Three of Toyota's top-selling models — the Camry midsize
sedan, the Highlander midsize crossover and the Sienna van — have won listings
on the Kelley Blue Book "15 Best Family Cars of 2015" list. The body
of judges making these selections is composed of consumer families and
editorial experts from KBB.com. Criteria used for judging car models includes
quality of driving, safety levels, degree of driving and riding comfort,
quality of child seats, amount of cargo space, grade of rear-seat entertainment
and additional features and functions. Each Toyota model won recognition and
merit for its outstanding characteristics and features.
Major Features and Benefits of the Toyota Camry
The 2015 Toyota Camry SE has a more sculpted, stylish
exterior than previous models. It commands attention and respect with its
handsome, enlarged grille detail and 18-inch black gloss alloy wheels. The
interior has padded door panels of simulated leather or suede and offers an
Entune interface with a touchscreen that's user-friendly. This midsize sedan
easily seats five passengers and comes in four trim levels as well as a hybrid
model. It has a leather-trim styled steering wheel and advanced gauges. An
optional sunroof is available, as well as a trip computer monitor display, HD
radio and satellite radio. With the convenience package, buyers get keyless
ignition and a modern rearview mirror with auto-dim feature.
Camry SE Powertrains and Overall Performance
The new Camry offers a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that
provides 178 horsepower along with 170 lb.-ft. of torque. It also comes with a
six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive as standard features.
EPA-estimated fuel economy equals 28 mpg combined. This figure averages 25 mpg
for city driving and 35 mpg for highway travel, surpassing its major
competition by 2 mpg.
Safety Features and Driving Experience of the Toyota Camry
The 2015 Camry SE is equipped with antilock disc brakes. It
also offers traction control, stability and a helpful rearview camera. This
model has full airbag protection with front and rear side bags, front and back
side curtain bags and front knee bags. During government regulated crash tests,
this Camry won an all-star rating for total crash protection. This model offers
quality upgrades in cabin space, suspension and steering. Its engine ensures rapid
acceleration, and its transmission downshifts are remarkably agile and swift.
This car offers a smooth, easy drive for relaxing and rewarding riding both in
city traffic and on the highways.
Primary Advantages and Functions of the Toyota Highlander
The 2015 Toyota Highlander crossover, now a third-generation
vehicle, is among the top competing crossover SUV designs. This family-friendly
auto comes with either front- or all-wheel drive and is available in five trim
levels. All have spacious, comfortable cabins, and second-row seating is
offered in three-across bench style or a twin captain's chair design that
includes a side table. This midsize crossover offers three rows of seats with
enough space for eight or seven passengers, depending on the trim. This SUV has
18-inch alloy wheels, heated exterior mirrors, auto-headlights, cruise control,
manually adjustable front seating and a tilting and a telescoping steering
wheel. The central touchscreen and six-speaker audio system plus voice control
and CD player are also attractive features.
Highlander Crossover Powertrains and Overall Performance
With purchase of the base Highlander LE, consumers get a
2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that offers 185 horsepower with 184 lb.-ft. of
torque. This model has front-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic
transmission. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 22 mpg combined (with 20 mpg for
city driving and 25 mpg on the highway). Since this fuel economy rate is only
slightly better than rates for the more powerful V-6 engine, many people opt
for the 3.5-liter V6, which is optional with the LE trim. The V-6 produces 270
horsepower with 248 lb.-ft. of torque. The front-wheel-drive V-6 pulls down 21
mpg combined (19 for city driving, 25 on highways). A Highlander LE
four-cylinder can tow as much as 1,500 pounds, and an LE with a V-6 engine has
towing capacity of 2,000 pounds.
Highlander Safety Features and Driving Experience
The 2015 Toyota Highlander crossover offers antilock disc
brakes, traction and stability control and a rearview camera. It also comes
with full-service airbags: front seat side airbags, front passenger seat airbag
cushion, driver knee airbag and side curtain airbags that are full-length. The
Highlander LE's three-spoke steering wheel enables precision steering, and the
compliant suspension handles extra impact on rough roads well. The spacious,
comfortable cabin of this Highlander model is quiet and peaceful, even when
traveling at accelerated speeds.
Main Features and Attractions of the Toyota Sienna
The updated 2015 Toyota Sienna shows only slight exterior
changes with enhanced grille and improved taillights. However, the underlying
structure has significant revisions this year. For example, the suspension is
improved, the body framework has been strengthened and the car's interior
design has new flair. This model retains the comfortable seats, dependable
performance and good fuel efficiency it is known for. This sporty minivan how
has an attractive, user-friendly dash display, plus higher-quality interior style.
This family-oriented minivan offers the valuable feature of all-wheel drive for
best handling in harsh weather conditions. It offers power-slide side doors,
heated mirrors and a sound system with six speakers and a 7-inch touchscreen.
The basic model has 17-inch alloy wheels, and the all-wheel-drive model has
18-inch wheels.
Powertrains and Overall Performance of the Sienna
Each Toyota Sienna is equipped with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine
producing 266 horsepower plus 245 lb.-ft. of torque. This minivan also offers a
six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. Models with all-wheel
drive are also available. In recent industry testing, EPA estimates for fuel
efficiency equaled 21 mpg combined (18 mpg for city driving and 25 mpg on
highways) for front-wheel-drive cars. With all-wheel-drive, the estimate is 19
mpg combined (16 city, 23 highway).
Sienna Safety Features and Driving Experience
Toyota Sienna owners are impressed by this model's rapid
acceleration for both city and highway driving as well as the dependable
strength of its six-speed automatic transmission. The high levels of fuel
economy this car maintains in all types of driving conditions also draw praise
from drivers. The 2015 Sienna offers quality handling enhanced by its tilt-and-telescoping
steering wheel. Overall, driver and passengers enjoy a comfortable, smooth and
relaxing drive in this modern updated vehicle.
After examining the many advanced features, functions and
advantages of these three Toyota models for 2015, it is very easy to see the
star qualities that have won them all acclaim and high placement on KBB’s “15
Best Family Cars of 2015” list.