Camry Models With a V6 Engine

The V6 engine models that come in the Camry lineup are quite dominant and are commonly set as an option for TRD, XLE, and XSE variants. The 3.5-liter V6 engine produces a stunning 301 horsepower, more than double the 203 horsepower the standard 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine produces, which gives an exciting driving experience and easier cruising at highway speeds.

Compared to other engine options, the V6 has a smoother ride that experiences diminished vibrations and less engine strain during acceleration, thereby reducing noise levels. Even though the 4-cylinder model is the more fuel-efficient choice, the V6 option will appeal to those who value performance and an exciting driving experience. In a review by Car and Driver, the Camry’s V6 engine was praised for its “smooth and responsive driving experience” (Smith, 2021).

Additional Features

The Camry V6 models offer various options that raise the bar in the driving experience with features such as a panoramic sunroof, leather-trimmed seats, and a premium sound JBL-based system. The V6 Camry features superior towing capacity and has a vehicle exhaust note that is satisfying to sports car enthusiasts. Compared to hybrid or standard engine options, the Camry V6 stands out for drivers who demand power and prestige. In contrast, the hybrid prioritizes fuel efficiency and eco-friendliness, and the standard 4-cylinder engine balances performance with economy.

Performance & Efficiency

The Toyota Highlander boasts a standard 2.4L turbocharged gas engine with a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission. This combination delivers a satisfying 203 horsepower and an impressive 24 mpg combined fuel economy. Looking for more power? Opt for the available hybrid powertrain, which cranks out 240 net horsepower while achieving a remarkable 36 mpg combined.

The Ford Explorer provides a wide range of engine options, starting with a powerful 2.3L EcoBoost turbo-4 with 300 horsepower. However, this performance comes at a cost – fuel economy dips to a combined 20 mpg. Stepping up to the available V6 engines further reduces fuel efficiency.

The Mazda CX-90 strikes a balance with a standard 3.3L turbo engine offering 280 horsepower and a fuel economy of 25 mpg combined. While the performance aspect is exciting, it doesn’t match the Highlander’s hybrid option in terms of efficiency.

Tech Throne

The Toyota Highlander comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Higher trims of the Highlander offer a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen and a premium JBL sound system. The Explorer has an 8-inch standard touchscreen that upgrades to a 10.1-inch unit in higher trims. Both Ford and Toyota systems offer smartphone integration, but the Highlander’s available JBL sound system provides a superior listening experience.

The Mazda CX-90 takes a driver-centric approach with its standard 10.25-inch touchscreen that can be controlled via a rotary knob for minimized distraction. However, its infotainment system doesn’t quite match the user-friendliness and feature set of the Toyota or Ford.

Safety First

Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ comes standard on all Highlander models, featuring a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Explorer offers Ford Co-Pilot360 with similar features, but some advanced driver-assistance features are reserved for higher trims. The Mazda CX-90 comes standard with smart brake support and lane departure warning. Ford and Mazda offer comparable safety features, but Toyota’s come standard across all trims, providing better overall value.

The Highlander Reigns Supreme

The 2024 Toyota Highlander offers a compelling combination of solid performance, impressive fuel efficiency (especially with the hybrid option), user-friendly technology, and a comprehensive suite of standard safety features. It delivers exceptional value without sacrificing comfort, style, or capability.

Battling the Weather Elements

Toyota offers a large selection of vehicles that will keep you safe and comfortable during road trips. Most Toyota models are available with dual-zone climate control systems. Some of the largest SUVs are even available with three total climate control zones. In some trims, you’ll also find heated front seats with leather or Syntex material. The multi-stage seats in the first row even come with ventilation for added comfort. Rain or shine, you’ll see clearly through the windshield thanks to durable wipers with various intermittent settings. Some Toyota SUVs and pickup trucks are equipped with heavy-duty splash guards for added protection against mud and other dirty liquids on the road. Freezing temperatures shouldn’t be an issue for your road trips, thanks to heated side mirrors. Additionally, select Toyota models offer LED fog lamps that penetrate through thick fog or rain layers.

Safety Comes First For Holiday Travel

When you get behind the wheel of a Toyota, you’ll have access to dozens of accident-avoidance features. The latest models come with some variation of the Toyota Safety Sense technology. Therefore, you’ll avoid many potential crashes on local roads, major highways, and rural trails. Whether you’re shopping in a busy mall or visiting relatives in the city, you can park your Toyota vehicle with confidence. Most models have a camera that captures rear views in real time. You can also find upgrades to more advanced camera systems that show videos from different angles. If you need roadside assistance during your trip, use the Toyota Connected Services. Overall, Toyota is renowned for launching passenger cars that win the Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ awards from the IIHS. Additionally, advanced dual-stage and side-curtain airbags protect your family and friends from injuries during crashes.

Staying Connected on the Road

The latest Toyota models are available with the Connected Services, which are integrated into the multimedia system. Sync your mobile device with the vehicle through the Remote Connect application. Similarly, the Wi-Fi Connect package comes with a high-speed data plan from AT&T. Some Toyota vehicles offer wireless syncing of Android phones through Android Auto. Likewise, some models have wireless Apple CarPlay for iPhones. Don’t forget the conventional wireless Bluetooth technology, which allows you to make hands-free phone calls. If you want to find exciting points during your road trip, use the available Drive Connect technology. Additionally, some vehicles offer Destination Assist and other helpful apps in the GPS navigation platform.

Change Your Tires

Winter tires are designed for this particular season. They have better traction and help prevent skidding and other dangerous situations. This is especially helpful when roads are icy or slick from falling or freezing rain or snow.

Inspect Your Vehicle’s Winter Essentials

Toyotas have an assortment of winter accessories. Quickly check all these systems and components to ensure you’re ready for icy roads and winter weather. This list includes your windshield wipers, heating elements that melt snow on windows, and your vehicle’s heater to keep everyone in your car or truck nice and warm.

Pack Winter Gear in Your Trunk

Be prepared for icy roads with the right essentials in your trunk. This includes an extra tire, a shovel in case you need to dig yourself out of snow and icy situations, and ice melt or a similar ice melting product. A small scraper can also be helpful if you need to scrape ice off your windows. It’s also a good idea to pack a few blankets and snacks. You never know if you’ll be in a situation where you’ll need to wait for assistance on a cold winter day when conditions are bad.

Inspect Your Lights

Make sure your vehicle’s lights are working correctly. Lights are essential during winter weather when visibility is often impaired. Check with your dealership about replacement lights or repairs if there are any issues.

Increase Your Driving Distance

Be prepared for icy roads by watching your distance from other vehicles in front of you. Stay at least 5-6 seconds behind vehicles in front of you.

Check the Weather Before You Drive

Stay up-to-date on the winter weather conditions, whether for a planned trip or your daily commute to work. You can also download weather apps for your area to get alerts when conditions change.

Drive Slowly

Slow down if conditions are hazardous on the road. Stick to the speed limit as much as possible. However, use common sense and slow down when conditions warrant slower driving.

Know Your Brakes

If unsure, find out what brakes you have on your vehicle. This added knowledge helps you react faster when it’s time to stop quickly on icy roads. Bring your vehicle to a dealer for brake service if they require repair or maintenance.

Toyota RAV4

One of Toyota’s most popular all-wheel drive vehicles is the RAV4 model. This SUV is perfect for maintaining control on snowy and icy roads with excellent traction. The RAV4 offers 8.4 inches of clearance, which is higher than the standard to ensure you can drive safely over any amount of snow.

Toyota Highlander

A popular favorite for wintertime driving, the Highlander features a 3.5-liter V6 engine with a 5,000-pound towing capacity. Available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options, the Highlander and its 8-speed automatic transmission can allow you the power and control to haul what you need during inclement weather conditions.

Toyota Tundra

When it comes to pickups, the Tundra is Toyota’s top-of-the-line, full-size offering. This powerful pickup is reliable and highly customizable, so you can get the features that matter most to you. The Tundra is currently available in two and four-wheel drive options.

Toyota 4Runner

When you want to ensure the pleasure of off-road traveling, the 4Runner has always been one of Toyota’s most prized models. This SUV has a specialized suspension system that ensures comfortable and smooth riding, no matter the weather conditions. It also features a multi-terrain select system that will allow you to alter the vehicle’s driving mode to match the current weather conditions.

Toyota Sienna

The Toyota Sienna is the perfect wintertime vehicle for those looking to bring along the whole family. With seating for up to eight people, you can ensure that everyone can come along. This passenger van offers confidence with its unique Snow mode that allows for more grip and stability when roadway conditions are slippery.

Toyota Camry

The Toyota Camry is well-suited for winter driving due to a combination of advanced features designed to enhance safety and performance in cold and challenging conditions. Its front-wheel-drive system provides excellent traction on slippery surfaces, while features like anti-lock brakes and stability control contribute to overall stability and control. The Camry’s responsive handling, along with its efficient braking system, ensures drivers can navigate through snow and icy roads with confidence.

Panoramic View Monitor

One of the most desirable features of new Toyota models is their panoramic view monitor. This uses cameras positioned at all angles around the vehicle to construct a 360-degree, bird’s eye view of your vehicle. You can enjoy seeing all of your surroundings, whether you’re parking or maneuvering at a low speed in a parking lot.

Front and Rear Parking Assist With Automatic Braking

Toyota vehicles are programmed to constantly monitor the area around the front and back of your vehicle. When unwanted objects appear, such as a pedestrian jaywalking, the vehicle will send you an alert. If you’re not able to respond quickly enough, the vehicle will reduce engine power and apply the brakes to ensure that you stop before you make contact with the object.

Safety Connect

Toyota vehicle owners will receive a free trial of Safety Connect. This features many helpful technology options, like Enhanced Roadside Assistance. With this technology, your vehicle can seamlessly send your GPS coordinates directly to the Safety Connect agent to ensure that your roadside assistance arrives on time. Even enjoy the peace of mind of having 24/7 roadside assistance.

Road Sign Assist

Sometimes, it can be difficult to see all the roadway signs that are out there. Whether another vehicle is blocking your view or your eyesight is just not what it used to be, road sign assist can help. This safety feature uses an intelligent camera to detect road signs like stop signs, speed limit signs, yield signs, do not enter signs, and so much more. It will display an icon on the multi-information display so that you’ll never miss what a road sign says again.

Lane Tracing Assist

With a combination of dynamic radar cruise control and the lane tracing assist technology present in all new Toyota models, you can get that extra help when you need it most. This technology will detect lane markers and ensure that your vehicle stays centered in your lane. You’ll get active warnings whenever your vehicle nears the edge of a lane. Additionally, if you have its emergency driving stop system turned on, your vehicle can even brake for you when it detects that you’re not responding to the issue.

Toyota Camry LE

The 2024 Toyota Camry LE is the base model that features remote keyless entry, 60/40 split folding rear seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The LE comes standard in front-wheel drive with the option to upgrade to an all-wheel drive system. The Camry LE Hybrid features an EPA-estimated MPG of 51/53 and comes complete with a 4-mode switch for EV, Eco, Normal, and Sport mode driving.

• 28 city / 39 highway MPG
• 5 seating capacity
• 2.5L 4-cylinder engine 203 horsepower

Toyota Camry SE

The Camry SE comes with sport SofTex-trimmed front seats, sport-tuned suspension, and a leather-trimmed telescopic/tilt steering wheel complete with paddle shifters. With its 18-inch black alloy wheels that are machine-finished and front black grille with sport mesh insert, this model provides a sporty look. The Camry SE Hybrid features an EPA-estimated MPG of 44/47.

• 28 city / 39 highway MPG
• 5 seating capacity
• 2.5L 4-cylinder engine 203 horsepower

Toyota Camry SE Nightshade

The SE Nightshade comes with unique exterior and interior features that you’ll be sure to love, including black mirror caps, window trim and badging, a black front grill with a sport mesh insert, and 19-inch TRD matte-bronze alloy wheels. The Camry SE Nightshade Hybrid features all the same stylings with an EPA-estimated MPG of 44/47.

• 28 city / 39 highway MPG
• 5 seating capacity
• 2.5L 4-cylinder engine 203 horsepower

Toyota Camry XLE

The Camry XLE turns up the noise with a 9-inch touchscreen complete with six speakers and Audio Plus. Its leather-trimmed heated front seats with multi-stage ventilation and smart key system will ensure that every ride is a breeze. The Camry XLE Hybrid edition features an estimated MPG of 44 in the city and 47 on the highway.

• 27 city / 38 highway MPG
• 5 seating capacity
• 2.5L 4-cylinder engine 203 horsepower

Toyota Camry XSE

The Camry XSE makes driving fun with its sport-tuned suspension, 19-inch gloss black wheels, and dual exhaust with quad chrome tips. Available in all-wheel drive, this sporty vehicle boasts leather-trimmed multi-stage heated front seats and Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging. The XSE is available with a 3.5L V6 24-valve DOHC engine with 301 horsepower and an EPA estimated MPG of 22/23. Its Camry XSE Hybrid edition features an MPG of 44/47.

• 27 city / 38 highway MPG
• 5 seating capacity
• 2.5L 4-cylinder engine 203 horsepower

Toyota Camry TRD

The Camry TRD is the ultimate sports model with 19-inch TRD matte-black alloy wheels, a black front splitter, a rear diffuser with red pinstriping, and side aero skirts. It has TRD track-tuned front and rear coil springs, stabilizer bars, and shock absorbers. With sport SofTex-trimmed front seats with red TRD stitching and 12.9-inch front brakes with red-painted calipers, you’ll think every road is a racetrack.

• 22 city / 31 highway MPG
• 5 seating capacity
• 3.5L V6 24-Valve DOHC engine horsepower

Battery Check

Before outdoor temperatures dip towards freezing, be sure to have your car’s battery tested and inspected. More energy is required to crank the engine on cold days. If the battery has become weak, it’s only a matter of time before your vehicle fails to start.

Modern car batteries are typically rated to last between three to five years. The best approach is to replace an older unit ahead of time. You’ll definitely appreciate the extra peace of mind.

Heater Inspection

When Old Winter Winter arrives, you’ll rely on your car’s HVAC system to keep the cabin warm and toasty. The heater needs to be performing at its best. If it begins to blow out cool air, there’s a definite problem.

A low level of engine antifreeze tends to be the most common cause of trouble. You could be dealing with a slow leak, which should be repaired as soon as possible. A bad thermostat that has failed in the open position will also result in your heater not working.

Tire Check

Cold conditions can cause tire pressure to drop. This is why Toyota experts advise checking the pressure at least once a month. Tires not inflated to the recommended psi often wear down sooner than expected. Even worse, they provide less traction on slick road surfaces. Your vehicle’s braking distance will be longer than usual.

Heavily worn tires should be replaced before winter kicks into full gear. Although high-quality tires may cost more, you will appreciate the improved handling and control.

Oil Check

Most Toyota owners recognize the importance of getting timely oil changes. This important maintenance item can extend the life of your vehicle by thousands of miles. However, selecting the correct type of motor oil is just as critical. Using the wrong oil can lead to several different problems, including increased engine wear and leaks.

Too thick of an oil grade makes it difficult for the engine to turn over on frigid mornings. This ultimately puts extra strain on the car’s starter and battery. Your Toyota service technician may suggest switching to an oil specially formulated for winter use.

Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

If you have a big family, take a look at the all-new Grand Highlander Hybrid. This three-row SUV’s extra space gives everyone the freedom to stretch out. Up to eight people can climb inside. Its versatile cargo area also allows you to pack a lot of extra gear.

With a combined EPA fuel economy rating of 36 mpg, the Grand Highlander Hybrid is definitely worthy of a weekend adventure. Its hybrid powertrain also develops a healthy 245 horsepower, thus enabling you to enjoy a responsive performance. In the event that you decide to venture off the beaten path, this SUV’s available AWD system will help ensure optimum traction.

Toyota Prius

For good reason, the redesigned Toyota Prius remains one of today’s most popular hybrid cars. Because of this eco-friendly hatchback’s superb fuel efficiency and proven reliability, it’s great for daily commuting. An elevated level of performance also makes the latest Prius more engaging to drive than ever before. Fortunately, harmful exhaust emissions are still kept to a minimum.

Although the Prius is built for supreme efficiency, it now looks especially sporty. This car’s smooth curves and sharp details promise to attract a lot of attention. The new Prius also gives you quite a few cool exterior colors to choose from, including Supersonic Red and Reservoir Blue.

Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

The new Corolla Cross Hybrid is one of the hottest compact SUVs on the market. It’s perfect for drivers who enjoy weekend getaways. You’ll love the Corolla Cross Hybrid’s fuel-efficient powertrain. According to the EPA, it can return a combined 42 mpg on regular gas. With 196 horsepower on tap, this SUV also packs more than enough muscle for you to have some serious fun.

While the Corolla Cross Hybrid is a pleasure to drive on the street, it also has an adventurous side. Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive comes standard, thus enabling you to go further into the wilderness. You will also appreciate this crossover’s 8.0 inches of ground clearance.