2017 Toyota 86

By Charles Donaldson

Last August (2017) Toyota decided to end its 13-year venture to lure young people to its Scion brand. So, the question came – what to do with its prized Subaru-built FR-S sport coupe. The decision was to transition it into the Toyota stable and call it the 86.

Whether it was the result of a contractual agreement with Subaru or if Toyota simply wanted to enhance its lineup with a sporty two-door coupe, the outcome was in that Toyota gained a beautiful reasonably-priced sports car that has soul and sex appeal.

Pricing and Trims
For 2017 the Toyota 86 is available in the following two trim levels: Base 6-speed ($26,255), and 860 Special Edition 6-speed ($29,155). Add $720 for an automatic transmission.

What’s new for 2017?
The new change over to Toyota brought with it styling upgrades, revised suspension settings, upgraded interior materials, and a slight power boost to the 86. The goal was to improve the comfort level while maintaining a nimble and fun-to-drive spirit.

Interior Highpoints
The 86 offers an impressive amount of cabin room for its small size. A large center-mounted tachometer integrates a digital speedometer and features a programmable rev indicator. In theory, there are four seats, but in real life the back seat is best suited for cargo. The trunk has a sensible amount of space for a minor Costco run. The rear seats also fold flat to open for additional cargo space. Classic sports car touches include simulated carbon-fiber dash, door trim and aluminum sport pedals and scuff plates.

Exterior Highlights
The 86 proportions lay out in a long hood and short deck-manner that creates its sports car image. As part of the switch over to Toyota, the 86 gets a revised front bumper, LED headlights, driving lights, turn signals, and a grille that is wider, gaining a trapezoidal look. The front fenders are slightly flared bulging into the hood. The roof profile sweeps up and glides into a sporty arc into the short rear end.

Performance Specs
Power generation is delivered via its Subaru-supplied 2.0-liter flat 4-cylinder “Boxer” engine that produces 205 hp and 156 lb.-ft of torque when paired with its 6-speed manual transmission. Move up to that automatic transmission and the horsepower drops to 200 hp and 151 lb.-ft of torque. With the manual transmission the EPA numbers are 21/28 mpg city/highway while the automatic boosts the ratings up to 24/32 mpg.

Cool Features:

·         A Pioneer audio system comes with a 7.0-inch touchscreen and eight speakers

·         LED headlights and taillights

Safety Integrity
The 2017 Toyota 86 includes six airbags, anti-lock brakes, stability and traction control, electronic brake distribution, brake assist, Vehicle Stability Control, Smart Stop Technology, limited-slip differential, rearview camera and hill start assist preventing the car from moving backward when starting on a hill.

In Summary – The 2017 Toyota 86 adds value to the Toyota lineup with its fun-to-drive sporty-coupe street cred. The 86 has precise handling and cornering, but I wish it had more horsepower and at times you could tell it wished the same. It may not be the vehicle for you if you are planning to carry more than two people for any real distance. With that said, it is a great couple-vehicle for those weekend getaways!

Specifications

2017 Toyota 86

Base price:	$26,255 as driven: $27,120 (including destination & optional features)
Engine:	2.0-liter 4-Cylinder
Horsepower:	205 hp
Torque:	156 lb.-ft.
Transmission:	6-speed manual
Drive:	Rear-Wheel Drive
Seating:	4-passenger
Cargo space:	6.9 cubic feet
Curb weight:	2,774 pounds
EPA mileage:	City 21/Hwy 28/Comb 24 MPG
Fuel Capacity:	13.2 gallons
Turning Circle:	36.1 ft.
Wheelbase:	101.2 inches
Warranty:	3 years/36,000-miles
Also consider:	Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Mustang, Mazda MX-5, Nissan 370Z, Subaru BRZ

2018 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD

 Family Friendly!

By Charles Donaldson

Crossover vehicles flood every parking lot, freeway, school drop off line, and city streets. Why? Because they fill the need to transport our family, purchases, gear and pets in a manner that delivers comfort, space, and ease of use. As the famous late George Carlin once said, “I need a place to put my stuff!”

The crossover has conquered the people-mover crown once held by the sedan, then minivan, and finally the SUV. To that point in the Mazda lineup their best-selling vehicle in the United States is the CX-5. The industry accolades held by the 2018 Mazda CX-5 that help lead this charge includes Institute for Highway Safety’s recognition of “Top Safety Pick” and Wards Auto “10 Best UX” for its intuitively-designed cabin.

The 2018 Mazda CX-5 is available in three models as noted below. My test model was the CX-5 Grand Touring AWD from which my personal observations will come from.  This is the second generation of the CX-5 and according to Mazda its sales are off to a record pace. The CX-5 is a compact crossover perfect for a small family.

Pricing and Trims
For 2018 Mazda CX-5 is available in the following trim levels: Sport FWD ($24,150), Sport i-ACTIV AWD ($25,450), Touring ($26,215), Touring i-ACTIV AWD ($27,515), Grand Touring ($29,645), Touring i-ACTIV AWD ($30,945).

What’s new for 2018?
The 2018 CX-5 also introduces new cylinder-deactivation technology that further improves on fuel-efficiency by shutting down the two outside cylinders at cruising speeds between 25 and 50 mph. Mazda is the only automaker to offer this technology on a four-cylinder engine in North America. Also new is the Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert now standard on all models and the following features are now standard on the Touring models: Automatic on/off headlights, Rain-sensing windshield wipers, Full i-ACTIVSENSE suite including High Beam Control, Lane Departure Warning, Lane-Keep Assist, Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop and Go function and Smart Brake Support. New standard features on the Grand Touring models are 2-position memory driver’s seat and 6-way power adjustable passenger seat.

Interior Highpoints 
The 2018 Mazda CX-5’s interior is clean, comfortable and stylish. The dash is straight forward and not too busy. The Infotainment screen sits at the top of the dashboard and is easy to read. You navigate through the screen options via a spindle and buttons by the center armrest. The seating is for 5 and is very comfortable. In my CX-5 Grand Touring AWD test vehicle we had white seats with white trim on the doors and center console that delivers a rich look. The rear cargo capacity with the seats up delivers 30.9 cubic feet for your “stuff.”

Exterior Highlights
The Mazda CX-5’s exterior stands out with its shield-shape grille and features a ring of chromed-plastic that merges into the narrow headlights. The CX-5 became the first production application of the next iteration KODO—Soul of Motion design ethos. Where the first CX-5 carried strong character lines that ran alongside its body, the second-generation ushered in “reflection-based surfacing,” distilling KODO to show volume through curves and subtlety.

Performance Specs
The 2018 CX-5 is powered by Mazda’s latest SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter engine that delivers 187 horsepower and 186 lb.-ft of torque, plus a new standard cylinder-deactivation system. This further improves on performance and efficiency by reducing fuel consumption by shutting down the two outside cylinders at light load cruising speeds. The engine is attached to a 6-speed automatic transmission that also can be operated manually.

Cool Features:

·         Infotainment system with voice recognition

·         Rain sensing windshield wipers

·         i-Activesense package adds full-speed automatic emergency braking ($625 option)

Safety Integrity
The 2018 Mazda CX-5 can be packaged with a wealth of safety features including some items that are optional features: Advanced dual front air bags, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Sport Monitoring, Lane Keep Assist, Front side-impact air bags, Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC), Front and rear side air curtains, Smart Brake Support (SBS), Tire Pressure Monitoring System, Smart City Brake Support, High Beam Control (HBC).

In Summary – The 2018 Mazda CX-5 is a compact crossover that is perfect for families and is reasonably affordable. The styling is sharp and fresh, the handling is tight, and the performance is pretty descent. The CX-5 can be equipped with a variety of tech features without breaking the bank…Time to take a ride.

Specifications

2018 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD

Base price:	$30,945
Engine:	2.5-liter 4-Cylinder
Horsepower:	187 hp
Torque:	186 lb.-ft.
Transmission:	6-speed automatic
Drive:	All-Wheel Drive
Seating:	5-passenger
Cargo space:	30.9 cubic feet
Curb weight:	3,693 pounds
EPA mileage:	City 24/Hwy 30/Comb 26 MPG
Fuel Capacity:	15.3 gallons
Turning Circle:	38.7 ft.
Wheelbase:	106.2 inches
Warranty:	3 years/36,000-miles
Also consider:	Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Jeep Cherokee, Nissan Rogue, Toyota RAV4

                                               

2017 Lexus GS350 F Sport

2017 Lexus GS350 F Sport
 A Premium Ride!

By Charles Donaldson

Twenty-eight years ago, Toyota made a move that was a game changer, not only for Toyota, but also for the Luxury car industry with the introduction of the Lexus brand. Originally, the Lexus models were simply Toyota vehicles with luxury level features, however, thousands of dollars less than their new upscale competitors. As Lexus built a strong following, new models filled the showrooms with a look and style that differed from it’s Toyota cousins. Lexus became a true luxury marquee.

There are multiple GS trims available for 2017 as noted below, but for the purposes of this review I will be focusing on the GS350 F Sport model. When I slid into the driver’s seat I was immediately impressed with the styling and quality of the cabin. The exterior fit-and-finish was outstanding, and the ride quality was impressive.

Pricing and Trims
For 2017 the Lexus GS series is available in the following trim levels: GS200t ($47,305), GS350 (rear wheel drive - $51,360 and all-wheel drive- $51,690), GS200t F Sport ($54,975), GS350 F Sport (rear wheel drive - $55,805 and all-wheel drive- $557,550), GS450h Hybrid ($64,630), GS450h Hybrid F Sport ($69,675), and GS F ($84,935).

What’s new for 2017?
The 2017 GS F Sport models are pretty much a carryover from the 2016 version. The exception is that it does now come standard with the Lexus Safety System+, even better handling and ride control with thanks to the new Linear Adaptive Variable Suspension, and painted or Hand-Polished Forged Wheels and optional Heads Up Display.

Interior Highpoints
The 2017 GS350 F Sport interior blends comfort with an excellent fit and finish. It is warm and inviting and well-equipped with luxury touches and technologies. My test vehicle came with an impressive 12.3-inch navigation monitor featuring split screen multi-media display. The 10-way power adjustable leather seats featured both heated and cooling abilities. The F Sport is loaded with features including genuine wood trim, rearview camera, satellite radio, standard 12-speaker Premium Sound System, enhanced Bluetooth® capability, and Lexus Enform® App Suite, Enform Service Connect, Enform Destinations and Enform Remote.

Exterior Highlights
The 2017 GS350 F Sport features the Lexus “spindle” grille that aggressively and assertively identifies itself as a Lexus. The angled LED lighting shouts move-out-of-my-way! The intelligent high beams automatically switch to low when a car approaches. Both low and high beam LED headlights deliver very good visibility at night. The GS profile is strong and organic with a hint of BMWish lines. The roof line is smooth and doesn’t subtract headroom from the rear passengers.

Performance Specs
The 2017 GS350 F Sport is powered by Lexus’ 3.5-liter V6 that delivers 311 horsepower and 280 lb.-ft. of torque. Attached to the V6 is a smooth 8-speed automatic with steering wheel-mounted shift paddles that drives the rear-wheel drive. The F Sport-tuned-adaptive-variable suspension dispenses both a level of driving confidence and luxury yet sport handling. The combination furnishes the driver and passengers with an outstandingly-smooth ride and a velvety acceleration.


Cool Features:

·        Navigation system with 12.3-inch high-resolution display.

·       Climate Concierge automatically monitors the temperature of three separate climate zones and adjusts not only the fans, but also the temperature of the seats and steering wheel individually.

·       Siri® Eyes Free

Safety Integrity
The 2017 Lexus GS F comes equipped as standard with Lexus Safety System+. Lexus Safety System+ includes, Pre-Collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Steering Assist, Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Intelligent High Beam (IHB) and High-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. Other safety features include 10 airbags, including a knee airbag for the driver and front passenger, seat-mounted side airbags for outboard rear seats, and side curtain airbags. Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) which uses radar to detect a vehicle in an adjacent lane as well as a vehicle traveling at a high speed approaching the driver’s blind spot.

In Summary – The 2017 Lexus GS350 F Sport seems to have gotten it right. It is loaded with performance and high-end elements that deliver both sport and luxury into one incredible vehicle. It was designed for the driving enthusiasts, by driving enthusiasts. From the aggressive grille to the sport-focused dash design to the uncompromising performance, the 2017 Lexus GS350 F Sport hits the mark and more.

Specifications

2017 Lexus GS 350 F Sport

Base price:                   $54,810 as driven: $60,035 (including destination & optional features)

Engine:                          3.5-liter 6-Cylinder 

Horsepower:                311 hp

Torque:                         280 lb.-ft.

Transmission:               8-speed automatic

Drive:                             Front-Wheel Drive

Seating:                         5-passenger 

Cargo space:                14 cubic feet

Curb weight:                4,034 pounds   

EPA mileage:                City 19/Hwy 27/Comb 22 MPG 

Fuel Capacity:              17.4 gallons

Turning Circle:             36.8 ft.

Wheel Base:                112.2 inches 

Warranty:                    4 years/50,000-miles 

Also consider:             Acura RLX, BMW 5 Series, Cadillac CT6, Infiniti Q70, Jaguar XF, Mercedes-Benz E-Class

2017 Toyota 4Runner 4X4 TRD Off-Road Premium

2017 Toyota 4Runner 4X4 TRD Off-Road Premium
 Who Needs a Road?

By Charles Donaldson

This month’s article is the fourth answer to the question “What type of vehicle works best for camping?” So far, we have reviewed a Crossover, a Minivan, and an AWD Wagon. This month we hit the trail with a 4x4 SUV.

For those readers who have missed my previous three articles, my goal is to look at four different types of vehicles and how they stack up to a camping adventure. All articles highlight the pros and cons of each vehicle category along with my personal camping experiences. 

Our fourth vehicle category is the 4x4 SUV and our test vehicle is the 2017 Toyota 4Runner.  I would like to start by sending out a thank you to Christine Henley of Toyota for helping me to secure my test vehicle at the last moment.

This camping adventure took my son and another father-son team deep into the back hills of Livermore, CA for a Boy Scout excursion. As we hit the last couple of miles, I was elated to be behind the wheel of a 4x4-drive vehicle with the confidence and capability of the 2017 Toyota 4Runner 4X4 TRD Off-Road Premium.

Our scout camp was built in the 1940’s and it doesn’t appear that the road was ever been resurfaced or even well-maintained. You could almost hide a VW Beetle in some of the pot holes. Lucky for us, the 4Runner managed them with ease.

A group of four people out camping can require a lot of space to transport their equipment. The 4Runner (with slide deck) had more than enough room with 46.3 cu. ft. of rear cargo space. If you are wondering what the “Slide Deck” is, well to help people load and remove items from the rear cargo area, Toyota created a “deck” that slides out above the floor allowing for easy access and removal of your stuff. It was great when we had to load and unload our packed cooler from the back.

The 4Runner is one of the few truck-based, body-on-frame SUVs left on the market. Most have moved over to car-based frames called CUV or Crossovers. This structure allows the 4Runner to master some serious off-roading, as well as shuttling the family around town. It combines the characteristics of being refined, accommodating, and also confident. One of the main difference between an SUV and a CUV is the ride. SUVs ride like a truck, but also handles the dirt-filled road better.

Most recently redesigned for the 2014 model year, the 2017 Toyota 4Runner is stylish with a self-assured attitude. From north to south, the body is well-balanced. The front feels aggressive with its powerful grille and headlights resembling eyes that seem self-assured. The ground clearance on the 4x4 sits at 9.6-inches and you feel the height as your cruise down the road.

Inside of the 2017 4Runner, the center dash is boxed-framed with large knobs to control the radio and air systems. You’ll find off-road switches and knobs in an aircraft fashion near the dome lights.

I found the 4Runner, at least our trim level, to have a number of high-tech features, however, it left me without a push-start button. Door-mounted open buttons were nowhere to be seen, forcing me to grab for the keys each time I opened a door. The  interior was comfortable, and the components were well-placed. A 110-volt plug was located in the rear compartment.

For 2017, the Toyota 4Runner comes in the following configurations: Limited (2WD and 4WD), SR5 (2WD and 4WD), SR5 Premium (2WD and 4WD), TRD Off-Road 4x4, TRD Off-Road Premium 4x4, and TRD Off-Road Pro 4x4.

All 4Runners are powered by the same power-plant, a 4.0-liter V-6 motor that generates 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque that is matted to a 5-speed automatic transmission. This combination works wells and easily transports you to your daily activities or up the next hill ridge.  The 4Runner sits on top of the Tacoma chassis, but with a better suspension setup delivering an enhanced ride.


Cool Features:

·         Slide Deck

·         Bilstein custom off-road shocks (TRD PRO Series

·         Rear Liftgate Power Window

The safety features are complete with Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and Smart Stop Technology (SST)®, driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System, driver and front passenger TAP, front seat-mounted side airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, and front and all row (third-row airbags on all models) roll-sensing side curtain airbags (RSCA), driver and front passenger active headrests, anti-theft alarm system with an engine immobilizer, Front and Rear Parking Assist Sonar (Limited only), Hill Start Assist Control, Downhill Assist Control (SR5 and Limited 4x4 only), and Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS).

In Summary – The 2017 Toyota 4Runner is a wonderful vehicle if you’re looking for the sturdiness of a truck-based platform with, as my little scout would say, “Pro-skills” when driving off-payment. The 4Runner is blended with high-tech and off-road features that will take care of your needs. It may not ride like a car, but the buyers of the 4Runner aren’t expecting or wanting it to. They desire the independence and adept ability to master the beaten path.

This is the end of my 2017 Camping Vehicle Series. I hope you have enjoyed it.

Specifications

2017 Toyota 4Runner 4X4 TRD Off-Road Premium

Base price:                  $39,295 as driven: $42,455 (including destination & optional features)

Engine:                         4.0-liter 6-Cylinder 

Horsepower:               270 hp

Torque:                        278 lb.-ft.

Transmission:             5-speed automatic

Drive:                           4-Wheel Drive

Seating:                       5-passenger (7-passenger with the optional third row seats)
Ground Clearance:    9.0-inches 

Cargo space:               46.3 cubic feet

Curb weight:               4,675 pounds   

EPA mileage:               City 17/Hwy 21/Comb 18 MPG 

Wheel Base:                109.8 inches 

Warranty:                    3 years/36,000-miles 

Also consider:             Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Nissan Pathfinder