The Best Toyota SUV For Every Type Of Driver

When it comes to finding the best Toyota SUV for your needs, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Every driver is different, and every family has different needs. That’s why we’ve put together this guide, to help you find the perfect Toyota SUV for your unique situation.

We’ll start by taking a look at the different types of SUVs available from Toyota, and then we’ll help you figure out which one is right for you. Whether you need extra space for a large family or you want something that can handle off-road adventures, we have the perfect Toyota SUV for you.

Different types of SUVs from Toyota

Toyota SUVs are available in a number of different sizes, styles, and configurations.

The perfect Toyota SUV for you will depend on your specific needs, but the vehicles below should give you an idea of the variety Toyota has available for you to choose from.

Subcompact crossover SUVs:

  • Toyota C-HR

Toyota’s Compact Crossover SUVs:

  • Toyota RAV4
  • Toyota Corolla Cross

Mid-size Crossover SUVs:

  • Toyota Highlander
  • Toyota Venza

Toyota’s Mid-size SUV:

  • Toyota 4Runner

Toyota’s Full-size SUV:

  • Toyota Sequoia

Now that you have a better idea of the variety of SUVs available from Toyota, let’s help you find the perfect one for your needs.

Best luxury SUV from Toyota

Best Luxury Toyota SUV - Sequoia

The Toyota Sequoia is the most premium of the Toyota SUV lineup, with luxurious options like second-row heated captain chairs available in their platinum range.

You even get a huge, as Toyota phrases it, moonroof that showers in natural light into the cabin, perfect for viewing the full moon when traveling at night.

It boasts full leather seats front to back and 3 zone climate control that can even be controlled from the rear seats.

In the tech department, you will find that the Sequoia is equipped with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Alexa, and a JBL Premium Audio system with 14 tuned speakers for the ultimate hearing pleasure.

It isn’t all party and no show, however, with seating up to 8 and a towing capacity of 7400lbs, the Sequoia can also get to work when you need it.

For safety, it has a blind spot monitor system with a rear cross-traffic alert, ISOFIX latches for children’s seats, and a rearview camera that activates when you put the car into reverse.

Best offroad SUV from Toyota

Best Off road Toyota SUV - 4Runner

Look no further than the Toyota 4Runner, with a history of over 35 years, the 4Runner has proven itself as a tough and rugged option.

It comes as standard with a lot of offroad features that you generally have to pay extra for from other manufacturers.

The locking rear differential can be engaged manually and ensures you have the best traction no matter what circumstances by distributing the power to the rear wheels evenly.

When it really gets technical on a trail you can engage crawl control that will keep the 4Runner at one of the 5 low-speed settings, managing the throttle and the brakes so you can concentrate on the road.

With the Multi-Terrain select setting, you can help the 4Runner prepare itself for the obstacles ahead, when selected correctly the traction control system will ensure you have the best grip no matter the terrain.

Best crossover SUV from Toyota

Best Toyota SUV - RAV4

It isn’t the smallest in the lineup anymore but the Toyota RAV4 is the best crossover in their lineup and also the best selling crossover in the USA.

Even with such a small body, there’s a lot of cool tech and electronics, ranging from the Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD to Lane Tracing Assist that keeps you dead center in your lane.

With the AWD system and Multi-Terrain Select, even the RAV4 can do some offroading and has some fun extras, like DRIFT mode.

The RAV4 even has a rear driveline disconnect that helps save fuel when there isn’t any reason to run the 4WD system.

Onto the interior, and here you’ll find a modern cabin with a 9” Multimedia display including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Alexa pumping the tunes through an 11 speaker JBL sound system.

Something all smartphone users will love is the addition of the Qi-compatible wireless charging right in front of the gear lever, a feature available on most modern smartphones allowing your phone to charge without any cables while you’re heading to your next destination.

Most city-friendly SUV from Toyota

Most City Friendly Toyota SUV

The rather extravagantly-styled Toyota CH-R wins in this area thanks to its small footprint.

To help make it even smaller when parked the CH-R has auto folding mirrors.

Just because it is the smallest doesn’t mean it is a slouch, however, with the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine pushing out 144HP (107kW) it can propel the CH-R to 60mph in 8.2 seconds.

With large windows surrounding the driver, you have great visibility on the road and surroundings, and if something is in a blind spot the rearview camera can help along with the blind-spot monitor.

On the inside, you will find an 8” multimedia screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Strangely Alexa isn’t supported here.

With the added Star Safety System the CH-R can help you avoid accidents by helping with traction and braking, and if you do happen to find yourself in an accident, the standard 10 airbags will help you and your passengers walk away from it safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Toyota SUV is the most reliable?

The most reliable Toyota SUV as rated by the JD Power consumer ratings is the Toyota Highlander which scored 83 out of 100 for quality and reliability.

Right behind the Highlander is the 4Runner with 82 points followed by the CH-R with 81 and the Sequoia in the back of the pack with 78, which is still really remarkable as they are all in the top 5 in their classes.

The Toyota RAV4 is the most popular SUV in Toyota’s lineup, with a whopping 314,447 units sold in 2021.

That’s over 100,000 more than the next Toyota, the Highlander, and over 200,000 more than the 4Runner.

Does Toyota RAV4 have a lot of problems?

RAV4’s in general don’t have any more or fewer problems compared to other SUVs in their class and they are quite long-lasting and robust vehicles.

Mechanically, a RAV4 can last anywhere between 200,000 and 300,000 miles (321,869 and 482,803 km) without any significant failures.

With an average cost of $429 annually for maintenance that is well below the average of its competitors.

Which is bigger, a Toyota Sequoia or Chevrolet Tahoe?

The Chevrolet Tahoe is in all aspects larger than the Toyota Sequoia except for height.

The Tahoe is 5.6 inches (14.22 cm) longer than the Sequoia and also 1 inch wider (2.79 cm).

The Toyota on the other hand is 2.2 inches (5.59 cm) taller than the Chevy.

Final Thoughts on the best Toyota SUVs

So, what is the best Toyota SUV? The answer is of course complicated and dependent on your specific needs.

If you are looking for an all-in-one family vehicle, the RAV4 is a great option.

For drivers who need more space and want to feel like they are driving a luxury car, the Toyota Sequoia is perfect.

And lastly, if you are looking for an off-road SUV that can handle any terrain, the 4Runner is your best bet.

You can’t go wrong with a Toyota, they might not be the fastest or sportiest in their classes but they never stop working.

We hope this article has helped you decide which Toyota SUV is right for you.

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Jaco Schrader

Jaco is the automotive heart of our platform. Born and raised in Namibia, he began his journey in the automobile sector in 2012. Launching his own automotive repair business in Africa and fitting a Toyota 1UZ-FE V8 in a Ford Sierra, Jaco brings over six years of hands-on automotive experience. He’s a self-taught expert in various mechanical and electrical aspects of vehicles.

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