2012 Toyota RAV4

Neither too big nor to small, RAV4 offers the best of both worlds for people who usually commute and travel with their family, yet take the occasional trip to the mountains or haul cargo.

Starting at just $24,985, RAV4 is cheap, yet comes well-equipped with standard side curtain airbags, auxiliary audio jack, keyless entry and a six-speaker audio system.

Even though it’s an SUV with an available third row of seats, RAV4 still gets up to 28 mpg on the highway — but can be equipped with a V6 with 269hp if you’re looking for some more power. Even with the V6 equipped, RAV4 still gets up to 26 mpg highway, making it one of the most powerful, yet fuel-efficient SUVs on the market.

RAV4 won’t leave you stranded when the going gets tough, either. With the available electronic on-demand 4WD, hill descent control and hill start assist, RAV4 will go up and down just about any terrain you put in front of it.

On the cargo front, RAV4 has a cargo area of 36.4 cubic feet, more than both the Ford Escape and the Honda CR-V.

So whatever your needs, the Toyota RAV4 delivers as a mid-size SUV that offers great flexibility, as well as great gas mileage and versatility. You can’t go wrong with RAV4.

2012 Toyota Tundra

Trucks are as American as apple pie and hotdogs, and helping continue the great American truck tradition is the 2012 Toyota Tundra.

Built in San Antonio, Texas, Tundra is an all-American vehicle that does everything you’ll ever need a truck to do.

Every truck needs a good engine with a lot of torque, and Tundra is no different. With the available 5.7 liter V8, Tundra has 401 lb.-ft. of torque, and has the ability to tow up to 9,000 pounds.

Tundra also has a state-of-the-art transmission to go with its superior engine. The available 6-speed automatic is electrically controlled and has uphill/downhill shift logic, as well as a Tow/Haul mode for trucks equipped with the Tow Package.

Traditionally, trucks were capable, yet uncomfortable. All that changes with Tundra. With its independent front suspension, and multi-leaf rear suspension, Tundra can carry a payload of up to 2200 pounds when properly equipped, yet carry five people in comfort and safety.

When you’re hauling your family instead of a load of gravel, you can stay entertained with an optional touch-screen navigation unit as well as a rear-seat DVD entertainment system. You can also talk hands-free and stream music from the optional Bluetooth wireless technology.

Whatever your needs, the 2012 Toyota Tundra is the best truck out there whether you spend your time at the jobsite or the office.

2012 Toyota Yaris

When shopping for a small hatchback, most buyers are looking for a car that’s cheap, gets great gas mileage, and offers great amenities and comfort.

Toyota Yaris and Nissan Versa are two of the leading vehicles in this class, but the Yaris offers more features and better gas mileage at a lower price than the Versa.

The first place Yaris wins is in price. The Yaris starts at $14,875 and the Versa starts at $15,200, but when they are both comparably equipped the Versa costs $17,285 - that means Yaris is almost $2,500 cheaper.

Don’t think that just because the Yaris is cheaper that it skimps on features and amenities. Yaris has more standard features than the Versa, such as an onboard computer, and outside temperature gauge, seatback storage and reading lights.

Finally, Yaris wins in emissions and combined fuel economy. It qualifies as an Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle II, meaning it meets the latest emissions standards. Yaris also gets great gas mileage:  30 mpg in the city and 38 on the highway for a combined total of 33.

When cross-shopping Yaris and Versa, there’s really no contest on which one is the better buy. With Yaris you get more features and better fuel economy for a lower price. Check out the new 2012 Toyota Yaris today to see for yourself.

2012 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2012 Toyota Highlander Hybrid gets sensational fuel economy. There aren’t many SUVs that can get 28 mpg, let alone carry up to seven people in comfort and style.

The Highlander will get you there, and back, and there again without needing to stop for gas. If you’re the type of person who likes to forget about gas stations and get what you need to get done, then you want to check out the Highlander.

With the available touch-screen navigation system, you’ll always know where you are, and the nine-speaker stereo with available satellite radio will keep you entertained for all those fuel-efficient miles. You can also equip a rear-seat DVD entertainment system to keep those back-seat drivers happy, too.

Whether you’re looking for a spacious car to haul the family around that gets good gas mileage, or just wanting a safe vehicle with four-wheel drive, the Highlander has you covered.

Toyota Prius

Toyota has always been known for cars that get good gas mileage. After pioneering the mainstream hybrid car with the Prius, Toyota has continued to expand that engineering prowess to more vehicles.

Now, you can choose from four hybrids that get more than 40 miles per gallon: the Prius, Prius V, Plug-in Prius and Camry Hybrid.

If you’re looking for the ultimate gas saver, choose the Prius Plug-in, which will run on electric power exclusively, but when you run out of juice, it simply switches to gasoline, preventing you from being stranded. It will return 49mpg in hybrid mode, and 87mpge in electric mode.

2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid

On the opposite end of the spectrum is the Camry Hybrid, which offers all of the functionality of a standard Camry, but includes a hybrid powertrain which delivers up to 43mpg in the city.

Regardless of your choice, all four of these vehicles run on partial electric power, meaning they save gas and help protect the environment. It’s a win-win!

Toyota Land Cruiser

If you want to go anywhere and do anything in style and comfort, the Toyota Land Cruiser is the SUV for you. The Land Cruiser name is legendary in off-road circles, and for good reason. Now, you can go more places and do more things in the Land Cruiser than ever before.

With a 5.7 liter V8, you have enough power and torque to power through almost any situation, and the standard full-time 4WD system with Active Traction Control and Torsen limited-slip differential will keep you in control wherever your travels take you.

Land Cruiser is also easy on the environment. It qualifies as an Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle II, meaning it has the lowest emissions output of any gas vehicle in its class. It also gets 18mpg on the highway, so you won’t be living at the gas pump.

To keep you entertained on the trail, you have the option of a touch-screen DVD navigation system with iPod connectivity, and your songs will sound great with the available 14-speaker sound system.

Don’t think that this off-road prowess will break your back, either. The independent double-wishbone front suspension and 4-link rear suspension will let you soak up the miles whether you’re on pavement, gravel, dirt or sand.

So what does this mean for you? It means if you want a vehicle that can go anywhere and do anything with power, comfort and style, then you need to check out the Toyota Land Cruiser.

2012 Toyota Matrix

Two great options from Toyota are the Corolla and Matrix. While they are both good cars with affordable price tags — both start at under $19,000 — you may find that one is better suited to your needs and personality than another. To get started choosing your next Toyota, the best thing to do is make a list of priorities.

For example, if fuel economy is your top priority, you will favor the Corolla. While you can hardly go wrong with either, the Corolla gets up to an EPA estimated 35 miles per gallon on the highway. Although, the Matrix can also reach EPA estimated fuel economy of over 30 miles per gallon, so it’s a close call.

2012 Toyota Corolla

If you need performance features like extra cargo room or available all-wheel drive, then the Matrix is definitely the way to go. The Corolla offers plenty of room to accommodate your friends and the usual hauling duties of everyday driving, but the Matrix’s sport wagon design is meant for more cargo. The all-wheel drive is a real asset for areas that see a fair amount of inclement weather.

As you can see, it is hard to go wrong with either car here. It really comes down to a matter of personal preference, but either way you will be getting the quality and dependability of a Toyota.

2012 Toyota Venza

Crossover vehicles are becoming increasingly popular for their attractive combination of rugged capability, fuel economy and sport performance. That means more and more options for consumers like you who are looking at crossovers, so how are you to choose?

The best option in its class is the Toyota Venza. Read on to see how it outclasses its competition.

To start with, Venza boasts better EPA estimated fuel economy and more cargo room than both Nissan Murano and Ford EDGE. One of the main reasons to purchase a crossover is to get plenty of room and good fuel economy. The Venza is better in both areas, so it’s a no-lose scenario. It also offers more than 8 inches of ground clearance, again beating out both Murano and EDGE in that regard.

Those aren’t the only places Venza comes out on top of the heap, either. A multi-adjustable power driver seat, Bluetooth capability and satellite radio are all standard on the Venza. The EDGE offers optional satellite radio, but otherwise all these standard features are not even available in the two crossover competitors.

When the three vehicles are comparably equipped, the Venza’s sub-$30K price tag is lower than that of Murano and exceeds the EDGE’s price by less than $200. That makes for a great deal when you consider the performance advantages enjoyed by Venza.

When choosing a crossover, don’t settle for less. The Venza clearly outclasses the competition and is the clear winner in terms of value and performance. If you are in search of a crossover vehicle, Venza is what you are after.