle of accent/decent gauges is available as well.
The pre-production FJ Cruisers introduced in Palm Springs climbed the rocky foothills and raced along the sandy washes without hesitation. While truly competent off road, the FJ Cruiser is also a fun, comfortable, versatile little vehicle. Coming to Toyota showrooms in mid-March, with a projected price in the mid twenty-thousand dollar range, the FJ should be another market winner for Toyota.
SUV’s in Three Sizes…
by Mike Cotsworth
Say you want to buy a new SUV. The investment portfolio is doing really well, and you have $50,000 to spend on that shinny new SUV, and you aren’t concerned about gas prices creeping up toward three dollars per gallon. Your only question is how large that new SUV should be.
Say that a mid-sized model with 5 seats will do the job. You want the versatility of an SUV, but still want the driving dynamics and maneuverability of a sedan. The Lexus RX-350 would be a good choice. Delivering all the expected virtues of a Lexus, including luxury, comfort and build-quality, the RX-350 is powered by a 270 horsepower V6 engine and has full-time all wheel drive. Acceleration is more than adequate, and braking is excellent. Handling is very smooth and stable, thanks to Air Suspension and Vehicle Stability Control. The full leather interior treats driver and passengers well with heated front seats, in-dash CD changer, Rear DVD entertainment with a 9 inch video screen, voice-activated Navigation system, back-up camera, and power rear lift gate. The window sticker of $49,472 gets you Lexus elegant good looks, and 24 mpg on the highway.
Say you need more room, and the torque of a V8. Check out the Toyota Sequoia Limited. Like its Lexus cousin, the Sequoia provides plenty of luxury, with heated leather seats, power moonroof, touch-screen Navigation system, JBL stereo CD with 10 speakers, rear DVD, and 2nd row leather bucket seats. You also get a third row of seats with 50/50 split, which allows either side to be removed, or simply folded forward for additional stowage. Air suspension and Vehicle Stability Control keep the Sequoia straight and level, with a surprisingly comfortable ride for a large, truck-based vehicle. Either two wheel drive or four wheel drive can be electronically selected on the fly, allowing for improved mileage on a clear highway, as well as excellent traction when conditions change. The Sequoia inspires great confidence, a solid and secure truck blending luxury with practicality, large enough to carry 7 people without being too huge to handle, and with power to tow a trailer up I-70. For a sticker price of $51,904 you get Toyota reliability and full sized SUV capabilities.
Say you want even more power and size. How about 300 horsepower from a big American V8 ? The Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer gives you all that and 365 ft pounds of torque. With a third row of seats that fold flat at the push of a button, the Expedition is a versatile hauler. The $49,230 Eddie Bauer edition pampers driver and passengers as well, with heated and cooled seats, middle row capitan’s chairs, power moonroof, power rear liftgate, DVD entertainment and Navigation. Running boards, 20 inch wheels and two tone leather seats add a nice styling touch. Like the Lexus and Toyota, the Expedition has Stability Control and automatic leveling suspension for a smooth ride. The Expedition is a large vehicle, weighing in at 5800 pounds. Handling and acceleration reflect this, as does the braking. Not surprisingly, the Expedition feels larger and heavier than either the Lexus or the Toyota. Fuel economy suffers too, at 14 mpg city and 19 mpg highway, slightly lower than the Sequoia. Such is the price you pay for size and power.
Would you like Mike to help
you find your next vehicle? Through
his industry contacts and extensive resources, Mike can save you hundreds to thousands of dollars, hours of your time and make the experience fun and hassle-free. New or used, any make or model anywhere in the world. Let Mike work for you!
Interested in becoming an
automotive consultant? Mike has helped hundreds of entrepreneures around the country establish their own Automotive Consulting company. If you would like to enjoy the financial freedom, tax benefits, and satisfaction of owning your own Automotive business, contact Mike
The Rocky Mountain Automotive
Press (RMAP) is a non-profit organization for automotive journalists and other automotive industry professionals based in the Rocky Mountain region.
 |
 |
 |
|
||
 |
|
 |
|
||
Mike & Cyndi on
Friday, June 4 --- 1pm - 2pm (Live)
Rebroadcast - Saturday, May 53pm - 4pm - Monday, June 7
5pm - 6pmFriday, June 11 --- 1pm - 2pm (Live)
Rebroadcast - Saturday, June 12 3pm - 4pm
- Monday, June 14
5pm - 6pmFriday, June 18 --- 1pm - 2pm (Live)
Rebroadcast - Saturday, June 193pm - 4pm - Monday, June 21
5pm - 6pm