So, you’re shopping for your next SUV to purchase. The good news is that you have plenty of options to choose from—Toyota alone has more than ten SUV models in their lineup, and at Jim Hudson Toyota Sumter, we pride ourselves on having one of the best selections in the state of South Carolina.
If you’re not quite sure which one to look at first, this article is for you. Read on to discover which Toyota SUV will fit your family perfectly.
Toyota SUVs with the Best Fuel Economy
If your main goal is to maximize your gas mileage for daily commutes and long road trips, it’s hard to beat the Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid (formerly known as the RAV4 Prime). The Current-gen RAV4 PHEV gets up to 94 MPGe and can drive up to 42 miles purely on electric power, allowing you to recharge at home and potentially go weeks without visiting the gas pump.
For car shoppers near Florence, SC who don’t necessarily need to purchase right away, you can also wait for the next-gen 2026 RAV4 PHEV, which is slated to arrive later this year and is rumored to have even better electric range and fuel economy.
Other honorable mentions for Toyota models with the best fuel economy include:
· Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (41 MPG city / 38 MPG highway)
· Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid (45 MPG city / 38 MPG highway)
Toyota SUVs with the Most Interior Space
Perhaps your most important must-have is the most interior space for passengers and storage, but you don’t want to drive a minivan like the Sienna. Luckily, Toyota makes a few three-row SUVs with seating for up to 7 or 8, making them incredibly versatile.
The Toyota Sequioa is noted as the only full-size SUV in the lineup, making it one of the biggest Toyota vehicles. It has an abundance of head and leg room in the first two rows, and the third row has up to 33.7 inches of leg room, making it perfect for younger members of the family. The Sequoia also boasts up to 86.9 cubic feet of cargo volume.
However, despite technically being a mid-size SUV, the Toyota Grand Highlander actually has more total storage capacity, with up to 97.5 cubic feet when all seats are folded. It also has ample leg room in all three rows, so if you’re looking for the Toyota SUV with the most space inside, it’s a good idea to test drive both to see which one you like best.
Best Toyota SUVs for Towing
Not only is the Sequoia one of the most spacious Toyota SUVs, but it’s also one of the most powerful. Thanks to its body-on-frame build and burly Twin-Turbo V6 engine with 583 pound-feet of torque, it’s able to pull up to 9,520 pounds, and it also has a number of other available features like Load-Leveling Rear Suspension that aid in hauling.
We also have to give a shout out to the 4Runner and Land Cruiser—both can tow up to 6,000 pounds, which is plenty of grunt to tow modestly sized campers, boat trailers, and more.
Best Toyota SUVs for Camping and Off-Roading
Where the 4Runner and Land Cruiser really excel, though, is their ability to tackle intense backcountry terrain.
The 4Runner in particular is often considered top dog in terms of off-roading potential. It can be optioned with either Part-Time 4WD or Full-Time 4WD, as well as other essential available features like an electronic locking rear differential, stabilizer bar disconnect, dedicated rough terrain drive modes, and more.
On the other hand, the Land Cruiser has a more upscale feel and a smoother on-road demeanor, which makes it an excellent option for folks who do a lot of city driving in between camping trips. Make no mistake though, it still has some serious chops, plus features like rear and center locking differentials and Full-Time 4WD.
Other stand-out models include:
· Toyota RAV4
· Toyota Sequoia
Best Toyota SUVs for Families
Every family’s needs are a little different. Whether you need an SUV with the most interior space, one that gets the best gas mileage, or one that lets you tow and off-road on a weekend getaway, you can shop with confidence knowing that all Toyota SUVs are made with your family’s safety in mind.
Toyota Safety Sense™ is a standard suite of driver assistance systems across the entire lineup, and it consists of features like Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD), Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA), Automatic High Beams (AHB), and Proactive Driving Assist (PDA).
