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It's never a simple decision when it comes to purchasing a new truck, but the 2017 Toyota Tundra could make things a whole lot easier. The popular car maker is putting out an updated version of the already-favorite pickup for the new year. If you're in the market for a new truck, here's what you should consider about the 2017 Tundra. Powerful Performance First things first: let's talk performance. The 2017 Toyota Tundra was designed with ultimate performance in mind, and you aren't going to be disappointed. These bad boys are equipped with either a 4.6- or 5.7-liter V8 engine. The 4.6-liter option packs 310 horsepower and has 327 pound-feet of torque, while the latter engine option has 381 horsepower and a whopping 401 pound-feet of torque. more Of course, depending on the trim level you choose for your Tundra, the maximum towing capabilities will vary. Some trim levels, for instance, can handle up to 10,100 pounds. The towing package comes standard with most Tundras and includes a TOW/HAUL switch, a towing hitch receiver, an Integrated Trailer Brake Controller, and so much more for all your hauling needs. In the Interior If what's under the hood wasn't awesome enough, the interior of these trucks takes it all to a whole new level. Some models of the 2017 pickup come with leather trim seats, a power sliding rear window, and even a moonroof. Strategically placed controls, luscious seats, and features like a dual zone automatic climate control make the cabins of these trucks so luxurious and comfortable, you'll forget that you're driving a pickup. An in-dash display and standard backup camera make parking and backing out a little less stressful on you. You can also use these displays with integrated navigation options, surfing through all your favorite tunes, and so much more. You won't even have to take your hands off the wheel or your eyes off the road to operate this system either, as it comes equipped with Bluetooth and voice-activated technologies. Aside from the 7-inch display, you will also find another 3.5-inch informational display just behind the steering wheel. In one glance, you can get a full understanding of your truck's speed, mileage, fuel economy, and distance to empty. This display will also inform you when there's an aspect of your truck that needs maintaining, so that you can stay as safe and efficient on the road as possible. Safer Than Ever When you're on longer trips or hauling bigger loads, safety is more important to you than ever. Toyota understands this, which is why the car maker has included top-notch safety features in the latest Tundra. Driver assist technologies, like blind spot monitoring, innovative airbags unique to the Tundra, and the Star Safety System suite of safety features can all the be found in these pickups. These are just a few of the amazing features you can find in the 2017 Toyota Tundra. If you're looking for a truck that can do it all, the Tundra might just be the right choice for you. Image by RL GNZLZ is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

As more drivers begin to understand the true value of a hybrid vehicle, they are gaining popularity in the car buying market. These cars are proving to be perfect for drivers who are looking for ways to save money and decrease their carbon footprint. It just makes sense. As hybrid vehicles continue to gain momentum, Toyota has readied its 2017 hybrid models just in time. Buyers will find that these new models offer much more than what meets the eye. In the Mode, Not Mood The 2017 Prius Prime Plug is one of the most talked about cars of the year. It ranked in the top three among other plug-in hybrid competitors. Its features include multiple motors, a unique clutch, and an expansive electric range of over 50 miles. The three driving modes also separate this vehicle from many others. Drivers can select either EV Mode, EV Auto mode, and Hybrid mode. This allows them to manage battery use. With prices as low as $19,500, Toyota has proven that it's on the right track. more Hybrid Meets Classic Another popular hybrid option is the new and improved 2017 Camry. At first glance car buyers are sure to be allured by the classy sport mesh front grille, LED highlights, and chrome trimmings. They can experience the infusion of hybrid frugality and luxury in motion for under $27,000. The hybrid SE model offers fuel efficiency with city mpg of 40, customized wheels to improve fuel economy, and a convenient energy monitor available within the dashboard. Room for Adventure The 2017 Avalon Hybrid offers additional space for drivers requiring a little more room. This full-size sedan is fully loaded with Toyota's trademarked Hybrid Synergy Drive system and an electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECTV). Drivers can expect high performance, enhanced safety, upgraded technology features and a distinctive new look for under $38,000. Untouchable Prudence Families looking for stellar safety ratings and features might meet their match with the 2017 Highlander Hybrid. It received top ratings from the insurance institute for highway safety. With room for seven, energy-efficient windows, 27/28 miles per gallon, and a high-powered V6 engine, the Toyota Highlander is not your average family car. Its Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) status make it a well-rounded choice among competitors. Nothing Spared The 2017 RAV4 Hybrid tops it off with a full list of features to complement its cost efficiency. Drivers will surely be impressed by the 27-mpg fuel economy averages, in addition to tons of other cool features. The 7-inch display makes it easy to heed warnings of blind spot obstructions, access satellite radio stations, or avoid traffic with the navigation system. Seats with massage functions, top speeds of over 110 miles per hour, and an upgraded exterior are just a few of many stand out features. These five new models for 2017 prove that Toyota's innovation is still in motion. From the moderate and trendy Prius prime to the feature rich RAV4 hybrid, buyers can find just what they are looking for. Luxury, style, and affordability has arrived. Image by Pixabay

The world knows Toyota as a company with a long history of dedication to producing quality, affordable family vehicles. Recently, Toyota has decided to expand its mission from beyond the manufacturing line. Now it is dedicating precious man hours and resources to helping communities in need around the world. You'll find the Toyota Giving Program at many local events and charities giving back to the people who have made Toyota the household name it is today. Toyota Giving Program Mission The purpose of the Toyota Giving Program is to support organizations that are dedicated to improving the environment, education efforts and opportunities, and vehicle safety initiatives. It is also dedicating special attention and resources to underserved populations and diverse communities. The program makes major contributions during natural disasters and is passionate about helping organizations reach those in need. more How It Works The Toyota Giving Program offers grants to organizations that apply for assistance. Organizations can apply for grants if they are eligible. Because the program wants to ensure that the funds are being used for positive, nonprofit efforts, certain groups are ineligible, including lobbying groups, publications, advertising companies, capital campaigns, and endowments. Rather, the Toyota Giving Program grants funds to charitable organizations that serve the entire community regardless of age, race, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, veteran status, or political affiliation. In all, the program is dedicated to helping better the world for everyone. Making a Difference Over the past few years, the Toyota Giving Program has helped many organizations around the country. For example, in April 2014, the program partnered with Hiring Our Heroes, a U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation that works to help veterans, military spouses, and transitioning military personnel find employment opportunities in their communities. Together the groups put on the Stagecoach Country Music Festival and helped raise awareness and funds for Hiring Our Heroes. In July 2015 and July 2016, the Toyota Giving Program partnered with VH1 Save the Music to host Lollapalooza in Grant Park, Chicago. The music festival raised money to help protect music instruction in schools and ensure that children receive all the wonderful benefits of music education. The Toyota Giving Program encouraged people to begin a dialogue on social media about the importance of music. In 2015, the program donated $1 to the VH1 Save the Music education program for every social post with the hashtag #ToyotaGiving. In 2016, the Toyota Giving Program and VH1 Save the Music donated $30,000 to a public school in need of saving its music education department. The program continues to help promote environmental consciousness and safety, education, and vehicle safety by partnering with and donating to numerous causes around the country. Some efforts include Nocturnal Wonderland in August 2015, the Life is Beautiful festival in September 2015, Stagecoach in April 2016, and the Firefly Music Festival in June 2016. The Toyota Giving Program proves that if we work together and set aside individual differences, we can achieve great things and protect the world for generations to come. Image via Pixabay

One of the coolest tech features available in the 2017 Camry SE is Toyota's infotainment system, Entune. This integrated telematics and multimedia system includes information like sports scores, fuel prices, stocks, weather, and traffic, along with the ability to sync with your smartphone to play your favorite tunes or podcasts. Entune also includes integrated apps for music, including iHeartRadio, XM satellite radio, and Pandora. Step One: Check Compatibility and Create Your Account(s) Entune works with most Android and BlackBerry smartphones, as well as most models of the iPhone. Before you sync your device, check out the Entune website to make sure it's compatible. The list is always increasing since Toyota developers add new devices to it regularly. Once you confirm that your phone works with the software, go to the app store that you use and download the Entune app. It's free but you will need to sign in using the email address and password you used to set your Entune account. (You can easily create a new account at the Entune website.) If you plan to use the integrated apps like MovieTickets.com, Pandora, and OpenTable, create free accounts on these websites as well. Once you have each account set up, link it through your Entune account. more Step Two: Pair Your Device When you have created and linked your account(s) for Entune and any additional apps you'd like to use, get your phone and turn on Bluetooth. The system syncs to your device through Bluetooth so it must be turned on at all times when you're in your car and using Entune. Start by touching the setup button on the screen in your Camry, then press Bluetooth, and then touch "Add." You can add your device through this screen, but for safety, make sure to only attempt this when your car is parked. After you have added it through the touchscreen display, you'll have to choose the Toyota Vehicle option on the list of Bluetooth connections on your phone. Some devices require the entry of a PIN for security, but the system guides you through that if necessary. Give it a few minutes to complete the connection, and then your phone will be synced with your Camry. Step Three: Use the Features Entune has a lot of cool features that drivers and passengers love. You can check fuel costs to make sure you're filling up at the lowest-priced station in your area. When you pair your device, Entune will also pull in your contacts and call history so it's easy to make and receive telephone calls safely. Voice-activated technology also allows you to command the system to do specific tasks, like make a phone call, without taking your hands or eyes off the road. If you have any trouble connecting your device with the Entune system in your 2017 Toyota Camry SE, review the resources available on Toyota's website for assistance. You can also take it into a dealership for help if you just can't get it to work. Once your phone is up and running with Entune, you'll be able to take advantage of all it has to offer.

Have you heard the news? The best-selling car for the past 14 years is on its way to set yet another trend, this time one that comes to us as no surprise. Cars.com, in their American-Made Index, rates vehicles built and brought into the U.S based on several factors to ultimately determine those whose are the most American-made. Can you guess which car is on this list? Here's a hint. If you guessed Camry, you are correct! The Camry was rated as the most American-made vehicle. This is a position the Camry has held for the second straight year, and the sixth time overall it was included on the list. The factors used to determine those results include the percentage of parts considered domestic under federal regulations, whether the car is assembled in the U.S. and also includes U.S. sales. If a model is determined to have a parts content rating below 75 percent, they are disqualified. This also includes models built exclusively outside the U.S. or models that are on their way to being discontinued without any kind of U.S. built successor. All these factors gave way to the eventual rating of the Camry - an astounding 75 percent American. As a bonus, the Sienna is yet another vehicle included on the list and it ranked third overall. Not a bad way to end June if we say so ourselves. For more information on the Camry and its stellar rating, please be sure to visit: http://toyota.us/28YrzCb

Toyota was recently recognized by MIT Technology Review as one of the top tech companies in the world, among tech giants such as Amazon, Alphabet and Facebook. Placing #17 overall over other companies such as Microsoft, IBM, and Intel. MIT Technology Review highlighted Toyota's launch of the Toyota Research Institute, which will study the future of mobility, artificial intelligence and robotics as well as the release of the Mirai as to why they were ranked so highly. Toyota is intensely dedicated to innovation and forward thinking to improve the future of mobility and the Mirai is just one of Toyota's attempts at this as it is one of the world's first massed produced hydrogen powered vehicles. For more information about the article, please feel free to check out: http://toyota.us/28Yuhe3

Due to it's technological and safety advancements as well as being the only minivan on the market with all-wheel drive, Toyota's long-cherished minivan recently received top ten accolades from Edmunds.com and Parents Magazine in their respective Best Minivan and "Best Family Cars of 2016" categories. It scored high due to its intuitive, family friendly features such as LATCH locations for child seats, it's Driver Easy Speak option where speech is directed throughout the vehicle by way of the audio system's rear speakers, and built-in entertainment provided to passengers via two 16.4 inch widescreen displays thanks to the Dual-View Entertainment Center. These are only some of the features available in the Sienna that make family driving, easier. The Sienna also makes driving safer thanks to  Toyota Star Safety System™ which includes safety features such as Anti-lock Brakes, Electronic Brake-Force Distribution, Brake Assist, enhanced Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, and Smart Stop Technology. There is also Blind Spot Monitoring available to certain grades as well as Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Thanks to all of these features, it's why the Sienna was named a top ten family car of the year. For more information on why the Sienna is a top ten car, please visit: http://toyota.us/22Artr0

Summer is time for family fun, long road trips and get-away destinations. If you're driving to get to where you need to go, be sure that your children are strapped in right for a safe and fun adventure, especially since a staggering three out of four car seats are incorrectly installed. Here are our top tips for keeping kids safe on those long summer road trips: http://toyota.us/1OPpp6I

Automotive reviewers at the Inquirer Daily News were impressed with the manliness and power seen in the Toyota Tacoma. With a competitive price, upgraded V-6, and updated interior, it's no surprise that they were blown away.  The truck that was, "built for the endless weekend," will impress you, as well. Read the full review here: http://bit.ly/1Xwii8l

On March 21 st, 2016, Toyota announced that, beginning with the 2018 model year, it would make Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) and Lexus Safety System+ (LSS+) standard on almost every Toyota and Lexus trim level in the United States.   The systems are anchored by automatic emergency breaking, which means Toyota is making that technology available four years ahead of the 2022 industry target announced last week by the federal government.   Already available as a low-cost option on a broad range of Toyota and Lexus vehicles, TSS and LSS+ are designed to help address three key areas of crash protection: preventing or mitigating frontal collisions keeping drivers within their lane enhancing road safety during nighttime driving. “At Toyota, we are committed to creating better ways to move for everyone,” said Jim Lentz, President and CEO of Toyota Motor North America. Click here for the full story: http://toyotanewsroom.com/releases/lexus+toyota+automated+braking+standard+2017.htm

In the Sunday March 20 th, 2016 Edition of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Al Haas reviewed the 2016 Toyota Rav4 XLE Hybrid. It came away with an EXCELLENT rating. Mr. Haas said: “Driv­ing the RAV4 hy­brid is pleas­ant busi­ness. The seats are com­fort­able and sup­port­ive, and vis­i­bil­ity is good.” “That in­te­rior is also com­fort­able and rea­son­ably roomy. Fairly tall adults will find ad­e­quate head and leg room in the back seat.” “Ac­cel­er­a­tion is rea­son­ably good in the RAV4 Hy­brid, with 0 to 60 ac­com­plished in a re­spectable 8 sec­onds.” “The new stan­dard gear in­cludes Toy­ota’s Engine Au­dio Plus in­fo­tain­ment sys­tem com­plete with a high- res­o­lu­tion LCD screen and nav­i­ga­tion, as well as a power lift­gate and pro­jec­tor beam head­lights.” “This equip­ment joins up with the likes of a power moon roof, heated power mir­rors, and a back-up cam­era.” To read the full article, click here: http://www.philly.com/philly/business/cars/20160320_Toyota_RAV4_gets_a_welcome_makeover.html#O4KWpRO5OOBdF4dq.99

The 2016 Toyota Highlander was recognized as a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). To qualify for Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+, a vehicle must earn good ratings in all five crashworthiness evaluations — small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraints. Top Safety Pick winners also have an available front crash prevention system that earns a basic rating; vehicles earning the "plus" have an advanced or superior rating. The Highlander's optional front crash prevention is rated advanced. Click here for the full story: http://www.iihs.org/iihs/news/desktopnews/toyota-highlander-earns-2016-top-safety-pick-award