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Santa Cruz Toyota Blog

2026 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid vs. Kia Niro PHEV: Which Is Right for You?

November 2nd, 2026 by
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The 2026 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid and the 2026 Kia Niro PHEV both offer all-electric capability for daily driving and hybrid range for longer hauls, but they arrive at that promise differently. The 2026 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid brings Toyota’s fifth-generation hybrid platform to the plug-in segment with a longer all-electric range, a more powerful…

Posted in Prius Plug-In

2026 Toyota Grand Highlander vs. Ford Explorer: Which Three-Row SUV Delivers More?

October 2nd, 2026 by
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The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander and the Ford Explorer are two of the most recognized names in the three-row SUV segment, and both make a strong case for families shopping near Capitola. The Explorer brings a lower entry price and a high-output V6 option that pushes output to 400 horsepower. But the 2026 Toyota Grand…

Posted in Grand Highlander

2026 Toyota Grand Highlander vs Honda Pilot

October 2nd, 2026 by
Toyota-Grand-Highlander-driving-in-snow

For families shopping three-row SUVs near Capitola, the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander and the Honda Pilot are two of the most capable options in the segment, and for good reason. Both seat eight, tow 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, and come loaded with the safety technology modern families expect. But there is one dimension where…

Posted in Grand Highlander

2026 Toyota RAV4 vs. Mazda CX-50: Which Compact SUV Fits Your Life?

October 2nd, 2026 by
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If you’re cross-shopping compact SUVs near Capitola, the 2026 Toyota RAV4 and the Mazda CX-50 represent two very different takes on what a great compact SUV should be. The 2026 Toyota RAV4 leads with a landmark change: every trim now runs on standard hybrid power, delivering the kind of fuel economy that was once reserved…

Posted in RAV4

2026 Toyota RAV4 vs. Kia Sportage: Which Compact SUV Is Right for You?

October 2nd, 2026 by
Front-view-of-a-2026-RAV4

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 and the Kia Sportage are two of the most popular compact SUVs on the market, and if you’re shopping near Capitola, it’s easy to see why both make the short list. But for 2026, the 2026 Toyota RAV4 made a move that changes the comparison entirely: every single trim now comes…

Posted in RAV4

Toyota Gold Certified vs. Silver Certified: Which One Is Right for You?

September 10th, 2026 by
2026 Toyota 4 Runner Red

The short answer: Gold Certified gives you more coverage for a newer vehicle; Silver Certified covers older vehicles at a lower price point and warranty level. Which one makes sense depends on the vehicle you’re buying, how long you plan to keep it, and how much the warranty difference matters to your decision. What Separates…

Posted in Awareness

Does Your Toyota Have an Open Recall?

August 26th, 2026 by

If your Toyota has an open safety recall, the repair is free — regardless of the vehicle’s age or mileage. The catch is that you have to know about it. Many Toyota owners are driving with unresolved recalls simply because they never checked. Here’s how to find out in about a minute, and what to…

Posted in Awareness

2026 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid Performance: Power Meets Eco-Efficiency

August 4th, 2026 by
2026 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid Performance

Gone are the days when driving a hybrid meant sacrificing speed and excitement. The 2026 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid shatters all old stereotypes, bringing sports-car-inspired styling and an exceptionally engaging powertrain to your daily commute through Santa Cruz County. From highway merges near Aptos to eco-conscious cruising around Capitola, this plug-in vehicle proves you can…

Posted in Prius Plug-In

2026 Toyota Tundra Price Guide: Trim Levels & Value in Santa Cruz, CA

July 21st, 2026 by
2026 Toyota Tundra pulling camper

The 2026 Toyota Tundra is one of the most capable full-size trucks on the market—and with seven trim levels ranging from a no-nonsense work truck to a luxury-grade flagship, there’s a configuration for nearly every budget. If you’re shopping in Santa Cruz and want to know exactly what your money gets you, here’s the complete…

Posted in Tundra

The Complete 2026 Toyota Tundra Maintenance Schedule: Protecting Your Investment in Santa Cruz

July 17th, 2026 by
2026-Toyota-Tundra-in-white-and-grey

You didn’t settle for an ordinary truck. The 2026 Toyota Tundra—powered by the advanced twin-turbo V6 or the i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain—is engineered to last well beyond 200,000 miles. But longevity doesn’t happen by accident. It’s earned through consistent, smart maintenance, especially here in Santa Cruz, where salt air, mountain grades, and coastal humidity create…

Posted in Tundra

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