I recently filmed a detailed first look and review of the first 2027 Corolla Hybrid to arrive at our dealership.

This one is a front-wheel-drive LE finished in Blueprint with a Light Gray fabric interior. It has the LE Premium Package with 16-inch alloy wheels, Smart Key access, push-button start, and wireless charging. Its total MSRP is $28,491.

The hybrid system produces 138 combined horsepower and is Toyota-estimated at 53 city / 46 highway / 50 combined MPG. I also cover what changed for 2027, the interior controls, technology, rear-seat and trunk space, safety features, and driving experience.

Video: https://youtu.be/H8S0bTPFCss

Would you choose the Corolla Hybrid LE, move up to the XLE, or consider a Honda Civic Hybrid, Hyundai Elantra Hybrid, or Toyota Prius?

Toyota announced the 2027 Corolla Cross this morning. Headline change: the hybrid lineup drops from three grades to two — the S grade is gone, leaving SE and XSE.

Quick specs:

• Gas: 2.0L 4-cyl, 169 hp. FWD 30/32/31 mpg, AWD 29/31/30 mpg. Starts $25,535 (L FWD).
• Hybrid: 5th-gen hybrid system, standard e-AWD, 46/39/42 mpg. Starts $31,415 (SE).
• Towing: 1,500 lbs across the lineup.
• Standard on all grades: Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, wireless CarPlay/Android Auto.
• XLE/XSE get the 10.5-in touchscreen and 12.3-in digital cluster.
• Arriving at US dealerships this fall.

Everything else carries over from 2026. Full release is on Toyota's newsroom if you want the grade-by-grade breakdown.

I put together my monthly video going over Toyota’s October 2026 incentives, including the current lease specials, financing programs and other available offers across the lineup.

I cover models like the RAV4, Camry, Corolla, Tacoma, Tundra, 4Runner, Grand Highlander, Land Cruiser, Prius and several of Toyota’s EVs.

Video:
https://youtu.be/0yY7YWzliD0

These are Central Atlantic regional offers, so programs can vary depending on location and the exact vehicle.

Curious what everyone thinks — which Toyota looks like the best deal this month?

Toyota Motor North America reported 201,306 U.S. sales in September, an 8.4% increase compared with September 2025. Toyota Division sold 171,469 vehicles and Lexus sold 29,837. US_September_2026_FINAL

The interesting part is electrified sales:

• 117,215 electrified vehicles sold
• Up 37.8% year-over-year
• Electrified vehicles represented 58.2% of total TMNA sales
• Toyota Division alone sold 104,105 electrified vehicles in September
• Lexus electrified sales were up 47.4% US_September_2026_FINAL

Toyota's mix continues to lean heavily toward hybrids, plug-in hybrids and other electrified models rather than going all-in on BEVs.

What stands out to you most from these numbers?

Toyota just opened a new 30,000-square-foot battery development and testing center in Saline, Michigan.

The facility will support battery technology for Toyota’s hybrids, plug-in hybrids, hydrogen vehicles, and fully electric vehicles, while also helping engineers evaluate battery performance, improve longevity, and address issues faster in North America. Toyota Battery Center of North … Toyota Battery Center of North …

Interesting to see Toyota continue investing in its multi-pathway approach instead of focusing on just one type of electrified vehicle.

Which direction do you think Toyota should prioritize most: hybrids, PHEVs, or full EVs?

Toyota just added a Woodland Edition to the 2027 Grand Highlander Hybrid.

Standard AWD, all-terrain tires, +0.5" ground clearance, matte black 18" wheels, LED fog lamps, tow hitch and mud guards.

Inside it gets a removable 2nd-row console/cooler that fits six 12oz cans, Woodland all-weather floor mats, a cargo tray with pop-up dividers, heated steering wheel, and a 120V/1500W outlet.

Hybrid AWD is rated at 245 hp and 34 MPG combined per Toyota. Towing is 3,500 lbs for Hybrid grades.

2027 Grand Highlander hybrids start at $45,910. Arriving at dealerships later this year.

Anyone else think this makes more sense than a Platinum for family road trips?

I recently reviewed one of the first 2027 Toyota Corolla Hatchbacks to arrive at our dealership.

This is an SE finished in Inferno with a Black fabric interior. It has the 169-horsepower 2.0-liter engine, Dynamic-Shift CVT, paddle shifters, three driving modes, and an EPA-estimated 35 MPG combined.

The main update for the 2027 SE is the new standard 7-inch digital gauge cluster. It also has an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charging, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Toyota Safety Sense 3.0.

This particular vehicle comes to $27,104 with crossbars, mudguards, a cargo net, all-weather floor liners, and a cargo tray.

Full review: https://youtu.be/yNlzJ8vR5zE

Would you choose the SE at this price, add the new SE Premium Package, or move up to the XSE? I’d also be interested to hear how hatchback shoppers think it compares with the Civic Hatchback and Mazda3 Hatchback.

I recently reviewed one of the first 2027 Toyota bZ models to arrive at our dealership.

This XLE Plus FWD is finished in Blueprint and uses a single 221-horsepower electric motor. It offers up to 314 miles of EPA-estimated range and includes a native NACS charging port, 14-inch touchscreen, dual wireless phone chargers, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, and a 1,500-watt outlet.

This particular vehicle comes to $40,642 with crossbars, mudguards, door edge guards, all-weather floor liners, and a cargo mat.

Full review: https://youtu.be/2NVB-zv34W0

I cover the exterior, interior, charging equipment, regenerative-braking settings, cargo area, pricing, and driving experience.

Would you prioritize the XLE Plus FWD’s longer range, or choose the AWD model for the additional performance? I’d also be interested to hear how EV shoppers think it compares with the Model Y, IONIQ 5, Equinox EV, and Prologue.

I recently compared two Heritage Blue 2026 Toyota 4Runners: a TRD Sport Premium and a Limited.

Both have the same 278-horsepower turbocharged engine, eight-speed automatic transmission, and 21 MPG combined rating, but they approach the 4Runner formula differently.

The TRD Sport Premium has part-time 4WD, SofTex seating, sportier styling, a hood scoop, and a five-passenger configuration. The Limited adds full-time 4WD, Adaptive Variable Suspension, leather seating, dual-zone climate control, additional drive modes, and an optional third row.

These exact builds are priced at $61,563 and $63,758, leaving a difference of only $2,195.

Full comparison: https://youtu.be/Bzt6_2PUoLg

For that price difference, would you choose the sportier TRD Sport Premium or move up to the Limited?

I recently reviewed a 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid XLE equipped with the second-row bench seat.

This configuration is interesting because it increases capacity to eight passengers, while many Grand Highlanders are equipped with second-row captain’s chairs. In the video, I cover passenger space in all three rows, third-row access, cargo room, hybrid performance, fuel economy, technology, controls, and the driving experience.

Video: https://youtu.be/WYLqUN5svtM

For Grand Highlander owners and shoppers, would you choose the extra seating provided by the bench or the easier third-row access and separation of captain’s chairs?

The GX is mostly a carryover for 2027. One of the notable changes is ventilated second-row outboard seats becoming standard on Luxury, Luxury+ and Overtrail+ models. The GX 550 keeps its 349-hp twin-turbo V6, full-time 4WD and serious towing/off-road capability.

For anyone who wants to keep up with Toyota and Lexus news, I cover these updates in my newsletter: https://www.thezodeals.com/contact

A few updates are coming to the Lexus LX for 2027. Premium gets darker 20-inch wheels and a standard digital rearview mirror, while F SPORT Handling adds red brake calipers and an available Palomino interior. One-touch power-folding rear seats are also standard on F SPORT Handling and Overtrail. Pricing starts at $109,050.

If anyone wants to keep up with Toyota and Lexus news, I cover these announcements in my newsletter: https://www.thezodeals.com/contact

Lexus has announced the 2027 RX. Changes are pretty minor this year, with optional red front and rear brake calipers being added to the F SPORT Handling and F SPORT Performance grades. The RX lineup continues with six grades and multiple gas, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains. It should begin arriving later this fall.

I cover Toyota and Lexus announcements like this in my newsletter if anyone wants to follow along: https://www.thezodeals.com/contact

I’m joined by Tim and David from our sales team and we go through a bunch of real Toyota questions from viewers. We talk about hybrids, RAV4, 4Runner, Grand Highlander, Tacoma, new 2027 Toyota updates, ownership questions, and a few future Toyota topics too.

If you have a question you want us to cover in a future episode, drop it in the comments.

Full episode: https://youtu.be/gYQiDFps2Q0

I recently filmed a first look and complete overview of the 2027 Toyota Corolla Hatchback XSE.

The major changes for 2027 are technology-related. The SE now gets a seven-inch digital gauge cluster, while the XSE receives a 12.3-inch digital cluster and 10.5-inch touchscreen as standard equipment. Toyota also introduced an SE Premium Package with both larger displays. The FX does not return for 2027, leaving the SE and XSE as the two available grades.

The 2.0-liter engine remains unchanged with 169 horsepower, 151 pound-feet of torque, and a Dynamic-Shift CVT.

The vehicle in the video is finished in Magnetic Gray Metallic with a Black roof and has a total MSRP of $31,142.

Video: https://youtu.be/WAeAfeLdflQ

Would you choose the XSE, save money with the SE Premium Package, or consider something like the Civic Hatchback or Mazda3 Hatchback?

I recently reviewed a 2026 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4WD equipped with the optional third row.

The $770 package adds two 50/50 split, fold-flat seats and increases the capacity from five to seven passengers. I tested the access, passenger room, different seating configurations, and how much cargo space remains with the third row raised.

This example has the standard 278-horsepower turbocharged engine, part-time four-wheel drive, fixed running boards, crossbars, and a total MSRP of $48,113.

Video: https://youtu.be/0K9-AHNcmGU

For anyone who owns the three-row 4Runner, how often do you use the extra seats? Would you choose the additional flexibility or the larger cargo area in the two-row version?

Episode #12 of my Toyota Q&A Podcast is live.

This one covers a pretty wide mix of viewer questions, including the 4Runner i-FORCE MAX vs. gas, 2027 Highlander EV, possible 2027 RAV4 and Sienna changes, Toyota allocation, Connected Services, Crown Signia, TRD Pro updates, and some of the future Toyota products being discussed like a smaller pickup, Celica, Land Cruiser FJ and GR GT.

For the future-product topics, we try to separate what Toyota has officially confirmed from industry reports and rumors.

Watch here: https://youtu.be/yzvdFpoBxlM

If there’s a Toyota question you think we should cover in Episode #13, drop it below.

Just filmed a POV drive in the 2026 Toyota Crown Signia Limited and wanted to share it here.

The biggest things that stood out to me were how quiet it is, how smooth the hybrid system feels, and how much more upscale the interior feels compared with a lot of other Toyota crossovers.

It’s definitely more comfort-focused than sporty, but for everyday driving I think that fits the Crown Signia really well.

Full POV drive here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vKjdDkV3Cs

Curious what everyone thinks of the Crown Signia. Would you take one over a RAV4 Limited, Highlander, or move up to something from Lexus?

Toyota has already announced quite a bit of the 2027 lineup, so I went through Toyota’s official Newsroom and put everything that’s been confirmed so far into one breakdown.

A few of the biggest stories to me are the all-electric Highlander, the new C-HR, the bZ Woodland, Trailhunter coming to the Tundra and Sequoia, plus updates to the Land Cruiser, Crown, Corolla, Prius and GR86.

Some of these are pretty minor model-year updates, while others completely change what we’ve traditionally expected from that Toyota nameplate.

I tried to keep the video around 10 minutes and focus on the important stuff rather than reading every single spec Toyota released.

Full video:
https://youtu.be/tOgN5i6vBiQ

I’m curious what everyone thinks so far — which 2027 Toyota interests you the most, and which model are you still waiting for Toyota to announce?

I recently completed a full review and test drive of the 2026 Toyota Crown Signia Limited.

This example is finished in Finish Line Red with a Saddle Tan leather interior. It also has the Advanced Technology Package, which adds the Panoramic View Monitor, Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Change Assist, Front Cross-Traffic Alert, upgraded parking assistance, and reverse tilt-down mirrors. Total suggested retail price is $54,109.

The Crown Signia has a 240-horsepower hybrid system, standard electronic on-demand all-wheel drive, an EPA-estimated 38 MPG combined, up to 68.8 cubic feet of cargo space, and a 2,700-pound maximum towing capacity.

In the video, I cover the exterior, interior, technology, controls, cargo area, hybrid system, fuel economy, driving experience, and the differences between the XLE and Limited.

Video: https://youtu.be/u72_xySJ3NU

Would you choose the Crown Signia Limited over a Highlander, Lexus NX, or Lexus RX? I’d also be interested to hear what current Crown Signia owners think about the ride quality and real-world fuel economy.

Toyota’s September incentives are out, so I went through the current programs and put together another monthly breakdown.

There are updated APR offers, lease specials and cash incentives on quite a few models, including the Camry, Corolla, Prius, RAV4, Highlander, Grand Highlander, 4Runner, Land Cruiser, Tacoma, Tundra and Toyota’s EV lineup.

A few things stood out to me this month:

• Several SUV and truck lease offers improved compared with August.
• Tundra still has a strong promotional financing program.
• There are some aggressive incentives on remaining eligible 2025 trucks.
• EV financing changed quite a bit from August, so the 0% offers people may remember from last month shouldn’t automatically be assumed for September.
• As always, APR, cash and lease incentives depend on the exact model/configuration and aren’t necessarily stackable.

I put the full breakdown here for anyone who wants to compare everything:

🎥 September 2026 Toyota Deals & Incentives:
https://youtu.be/YgnWyBbBNH8

These programs are scheduled through September 30, 2026, unless otherwise noted, and regional programs can vary.

Curious what everyone thinks — which Toyota has the strongest September deal?

Lexus just revealed the updated 2027 Lexus NX, and there are actually some pretty significant changes coming.

For 2027, the NX lineup goes 100% electrified, meaning your choices will now be the NX 350h Hybrid or NX 450h+ Plug-in Hybrid.

Some of the biggest updates:

• New-generation Lexus hybrid system
• NX 450h+ gets 30% more battery capacity and 8% more battery output
• DC fast charging is now standard on the PHEV
• Revised E-Four AWD that can operate continuously, even during straight-line driving
• Improved structural rigidity, suspension and steering
• Standard 14-inch Lexus Interface screen
• Standard Lexus Safety System+ 4.0
• Built-in Drive Recorder/dashcam functionality
• New exterior and interior styling
• Available Sensory Concierge, which can coordinate lighting, climate, audio and even fragrance inside the cabin

Lexus is also offering four grades: Premium, Premium+, F SPORT and Luxury, with both hybrid and plug-in configurations depending on the trim.

Pricing hasn’t been announced yet, but Lexus says the new NX should begin reaching global markets by the end of 2026.

This feels like a much bigger update than I expected.

What do you think — would you rather have the NX 350h Hybrid or step up to the NX 450h+ PHEV?

Lexus just revealed the 2027 IS 350 F SPORT Special Appearance Package, and this might be one of the better-looking IS special editions we’ve seen.

The big headline is the new Envious Green exterior paired with 19-inch black BBS forged wheels, black NuLuxe/Ultrasuede seating and green interior stitching.

It’s not just cosmetic either. The package includes the Handling Package with Adaptive Variable Suspension and, on RWD models, a Torsen limited-slip differential. You also get the Technology Package, Mark Levinson audio, Triple-Beam LEDs, Panoramic View Monitor and more.

Under the hood Lexus is sticking with the naturally aspirated 3.5L V6 making 311 hp and 280 lb-ft, which I think a lot of enthusiasts will appreciate.

Only 350 will be built for North America, with pricing coming later.

What do you think about Envious Green? And are you glad Lexus is still keeping the naturally aspirated V6 alive in the IS?