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Auto Blog
an hour ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
The Most Expensive Toyota In America Has Some Tough Competition
Here's what over $80k gets you from Toyota Toyota has built its reputation on producing affordable cars for the masses. The brand's models are perceived as affordable to buy and relatively cheap to run, and these facts alone continue to see the automaker sell millions of cars annually. But while the cheapest Toyota starts at under $23k, the brand also has several models getting closer and closer to the six-figure mark. Here, we'll take a closer look at the most expensive new Toyota you can buy and what it offers for the money. Previous Pause Next Unmute 0:00 / 0:10 Full screen 10,000 miles in the best $100K sports car you can buy. Watch More The Sequoia Capstone Is The Most Expensive New Toyota Source: Toyota A few years ago, Toyota introduced a plush Capstone trim level for large models like the Tundra and Sequoia. These variants are packed with the best technologies and amenities the brand has to offer, so it's no surprise to find that the Toyota Sequoia Capstone is the brand's priciest new model. Starting at $83,915, the Capstone is the most expensive version of the brand's full-size SUV. Previously, Toyota's most expensive car was the Land Cruiser, but the all-new Land Cruiser for America is a smaller and much more affordable model than before. At its lofty price point, the Sequoia Capstone competes against higher-end versions of the GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Tahoe, along with the Jeep Wagoneer. Let's see what the most expensive Toyota car gets you in 2025. Design: Presence Aplenty At 208.1 inches in length, 79.6 inches in width, and 74.5 inches in height, the most expensive Toyota SUV takes up a lot of space. Its size is further accentuated by the current generation's massive grille, tall hood, and muscular fenders. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. The Capstone rides on 22-inch dark chrome alloy wheels, the largest wheels in the lineup. It's also the only derivative with a chrome-accented mesh grille with a chrome surround, while the Sequoia and Capstone badges also have a unique finish. To help occupants get into this tall vehicle, power-deployable running boards are standard. These are some of the other standard exterior features: Premium LED headlights and daytime running lights LED fog lights and taillights Chrome-plated mirror caps and roof rails Single exhaust tip Power tilt/slide panoramic roof Overall, the Sequoia Capstone looks very much like the flagship Toyota SUV it is. Interior: Feature-Packed, But Limited Third-Row Space All Sequoias have a modern interior with plenty of storage space and large, chunky controls. The best materials are reserved for this Capstone model, which receives semi-aniline leather upholstery and Dark American walnut wood-grain inserts. Metal speaker grilles and backlit Capstone script on the dashboard are other smart touches. Second-row captain's chairs with a reclining function are standard, while the third row seats can be folded electrically. However, this new Sequoia isn't as spacious as many rivals; it only has up to 33.7 inches of legroom in the rearmost row, and cargo space behind the third row shrinks to as little as 11.5 cubic feet, depending on how the seats ahead of it are configured. The following interior features are standard: 10-way power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats Heated and ventilated rear seats Powered steering column Heated steering wheel Wireless smartphone charging Digital rearview mirror Three-zone automatic climate control 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and 14-inch touchscreen 14-speaker JBL sound system Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto 10-inch color head-up display Surround-view camera system The Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 suite is standard on all Sequoias, with highlights like radar cruise control, pedestrian detection, and road sign assist. Performance: Swift Acceleration And Good Towing Capabilities Source: Toyota Like other Sequoias, the Capstone gets the same 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 hybrid with 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque combined. The electric motor alone contributes 48 hp and 184 lb-ft, and all Sequoias have a 10-speed automatic transmission with tow/haul driving modes. This V6 has been recalled for reliability issues before, but that recall excluded hybrid models like the Sequoia. In independent tests, the Sequoia has been timed reaching 60 mph in well under six seconds, so it's got lots of grunt for such a large vehicle. The Capstone can tow up to 9,280 lbs, slightly less than the maximum of 9,520 lbs on the base Sequoia SR5. In our review of the Sequoia Capstone, we found the ride quality to be disappointing and worse than lower-priced Sequoias, due to this model's larger 22-inch wheels. The body-on-frame structure and sold rear axle don't help, either. Four-wheel drive is standard on the Capstone, which is also available with rear air suspension for $1,045. Other Expensive Toyota Models If you are prepared to spend this much, there are a few other expensive Toyota cars priced just below the Sequoia Capstone. Toyota Tundra Capstone: $80,725 Source: Toyota This is the fanciest pickup Toyota makes, and it's priced close to the top Sequoia. The same 437-hp V6 hybrid is used here, but you can tow up to 10,340 lbs in the Tundra Capstone 4×4. It's similarly specified inside, too, but you obviously don't benefit from the Sequoia's extra seating capacity. Toyota Sequoia 1794 Edition: $80,385 Source: Toyota This is the second priciest Sequoia, and it rides on slightly smaller 20-inch alloys. Drawing inspiration from the Lone Star state, the 1794 features real American walnut wood trim and unique leather upholstery. It only misses out on some of the tech features the Sequoia Capstone gets by default, such as the head-up display. Summary: Sequoia Capstone Is Good, But Not Good Enough Spending over $80k on a Toyota will be hard to justify for many, but the Sequoia Capstone backs up its high price with many advanced features, a powerful V6 hybrid, and a comfortable interior. It can also tow a lot and is a decent off-roader. Unfortunately, at over $80k, the Sequoia Capstone falls short in the comfort stakes, both in terms of its choppy ride quality and its lack of third-row space. These issues make it difficult to recommend, especially considering the many excellent rivals in this class, such as the Chevy Tahoe/Suburban and even German SUVs like the BMW X7. FAQs Which Toyota model is luxury-focused? If you want a true luxury car, we recommend getting a Lexus. However, the top trims of several Toyotas are quite luxurious, including the Sequoia Capstone and Tundra Capstone. What is the most expensive price of a new Toyota? At $83,915, the most expensive new Toyota model is the Sequoia Capstone. What is the highest class of Toyota? Toyota's priciest vehicles fall into the full-size SUV and full-size pickup segments, with the Sequoia and Tundra. The most expensive Toyota sedan is the Crown. About the Author Karl Furlong View Profile
Auto Blog
an hour ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Is 16 Old Enough to Race? Porsche Thinks So
Just three weeks after turning sixteen, Porsche puts Elia Weiss behind the wheel of a purpose-built electric race car Three weeks after you turned sixteen, what were you doing? If you're like me, maybe you were trying to figure out something about a car. More likely, you were fantasizing about your favorite cars while playing Forza or Gran Turismo. What you probably weren't doing was driving an actual Porsche race car on an actual racetrack. But that's exactly what Italian kart and Formula 4 racer Elia Weiss will be doing. 0:08 / 0:09 Meet the ultimate Audi RS 6 Avant: Only 85 are coming to the U.S. Watch More Elia Weiss Weiss kart racing Weiss will be driving a 99X Electric in the upcoming Formula E rookie test. The single-seat car, specially designed for Formula E, accelerates from zero to 100 km/h quicker than an F1 car — around two seconds, the automaker says. The rookie test is a race featuring untested, usually younger, Formula E drivers, with the goal of both exposing newcomers to Formula E and gaining valuable experience. Stuttgart is making history by choosing Weiss as their driver, with the second-youngest driver in Formula E history being chosen last year by McLaren, at 17 years old. Considering that 16 is the minimum age allowed by the DMSB, this is an accolade Weiss will hold forever. For reference, the average age of a Formula E driver hovers around 31. Although Weiss may be young, he's got a fair bit of experience making things go quickly around a racetrack. Weiss won the German karting championship title just last year and conducts sim racing tests with OEMs like Audi, BMW, and Porsche. Further padding his resume is his upcoming participation in Italian Formula 4. The rookie says he has already practiced a bit with the Formula E car in a simulator. 'I was able to get to know the systems, felt right at home there, and got on really well with the engineers. Other than that, I'm preparing myself as best I can.' He goes on to drive home the importance of fitness and strength when piloting the rapidly accelerating Formula E cars. Porsche's decision has left critics a bit puzzled. What does Weiss offer? You aren't alone if you're wondering how Weiss got a gig like this. According to The Race, a few Porsche bigwigs noticed Weiss two years ago at the Karting World Cup finals. The publication raises some solid questions, though: most other Formula E rookie test programs are utilizing older drivers, and certainly racers with a few more competitions under their belts. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. The answer, perhaps, is hidden in comments made by Florian Modlinger, Director of Factory Motorsport Formula E. 'The energy management [of Formula E cars] is complex, which means that the mental challenges in particular are incredibly tough in Formula E. This reduces the pool of potential drivers.' Thinking about regen and energy usage, according to Modlinger, isn't a skill every racer has. 'While he was a guest in our simulator, we were particularly impressed by how he interacted with the engineers,' he says of Weiss. He goes on to say that the 16-year-old 'comes across as a much more mature racing driver.' Final thoughts Experience is just one component of victory on the track. Especially in a budding motorsport like Formula E, there are other variables OEMs and teams need to account for when choosing drivers. All eyes will definitely be on Weiss come the July rookie test, especially with rival teams placing older and more experienced drivers in the same position. About the Author Steven Paul View Profile
Auto Blog
an hour ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Kia Defies Convention with Lower-Priced Seltos
Kia Bucking the Trend as Prices Climb Elsewhere Automakers usually mark the arrival of a new model year with a predictable price hike. Whether it's due to updated features, rising production costs, or now, even geopolitics, such as new tariffs on imported materials or components, most new cars cost more each year. A 1% to 3% increase is often considered standard fare. That's why the 2026 Kia Seltos stands out: instead of climbing across the board, it now offers a new, cheaper way into the lineup. A new entry-level Seltos LX FWD has been introduced, carrying a starting MSRP of $23,690, or $1,000 less than last year's base model. And while the rest of the trims do see slight bumps, they're modest $200 increases that fall well below the typical range. 0:03 / 0:09 What is the Sony Honda Mobility Afeela 1? Watch More 2025 pricing 2026 pricing Difference Seltos LX FWD – $23,690 – Seltos LX AWD $24,690 $24,890 $200 Seltos S FWD $25,190 $25,390 $200 Seltos S AWD $26,690 $26,890 $200 Seltos EX FWD $26,190 $26,390 $200 Seltos EX AWD $28,390 $28,590 $200 Seltos X-Line AWD $29,390 – – Seltos SX AWD $31,190 $31,390 – Of note, the X-Line AWD trim has been removed for the 2026 model year. Plus, the prices mentioned here don't include the untouched $1,395 destination charge. The price shift comes down to a key change in drivetrain strategy. Last year, all-wheel drive was standard in the base model. But this year, if you're in the market for a Seltos and you don't need an all-paw SUV and all the laundry list checked, then you have a cheaper choice. Source: Kia What You Get with the 2026 Seltos In terms of powertrains, the Seltos lineup carries over largely unchanged. The base engine remains a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder, making 147 horsepower, paired to a CVT. Those who want more punch can look to the SX AWD, which continues to feature a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-pot that produces 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, mated to an 8-speed automatic. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Kia continues to cram the Seltos with technology and interior features, especially at the higher trims. All Seltos models get standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while S, EX, and SX trims are equipped with a 10.25-inch touchscreen navigation system. Dual 10.25-inch panoramic displays are available on EX and SX, along with a wireless charging pad. The top-spec SX model also gets a premium Bose audio system with mood lighting, smart power liftgate, and optional Digital Key access. Safety is comprehensive across the lineup. Even the base trims include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Driver Attention Warning. Higher trims add blind-spot warning, cross-traffic alert, Highway Driving Assist, and adaptive cruise control. Source: Kia Headed to Dealers Soon Beyond the introduction of a new base offering and a fresh set of gloss black 17-inch wheels included in the EX Sunroof Package, there are no major design or engineering changes. That said, the introduction of FWD variants could also bring slight fuel economy gains, though no official EPA ratings have been released yet. Kia hasn't confirmed any hybrid option either, despite speculation. The 2026 Kia Seltos is expected to arrive at dealerships soon, offering buyers a rare win in a market where prices rarely move in the right direction. Source: Kia About the Author Jacob Oliva View Profile
Auto Blog
an hour ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
MegaRexx Builds a $180K Diesel Super Truck Based on Ford F-250
There are plenty of off-road trucks on the market right now, each catering to a different kind of buyer. If you want an electric truck with hipster vibes, there's the Rivian R1T. If you're after a tough-looking daily driver, the F-150 Raptor fits the bill. And if you want something to match your stainless steel kitchen, Tesla offers the Cybertruck. But if you're chasing something unhinged, something so over-the-top it makes everything else look tame, MegaRexx has exactly what you're after. Who Is MegaRexx? MegaRexx Ford Super Duty F-250 — Source: MegaRexx MegaRexx, a brand under Signature Autosports, builds the kind of trucks you draw while daydreaming in your school notebooks. Their specialty is taking Ford's Super Duty lineup and transforming it into something that looks like it escaped from a Baja race. They typically start with an F-250 Tremor and go wild with it — lifting the suspension even more, swapping in wider bodywork, and making everything look and feel more trophy truck-like. In essence, it's like giving the Super Duty the Raptor treatment, then tossing in a little extra just for fun. Under The Skin MegaRexx Ford Super Duty F-250 — Source: MegaRexx Believe it or not, MegaRexx doesn't mess around much with the drivetrain. Instead of the standard gas-powered 7.3-liter V8, they opt for Ford's 6.7-liter High Output Power Stroke V8 turbo-diesel, which makes 500 horsepower and a ridiculous 1,200 lb-ft of torque. The 10-speed automatic transmission and both differentials are left mostly untouched, apart from a new 4.88:1 gear ratio to help put all that power through its even larger wheels and tires. Upgraded Suspension MegaRexx Ford Super Duty F-250 — Source: MegaRexx Its suspension, on the other hand, gets a very unnecessary, but undoubtedly cool, overhaul. The truck sits 4.5 inches taller than an ordinary Super Duty, and just about every suspension component gets a high-performance replacement. Fox Racing supplies remote-reservoir shocks and track rods. Icon provides new 4.5-inch coil springs up front, leaf springs out back, and a set of steering stabilizers. MegaRexx even fabricates the radius arms themselves. The result isn't just more ground clearance; it should also handle better than you'd expect from something this humongous. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Not Just A Tough-Looking Face MegaRexx Ford Super Duty F-250 — Source: MegaRexx But the cherry on this all-terrain conquering Super Duty is its wheels, tires, and bodywork. With ZXL Michelin tires nearly twice as tall as the smallest person in the world (yes, we fact-checked that), measuring at 46 inches, and 20-inch three-piece aluminum wheels typically used by military trucks, it's a bona fide off-road monster. To accommodate its newfound girth, MegaRexx crafts wider fiberglass body panels that widen the Super Duty by 18 inches. Obligatory steel bumpers at the front and rear, complemented by LED light bars on each side, electronic side-steps, and a metal skid plate, round off the upgrades. What It Costs To Look This Cool MegaRexx Ford Super Duty F-250 — Source: MegaRexx None of this comes cheap. A base Ford Super Duty F-250 starts at around $45,000, and that number climbs quickly once you add the $12,995 torque-healthy diesel engine and the $4,500 Tremor Off-Road package. A well-optioned factory F-250 can push past $100,000. MegaRexx takes things much, much further, with this particular build, finished in Rapid Red Metallic. They call it the F250 Original Super Duty Crew Cab, and it's priced at a steep $179,950. That's a lot of money for a truck, but it's also a lot of truck. If your dream is a go-anywhere diesel beast that towers over traffic, MegaRexx might be your kind of crazy. About the Author Marnus Moolman View Profile
Auto Blog
12 hours ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
See Less, Hit More: How Your New Car's Blind Spots Are Expanding
Blind spots are the new safety issue Today's new cars offer a litany of cool, groundbreaking technology, whether it's smartphone integration features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cameras capturing 360-degree views around the vehicle, or 'safety suites' that help prevent collisions with other cars and pedestrians. Although significant advances have made cars faster, more efficient, and safer, data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) show that over the 25-year period from 1997 to 2022, pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities on U.S. roads have increased by 37% and 42%, respectively. A new study produced using new technology developed by safety experts at the IIHS shows that there could be another factor in this unfortunate phenomenon. 0:03 / 0:09 Chevrolet says a next-gen Camaro is still possible. What could it look like? Watch More 2025 Toyota Camry XSE — Source: Toyota IIHS-developed tech exposed the truth about cars' visibility In a new study led by researchers from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Volpe Center, new technology developed by the IIHS was used to measure the driver's direct area of vision around a vehicle to examine how vehicle design factors in driver visibility and the risk of getting into a crash. They found that over the course of multiple redesigns from 1997 to 2023, six popular cars sold in the United States, the Chevrolet Suburban, Ford F-150, Honda Accord, Honda CR-V, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Toyota Camry, got progressively harder to see out of over the 25-year span they existed on the market. The IIHS-developed tech uses computational software and a portable, adjustable 360-degree camera that can be mounted at various heights to represent different-sized drivers. The software then takes the images from the 360-degree camera and turns them into a blind zone map. This map gives an overhead view of the vehicle, shows the closest spots on the ground that the driver can see, and calculates a percentage that reflects how much of the area around the vehicle is visible. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. The Center and the Institute looked at how well a theoretical driver could see out front of their cars within a 10-meter radius, which is roughly the distance a driver needs to stop when going 10 mph, a speed at which blind spots can really contribute to accidents. The researchers then figured out the percentage of the 180-degree area in front of the car that is clear of obstacles that can block the view, like the hood, rearview mirror, and A-pillars. 2025 Chevrolet Suburban High Country — Source: Chevrolet According to the IIHS, SUVs and crossovers saw some of the sharpest reductions in forward vision space. Their data shows that 1997 Honda CR-V drivers can see 68% of everything 10 meters ahead, but that 2023 CR-V drivers could see just 28% across the same distance. The bigger Chevrolet Suburban showed similar results. The cameras showed that drivers in the 2000 Suburban were able to see 56% of the area 10 meters in front of them, but just 28% across the same distance in the 2023 model. The researchers found that in both the CR-V and the Suburban, the blind zones got smaller because of a taller hood that blocks more of what's in front, combined with bigger side mirrors that mess with the view at the front corners. The IIHS also found that the forward visibility provided by the F-150 declined, although it already started from a low percentage from the outset. Despite its rounded design, drivers in the 1997 F-150 were only able to see 43% of the forward area within a 10-meter radius, which dropped to just 36% by the 2015 model year. However, sedans performed better than SUVs and trucks, although they also suffered from the same issues. Forward visibility in the 2003 Honda Accord was 65%, dropping to just 60% for the 2023 model year. The Accord's main competitor, the Toyota Camry, saw similar results; drivers in the 2007 Camry had 61% forward visibility, dropping to 57% in the 2023 model. Final Thoughts The new data shows that new cars are harder to see out of than ever before. However, the fact that SUVs and crossovers are hotter than ever before, combined with the fact that there's a design-inflicted decline in the ability to see out of them, means we may have a serious problem on our hands. 'These results are notable because we already know that the portion of SUVs in the U.S. fleet grew substantially over these years as well,' said IIHS Senior Research Engineer Becky Mueller. 'If further research confirms that these changes reflect a general change, that would suggest that declining visibility in SUVs has compounded the effects of taller, blunt-nosed vehicles that IIHS has already documented.' About the Author James Ochoa View Profile
