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2009 Vehicle Model Guide

2009 TOYOTA NEW SUV and CROSSOVER MODEL GUIDE

[ TOYOTA CARS ] [ TOYOTA TRUCKS] [ TOYOTA SUVS ]

ToyotaWagons and minivans branded by Toyota in 2009 include truck-based and car-based vehicles sorted into eight models. Toyota's largest truck-based SUV is the Sequoia, but Land Cruiser is a full-size wagon and 4Runner fits in the mid-size class. Car-based Toyota wagons include the mid-size Highlander or gas-electric Highlander Hybrid, a compact-class RAV4 crossover utility vehicle (CUV) and Sienna the Toyota minivan. Toyota also builds the dirt-dog FJ Cruiser, a retro-styled SUV geared for pavement and off-road forays.

2009 Toyota SequoiaSequoia
The super-size SUV from Toyota features vast cabin space with three rows of seats for eight riders, plus a rear cargo bay. Toyota's largest wagon rides on the chassis of the Tundra truck. For motivation, it stocks Tundra's 4.7-liter V8 plant with VVT-i (variable valve timing with intelligence) or a massive 5.7-liter aluminum V8, which links to a heavy-duty six-speed automatic transmission. Either rear two-wheel-drive (2WD) or four-wheel-drive (4WD) works for Sequoia. A new Sport package on Sequoia SR5 5.7-L 2WD and 4WD models adds seven-passenger seating with foglamps, a tail spoiler and 20-inch alloy wheels.

2009 Toyota Land CruiserLand Cruiser
Toyota's go-anywhere SUV totes a powerful engine and a handy electro-hydraulic suspension system. The engine off Tundra is the 5.7-liter VVT-i tied to a heavy-duty six-speed automatic transmission and uses full-time 4WD traction. It produces 381 hp and, when properly equipped, Land Cruiser earns a towing capacity of 8,500 pounds. A cushy passenger compartment accommodates seven with a pair of bucket seats on the front row, a split folding bench on the second row, and split seats on the back row, which fold sideways and stow on mounts to each side or may be removed.

2009 Toyota 4Runner4Runner
Toyota's mid-size SUV is a truck-tough vehicle. Powertrains include a standard V6 or optional V8. The top 4Runner gets Toyota's 4.7-liter i-Force V8 for 260 hp and a full-time 4WD system. A base 4.0-liter V6 in 4Runner makes 236 hp. Both 2WD and 4WD versions are available. On 2009 4Runner a new Trail Edition package for SR5 4WD V6 models brings a locking rear differential, Bilstein shocks, 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels, tubular side steps and a tubular roof rack, water-resistant seat upholstery, a leather steering wheel with audio controls, and a nice audio kit with six speakers.

2009 Toyota FJ CruiserFJ Cruiser
The name of Toyota's retro-styled SUV pays homage to legendary Land Cruiser FJ40 from the 1960s. This modern version is a rugged off-road vehicle where most issues stock 4WD traction, under-chassis skid plates and a strong V6. The 4.0-liter six-pack hits 239 hp and connects to a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic. It carries electronic controls like active traction (A-TRAC) and vehicle skid control (VSC) devices. Curtain-style air bags are standard, and an optional off-road package installs Bilstein shocks, a rear differential lock and 16-inch alloy wheels. New body paints for 2009 include Silver and Iceberg White.

2009 Toyota HighlanderHighlander
A luxurious ride quality and plush comforts of a refined front-wheel-drive (FWD) Toyota passenger sedan apply to Toyota's mid-size CUV. For 2009, Highlander gains a new four-cylinder engine option for 2WD Base grade. Other Highlanders use a 3.5-liter V6 rated at 270 hp with a five-speed electronic automatic. Both FWD and AWD are offered in Highlander Base, Sport and Limited. Seat configuration is flexible on three rows with a rear cargo bay. One second-row arrangement installs two captain's chairs and a "Center Stow" cushion concealed below a console to convert the two chairs into a three-seat bench.

2009 Toyota Highlander HybridHighlander Hybrid
Toyota's seven-passenger hybrid SUV scoots like a V8 vehicle but burns fuel like a four-cylinder compact. It employs the Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) powertrain using a gas-sipping V6 and two high-torque electric motors — one to turn the front wheels and another working accessories and recharging batteries. Output reaches 270 hp. The HSD controls all energy produced by these plants and applies it through an electronic continuously variable transmission (ECVT). For optional AWD, a third electric motor drives rear wheels as the HSD varies torque front and rear. New for 2009 is a four-cylinder engine option.

2009 Toyota Rav4Rav4
The compact-class CUV from Toyota scores mid-generation refreshments inside and out. There are three trim grades with a four-cylinder or six-pack engine. Trims include the base RAV4, a tautly-tuned Sport and premium Limited — and each may be outfitted with the four-cylinder or V6, and 2WD or 4WD traction. The body wears a fresh face with revised grille and fascia foglamps. In the cabin RAV4 gains new seat fabrics, with leather optional on Sport. A new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine applies to 2009 models, and all versions acquire more safety items like active headrests for front seats.

2009 Toyota SiennaSienna
Toyota's spacious minivan provides a 3.5-liter V6 engine with VVT-i to deliver 268 hp. Sienna appears in trims of CE, LE, XLE and Limited. Each features FWD traction, although the top three trims show optional AWD. In Sienna's cabin, a third-row bench seat is standard, while seats on the second row come in two formats — buckets or bench. Sienna's third-row seat divides in unequal sections and each side folds into a deep well below deck. A sonar warning device has been added to Sienna XLE, and new colors include Super White and Blizzard Pearl.

For more information on Toyota SUVs and wagons.