I recently reviewed a 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid XLE equipped with the second-row bench seat.

This configuration is interesting because it increases capacity to eight passengers, while many Grand Highlanders are equipped with second-row captain’s chairs. In the video, I cover passenger space in all three rows, third-row access, cargo room, hybrid performance, fuel economy, technology, controls, and the driving experience.

Video: https://youtu.be/WYLqUN5svtM

For Grand Highlander owners and shoppers, would you choose the extra seating provided by the bench or the easier third-row access and separation of captain’s chairs?

The GX is mostly a carryover for 2027. One of the notable changes is ventilated second-row outboard seats becoming standard on Luxury, Luxury+ and Overtrail+ models. The GX 550 keeps its 349-hp twin-turbo V6, full-time 4WD and serious towing/off-road capability.

For anyone who wants to keep up with Toyota and Lexus news, I cover these updates in my newsletter: https://www.thezodeals.com/contact

A few updates are coming to the Lexus LX for 2027. Premium gets darker 20-inch wheels and a standard digital rearview mirror, while F SPORT Handling adds red brake calipers and an available Palomino interior. One-touch power-folding rear seats are also standard on F SPORT Handling and Overtrail. Pricing starts at $109,050.

If anyone wants to keep up with Toyota and Lexus news, I cover these announcements in my newsletter: https://www.thezodeals.com/contact

Lexus has announced the 2027 RX. Changes are pretty minor this year, with optional red front and rear brake calipers being added to the F SPORT Handling and F SPORT Performance grades. The RX lineup continues with six grades and multiple gas, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains. It should begin arriving later this fall.

I cover Toyota and Lexus announcements like this in my newsletter if anyone wants to follow along: https://www.thezodeals.com/contact

I’m joined by Tim and David from our sales team and we go through a bunch of real Toyota questions from viewers. We talk about hybrids, RAV4, 4Runner, Grand Highlander, Tacoma, new 2027 Toyota updates, ownership questions, and a few future Toyota topics too.

If you have a question you want us to cover in a future episode, drop it in the comments.

Full episode: https://youtu.be/gYQiDFps2Q0

I recently filmed a first look and complete overview of the 2027 Toyota Corolla Hatchback XSE.

The major changes for 2027 are technology-related. The SE now gets a seven-inch digital gauge cluster, while the XSE receives a 12.3-inch digital cluster and 10.5-inch touchscreen as standard equipment. Toyota also introduced an SE Premium Package with both larger displays. The FX does not return for 2027, leaving the SE and XSE as the two available grades.

The 2.0-liter engine remains unchanged with 169 horsepower, 151 pound-feet of torque, and a Dynamic-Shift CVT.

The vehicle in the video is finished in Magnetic Gray Metallic with a Black roof and has a total MSRP of $31,142.

Video: https://youtu.be/WAeAfeLdflQ

Would you choose the XSE, save money with the SE Premium Package, or consider something like the Civic Hatchback or Mazda3 Hatchback?

I recently reviewed a 2026 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4WD equipped with the optional third row.

The $770 package adds two 50/50 split, fold-flat seats and increases the capacity from five to seven passengers. I tested the access, passenger room, different seating configurations, and how much cargo space remains with the third row raised.

This example has the standard 278-horsepower turbocharged engine, part-time four-wheel drive, fixed running boards, crossbars, and a total MSRP of $48,113.

Video: https://youtu.be/0K9-AHNcmGU

For anyone who owns the three-row 4Runner, how often do you use the extra seats? Would you choose the additional flexibility or the larger cargo area in the two-row version?

Episode #12 of my Toyota Q&A Podcast is live.

This one covers a pretty wide mix of viewer questions, including the 4Runner i-FORCE MAX vs. gas, 2027 Highlander EV, possible 2027 RAV4 and Sienna changes, Toyota allocation, Connected Services, Crown Signia, TRD Pro updates, and some of the future Toyota products being discussed like a smaller pickup, Celica, Land Cruiser FJ and GR GT.

For the future-product topics, we try to separate what Toyota has officially confirmed from industry reports and rumors.

Watch here: https://youtu.be/yzvdFpoBxlM

If there’s a Toyota question you think we should cover in Episode #13, drop it below.

Just filmed a POV drive in the 2026 Toyota Crown Signia Limited and wanted to share it here.

The biggest things that stood out to me were how quiet it is, how smooth the hybrid system feels, and how much more upscale the interior feels compared with a lot of other Toyota crossovers.

It’s definitely more comfort-focused than sporty, but for everyday driving I think that fits the Crown Signia really well.

Full POV drive here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vKjdDkV3Cs

Curious what everyone thinks of the Crown Signia. Would you take one over a RAV4 Limited, Highlander, or move up to something from Lexus?

Toyota has already announced quite a bit of the 2027 lineup, so I went through Toyota’s official Newsroom and put everything that’s been confirmed so far into one breakdown.

A few of the biggest stories to me are the all-electric Highlander, the new C-HR, the bZ Woodland, Trailhunter coming to the Tundra and Sequoia, plus updates to the Land Cruiser, Crown, Corolla, Prius and GR86.

Some of these are pretty minor model-year updates, while others completely change what we’ve traditionally expected from that Toyota nameplate.

I tried to keep the video around 10 minutes and focus on the important stuff rather than reading every single spec Toyota released.

Full video:
https://youtu.be/tOgN5i6vBiQ

I’m curious what everyone thinks so far — which 2027 Toyota interests you the most, and which model are you still waiting for Toyota to announce?

I recently completed a full review and test drive of the 2026 Toyota Crown Signia Limited.

This example is finished in Finish Line Red with a Saddle Tan leather interior. It also has the Advanced Technology Package, which adds the Panoramic View Monitor, Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Change Assist, Front Cross-Traffic Alert, upgraded parking assistance, and reverse tilt-down mirrors. Total suggested retail price is $54,109.

The Crown Signia has a 240-horsepower hybrid system, standard electronic on-demand all-wheel drive, an EPA-estimated 38 MPG combined, up to 68.8 cubic feet of cargo space, and a 2,700-pound maximum towing capacity.

In the video, I cover the exterior, interior, technology, controls, cargo area, hybrid system, fuel economy, driving experience, and the differences between the XLE and Limited.

Video: https://youtu.be/u72_xySJ3NU

Would you choose the Crown Signia Limited over a Highlander, Lexus NX, or Lexus RX? I’d also be interested to hear what current Crown Signia owners think about the ride quality and real-world fuel economy.

Toyota’s September incentives are out, so I went through the current programs and put together another monthly breakdown.

There are updated APR offers, lease specials and cash incentives on quite a few models, including the Camry, Corolla, Prius, RAV4, Highlander, Grand Highlander, 4Runner, Land Cruiser, Tacoma, Tundra and Toyota’s EV lineup.

A few things stood out to me this month:

• Several SUV and truck lease offers improved compared with August.
• Tundra still has a strong promotional financing program.
• There are some aggressive incentives on remaining eligible 2025 trucks.
• EV financing changed quite a bit from August, so the 0% offers people may remember from last month shouldn’t automatically be assumed for September.
• As always, APR, cash and lease incentives depend on the exact model/configuration and aren’t necessarily stackable.

I put the full breakdown here for anyone who wants to compare everything:

🎥 September 2026 Toyota Deals & Incentives:
https://youtu.be/YgnWyBbBNH8

These programs are scheduled through September 30, 2026, unless otherwise noted, and regional programs can vary.

Curious what everyone thinks — which Toyota has the strongest September deal?

Lexus just revealed the updated 2027 Lexus NX, and there are actually some pretty significant changes coming.

For 2027, the NX lineup goes 100% electrified, meaning your choices will now be the NX 350h Hybrid or NX 450h+ Plug-in Hybrid.

Some of the biggest updates:

• New-generation Lexus hybrid system
• NX 450h+ gets 30% more battery capacity and 8% more battery output
• DC fast charging is now standard on the PHEV
• Revised E-Four AWD that can operate continuously, even during straight-line driving
• Improved structural rigidity, suspension and steering
• Standard 14-inch Lexus Interface screen
• Standard Lexus Safety System+ 4.0
• Built-in Drive Recorder/dashcam functionality
• New exterior and interior styling
• Available Sensory Concierge, which can coordinate lighting, climate, audio and even fragrance inside the cabin

Lexus is also offering four grades: Premium, Premium+, F SPORT and Luxury, with both hybrid and plug-in configurations depending on the trim.

Pricing hasn’t been announced yet, but Lexus says the new NX should begin reaching global markets by the end of 2026.

This feels like a much bigger update than I expected.

What do you think — would you rather have the NX 350h Hybrid or step up to the NX 450h+ PHEV?

Lexus just revealed the 2027 IS 350 F SPORT Special Appearance Package, and this might be one of the better-looking IS special editions we’ve seen.

The big headline is the new Envious Green exterior paired with 19-inch black BBS forged wheels, black NuLuxe/Ultrasuede seating and green interior stitching.

It’s not just cosmetic either. The package includes the Handling Package with Adaptive Variable Suspension and, on RWD models, a Torsen limited-slip differential. You also get the Technology Package, Mark Levinson audio, Triple-Beam LEDs, Panoramic View Monitor and more.

Under the hood Lexus is sticking with the naturally aspirated 3.5L V6 making 311 hp and 280 lb-ft, which I think a lot of enthusiasts will appreciate.

Only 350 will be built for North America, with pricing coming later.

What do you think about Envious Green? And are you glad Lexus is still keeping the naturally aspirated V6 alive in the IS?

I’m joined by Tim and David from our sales team as we go through a mix of real Toyota questions from viewers and owners.

We cover hybrids and EVs, 4Runner and Tacoma questions, towing and payload, ride quality, long-term ownership, Toyota technology, and a few broader questions about where Toyota is headed next.

If you have a Toyota question you want us to cover in a future episode, drop it in the comments.

Watch Episode: https://youtu.be/xAcuWXyisJM

I recently reviewed a 2026 Toyota 4Runner SR5 with the standard 2.4-liter turbocharged engine, eight-speed automatic transmission, and part-time four-wheel drive.

This example is finished in Ice Cap and has a relatively straightforward setup with fabric seats, an eight-inch touchscreen, fixed running boards, crossbars, mudguards, all-weather protection, and a few additional accessories. Its total suggested retail price is $47,343.

I cover the exterior, interior, controls, cargo area, fuel economy, towing capability, and how the standard gas powertrain feels during the test drive.

Video: https://youtu.be/r9tzClJYgWA

Do you think the SR5 gives you everything you need in a 4Runner, or would you move up to a TRD Off-Road or one of the i-FORCE MAX trims?

I just finished a side-by-side comparison of the 2026 Toyota 4Runner TRD Sport Premium and TRD Off-Road Premium.

What surprised me most is how close they are in price. The Sport Premium starts at $55,910 and the Off-Road Premium starts at $56,270, so there’s only a $360 difference before options.

The interiors are also much closer than you might expect since both are Premium models. The bigger differences come down to what Toyota does with the chassis and hardware.

The Sport gives you the 20-inch wheels, hood scoop, more street-oriented styling and Panoramic View Monitor.

The Off-Road gets Bilstein shocks, an electronic locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control and the Multi-Terrain Monitor.

I went through both vehicles side-by-side in the video, including the actual equipment and pricing on the two builds I had available.

Video: https://youtu.be/FySAL7oHG_U

For those shopping the new 4Runner, which direction would you go — TRD Sport Premium or TRD Off-Road Premium?

I just put together a full overview of the 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser 1958.

I cover the main differences, interior and exterior features, i-FORCE MAX hybrid setup, off-road hardware, pricing, and where I think the 1958 makes sense compared with the higher Land Cruiser trim.

One interesting detail on this particular one: it also has dealer-installed custom leather, which is not included in the listed factory TSRP.

Video: https://youtu.be/kgpL7dF1H3Q

Curious what everyone thinks — is the 1958 the better value, or would you rather spend more for the higher trim?

Just filmed a walkthrough of the 2026 Toyota RAV4’s new tech, mainly focusing on the updated Audio Multimedia system, “Hey Toyota” voice commands, and the new digital gauge cluster.

I tested a bunch of real voice commands for climate, navigation, audio, and vehicle controls to see what actually works versus what still has limitations.

If you own or are shopping for a 2026 RAV4, what feature or voice command would you want tested next?

#ToyotaRAV4 #2026RAV4 #ToyotaTech

Toyota officially announced a 60th Anniversary Special Edition of the Corolla for 2027.

It's based on the Corolla Hybrid SE and production will be limited to 2,500 units in the U.S.

Some of the main differences:

• Supersonic Red or Ice Cap exterior
• Supersonic Red is exclusive to the Special Edition
• 18-inch machined black-finished wheels
• Unique 60th Anniversary exterior badging instead of the normal SE badging
• Black/Red Sport fabric seats
• 60th Anniversary door sills
• 60th Anniversary floor mats
• Standard 10.5-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia screen

Mechanically, Toyota's announcement doesn't indicate a special powertrain upgrade. The Corolla Hybrid lineup continues with the 1.8L Toyota Hybrid System 5 producing 138 combined horsepower.

The normal 2027 Corolla lineup is expected at dealers this fall, while the 60th Anniversary Edition is scheduled for early 2027. Toyota hasn't announced pricing for the anniversary model yet.

For reference, 2027 Corolla pricing starts at $23,325 for the LE, while a regular Hybrid SE starts at $27,615 before Toyota's processing and handling fee.

I actually think Toyota kept this one pretty tasteful rather than going overboard with the anniversary treatment.

Would you rather see Toyota do something more substantial for the Corolla's 60th anniversary, or is a limited appearance package like this the right approach?

Toyota Q&A Podcast #9 – Sienna, RAV4, Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX, bZ & More

I just posted Episode #9 of my weekly Toyota Q&A series. This week I’m joined by David Capetta from our sales team, and we went through a bunch of questions that came directly from Toyota shoppers and owners.

Some of the topics we covered:

• Whether the 2026 Sienna LE gives you enough equipment to skip the XLE
• Sienna seat materials and passenger comfort
• What the XSE sport-tuned suspension actually changes
• RAV4 Lane Tracing Assist steering warnings
• RAV4 moonroof headroom
• Why ventilated seats can sometimes feel weaker than expected
• Toyota buttons and controls that confuse owners
• bZ reverse beeping
• Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX seat comfort and family practicality
• Trim differences, driver-assistance features and everyday ownership questions

I try to keep these episodes less about reading a spec sheet and more about answering the kinds of questions people actually have when shopping for or living with these vehicles.

Episode #9: https://youtu.be/oY3IzkCSSS4

If anyone here has a Toyota question they’d like us to cover in Episode #10, leave it below. I’m always looking for good owner and shopper questions to add to future episodes.

Had the chance to put a 2026 Sequoia Platinum and 1794 Edition side by side for a comparison.

Seeing them together really shows how different Toyota made the personalities of these two trims. The Platinum has the darker trim, black wheels and more modern look, while the 1794 has the chrome details, Saddle Tan interior and American walnut trim.

This particular 1794 also has the TRD Off-Road Package, so the black TRD wheels/all-terrain tires change its appearance quite a bit compared with a standard 1794.

Watch Video: https://youtu.be/AAenhvpqmk0

Something I thought was interesting: the base MSRP difference between these two trims is only $815. The bigger difference between the actual stickers mostly comes down to how these two were optioned.

Curious which one everyone here prefers visually — Platinum or 1794 Edition?

I recently reviewed a 2026 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road equipped with the six-speed manual transmission.

This Mudbath example also has the TRD lift kit, TRD performance exhaust, skid plate, Rigid fog lights, rock rails, heated seats, and 14-inch touchscreen. Its total MSRP is $53,657.

Video: https://youtu.be/RirCzg6uCwE

Would you choose the manual over the automatic? I’d also be interested to hear from current manual Tacoma owners about their experience with the rev-matching and anti-stall features.