Toyota Venza, Prius V Offer Most Space for Stuff

2012 Toyota Venza - class-leading cargo capacity

‘Tis the season for jingle bells, snowmen, and stuffing your car with a load of loot that makes Santa ashamed of the hauling capacity of his sleigh. Edmunds.com recently studied the versatile segment of wagons and hatchbacks to determine which offered the most cargo room to deliver the goods to all the nice boys and girls on your list.

Hatchbacks and wagons were chosen because they can accommodate packages of widely varying shapes and sizes. The also offer easy loading and unloading through wide openings and lower floors than most trucks and SUVs, as well as being easier to park and maneuver in crowded mall parking lots.

Rankings were determined by the available cargo space, measured in cubic feet, when all seats were in position. Confirming our opinion that a new Toyota should be at the top of all Christmas lists, Toyota cars claimed two of the top ten spots.

The 2012 Toyota Prius V tied for first place, with 34.3 cubic feet of cargo space. In addition to its hauling abilities, Edmunds.com reviews also praised the 2012 Prius V for its excellent fuel efficiency of 44/40 city/highway mpg. It also offers increased passenger room when compared to the standard Toyota Prius. The 2012 Prius V received the highest possible ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety as well.

Number five on the list is the 2012 Toyota Venza, offering cargo space that measures 30.7 cubic feet. According to Emdumds.com, the 2012 Venza “avoids the apparent arrogance of an SUV, the stigma of a minivan and the ambivalence of a crossover; it simply works.” The Venza is equipped with many design features that maximize its interior space and offers many other trim-specific options. The 2012 Venza is available with a four-cylinder or V6 engine and offers front-wheel or all-wheel drive options.

For more information, or to test drive the Prius V, the Venza, or any other Toyota model you’d like to see wearing a big red bow in your driveway, visit Toyota Scion of Concord near Charlotte or call 704-979-7700. Our sales team and finance department are busy little elves, working to make sure everyone is happy on Christmas morning.

Forbes Honors 2012 Toyota RAV4, Matrix as Best Compact Crossover SUVs

2012 Toyota RAV4

Ever-increasing fuel prices and concern for the environment have pushed the ubiquitous minivan and lumbering SUVs to the back of the line, behind the smaller, cushier crossover SUV. Forbes studied this shift, then released a list of top ten compact crossover SUVs, featuring both the 2012 Toyota Matrix and Rav4 as winners.

Compact crossover SUVs combine the passenger and cargo capabilities of an SUV with the fuel economy and style of a car. They are different from larger SUVs because instead of being built on a truck platform, they typically ride on car-like chassis. More than 58 models are classified as compact crossovers, so landing two Toyota models in the top ten is no small feat. The list was compiled by Forbes using Total Car Score data.

Forbes gives the RAV4 credit for pioneering the crossover movement. Even with a redesign on the horizon, the RAV4 has still held up well to up-and-coming competitors. Working it its favor are the distinctions of an available V6 engine and 7-passenger capacity. Fuel economy averages 24 mpg combined city/highway with the four-cylinder engine and 24 combined mpg for the V6. The MSRP ranges from $22,650 to $28,650, depending on selected trim levels and options. The Total Car Score for the 2012 Toyota RAV4 is 79.71, in an average class score of 74.43.

Forbes seemed skeptical that the 2012 Toyota Matrix was actually a crossover, attributing the classification to the fold-flat rear seats. The Matrix is a hatchback based on the Corolla platform, and is available with all-wheel drive. It has two available four-cylinder engine options, which return either 24 or 28 combined city/highway mpg for fuel economy. Various trim levels and options put the MSRP between $18,845 and $21,715. The Total Car Score for the 2012 Toyota Matrix is 74.89.

To experience the 2012 Toyota Matrix, RAV4, or any other Toyota that might suit your driving needs, visit Toyota Scion of Concord online or in person near Charlotte, North Carolina. Follow on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and updates on your favorite Toyota vehicle.

All New Cross-Over Toyota Venza is Now Available

Check out the brand new Toyota Venza at Toyota of Concord.

Find your own Toyota Venza here: Toyota Venza Inventory