Trd

I’ve always said that if I was going to be left with a single vehicle to survive the zombie apocalypse, it would be a Toyota 4Runner. Not only are these rugged body-on-frame SUVs basically indestructible, they can go just about anywhere, regardless of terrain, and have lots of space for passengers and cargo.

Toyota Racing Development (aka TRD) is charged with making the highest performance versions of Toyota’s production vehicles, though in recent years, their focus has been on trucks and SUVs. So what exactly happens when you let TRD tinker with a couple of family sedans?

The notion of a Toyota Avalon being tricked out by TRD has always seemed a bit odd to me. I mean sure, it’s now got a powerful 301hp V6 under the hood, and the chassis is stiffer than it’s ever been, but still, the Avalon is one of those cars that’s ideal for long road trips, with its cushy, whisper quiet interior, and comfortable suspension.

I’ve not been exactly quiet that I am less than happy with the reveal of the 2020 Toyota Supra. I find it not too attractive from many angles, and I think for the the money the car should have loads more power.

I recently had the opportunity to drive the 2019 Toyota RAV4, and was extremely impressed with the improvements Toyota has made in overall ride quality, versatility, and capability for its popular daily driver. And while the RAV4 is already better than one might expect off the tarmac, Toyota wants us to know it can do even more with the announcement of a new TRD Off-Road trim for the 2020 model year.

With winter pretty much upon us, thoughts of warmer days take hold, and with them memories of various off-road adventures we have undertaken. Take the Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium for instance, which serves as a time capsule both in the bright green foliage around it, and within the vehicle itself.

I’m not sure why Subaru and Toyota continue to avoid the one thing that BRZ and 86 fans continue to clamor for – a little more power to make the car faster and more fun to drive.

My daily driver isn’t exactly the most practical of cars. After all, a 2-seat, rear-wheel drive sports car with a massive V8 isn’t great for hauling stuff, dealing with potholes, or handling Chicago’s nasty winter weather.

We live in an era where even the smallest crossovers and grocery getter SUVs are touted as being capable of driving on rugged terrain. But it takes more than an all-wheel drivetrain to truly be off-road capable.

Hey kids, who wants to go off-roading today? Okay, that is likely not a conversation most dads will have with his family on a Sunday morning. But those who own a Toyota 4Runner COULD have that conversation.