Japan: Toyota Vanguard SUV
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Japan: Toyota Vanguard SUV
A new crossover/SUV for the Japan market: Toyota's Vanguard.
TOKYO — In the increasingly fluid sport-utility/crossover category, it's hard to say that Toyota has plugged a specific gap with its new Japan-market Vanguard. Let's just say the new SUV slots somewhere between Toyota's RAV4 and Highlander.
The Vanguard is 179.9 inches long and about 66.9 inches wide and comes in both five- and seven-seater versions. It is powered by either a 2.4-liter four-cylinder or a 3.5-liter V6 engine. Its styling, size and engine lineup match those of the long-wheelbase RAV4, with an additional bonus of permanent four-wheel-drive and seven-seat options.
As it is often the case in Japan-only vehicles, the Vanguard comes loaded with high-tech gadgets, including steering-assisted stability control, keyless entry and satellite navigation.
The Vanguard's price range in its home market is $23,000 to $30,000. If it is ever exported, it appears best suited to the Lexus stable.
What this means to you: Toyota apparently won't stop until it offers every imaginable size and shape of vehicle to please everyone.
The Vanguard is 179.9 inches long and about 66.9 inches wide and comes in both five- and seven-seater versions. It is powered by either a 2.4-liter four-cylinder or a 3.5-liter V6 engine. Its styling, size and engine lineup match those of the long-wheelbase RAV4, with an additional bonus of permanent four-wheel-drive and seven-seat options.
As it is often the case in Japan-only vehicles, the Vanguard comes loaded with high-tech gadgets, including steering-assisted stability control, keyless entry and satellite navigation.
The Vanguard's price range in its home market is $23,000 to $30,000. If it is ever exported, it appears best suited to the Lexus stable.
What this means to you: Toyota apparently won't stop until it offers every imaginable size and shape of vehicle to please everyone.
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AFAIK, the new Kluger/Highlander will not be offered in Japan, so I guess you can say this model somewhat fills the gap left by the Kluger in Japan.
It would certainly be silly if Toyota offered the Rav4, Vanguard, *AND* the Kluger all at the same time, but with the Kluger gone from Toyota Japan's lineup it makes sense.
It's actually an extended-wheelbase Rav 4 with more upscale interior and features and the exterior changes that you see.
It would certainly be silly if Toyota offered the Rav4, Vanguard, *AND* the Kluger all at the same time, but with the Kluger gone from Toyota Japan's lineup it makes sense.
It's actually an extended-wheelbase Rav 4 with more upscale interior and features and the exterior changes that you see.
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