Automotive
My Toyota Journey
From Corolla to Highlander and Beyond
Lately, I've found myself becoming quite the Toyota fanboy. My experience with the 2011 Toyota Corolla, followed by the 2015 Camry and 2016 Highlander, has really impressed me. These cars have offered a perfect mix of reliability, performance, and value. However, my experience with Lexus, specifically the 2007 IS250, wasn't as smooth. I had some issues with the car, but I'm chalking that up to the challenges of Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) and Direct Injection engines.
Table of Contents
Section I
Keeping the Highlander and Camry Until 2035–2036
I've decided to hold onto both the Highlander and Camry for their 20th year, which will be in 2035 and 2036 respectively. Part of this decision is due to the skyrocketing prices of new cars, but it also comes from my desire to wait for the new turbo and hybrid powertrains to mature.
The Camry and Highlander have served me well, and I want to see if Toyota's latest tech can live up to that legacy.
Section II
Watching the Hybrid & Turbo Tech Mature
The Hybrid Max T24A-FTS
Take the Hybrid Max with the new T24A-FTS setup, for example. I'm certainly impressed with the 0-60 times and performance, but I'm cautious and want to see if this new technology can match the reliability I've come to expect from my Toyota vehicles. It's a welcome sign Toyota is keeping both port & direct injectors as a nod to the problems they faced in purely direct injection motors.
Toyota typically spends 2–3 years improving on new technologies after launch — as seen in the move from 6-speed to 8-speed automatic transmissions. The same patience applies here.
I want to make sure that these new hybrid and turbocharged engines prove themselves over time before I make a leap into something new.
Section III
Next Step: A Third Car in 2028–2030
Looking ahead, I plan to add a third vehicle to the mix around 2028–2030. The Camry will continue to be my daily driver, while the Highlander will serve as my utility vehicle. But I'm already thinking about my next car, and I'm leaning toward a Mercedes-Benz GLE450e.
Mercedes-Benz GLE450e
I'm noticing MB's are getting better and I'm hoping by the 3rd or 4th year of the new 450e electric model it should work out any issues. I'm really interested in the electric-only mode for short city drives and having the option to use conventional gas for longer trips.
The plug-in hybrid approach appeals for exactly the same reason as waiting on Toyota's turbo/hybrid tech — let the early adopters surface the issues before committing.
Section IV
Full Specs
| Car | Engine | HP / Torque | Trans. | 0–60 | MPG | Wheelbase |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Highlander LE | 3.5L V6 2GR-FE | 270 hp / 248 lb-ft | 6-spd auto | 6.9 s | 19 / 25 | 109.8 in |
| 2015 Camry XLE | 2.5L I4 2AR-FE | 178 hp / 170 lb-ft | 6-spd auto | 7.9 s | 25 / 35 | 109.3 in |
| 2011 Corolla LE | 1.8L I4 2ZR-FE | 132 hp / 128 lb-ft | 4-spd auto | 9.8 s | 26 / 34 | 102.4 in |
| 2007 Lexus IS250 | 2.5L V6 4GR-FSE, RWD | 204 hp / 185 lb-ft | 6-spd auto | 7.4 s | 24 / 32 | 107.5 in |
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