Specs and Review

The 2014 Toyota 4Runner is a very popular model in North America. It is positioned between the Toyota RAV4 and the Land Cruiser, at least in terms of its size. Especially in young, outdoors-loving people of the 4Runner is very popular because it offers a good mix of functionality and sought-after styling.


With the new model year, which always starts according to the manufacturers in North America between early summer and fall, Toyota has now revised the fifth generation of 4Runners properly.

The front end has received bulkier bumpers and a slightly altered lighting design, and also the tail slightly revised and presented with LED tail lights.


Was changed and the interior, which has retained its generous space, but was made ​​more functional. New shelves, new seats, a new sound system (also available from JBL) and a new multi-function display are the most noticeable changes to the interior. Upon request, the Toyota 4Runner is also equipped with a 3 Row of seats available, so he offers up to seven people.

With the equipment, the customer between the SR5, the Limited and the Trail to choose from. Even the basic version has the 4Runner an extensive safety features, 17 "alloy wheels and air conditioning. The Limited then has been 20" alloy wheels and a 2-zone air conditioning, chrome trim and plenty of other goodies on board.


All versions are powered by a 4.0 liter V6 with an output of 270 hp. As standard, the 4Runner has also been a 5-speed automatic.

Customers can also choose between a 2x4 and a 4x4 version. Trimmed all the hard off-road use is the trail version, which is defined not only higher, but also has various systems for optimal management of difficult terrain.

He has, among other things, a Multi-terrain Select system, a downhill and hill-start assist and "CRAWL" control. Optionally it can be equipped with the KDSS (Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System).

The 2013 Toyota Avalon is a made for the North American luxury sedan. Until now, the very respectable Avalon drawn only slightly more for the seniors, with the new Toyota Avalon would like to appeal to younger buyers.


Compared to its predecessor, the new Avalon is a length of 496 cm by 6 cm now smaller. In combination with the lower roof height by 2.5 cm, the new Avalon has now also visually very dynamic. A contemporary design complements the positive performance. New headlamps and rear lights, depending on the model as a LED version, also fall on strong.

But the interior was a trail now connects sports and luxury details such as air-conditioned front seats with the finest materials and a more dynamic lines.

The new 2013Toyota Avalon, the driver can also select the first time three different driving modes. The choice between Normal, Eco and Sport allows an individual set, depending on the whim of the driver. In Sport mode, both suspension and steering a little tighter and the gear changes are made ​​later.

As the engine is a new 3.5-liter V6 is available, a little later is also a hybrid version added, at a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine assisted by an electric motor.

The 2013 Toyota Avalon also boasts a wealth of assistance systems, such as an adaptive cruise control, a "pre-collison system", 10 airbags, a "Rear Cross Traffic Alert" and a blind spot warning.

The right path has a new navigation system with 7 "screen, and provides good entertainment for the JBL Synthesis premium audio sound system. Available from Avalon is the new fall 2012.

Starting in 2013, Toyota offers the 2013 Toyota ProAce back to a light commercial car and a successor of the Hiace.


The Hiace has been sent to many years in retirement and has left a gap in the range of Toyota. This gap should be filled 2013 with the new Toyota ProAce.

Just like its small car Toyota Aygo is now also for light commercial cars in cooperation with the PSA Group, which is identical except for PROACE logo and small detail changes, with the Peugeot Expert and Citroen Jumpy.

Toyota ProAce will be available in two different lengths (480.5 cm and 513.5 cm) and two vehicle height (194.2 cm and 227.6 cm). The charge capacity varies depending on the model between 5 and 7 m³ m³ and is up to 1.2 tonnes.

Customers can also choose whether you want sliding doors on both sides, or whether they have a tailgate or rear doors wish.


With the equipment, customers can have a lot of extras, which until recently were still cars reserved. Thus, besides power windows and air conditioning, an audio system with Bluetooth interface, cruise control, electrically adjustable and heated mirrors, and ABS and VSC (ESP Toyota) are supplied for the ProAce.

On request there is also the VSC +, which provides even in difficult driving situations or in exceptional weather conditions for maximum grip and safety.

The engines, customers between the 1.6-liter diesel with 90 hp (66 kW), or a 2.0-liter diesel with power outputs of 128 hp select (94 kW) and 163 hp (120 kW). Is the powerful diesel is also available with a 6-speed automatic transmission, standard is in the 2.0-liter engines installed a manual 6-speed transmission and the 1.6 liter diesel a manual 5-speed transmission.

Photo Credit: © Toyota

In Frankfurt, Toyota introduces a concept prefigures a rechargeable version of the new Prius 3.

Called Prius Plug-in Hybrid Concept, the prototype adopts lithium ion batteries when the production model uses NiMH batteries to Nickel. 


According to Toyota, this study has a range of 20 km all-electric mode and claims of C0 ₂ contained 60 g per km.

However, do not rejoice too soon. While the Prius is selling like 3 rolls (see our article), the plug-in version after this concept will not be marketed on a large scale.

The worlds leading states, in fact, just a fleet of 500 vehicles will be tested in several countries from Japan to the United States through Great Britain, France and Germany. 

(Let us introduce you to the eighth edition of GCBCs new daily auto news recaps including stories from around the web that are either important, informative, interesting, intriguing, or all of the above. Brought to you by GCBCs operations manager, Steffani Cain, articles just like this will appear weekdays on GCBC. Ed.)  

Here are six must-read, must-watch auto news stories, reviews, and videos for Wednesday, February 25, 2015.

REVIEW
First looks at the 2016 Volvo XC90 have been published. Check out Car & Driver, Jalopnik, Digital Trends, Forbes, and Autocar.

INSIDE THE AUTO BUSINESS
If youre one who places your faith in Consumer Reports, youll want to check out their new 2015 Autos Spotlight Section, where CR highlights their, "2015 Top Picks, Car Brand Report Cards, best and worst new cars." And more.

TTAC
The Nissan Leafs sales declined in January for the first time since January 2013. Our resident sales analyst has provided the truth about this cars sales on TTAC. As hes known to do, he uses a sports analogy to help drive home the crux of the matter. "In the same way that consecutive games without a point draw attention to the fact that Sidney Crosby previously achieved a 25-game point streak, the Nissan’s Leaf slight decline in the lowest-volume month on the calendar shines a light on what was a 23-month streak of year-over-year improvements."

RECALL
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 5586 specific Sprinter vans for a door issue: "In the affected vehicles, the abutting wedge, a component attached to the door jam to make opening the door easier after a severe frontal impact, may have been installed incorrectly." Meanwhile, a Toyota recall impacting just 116 2014 FJ Cruisers relates to a steering problem: "In the affected vehicles, the intermediate steering shaft which connects the steering wheel and the steering gear box may have an inadequate weld."

WATCH
The driver of this old Mercedes-Benz M-Class took advantage of a bit of wintry weather to test out his donut-making skills in the Plano mall parking lot.