2017 Toyota Model Year Preview and Updates

With the move of its US headquarters from Southern California to North Texas, and manufacturing plants throughout the Midwest, South and Southeast, Toyota has fully embedded itself into America's automotive industry and culture. And that's increasingly evident with the market's best-selling car, best-selling midsize truck and best-selling family of hybrids. For 2017 the Camry pauses, while its 2018 replacement is scheduled for an early launch. And in commemorating its 50th anniversary, Corolla introduces a Special Edition. For those wanting a subcompact crossover, Toyota's C-HR lands later in the year as an '18 model. And finally, the 'TRD' brand becomes more ubiquitous; TRD Sport variants are introduced for both Tundra and Sequoia, arriving in showrooms in the fall of 2017.

TOYOTA 86: With the shuttering of the Scion franchise, the Scion FR-S 2+2 coupe becomes the Toyota 86. And with its new badging comes a freshened exterior, a modest horsepower bump (5 hp) for the manual model, revised suspension and updated cabin.

AVALON: Essentially unchanged, Toyota's large – and in upscale trim, near-luxury – four-door receives Toyota Safety Sense – P for all grades. Powertrains remain a choice of the standard V6 or 40-mpg hybrid.

CAMRY: The 2017 Camry received a pass, while its 2018 successor is all-new. Now in its eighth generation, the newest Camry will ride on the company's new TNGA platform (that's Toyota New Global Architecture, in case you're wondering). Beyond the usual expectations of an all-new model, TNGA will reportedly provide the company's best seller with improved build quality, enhanced safety and a more recreational driving experience.

COROLLA: Having sold some 43,000,000 units since its launch in 1966, the 2017 edition enjoys refreshed styling and an upgraded interior. Of note to singles, married couples or young families is the addition of Toyota Safety Sense – P as standard on all trims, as well as a backup camera. And in celebration of the Corolla's 50th anniversary, there's a Special Edition.

COROLLA iM: The former Scion hatchback is unchanged for the 2017 model year, with the exception of its new 'Toyota' badging.

PRIUS: Now in its fourth generation, the aggressively revised Prius achieves up to 58 miles per gallon (City) in Eco Two trim. And Toyota Safety Sense – P is now standard.

PRIUS PRIME: This Prius variant receives Toyota's most efficient hybrid drivetrain, achieving a 55 mile per gallon (City) estimate, and its 133 MPGe is the highest in the industry. Should you wish to stay out of the gas tank, its 25 mile EV-only range matches the daily commuting needs of roughly half of all US drivers.

PRIUS C: Toyota's smallest hybrid is mildly refreshed, with new front fascia and alloy wheels included across all trim levels. Toyota Safety Sense – C is standard.

PRIUS V: With the redesign of the Prius, the 'V' wagon is now the most conservatively styled hatch in the Prius lineup. With an estimated 41 MPG (Combined) it's a Prius with SUV-like capacity. This year it receives an upgraded Entune Audio with voice recognition and Siri Eyes-Free.

YARIS: Toyota's subcompact is unchanged, save for a new color: Ruby Flare Pearl.

YARIS iA: Last year it was a Scion. And while little is changed except badging, the iA is capable of 40 miles per gallon on the highway; if not on the highway you'll benefit from Toyota's Low-speed Pre-collision safety suite.

4RUNNER: With little more than a realignment of trims, Toyota's body-on-frame off-roader rolls on in an expanding sea of crossovers. With available seating for seven and expansive interior, the 4Runner only disappoints when you consider its relatively modest 5,000-pound towing capacity.

C-HR: All-new for '18, the C-HR is Toyota's first step into the subcompact CUV category since the original RAV4 launch. Like most crossovers, the RAV4 has grown in its footprint, content and cost; the new C-HR will slot in immediately beneath it. Toyota Safety Sense – P is standard, as is what Toyota describes as 'Nurburgring-tuned handling'.

HIGHLANDER: Toyota's three-row CUV enjoys a significant refresh, receiving a new 3.5-liter V6 connected to a new eight-speed automatic. Toyota Safety Sense – P is made standard and a new SE trim is added. Finally, hybrid Highlander prospects now have four trim levels to choose from, all with more standard equipment and value-driven price points.

LAND CRUISER: Toyota's fullsize SUV celebrates its 60th year in America with... no changes. And given the significant updates it received for 2016, that's probably okay.

RAV4: Minor tweaks sum up changes to the '17 RAV4, after last year's significant updates. Announced at the Chicago Auto Show in February, however, was the latest extension of the RAV4 brand, the RAV4 Adventure. Sitting on a slightly raised ride height, this remains more of a soft-roader than off-roader, but if navigating fire trails (or snow) it should give you the edge your citified RAV does not. It is on showrooms – as a 2018 model – this fall.

SEQUOIA: Toyota's big three-row SUV continues with little in the way of updates, while in need, given the competitive landscape, of a complete redesign. An upgrade to Toyota's Entune audio system is about it, across all three Sequoia trim levels.

SIENNA: Up front of Toyota's successful minivan is a new 3.5-liter V6. Boasting direct injection, a 30-horsepower bump and 18 more pounds-feet of torque over the previous unit, it's hooked up to an all-new 8-speed automatic. This remains the only minivan in the US market offering all-wheel drive.

TACOMA: If, as has been noted, Toyota's TRD brand has become more ubiquitous, a significant portion of the credit for its success goes to the Tacoma TRD Pro. Announced in early 2016, the '17 TRD Pro Tacoma offers credible off-road capability with typical levels of Toyota reliability. And if you're a hundred miles from nowhere, that's no small thing. Beyond the TRD Pro, all Tacomas enjoy a redesigned front fascia and a much-needed interior overhaul.

TUNDRA: The Pride of San Antonio (where it is built) rumbles into 2017 with little in the way of change, save for the addition of standard power front seats for the Limited trim. The Tundra remains V8-only, and enjoys three new exterior colors.

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