The What It Do » Urban Consumer Review

2010 Toyota Prius
Still the undisputed king of the hybrids. Click to watch the video.

If you’ve been looking to save money on gas, hybrid cars are your best bet, and the Prius has dominated the gas/electric market since it first came on the scene in 2001. But these days every car maker is rushing to slap a hybrid badge on the back of their sedans and trucks. Can the latest Prius still compete?

The answer is most definitely yes. Now in their 3rd generation, the 2010 Toyota Prius is still on top of the hybrid game, thanks to all the new technology Toyota has crammed into this car. This new version gets an insane 51 MPG city and 48 MPG highway, all while having more power and speed than the previous versions. And that’s not just talk, people. Our test driver, the one and only KMAX, drove the car from Oakland to Los Angeles (400 miles) on just one tank of gas, and still had some left over.

One way they get those crazy numbers is with the different driving mode buttons. Depending on the trip, you can choose between EV, Eco and Power mode to get the power/mileage you need. And don’t think you have to ditch comfort for fuel economy. The new hybrid looks better inside and out, and has a ton of options like smart key, solar roof and parking assist just to name a few. Watch the video to get all the details.

2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser
This boy knows off-road. Click to watch the video.

In a world of so called SUVs that never even leave the blacktop, Toyota has finally brought back the off-roader. Most SUVs on the road seem like the 4WD option was slapped on as an afterthought, but the FJ Cruiser was built to hit the trails from the ground up and it really shows.

With a 4.0 liter V6 engine under the hood, you can tow a decent 5,000 pounds with this mid-size SUV. The rugged, throw-back interior isn’t just for looks either. Check out the dash-mounted compass; there’s even an inclinometer so you always know how close you are to rolling. You won’t see that in the soccer mom ride. See how this big boy handles the streets in the video review.

2009 Toyota Yaris S
This mini car gives you big options. Click to watch the video.

You might think we’re color-blind when we tell you this little red car is really green, but once you check out the 2009 Toyota Yaris S, you’ll know what we’re talking about.

Trying to save money? We’re talking 29 MPG in the city and 36 on the highway. That even puts to shame a lot of hybrids out there. The Yaris also has a ULEV rating (thats Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle) so you can go green and save green all at the same time.

Just don’t let the small price fool you. Alloy rims, leather-wrapped wheel and front and rear spoilers all keep you stylin in this euro-style mini car. Check out the center-lined instrument display; that futuristic look also helps give you more visibility out on the road. And the included iPod cable means you can just hook up your tunes and roll out. See how this hot hatch handles the streets in the video review.

2009 Toyota Landcruiser
SUV that drives like a luxury car. Click to watch the video.

Some people want the smooth ride of a luxury car. Others want the monster power on an off-road SUV. If you’re the kind a person who wants the best of both worlds, then you need to holler at Toyota, because they’ve been waiting for you.
This is the 2009 Landcruiser, and it’s hot. A powerhouse in every sense of the word, this 380 hp V8 engine will get you everywhere you need to be, from the mountain top to the club parking lot. And although it isn’t the biggest Toyota on the road, you’d never know it once you climb inside. Check out this dash. Massive. Is there an echo in here? If there was, nobody heard it over the 14 JBL speakers or the built-in flip-down DVD player. Check out more of the luxury details with KMAX in the video review.

2009 Toyota Venza
Luxury at a price you can afford. Click to watch the video.

Trying to up your class, while still having money left for gas? Trying to get some of that NBA swagger on a budget? Then the 2009 Toyota Venza is most definitely the ride for you.

Just like Iverson’s rookie crossover on Jordan, this killer crossover is new to the game, but it’s still gonna have you breaking ankles on everyone you pass. It’s next level. We’re talking 20-inch rims and wood grain with the leather seats kind of level, all for a price you can handle. Peep the video to get the lowdown.

2009 Toyota Tundra
This truck was made for serious work. Click to watch the video.

That’s right, this time we’re bringin’ it large. I mean massive. Better find Andre 3000, cause we got the Big Boi rollin through. The Toyota 4X4 Tundra CrewMax. Get with this video!