YotaTech Takes a Look Back at an Incredible 2019
New models and a faithful following of Toyota’s legendary off-roaders summarize the year for YotaTech.
As a new decade begins, we can’t help but look back at the road behind us. In 2019 we had a great amount of solid Toyota action to keep us fans happy, and clamoring for more. We saw new models roll out, cool modified rides, off-road kicks, racing, drifting, and hooning fun; and so many remarkable trucks.
YotaTech picked some our favorite highlights from the past year. From shiny new rigs to a continued rabid desire for boxy old trucks, we saw a great variation in what rolled off the lines, and off our own pages. Here are some of our favorite stories of the year.
NASCAR Rookie Hailie Deegan Takes to the Sky with Her Toyota Tacoma
Toyota racing has been active in off-road and the NASCAR circuit. One of Toyota’s recruits, Hailie Deegan, did some off-road demonstration in a Tacoma. Both pavement and dirt are part of Deegan’s experience. And that hard landing just shows how tough a Tacoma really is.
YotaTech Tours Toyota’s Tahara Plant, Home of 4Runner & Land Cruiser
Ever wonder what it is like to see behind the scenes at the factory that makes your favorite truck? YotaTech visited the Tahara plant in Japan to see all the inner workings. Rather than cars, this plant makes the 4Runner, Land Cruiser, Lexus GX, and more, meaning we felt right at home, even when we were thousands of miles away.
2020 Toyota 4Runner is Revamped & Off-road Ready
If a regular 4Runner wasn’t enough for you, then the TRD Pro edition might just fit the bill. Toyota’s Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System is great for off-roading, allowing more wheel travel and softer settings at low speed, and limited body roll at higher speeds.
Toyota 4×4 Lineup Decorates List of Least-depreciating Vehicles
We all love a good value, and yet again Toyota rates as one of the leading manufacturers in value retention across its line. The Toyota Tacoma, Tundra and 4Runner all held values well, with depreciation of 32.0%, 35.9% and 36.5% respectively. Capabilities are one of Toyota’s strong points, and being capable of retaining value is high on that list.
Toyota’s Legendary Land Cruiser Celebrates 7 Decades of Success
Toyota gave Land Cruiser enthusiasts something to lust after with the 2020 Heritage Edition. Ten million Land Cruisers have been sold in its lifetime which stretches back to 1958. Bronze wheels and special bespoke interior appointments set this milestone Land Cruiser apart from the rest.
Toyota Posts Best-ever November, with Truck Sales Up 10.6%
Rounding out the year on a high note, Toyota announced their best November sales month ever, especially with trucks. Toyota Motor North America, which puts Lexus and Toyota under one umbrella announced a 9.2% sales volume increase compared to November of 2018. Toyota SUV and light truck sales increased by 14.1% and 8.3% respectively.
Toyota Pickup Recreates Toy Story‘s Pizza Planet Delivery Truck
The fanbase for older Toyota trucks is just as strong, as the admiration for new goodies from TRD. Keen eyed Toyota fans who have seen Toy Story might know of this truck. Obviously, Pixar’s creation was never actually real, but one faithful recreation was spotted by YotaTech at the 2019 Nitto Auto Enthusiast day. Its a faithful reproduction of the Pizza Planet delivery truck, all the way down to the “YO” on the tailgate!
Flawless 1983 Toyota SR5 Shines on the Auction Block
The clamoring for clean Toyota trucks from the 80’s is reaching a fever pitch. Restored, and with perfect 80’s color tones, this tan SR5 is ready to bomb some dunes or draw attention at your local cars and coffee. At $33,000, its a bit pricey, but it is still a lot of truck for the money.
1987 4Runner SR5 Turbo Restoration Project Is Crazy Satisfying
What if you’d rather restore an SR5 rather than buy one? Well you can do that too. On our forum you’ll find restorations like this SR5 Turbo. Done mostly at home, this is a real-world restoration that most of us could pull off. We’d love to see more trucks this clean.
Lifted 4Runner Runs the Quarter with Supra Power Under the Hood
Here’s a place where a 4Runner seems a bit out of place. And yet, it works so well. Powered by a 1JZ Supra motor with a 66mm turbo, this 4Runner can embarrass many modern “sports” cars that claim to be fast. In fact, this 4Runner bagged a 10.88 run. That’s enough to scare away a new mid-engined Corvette.
Hilux on Ebay Is a Textbook-example Survivor
Just like the tan SR5 from above, this Hilux sold for a pretty penny. In fact, it went for $38,000 dollars. The price may be eye opening for some, but perhaps it is a sign of a pending up-swing on values for these kinds of trucks. Then again, this one looks absolutely immaculate, which can justify a few of those dollars.
Join the YotaTech forums now!
