The New and Improved Toyota Sequoia

2021 marked the last year the iconic Toyota Land Cruiser would be on the market. And while that exit left a gap in the Toyota SUV market for quite some time, Toyota was hard at work behind the scenes reshaping the Sequoia to fill that void. Announced in 2023 the Toyota Sequoia is a redesign that has been due for quite a while. Last redesigned in 2008, the SUV had stayed mostly the same while competitors had overhauled fan favorites, sometimes multiple times. From all we know about the 2023 Toyota Sequoia, the wait was worth it. The features and expectations centered around the 2023 Sequoia are impressive and innovative, leaving a lot of folks counting down to its release. Dealers like Mount Airy Toyota will be there to answer your questions and put you ahead of the curve in getting your hands on an SUV sure to shape the market. A Farewell to The Land Cruiser Before looking to the future, it’s important to talk about the past. Toyota’s choice to tap the Sequoia as the spiritual successor to the Land Cruiser shows an immense amount of confidence in the new model. The Land Cruiser has had a 60-year run in the United States. Likely older than most of the people reading this article. With such a long run, the Land Cruiser has cemented itself as the SUV of choice for many families across the country. In fact, following the announcement of the Land Cruiser’s discontinuation, sales sky-rocketed, selling more in January 2021 than any other month of the decade. Now, we have many people that are heartbroken about the discontinuation of an icon, though looking at the Sequoia, with all of its perks, has eased some of that grief. So, before we get any further, goodbye to the Land Cruiser, Toyota’s longest-running nameplate. A New Chapter The Toyota Sequoia is a new chapter in Toyota’s SUV sales. Understanding the need to deliver something with some power and awe, especially considering the delay of a bottom-up redesign of well over 10 years. Now, they’ve done just that. The 2023 Sequoia is an SUV suited for the future, and it’s dedicated to leading the way in innovation and harkening back to the features that made so many love Toyota’s older SUVs (looking at you, Land Cruiser.) Hybrid with Powerful Performance The imposing design of the Sequoia isn’t what you’re likely to picture when thinking of an electric vehicle. That means those who buy a Toyota can expect to save money at the gas pump, which means more trips and fun for you and your whole family. That hybridization provides fuel efficiency, but it also supports power that’s nearly unrivaled in the current SUV market. That power is evident in the numbers, boasting 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. Interior Fit for Your Family The three-row Sequoia is engineered with a big group in mind, comfortably seating up to 8 people, the SUV can handle almost any family or friend group imaginable. As with most SUVs, the Sequoia has flexibility in that seating that lets you increase storage or seating space with ease. Those who choose the SR5 premium package and above can count on a hands-free liftgate, 120-volt power outlets, and the third row with powered seats. Those outlets span across the interior, letting everyone riding along take advantage of them. The touchscreen at the front of the vehicle supports both Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ letting either side of the phone war play whatever music they desire. Maps, traffic information, voice assist, and wi-fi hotspots are other perks included in the entertainment portion of the vehicle. There’s so much to do that you’ll be surprised when nobody asks, “Are we there yet?” Brand New Design The 2023 Sequoia also looks much different from prior iterations. With a design similar to the new Tundra but in SUV form, the design is both sleek and imposing. The colors the Sequoia is slated to come in are as follows. All Sequoia models come in: White, Wind Chill Pearl, Celestial Silver, Lunar Rock, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Blueprint, Army Green, Midnight Black Metallic, Smoked Mesquite, Supersonic Red, and the TRD-exclusive Solar Octane. The premium paint colors are as follows: Wind Chill Pearl and Supersonic Red are available, and the premium color Solar Octane is exclusive to TRD Pro models. Whatever color you end up choosing, they all look great and reflect a modern design meant to accentuate the Sequoias frame. Towing In Style The power of the Sequoia we discussed earlier isn’t just for getting the SUV itself around, it’s also capable of towing whatever your family may be bringing along. The Sequoia has power that rivals any truck, so those who were wary of an SUV's ability to tow before, are likely having those worries calmed. The Sequoia can handle up to 9,000 lbs, which is enough for nearly every camper and boat out there. So if you’re loading up your family and camper or boat for a fun weekend, take the Sequoia instead of the truck. It keeps you and those riding with you happy and can meet any challenge in towing that a truck can. Off-Road Potential If you go with the TRD Off-Road Package, which is only available in 4WD on the SR5 and other limited models, you’ll be able to go off-road in a way that Sequoias have never before. This option for off-roading is one of the many ways the Sequoia is filling the gap left by the off-roading Land Cruiser. The power already in the Sequoia, accompanied by 4WD makes any terrain easy and conquerable. Allowing you to explore with confidence in your ride. Toyota’s Safety Sense Like all new Toyota models, the Toyota Sequoia comes with Toyota’s patented Safety Sense. Safety Sense makes Toyota one of the top car manufacturers when it comes to safety. Consistently being ranked as such, by consumers and boards alike. This technology, alongside the Sequoia’s size and performance, creates a vehicle sure to be safe for you and your family. Details of The Sequoia’s Release If you’re excited by the details surrounding the Sequoia, the natural next question is, “When and where can I get it?” The Sequoia will hit dealerships in the Summer of 2022, so at the time of this article, their release is just around the corner. While most Toyota dealerships will have the vehicle available, finding the right dealership is important and Mount Airy Toyota is prepared to help with everything related to the new Sequoia. Toyota hasn’t yet released the official pricing for the Sequoia, though we can expect some official news very soon. The basic trim is anticipated to cost roughly $53,000 with the most advanced trim at $69,000. I encourage you to follow Toyota’s news closely for the official price announcement. Why Mount Airy Toyota? Mount Airy Toyota isn’t like every other dealership, they’re committed to customer satisfaction and reflect that in every aspect of their practice. With every testimonial on the website being positive, you’re nearly guaranteed to leave with a similar impression. They’re also well-stocked on new vehicles, so you’ve got a much better chance at getting the coveted Sequoia before they run out. Mount Airy Toyota also offers specials that are competitive with even the best deals out there, so when the Sequoia hits the dealership, you have a chance at receiving it at a great cost. If you’re still unsure about joining the Toyota family, Mount Airy Toyota has a model showroom that gives you a comprehensive understanding of every new vehicle and the Sequoia is sure to get that treatment. So for the SUV lovers, be ready for an SUV designed for the future, be ready for Summer and the launch of the 2023 Sequoia, and consider choosing Mount Airy Toyota as your partner in the search for the Sequoia.

2024 Toyota Tundra 2024 is a huge year for Toyota vehicles, especially the all-new Tundra. The 2024 Toyota Tundra comes fitted with a new suspension, plenty of updated technology, a tougher and sportier design, and more available packages. But one upgrade that all our truck enthusiasts here at Mount Airy Toyota are talking about is the 2024 Tundra’s two new powertrain options–a twin-turbo V6 engine and a hybrid twin-turbo V6 engine. Twin-Turbo V6: can tow up to 12,000 pounds and comes paired with a 10-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission; sequential shift mode; uphill/downhill shift logic; and TOW/HAUL driving modes. Hybrid Twin-Turbo V6: generates 437 horsepower and 583 lb.-ft. of torque; also comes paired with a 10-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission; sequential shift mode; uphill/downhill shift logic; and TOW/HAUL driving modes. Truck drivers shopping for a full-size pickup usually have a specific reason for such a vehicle. These types of trucks are not only for the casual truck driver. They are made to work well under serious conditions and to produce time and again. Full-size trucks can pull and haul just about anything to anywhere–imagine pulling a boat or camper from Charlotte to Mount Airy; would you trust a simple pickup for this? In the world of full-size pickup trucks, there are a select few with histories of continued durability and power. Among these, the 2024 Toyota Tundra has already proven itself as the top contender. This year, the 2024 Toyota Tundra is better than it has ever been. 2024 Toyota Sequoia The 2024 Toyota Sequoia is the latest in Toyota’s lineup to come in a TRD Pro edition. This exclusive trim level comes with tons of upgrades, but one exclusive to the Sequoia TRD Pro package is the new Terra paint color. This terra cotta/orange chocolate color is quite striking and at Mount Airy Toyota, we already have staff naming the new Terra color their favorite. The Toyota TRD Pro edition focuses mostly on off-roading and sport driving features, all of which do plenty to produce a more comfortable and exciting ride. Some upgrades to the 2024 Sequoia TRD Pro are new shocks, exhausts, and a more powerful drivetrain. Other features of the TRD Pro package include: Black over-fenders, LED lighting, and TRD Pro badges 17-inch or 18-inch matte black or alloy wheels with all-terrain tires TRD-tuned suspension and FOX high-performance shocks TRD simulated leather upholstery, TRD Pro all-weather floor liners, and heated front seats Multi-terrain monitor with front, rear, and side camera views, panoramic view monitor, and Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver-assistance features Skid plate, TRD roof rack, power rear liftgate, rear privacy glass, and power tilt/slide moonroof One other aspect of the 2024 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro we like is the “Heritage Grille.” Where you usually see the traditional Toyota logo centered in the upper front grille, with the TRD Pro upgrade, the grille gets a textured surface with the Toyota nameplate running across the top. There’s not only one style of this grille, but it can also come in different shapes and shades, and it is the easiest way to make your new Sequoia look unique. New Toyota Highlander The Toyota Highlander, one of the car company’s most prominent family vehicles, comes with a few changes for 2024, but nothing too drastic (if it ain’t broke…). This year, Toyota has decided to discontinue the entry-level L trim, and it has added a hands-free power liftgate that comes in the mid-level trims. For the 2024 Highlander hybrid model, Toyota has swapped the previous Bronze edition for a new and improved Nightshade Edition. The 2024 Highlander Hybrid Nightshade Edition comes with tons of stylistic changes, the most obvious, a blacked-out grille, mirror caps, wheels, and rear badging. Nightshade is available on the Highlander Hybrid LE and XLE trim levels. It’s certainly one of the sleekest-looking vehicles on Mount Airy Toyota’s lot! This added layer of style to the new Highlander provides captivating elements for both the exterior and interior–the black seats with silver accents on the interior really make the inside pop. Here are a few more new features of the 2024 Highlander Nightshade: Stylish 18-inch black wheels and accents Available on the LE or XLE editions along with a choice of front- or all-wheel-drive Either a hybrid or turbo-charged 4-cylinder Up to 36 combined miles per gallon Hands-free power Liftgate now standard on all XLE (gas, hybrid, nightshade) and XSE (Gas) editions Audio Multimedia System with a 12.3-inch touchscreen comes standard The Highlander's size makes it one of the most sought-after crossover SUVs on the market. One thing Mount Airy Toyota customers like best about the Highlander is that it's not too big that it gets in the way, and it's not too small so that it can’t stow, pull, or haul as a sport utility vehicle should. On the road, it conserves gas, maintains an incredibly quiet ride, and its many compartments and excess space allow for premium stowage. 2024 Toyota 4Runner This year, Toyota has made major upgrades to the 2024 4Runner, most notably in terms of safety. 4Runners have always scored high in the safety department, but the newest iteration of the famed SUV is the most impressive yet. The all-new 4Runner has what Toyota calls, “Safety Sense,” a suite of safety systems designed to not only keep you safe during an accident but also to keep accidents from happening altogether. The 2024 4Runner’s safety ratings soar with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking (in case your foot can’t make it to the brake pedal in time), lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and pedestrian pre-collision. There is also lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Our technicians at Mount Airy Toyota were most impressed with the 4Runner’s Pre-Collision System. Though the inner workings of this system are complex, using it couldn’t be easier. To help you avoid an accident, the Pre-Collision System uses advanced road-monitoring technologies to “see” the road ahead of you. Then it alerts you, the driver, in three phases: Phase 1–Alert. Once the system detects something (a vehicle, pedestrian, animal, etc.) in the direct path of the car, an audio and/or visual forward-collision warning will be triggered. This is simply to let you know there is something up ahead. Phase 2–Brake Assist. Once an object has been detected and an alert to the driver has been made, brake assist is applied to help the driver begin to slow the car. Phase 3–Automatic Braking. If the driver does not respond to phases 1-2, the 4Runner will use the Pre-Collision System to deploy automatic braking. The Toyota 4Runner has quickly, in terms of years, created a Wrangler-like cult following, and with such a bevy of features and performance levels, it isn’t difficult to see why. 2024 Toyota Prius Motortrend’s “car of the year,” the 2024 Toyota Prius is the new gold standard in hybrids. The 2024 Prius model is longer, lower, and wider and has updated headlights and taillights, giving it a sleek yet substantial look, one much sportier than ever before. Though the new exterior look might be the most obvious difference of the new Prius, the most notable update is the 2.0-liter hybrid engine. Both the hybrid engine and the electric motors seamlessly work together to provide an incredibly smooth ride. While driving the 2024 Prius, the electric motors will run, but the 2.0-liter hybrid engine will take over when the charge runs low. There’s also a larger, more energized battery that offers 52 miles per gallon and up to a 44-mile range when driving all-electric. This means you can drive from Matthews to Huntersville and back without having to use the hybrid engine at all. Hybrid and electric vehicles are being made at a rate higher than ever, and it’s no surprise, seeing how much money and energy is saved by those who choose to drive a car that you can plug in. At the top of the hybrid car list for 2024 is the all-new Toyota Prius. With its cool new exterior, and with a bit more pep in its step, the Prius is this year’s hottest energy-saving vehicle on the road. 2024 Toyota Sienna One important aspect of the 2024 Toyota Sienna minivan, one setting it apart from all others in its class, is that every Sienna model now comes as hybrid. Since there has been so much success with hybrid vehicles–especially Toyota hybrids–they figured why not? It’s doubtful anyone will disagree with them on this, especially since Toyota has also expanded its hybrid warranty. Now, any Sienna model from 2020 forward will receive a 10-year battery warranty from first use or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first. Going from an 8-year warranty or 100,000 miles to this is a bold move, and a sign of confidence in the power, performance, and longevity of Toyota’s hybrid battery. Another aspect of the 2024 Sienna that sets it apart from its predecessors is its new XSE Premium Package, one that provides increased levels of luxury and comfort. Here is what’s included in the all-new XSE trim level: Quality SofTex synthetic leather seats that can handle heavy-duty traffic Second-row captain’s chairs which provide more room to move around and easier access to the back row (the back row seats fold, giving even more room) Premium audio and a 9-inch touchscreen Four-zone climate control so everyone from front to back in the Sienna is happy Illuminated remote entry so you can lock and unlock, even start and stop your car even when you are in the dark Other features include, six USB ports, the Driver Easy Speak feature, and the Rear Seat Reminder feature, so whether you and your family are driving the hills of the Blue Ridge Parkway, or if you find yourself caught in traffic on US 74 in Charlotte, comfort levels should remain the same. The XSE Premium Package, a top-of-the-line hybrid battery, and all-wheel drive (an optional upgrade) turn the 2024 Toyota Sienna minivan into more of a luxury SUV–but without the hefty price tag.

Look on the road these days and you’ll see a lot of one thing and not a lot of another – SUVs vs. sports cars. Buyers have driven away from small, cramped, and low and toward spacious seating with a view from a higher vantage point. At least for the traditional consumer, having room for the family and all their things, or perhaps the crew of friends and all their dogs, has made SUVs more popular than ever before. Toyota's recent release of the C-HR and its upcoming release of the 2019 RAV4 are strong contenders in a crowded market. Toyota has long earned love and loyalty for its RAV4, 4Runner, Highlander, Landcruiser, and Sequoia models. This year brought the introduction of the crossover C-HR, which was designed to fit a particular niche missing from the traditional Toyota lineup: something to bridge the gap between the SUVs, sedans, and compact cars. Edmunds named the C-HR as one of the Best Small SUVs for 2018. Those who remember the Toyota FJ Cruiser will recognize the signature white roof available on the C-HR with a Radiant Green Mica, Ruby Flare Pearl, or Blue Eclipse Metallic body. Its body styling is edgier than typically seen from Toyota, in part because the C-HR carried over from the maker’s now defunct Scion brand. The C-HR’s comes with push-button start, a 7-inch touch screen, 4.2-inch information display for the driver, auto-dimming rear view mirror, electric parking brake, and folding mirrors. Walk up to your C-HR with smart key technology and once you touch the door handle, the mirrors will unfold and display an illuminated logo on the ground. These lights complement the car’s halogen headlines, LED daytime running lights, and sculpted taillights. However, Toyota shoppers will have noticed a lack in connectivity across the line. There’s no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto currently available, but this tech is expected to be added in 2019. What else is coming from Toyota in 2019? The fifth-generation RAV4. The RAV4 was the bestselling non-pickup in the US in 2017. It was last redesigned in 2013. The new model will feature Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive with rear Driveline Disconnect, meaning that the engine can not only direct available power to the rear wheel, it can pick the wheel that has the most traction. When all-wheel drive no longer is needed, the system disconnects and reverts to front-wheel drive. Partnered with the Toyota New Global Architecture platform, which Toyota started using 2015 with the Prius, the result is a vehicle built to go further and do more. “The implementation of the TNGA platform allows RAV4 to adopt the charisma of a bolder and tougher SUV, but in a package that is lower and wider,” writes Toyota. “The longer wheelbase and wider front and rear tracks provide a stable, confident driving platform. For off-road prowess, the shorter front and rear overhangs will aid in RAV4’s ability to overcome rugged terrain.” To be released in winter 2018 (soon!), the RAV4 will come in three versions: the premium Limited, rugged Adventure grade, or stylish XSE Hybrid that will be available spring 2019. On the Limited edition, standard features include a front-row moonroof and 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory and 2-way lumbar support, plus a newly-designed 7-inch Multi-Information Display (MID) and, for the first time in a Toyota vehicle in North America, a Digital Display Rearview Mirror. Options include ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a panoramic moonroof, and hands-free liftgate. With the expected arrival of the 2019 RAV4, our specials at Mount Airy Toyota on the 2018 RAV4 are better than ever. From the XLE to the LE to the SE, you’ll find saving of up to $3,799 on select models. In fact, there’s savings to be had on every Toyota model now through the end of the year. Plus our pre-owned vehicles also are marked down. Toyotathon is on at Mount Airy Toyota. Come visit us at 508 N. Andy Griffith Pkwy. in Mount Airy, NC, visit us online at mountairytoyota.com, or give us a call at 336.786.2118.