Shopping for a Toyota SUV feels like standing in front of a menu with too many good options. From the compact Corolla Cross to the commanding Sequoia, each model serves different needs and lifestyles across New Brunswick. The key isn't browsing feature lists—it's asking the right questions about how you actually live.
These seven questions help you focus on what truly matters for your driving reality. By being honest about your routines and needs, you'll quickly narrow Toyota's SUV lineup to the models that make sense for Saint John drivers.
Question 1: How Much Space Do You Actually Need?
Toyota offers SUVs from the subcompact Corolla Cross with 784 litres of cargo space to the full-size Sequoia. Think about your heaviest cargo week, not your lightest.
The RAV4 offers 1,059 litres behind the second row, while the Highlander provides 453 litres with all seats up. The Corolla Cross seats five, the RAV4 handles five with more room, and the Grand Highlander seats eight. If you only need the third row twice yearly, a five-seater with more cargo might serve you better.
Question 2: What's Your Real Off-Road Story?
The 4Runner features 278 hp from its turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine and off-road credentials. If your "off-roading" means gravel cottage roads and snowy parking lots, the RAV4's all-wheel drive might handle your adventures while delivering better fuel economy.
Consider your outdoor activities. Do you need the Sequoia's 4,137 kg (9,121 lbs) towing capacity for a large travel trailer, or would the Grand Highlander's 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs) capacity cover your boat or camper? Most New Brunswick drivers don't need serious off-road capability for weekend trips.
The 4Runner Hybrid balances both worlds, offering 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque while delivering hybrid efficiency for daily driving.
At a Glance: Toyota SUV Capabilities
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Model
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Towing Capacity
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Off-Road Focus
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Best For
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Corolla Cross
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Not specified
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Light duty
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City commuting, fuel efficiency
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RAV4
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1,588 kg (3,501 lbs)
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Moderate
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Balanced capability, all-weather confidence
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Highlander
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1,588 kg (3,501 lbs)
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Road-focused
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Three-row families, comfort priority
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4Runner
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2,722 kg (6,000 lbs)
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Serious off-road
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Adventure seekers, heavy towing
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Sequoia
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4,137 kg (9,121 lbs)
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Full capability
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Large families, maximum towing
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Question 3: How Often Do You Really Use That Third Row?
Three-row SUVs look practical but come with trade-offs. The Highlander's third row works for carpools or relatives, but cargo space shrinks with all seats up. The Grand Highlander offers more overall space but remains a compromise.
If you need seven or eight seats daily, a three-row model makes sense. If you need them monthly, the RAV4's superior cargo capacity and better fuel economy might serve you better most of the time.
Question 4: What Does Your Weekend Gear Look Like?
Your recreational equipment often determines SUV needs more than passenger count. The 4Runner offers 2,381 litres with seats folded, perfect for camping gear. The RAV4 provides 1,977 litres maximum cargo space, while the Corolla Cross offers 784 litres in a manageable package.
The Corolla Cross sits lower for easier loading, while the 4Runner requires more effort but offers greater ground clearance for rougher terrain.
Question 5: How Much Do You Value Fuel Efficiency?
Toyota's hybrid options span the lineup, but efficiency varies dramatically. The Corolla Cross Hybrid achieves 5.6L/100km, while the Sequoia's i-FORCE MAX hybrid system produces 437 hp but consumes more fuel.
Calculate annual fuel costs based on realistic driving patterns. New Brunswick's distances and winter conditions affect consumption, so factor in real-world scenarios. The 4Runner Hybrid offers 326 hp while managing fuel consumption better than gasoline-only versions.
Question 6: Do You Need Maximum Reliability or Latest Technology?
The 4Runner's proven body-on-frame approach offers durability, while newer models like the RAV4 incorporate Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 technology. Both approaches have merit depending on your priorities.
Newer models offer advanced connectivity and driver assistance features. The Sequoia includes trailer backup guide with straight path assist for serious towing, while the Corolla Cross focuses on essential technology without complexity.
Question 7: What's Your True Budget Beyond the Purchase Price?
Look beyond the initial MSRP to understand total ownership costs. The Corolla Cross starts at $27,720, while the Sequoia begins at $84,940, but differences extend to insurance, fuel, maintenance, and depreciation.
New Brunswick's conditions affect operating costs. Winter tires, increased fuel consumption, and salt-related maintenance impact larger SUVs more significantly. The RAV4 offers balanced capability and manageable operating costs for many Atlantic Canadian drivers.
Making Your Decision at Saint John Toyota
Your perfect Toyota SUV emerges when you match your honest answers to these questions with the right model's strengths. The compact Corolla Cross excels for efficient urban driving, the RAV4 balances capability with practicality, the Highlander serves growing families, the 4Runner tackles serious adventures, and the Sequoia handles maximum demands.
Visit our team in Saint John to experience these differences firsthand. Test driving reveals comfort, visibility, and handling characteristics that specifications can't capture, helping you make the right choice for your New Brunswick lifestyle.
