The 2012 Toyota Venza is quite an intriguing choice for a car. People don’t quite know if it is a car, a SUV, or a crossover. But while most of the people are confused about what it is, people can’t deny that this car stands out from the crowd of station wagons and compact SUVs that have been littering the market. Quite similar to the Mark X Zio, its body is planted on a Toyota Camry chassis. Trying to integrate the best of a car and an SUV, it is successful for the most part.

For 2012, the Toyota Venza, a 5 year old car (being officially released in 2008 without any major overhaul), some refreshing is in order. With that said, expect the 2012 Toyota Venza to have a rearranged exterior at the very least. Expected to look a bit like the 2012 Toyota Camry which was also revised for that said product year, revisions to the grille and both headlights and taillights seem to be on order. When you’re able to get inside this car, expect its already critically acclaimed interior to be relatively unchanged, with the exception of texture and lighting modifications. (more…)

The Toyota Tacoma is one of the most highly touted pickups in the world today. However, some change is necessary to help it maintain its lofty standing. In fact, changes are coming its way, with a full redesign reportedly ready by 2014. So, is the 2012 Toyota Tacoma capable enough to hold off newcomers and allow it to hold its own for at least 2 more years?

For starters, the 2012 Toyota Tacoma is built not unlike the Tacomas of this generation. Albeit for some minor modifications, it still remains essentially the same car as last year. The dimensions are still the same, and the biggest change in the exterior is limited to just some grille and body molding modifications. All 3 cab styles are expected to be back, giving potential Tacoma buyers a huge selection of potential buys. And while tastes of buyers have been shifting in the mechanical sense, expect the Tacoma to have the same engine options that it had in 2011: a 2.7 liter 4 cylinder engine and a 4.0 liter V6 engine. (more…)

Out to prove that Toyota hasn’t lost their touch when it comes to creating high quality compact cars, the 2012 Toyota Matrix is about to come on a car dealer near you. Trying to build on the success of the Matrix models of yesteryear, they are designed to be efficient, cool looking, practical, and fun to drive.

There are a lot of changes that are going to be expected for the mid-year refreshing of the Matrix. Expect the 2012 Toyota Matrix to be quite different with the 2011 Matrix in a lot of aspects. Still resembling a hatchback or wagon version of the Corolla, it features 4 doors and seating for 5 people. In addition, this interior is loaded with a lot of functional goodies such as an advanced sound system and a lot of storage space. However, there are some differences that it has when compared to the Corolla. It has a longer roofline, and most distinguishably, it has 4 wheel drive, something that practically everyone in its competition doesn’t have. While the 4 wheel drive system is not exactly designed for offroad duties, it is going to increase stability during adverse driving conditions such as snowy roads. (more…)

Since first hitting the market in the year 1966, the Corolla has turned the heads of many car enthusiasts and buyers, and has, through the release of their various models, earned the trust of the public for its time-tested model, which is why it undergoes minimal revisions when it is released annually. That is not to say, however, that the latest offering of the Corolla has nothing new to bring to the table. After all, a vehicle whose model has stagnated and has added little to nothing in its set of features will most likely be left lagging behind those vastly-improved vehicles, so the 2012 Toyota Corolla also has its own set of features to keep their loyal customers eager for its arrival.

The tenth style generation of the Corolla, which is its latest, was released in the year 2009, and since then, the subsequent models that have been released have adhered to a similar look, including the 2012 incarnation of the Corolla. Despite minimal revisions in its physical features, the newest model of the Corolla now gives its prospective customers the option to choose from two engines, which are the 1.8 Liter engine that is capable or 132 horsepower per 6000 revolutions per minute (rpm), while a second, more powerful engine has now been made available, the 2.4 Liter engine that has a blasting power of up to 158 horsepower per 6000 rpm. (more…)

The Volvo XC70 is back for 2012. Famous for somehow giving a station wagon body with some SUV characteristics in order to turn it into a crossover, it is one mean looking beast that has all the wholesome details of Volvos. Its body shell and chassis are derived from a car (it actually seems like a V70 on steroids), but it has 4 wheel drive and a higher ground clearance. So what’s new for the 2012 Volvo XC70?

True to the tradition, the body still looks very sculpted and muscular. With all the sharp lines and high ground clearance, it looks ready to go. And with that 4 wheel drive system, hill descent control, and instant traction, it is equipped with the tools needed to back up its tough looks. Its interior, as Volvo themselves have termed to be “focused”, is traditionally Volvo. All the trim used in the car is simple yet effective, and it can seat 5 people with absolute comfort due to their supple seats and adequate space. And with a more improved luggage space, aided by folding rear seats, it can give even larger crossovers and SUVs fits when it comes to luggage space. (more…)