The 2018 Toyota Corolla: Compact yet Capable

Toyota describes the Hybrid MAX as "the ultimate performance-seeking" version of the Grand Highlander. At 362 net combined horsepower and a 6.3-second 0-60 time, it's also confirmed as one of the most powerful mid-size SUVs Toyota has ever built. But for families choosing a three-row SUV, the more relevant questions are what that power actually does in daily use, and whether its added performance towing capability and standard AWD match your needs compared with standard Hybrid. What Powers the Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX? The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander lineup offers three distinct powertrains. Understanding the difference between them is the foundation of the buying decision. Gas (2.4L Turbo) Hybrid Hybrid MAX System Output Not a hybrid 245 combined hp 362 combined hp EPA MPG (City/Hwy) 21/28 Up to 37/34 city/highway (XLE); other Hybrid trims may be 36/32 26/27 Towing Capacity Up to 5,000 lbs Up to 3,500 lbs Up to 5,000 lbs Drivetrain FWD or AWD FWD or AWD Standard AWD Starting MSRP $42,260 $45,610 $56,090 (Limited) The Hybrid MAX uses a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine paired with electric motors to produce 362 net combined horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque with standard all-wheel drive. AWD is standard on every Hybrid MAX configuration. The 0-60 time of 6.3 seconds is notable context for a three-row family SUV seating up to seven passengers. To be clear, this is a performance figure that matters most in specific scenarios: highway merging with a full load, passing at speed, and getting a heavily loaded vehicle up to freeway speeds quickly. In stop-and-go suburban driving, the difference between 245 hp and 362 hp is present but less pronounced than the specs suggest. What Does 362 HP Actually Mean for Daily Family Use? Highway merging and passing The Hybrid MAX's combination of turbocharged engine output and immediate electric motor torque means the vehicle responds without hesitation when you need acceleration. For families who regularly travel on I-95, the Garden State Parkway, or any high-speed merge situation with three rows of passengers and luggage, the reserve power is genuinely useful. Towing The Hybrid MAX's 5,000-lb towing capacity matches the gas Grand Highlander and exceeds the standard Hybrid's 3,500-lb limit. For families who pull a boat, a camper, or a utility trailer on weekends, this is a meaningful practical difference. The standard Hybrid's 3,500-lb limit is adequate for smaller trailers; the Hybrid MAX handles the next tier up. Fuel economy trade-off The Hybrid MAX is EPA-estimated at 26 MPG city and 27 MPG highway, better than the gas model's 21 city / 28 highway, but significantly behind the standard Hybrid's up to 36 city / 32 highway. For families whose primary use is school runs, local errands, and weekend trips rather than long highway hauls, the standard Hybrid's fuel economy advantage is real money over time. AWD as standard Every Hybrid MAX comes with all-wheel drive, which is useful context for NJ families dealing with winter road conditions. On the standard Hybrid, AWD is available but not standard on all trims. On the Hybrid MAX, it's included at every configuration. What Else Does the Grand Highlander Offer Regardless of Powertrain? Seating and cargo All Grand Highlander configurations seat up to eight passengers with a third-row that Toyota specifically describes as "adult-sized", a distinction that matters for families with older children or regular adult passengers in row three. Maximum cargo volume is 97.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat. Standard safety Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 is standard across all Grand Highlander trims. It includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, Automatic High Beams, Radar Cruise Control, Road Sign Assist, and Proactive Driving Assist. ToyotaCare All 2026 Grand Highlander models include ToyotaCare, Toyota's no-cost maintenance plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance for 2 years or 25,000 miles, and 24-hour roadside assistance for 2 years. Hybrid MAX Trims and Starting MSRPs The Hybrid MAX is available in two configurations for 2026: Hybrid MAX Limited: $56,090 MSRP (standard AWD, 20-inch black alloy wheels, black exterior accents) Hybrid MAX Platinum: $60,175 MSRP (standard AWD, panoramic roof, additional premium features) Both exclude the $1,395 Delivery, Processing and Handling fee. Who Is the Hybrid MAX Actually For? The Hybrid MAX makes the most sense for families who need or want maximum towing capacity alongside hybrid efficiency. Specifically, those in the 3,500-lb to 5,000-lb towing range where the standard Hybrid falls short. It also fits buyers who want the strongest available powertrain in a three-row family SUV and are willing to accept the lower fuel economy versus the standard Hybrid. For families whose driving is predominantly local and suburban with no regular towing needs, the standard Hybrid at up to 36 MPG combined delivers more day-to-day efficiency at a $10,000+ lower starting price. Both are strong vehicles; the decision turns on towing needs and whether the performance and AWD-standard combination are worth the premium for your specific use. Check Current Grand Highlander Inventory at Sansone Toyota Check the latest Grand Highlander inventory at Sansone Toyota in Woodbridge, NJ, the #1 volume Toyota dealer in New Jersey. Gas, Hybrid, and Hybrid MAX configurations are stocked across multiple trims. Our team can walk through the powertrain differences on a back-to-back test drive before you decide. FAQs How much horsepower does the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX have? 362 net combined horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque, confirmed by Toyota's official pressroom. It is the most powerful mid-size SUV Toyota has ever built per Toyota's own announcement. What is the 0-60 time of the Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX? 6.3 seconds, confirmed by Toyota's official pressroom announcement for the Grand Highlander. How much can the Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX tow? Up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped, matching the gas Grand Highlander and exceeding the standard Hybrid's 3,500-lb rating. What is the fuel economy of the Hybrid MAX vs standard Hybrid? Hybrid MAX is rated at 26/27 MPG. Standard Hybrid ratings vary by grade; Hybrid XLE is rated at 37/34 MPG, while several other Hybrid trims are rated at 36/32. Where can I test drive the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX near Woodbridge, NJ? Sansone Toyota at 90-100 Route 1, Woodbridge, NJ 07001 is the #1 volume Toyota dealer in New Jersey and carries the full Grand Highlander lineup including Hybrid MAX configurations.

When you start researching the 2026 Toyota Tacoma, you'll quickly encounter two engine names: i-FORCE and i-FORCE MAX. Both use a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, but i-FORCE MAX adds an electric motor and hybrid battery system for higher total output. Understanding what the MAX actually adds is the most important decision in the Tacoma lineup. What Is the Toyota Tacoma i-FORCE MAX? The i-FORCE MAX is Toyota's hybrid powertrain for the Tacoma, confirmed by Toyota's official pressroom as the most powerful powertrain ever offered on a Tacoma. Here's how it works: the i-FORCE MAX pairs the standard 2.4-liter turbocharged engine with a 48-horsepower electric motor integrated directly into the 8-speed automatic transmission. This integration is the key distinction. The electric motor is integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission and works with the gasoline engine as part of the hybrid system. The electric motor is powered by a 1.87-kWh nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery, a small-capacity battery designed for continuous assist rather than pure-EV operation. It does not have an EV-only range. It charges the battery through regenerative braking and engine operation, and deploys that stored energy to supplement the combustion engine's output. Total system output: 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque at 1,700 RPM. That torque figure, 465 lb-ft available at just 1,700 RPM, is the headline number. Torque at low RPM is what moves heavy loads, climbs trails, and pulls trailers from a standstill. The electric motor's contribution is felt most strongly in exactly those scenarios. How Does the i-FORCE MAX Compare to the Standard i-FORCE? Spec i-FORCE (Standard) i-FORCE MAX (Hybrid) Engine 2.4L Turbo 4-cyl 2.4L Turbo 4-cyl + 48-hp electric motor Horsepower Up to 278 hp 326 hp Torque 317 lb-ft 465 lb-ft Torque Peak Higher RPM 1,700 RPM Transmission 8-speed auto or 6-speed manual 8-speed automatic only Max Towing 6,500 lbs 6,000 lbs Max Payload Up to 1,705 lbs Up to 1,705 lbs 2400W Power Supply Not standard Standard Fuel economy varies by trim and configuration. The standard i-FORCE engine ranges from 20–21 MPG city and 24–26 MPG highway depending on trim. The i-FORCE MAX ranges from 22–23 MPG city and 24 MPG highway. Check fuel economy for the exact EPA rating for the specific trim you're considering. Key observations: Towing capacity: standard i-FORCE has the edge The standard i-FORCE can tow up to 6,500 lbs when properly equipped. The i-FORCE MAX is rated at up to 6,000 lbs. If maximum towing capacity is your primary reason for considering the MAX, the standard engine actually has a 500-lb edge. Highway fuel economy is slightly lower on the MAX The i-FORCE MAX is rated at 24 MPG highway vs 26 MPG highway for the standard i-FORCE. City driving is where the hybrid recovers ground: 22 MPG city vs 20 MPG city. For buyers whose driving is predominantly highway, the standard engine is the more fuel-efficient choice. The 6-speed manual is available only with  i-FORCE Toyota offers the 6-speed intelligent manual transmission on select i-FORCE gas configurations; i-FORCE MAX uses an 8-speed automatic. The 2400W/120V bed-mounted power supply is standard on i-FORCE MAX A feature that allows the Tacoma to power tools, appliances, and gear directly from the truck bed. This is one of the most practically useful features on the MAX beyond the powertrain itself, particularly for buyers who use their truck for job sites or extended camping. Who Should Actually Choose the i-FORCE MAX? i-FORCE MAX makes the most sense for buyers who: Do regular off-road driving where low-end torque at 1,700 RPM is a genuine advantage on climbs and technical terrain Use the truck for job sites or overlanding where the 2400W power supply has real daily-use value Drive primarily in city or mixed conditions where the hybrid's regenerative braking improves efficiency Want the most powerful Tacoma powertrain ever produced and are willing to pay for it Standard i-FORCE makes more sense for buyers who: Do primarily highway driving where the standard engine's 26 MPG highway outperforms the MAX's 24 MPG Want a 6-speed manual transmission, not available with the MAX Don't need the 2400W power supply and won't use it regularly Check Current Tacoma Inventory at Sansone Toyota Check the latest Tacoma inventory at Sansone Toyota in Woodbridge, NJ, the #1 volume Toyota dealer in New Jersey. Both i-FORCE and i-FORCE MAX configurations are stocked across multiple trims. If you want to drive both powertrains back-to-back before deciding, our team can arrange that, the torque difference is immediately noticeable from a standstill. FAQs What is the Toyota Tacoma i-FORCE MAX? The i-FORCE MAX is Toyota's hybrid powertrain for the Tacoma, a 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder paired with a 48-hp electric motor integrated into the 8-speed automatic transmission. Total output is 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque at 1,700 RPM. It is confirmed by Toyota's pressroom as the most powerful powertrain ever offered on a Tacoma. Is the i-FORCE MAX a plug-in hybrid? No. The i-FORCE MAX uses a 1.87-kWh NiMH battery that charges through regenerative braking and engine operation. It has no EV-only range and does not require plugging in. Does the i-FORCE MAX tow more than the standard engine? The standard i-FORCE can tow up to 6,500 lbs when properly equipped. The i-FORCE MAX is rated at up to 6,000 lbs. The standard engine has the towing advantage. Does the i-FORCE MAX get better fuel economy than the standard engine? In city driving, yes, 22 MPG city vs 20 MPG city for the standard engine. On the highway, no,  the standard i-FORCE achieves 26 MPG highway vs 24 MPG for the i-FORCE MAX. Where can I test drive the 2026 Toyota Tacoma i-FORCE MAX near Woodbridge, NJ? Sansone Toyota is located at 90-100 Route 1, Woodbridge, NJ 07001. Check current Tacoma inventory or contact the dealership to confirm i-FORCE MAX availability.

The average new car price in the United States now exceeds $49,000. Against that backdrop, the 2026 Toyota Corolla starts at $23,125, and comes standard with a full active safety suite that most brands reserve for upper trims costing significantly more. That combination is becoming genuinely difficult to find. Here's what the 2026 Toyota Corolla price actually includes, how the trim lineup breaks down, and why the hybrid version changes the value calculation even further. What Does the 2026 Toyota Corolla Include at $23,125? The 2026 Corolla LE is the base trim, and base doesn't mean stripped. Toyota's official pressroom release confirms the following as standard across the entire 2026 Corolla lineup: Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 Corolla(TSS 3.0), a comprehensive active safety suite that includes: Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist Lane Tracing Assist Automatic High Beams Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control Road Sign Assist Proactive Driving Assist, part of Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, can provide gentle braking and/or steering support under certain conditions when approaching vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists or curves. Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, new for 2026, now standard across all Corolla grades. Previously available only on higher trims, it is now included on the LE. Toyota Audio Multimedia, 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay® and wireless Android Auto™ compatibility, standard on LE and SE. 7-inch digital gauge cluster, new for 2026, standard on the LE and SE grades. The $23,125 MSRP excludes Toyota’s current $1,295 Delivery, Processing and Handling fee. How Does the 2026 Corolla Lineup Break Down? Trim Starting MSRP Key Additions LE $23,125 TSS 3.0, BSM, 8-in. touchscreen, 7-in. digital cluster SE $25,565 Sport seats, 18-in. alloy wheels, Normal/Sport/Eco drive modes XSE $28,840 12.3-in. digital cluster, SofTex® heated front sport seats Hybrid LE $24,975 (FWD)/ $26,375 (AWD) 53/46 MPG, hybrid powertrain, all TSS 3.0 standard Hybrid SE $27,415 (FWD) / $28,815 (AWD) Sport styling, hybrid efficiency, AWD available Hybrid XLE $29,340 (FWD only) Moonroof, SofTex® heated front seats, 12.3-in. digital cluster What Makes TSS 3.0 Worth Highlighting? Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 is standard across the 2026 Corolla lineup and includes seven driver-assistance features. The key upgrade over TSS 2.5, which was already class-leading, is the addition of Proactive Driving Assist. Unlike traditional pre-collision systems that only engage when a collision is imminent, Proactive Driving Assist works at lower urgency levels, gently braking when the system detects the vehicle is approaching a slower-moving car, a pedestrian, or a curve in the road at too high a speed. It's a meaningful real-world improvement for daily commuting on NJ roads. The Radar Cruise Control included in TSS 3.0 maintains a set following distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically accelerating and decelerating in highway traffic. For NJ and NY commuters dealing with congested Route 1, I-95, or the Garden State Parkway, this is a practical daily use feature, not a niche one. The fact that this entire suite, including Blind Spot Monitor, is now standard on the base LE at $23,125 is what makes the 2026 Corolla notable. Most competitors at this price point either omit Blind Spot Monitor entirely or charge for it as an option. The Corolla Hybrid: The Same Safety Suite at 53/46 MPG The 2026 Toyota Corolla Hybrid LE starts at $24,975, $2,250 more than the gas LE, and delivers EPA-estimated 53 MPG city and 46 MPG highway / 50 MPG combined. Every feature included on the gas LE, including TSS 3.0 and Blind Spot Monitor, carries over to the Hybrid LE. For a commuter putting 15,000 miles annually on a 2026 Corolla Hybrid MPG at 53 combined versus the gas Corolla at 35 MPG combined, the fuel savings at current NJ gas prices of approximately $4.27 per gallon amounts to approximately $549 per year. At that rate, the hybrid's $2,250 premium pays back in approximately four years in fuel savings alone. The Corolla Hybrid also qualifies for ToyotaCare, Toyota's no-cost maintenance plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance for 2 years or 25,000 miles, and 24-hour roadside assistance for 2 years, included on both gas and hybrid models. Visit Sansone Toyota in Woodbridge, NJ Sansone Toyota is the #1 volume Toyota dealer in New Jersey, located at 90-100 Route 1, Woodbridge, NJ 07001. Check the latest Corolla inventory to see current trim availability before your visit. If you want to understand how Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 works in a real driving environment before committing, our team can walk you through a full demonstration on a test drive. FAQs What is the starting price of the 2026 Toyota Corolla? The 2026 Corolla LE starts at $23,125 MSRP, excluding the $1,295 Delivery, Processing and Handling fee. With destination, the total is $24,420. What safety features come standard on the 2026 Toyota Corolla? Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 is standard on all 2026 Corolla trims. It includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, Automatic High Beams, Radar Cruise Control, Road Sign Assist, and Proactive Driving Assist. Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert is also now standard across all grades for 2026. What is new on the 2026 Toyota Corolla? New for 2026: Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert is now standard on all grades, a 7-inch digital gauge cluster is now standard on LE and SE grades, and Proactive Driving Assist is added to the standard TSS 3.0 suite. What is the fuel economy of the 2026 Toyota Corolla? The 2026 Corolla gas LE is EPA-estimated at 32 MPG city, 41 MPG highway, and 35 MPG combined. The Corolla Hybrid LE is EPA-estimated at 53 MPG city, 46 MPG highway, and 50 MPG combined. Where can I test drive the 2026 Toyota Corolla near Woodbridge, NJ? Sansone Toyota at 90-100 Route 1, Woodbridge, NJ 07001 is the #1 volume Toyota dealer in New Jersey and carries the full 2026 Corolla and Corolla Hybrid lineup in inventory.