Our Top 4 Toyota Family SUVs

Automakers have even been so courteous as to create the ”crossover” so that they could graciously offer the perfect SUV to as many buyers as possible. With such a glut of offerings on the market today, buyers can be easily overwhelmed with information and opinions.

That is why we have decided to bring you a short list of Toyota SUVs that may be right for you. We will start with a compact SUV before working our way through a several of Toyota’s mid-sized offerings, all of which are capable of transporting your family around town or over land.

Toyota RAV4

The Toyota RAV4 is marketed as a compact crossover SUV. It has been in constant production since the 1994 model year. Toyota currently offers a short and a long-wheelbase version of the RAV4: short-wheelbase versions are sold in Japan and Europe while the long-wheelbase versions are available in Australia and North America.

A used 2001 Toyota RAV4 from online used car exporter BE FORWARD.

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The current generation of the Toyota RAV4 can be powered by one of five I4 engines. Two are petrol, two are diesel, and the fifth is a petrol/electric hybrid system. The engines range in displacement from the 1,987 cc petrol I4 in the base models to the 2,494 cc powerplant found in the top trim. The standard gearbox is a six-speed automatic with a CVT and a six-speed manual available as options.

The interior of a used 2006 Toyota RAV4 from online used car exporter BE FORWARD.
Above: Interior of a used 2006 Toyota RAV4

With its fuel-sipping engines and having received top safety ratings from the IIHS, NHTSA, and EURO NCAP, the Toyota RAV4 may be the perfect SUV for young couples and small families. If you are not a fan of the RAV4, you might consider the Toyota Cami as an alternative.

Toyota Harrier

Toyota has been supplying the world with one of the best mid-sized SUVs in the market since 1997. The Toyota Harrier, marketed as the Lexus RX in some markets, is; at turns, an entry-level luxury SUV and, in top trim levels, an outstanding luxury conveyance suitable for transporting top executives to high level meetings.

A used 2003 Toyota Harrier from online used car exporter BE FORWARD.

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Currently in its third generation, the Toyota Harrier is powered by two engines. The first is a 1,986 cc petrol I4 that offers 155 bhp and 195 N-m of torque at 4,400 rpm. Paired to a Super CVTi gearbox, this engine is capable of 16.0 km/l. The second is a 2,493 cc petrol hybrid with a total fuel efficiency rating of 21.8 km/l.

The interior of a used 2003 Toyota Harrier from online used car exporter BE FORWARD.
Above: Interior of a used 2003 Toyota Harrier

Trim levels for the non-hybrid include Grand, Elegance, Premium, Elegance GS, and Premium Advanced. The hybrid drivetrain is available in the Grand, Elegance, Premium, and Premium Advanced trim packages.

Toyota Land Cruiser Prado

If you are interested in a mid-sized SUV that pushes the size boundaries for the class, the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is the SUV for you. When you purchase this Toyota SUV you get a land yacht with a wheelbase of 2,790 mm, a length of 4,930 mm (with an exterior spare tire), a width of 1,885 mm, and a height of 1,845 mm.

A used 2006 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado from online used car exporter BE FORWARD.

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This titan of a mid-size is powered by five engines (depending on what market you are in). The base powerplant is a strong 2,693 cc petrol I4. The only other petrol engine is a 3,956 cc V6 that loves to tear up the pavement. There are three powerful diesel options.

The interior of a used 2006 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado from online used car exporter BE FORWARD.
Above: Interior of a used 2006 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado

 First up is a 2,755 cc I4 common rail with a variable nozzle turbocharger. At the top end is a 2982 cc I4 common rail D-4D with variable nozzle turbocharger. The base gearbox is a four-speed automatic, with two manual options available. All Toyota Land Cruiser Prado models are equipped with 4WD.

Toyota Hilux Surf

The Toyota Hilux Surf may just be the great-grandfather of the SUV segment. It has been in constant production since the 1984 model year, but it has been constantly refreshed and sales are still going strong. Currently in its fifth generation, the Toyota Hilux Surf can be powered by one of two engines.

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The standard powerplant is a 2,690 cc petrol I4 that is paired to a four-speed automatic gearbox. The smaller engine is only found in front-wheel drive models. The other engine option is a 2,980 cc V6 with Dual VVT-i technology and is mated to a five-speed automatic.

The interior of a used 1999 Toyota Hilux Surf from online used car exporter.
Above: Interior of a used 1999 Toyota Hilux Surf

The combination creates improved fuel economy, power, and torque. Hilux Surf models equipped with this engine are normally 4WD vehicles. The Hilux Surf is well known for its comfortable ride and longevity under any conditions, making this a great SUV option for nearly every demographic.

BE FORWARD always has thousands of premium Toyota vehicles available. If you do not see what you are looking for in this post, feel free to browse our complete Toyota inventory via the button below. Still not seeing what you need? Send us an inquiry, we may be able to find the perfect fit for you.

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