There are two things I look for in a vehicle. One, I must be able to enjoy my outdoor adventures, so I need a vehicle that can take me to those remote trailheads and beyond. Secondly, I need a vehicle that will get me to the 0ff-road part of my journey safely while on the pavement and keep me safe while working my way through terrain.

Fortunately for me and all those other outdoor adventurers, the new Toyota 4Runner fits this description. After test-driving one at my Staten Island new Toyota dealer, I was sold. The 2010 Toyota NJ 4Runner I test drove provided the same excellent high ground clearance the model has been known for, a must for an off-road vehicle.

The Trail Model is everything it promises and more, implementing its Adaptive Terrain Management System to keep footing sure on the most unsure ground. Below is a nice video explanation of the Multi-Terrain Selector, which keeps the 4Runner actively seeking the best settings for its current conditions:

And what about the safety side of things? The 4Runner includes 12 airbags as well as Toyota’s Safety Connect system, which offers emergency response, turn-by-turn directions, and more. It’s nice to know emergency response is just a button away within your vehicle when you’re far from civilization. And while I consider myself an expert navigator when off in the middle of nowhere, I’m sure the turn-by-turn directions would come in handy for me on the roads. The wilderness is just easier to navigate!

If you’re looking to upgrade your outdoor experience or just need a luxury SUV that offers ultimate safety for you and your family, head over to your Staten Island and Weehawken new Toyota dealer, Hudson Toyota, for a test drive.

My sister-in-law was recently looking for a new car and had no idea what to look for. She was open to style, size, make and model. Her and my brother have two kids so I suggested she look into a automaker with perfected safety features and also a larger, more spacious vehicle since, who knows- they may expand the bunch sooner than later!

First I went with her to our local Volvo dealer, since they’re well-known for their performance in safety tests, but she didn’t particularly enjoy any of the styles. Next, we headed to one of our local Toyota dealers NJ, Hudson Toyota, and began test-driving a few of their new models. She began with the 2010 Corolla. After deciding it wasn’t for her taste, she opted for the 2010 Toyota Highlander due to its spaciousness and very affordable price sticker. 

As soon as we got in, she knew it was the winner. She felt very comfortable with its system and was pleasantly surprised by its superb control and handling. She wanted my opinion as well so we pulled over and switched seats. As I began driving I understood exactly what she was talking about. It had excellent, controlled braking, smooth acceleration and great control when steering and turning. What was the most reassuring about this SUV was it was a Toyota, which is known for its excellent safety features and great reliability.

Zeroing in on Toyota’s renowned safety features, the Highlander comes outfitted with a total of 7 airbags: advanced driver and front-passenger airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags and a driver’s knee airbag. More great safety features are the roll-sensing side curtain airbags built in all rows to help protect during a side collision or vehicle rollover. All new Highlanders also come built with front active headrests.

In terms of performance, the 2010 Toyota NJ Highlander has a great fuel economy of 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. Its standard model comes equipped with a 2.7-liter, 4-cylinder engine, with a 6-speed automatic transmission. This 2.7L engine produces 187 hp and 186 lb/ft of torque. The power was plenty sufficient  for her needs.

For my brother and sister-in-law, a bonus feature of the Highlander is that it has a reconfigurable 2^nd-row seat that allows for more cargo room. With little ones and a whole bunch of stuff to lug around on every trip-long or short- the extra room really helps. Lastly, the Highlander’s modern, smooth-edged styling made for a very mom-appropriate ride without the minivan look.

If you’re in the market for a new car and looking for great safety features, tons of space and an affordable price, stop in to New Jersey Toyota dealer, Hudson Toyota, and test-drive the all-new 2010 Toyota  Highlander. Its all it appears to be, and more.

For Toyota, being renowned as the most affordable, reliable, safety-advanced automaker must be a tough job. Although maintaining this title definitely puts the pressure on, Toyota continues to deliver.

One model in which they’ve mastered in driver appeal, safety and design is the Corolla. Being one of their best sellers, Toyota decided to give drivers what they want for the 2010 model: a revamped design available in five unique trim levels and state-of-the-art safety features.

The first available trim level for the 2010 Toyota NJ Corolla is the standard base model, followed by the S, LE, XLE and XRS. All but the XRS come equipped with 5-speed manual transmission and a standard 1.8-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine that achieves 132 hp and 128 lb/ft of torque. The Corolla’s fuel economy levels out at 26 mpg city and 35 mpg highway, keeping in line with or above the sedan’s competitors.

The sportier XRS trim delivers a 2.4-liter DOHC dual-VVT-i 4-cylinder engine, providing 158 hp and 162 lb/ft of torque. This model, stacked with 17” wheels (while the standard comes with 15”), is also designed to produce sharper steering and more responsive handling.

There are several unique upgrades that shoppers encounter when visiting each trim level. Jumping from the base model to the S, you’ll find sport seats, extra speakers, underbody spoilers and 16” steel wheels. Upgrading from the S trim to the LE, you gain power windows and locks, and body-colored exterior mirrors. Additions from the LE to XLE include an ungraded stereo, keyless entry, a sliding center armrest and wood-grain trim. Finally, the XRS will give you the bigger engine, sport-tuned suspension and steering, a rear deck spoiler, cruise control and chrome interior trim.

Some general physical changes the 2010 Corolla has undergone include an altered driver seat that can be adjusted to accommodate taller drivers, a digital odometer and shift indicator, a pollen filter in the air conditioning and a flatter backseat floor that increases comfort for middle passengers. Can’t forget to mention the greater trunk space, and slightly larger side-view mirrors proven to better visibility.

Visit your local Newark new Toyota dealer, Hudson Toyota, to test drive the 2010 Corolla or browse their great selection of new and used cars NJ.