With skyrocketing vehicle prices and inflation, there has never been a better time to consider the benefits of a Certified Pre-Owned Toyota. Toyota has a wealth of excellent vehicles, in every category, from sedans to SUVs, to workhorse pickup trucks. Recent-year models from leases are often returned at the end of the lease term or sold back within just a few years of rolling off the assembly line. These Toyotas make for prime Certified Pre-Owned cars thanks to their low mileage, modern features, and good condition.
If you’re unfamiliar with the Certified Pre-Owned category, it’s an excellent choice for drivers looking to upgrade to a budget-friendly yet newer ride. CPO cars stand out from the pack because of the high standards they have to meet to qualify for the CPO label. While it varies from dealership to dealership, most certified Toyota dealers will qualify their vehicles through rigorous, multi-point inspections, title checks, and mileage and age caps. The vehicles must pass these inspections, complete necessary repairs, and be reconditioned in preparation for the next buyer.
There are many benefits to going the CPO route. These high-quality vehicles feature many of today’s best technologies since they are generally only a few years old. You’ll save thousands simply because a Toyota has had a previous owner, even with very few miles on the odometer. CPO vehicles are a great way for anyone shopping for an updated vehicle while still looking to score a great deal. Plus, most CPO vehicles still qualify for financing and extended warranty programs to protect you throughout your ownership.
Why Toyota?
There couldn’t be a better brand to shop CPO inventory. Toyotas are notoriously reliable and long-lasting, with many still seen on the road decades after their initial debut off the assembly line. With proper care, a Toyota can easily last with well over six figures on the odometer. Toyotas are also very affordable to buy and maintain. Even when one does need repair, Toyota parts are relatively low cost, as is the labor to work on them relative to other automotive brands. Toyota builds excellent vehicles in every segment, so narrowing down which one best suits your needs may be tricky. We took a look at some recent models that are likely to appear in your local dealership CPO sections and rounded up a few favorites. Keep reading to learn about three certified Toyotas that break the mold.
2021 Toyota Highlander
It’s no surprise Toyota is a top choice for families thanks to its reliability and budget-friendly lineup. Any busy family would benefit from the size and comfort of a larger SUV like the Highlander. The 2021 Highlanders are rapidly becoming available as CPOs, answering the needs of families looking for a vehicle for the next stage of their lives. Highlights of the 2021 Highlander include an extensive suite of safety and driver assistance features, two excellent available powertrain options, and tons of space for you and your passengers.
In 2021, Toyota upgraded the exterior styling of the Highlander by adding black accents and unique 20-inch wheels. The sportier look comes with better suspension and LED headlamps. Seven trim levels offer quality features, comfortable materials, and convenient cabin extras. The ‘21 Highlander’s standard engine is a 3.5L V6 with an 8-speed automatic transmission. This setup delivers a speedy 295 hp and can be found in either front-wheel drive or an all-wheel drive system. If that engine doesn’t suit you, there is a hybrid alternative. The 2.5L V4 is situated between two electric motors that offer a combined 243 hp. The hybrid powertrain comes with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and front or all-wheel drive. The hybrid delivers 243 hp and an EPA-estimated 36 MPG combined city and highway.
There is generous space inside the 2021 Highlander. This midsize SUV comes with three rows of seating, with an easy-to-use fold-down third row for additional cargo space, granting you a total of 48.4 cu.ft. Two shelves in the dash help hold your smaller items like keys and cell phones. As part of the latest generation of Highlanders, this model comes with plenty of innovative tech, from the infotainment center to the safety and driver assistance features. Enjoy the peace of mind of a five-star crash test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and a top safety pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
2020 Toyota Camry
It’s no secret that the Camry has been one of the best-selling sedans for decades. The 2020 model can be easily found with low mileage and is available certified at many Toyota dealerships. With three powertrain options, innovative cabin features, and plenty of safety tech, this Camry continues the legacy of other models that came before it. Toyota spruced up the 2020 with re-tuned dampers, better anti-roll bars, improvements to the chassis, wider lightweight wheels and summer tires, and a refreshed, more aerodynamic exterior.
Every level of the 2020 Camry is budget-friendly, even at the highest trim. The standard engine is a four-cylinder with an 8-speed automatic transmission that works flawlessly at any speed. A Camry hybrid engine works simultaneously with two electric motors and delivers an impressive 53 MPG highway and 51 MPG city. Finally, the most exciting 2020 Camry powertrain features a 3.6L V6 with an output of 301 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque. Depending on your preferences, you can find one in front-wheel drive or with an all-wheel drive system.
2021 Toyota Tacoma
Fans of Toyota trucks shouldn’t sleep on a certified Tacoma. The 2021 model features many of the latest technological advancements of the Tacoma but with a more budget-friendly price tag. Reliable and versatile, this truck merges classic Toyota quality with off-roading prowess and an attractive, rugged exterior. This midsize pickup truck will satisfy drivers looking for a durable work truck or those looking for a daily driver that can seamlessly function as a family vehicle.
The 2021 model comes with either a V4 or a V6, sturdy suspension, and quality handling that stands out from the pack. For a little more wow-factor, you can find the 3.5L V6 as it gives more power: 278 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque. It comes with beefy tires that can handle various terrains, perfect for off-roading. Plus, it can tow up to 6,800 lbs. Choose from a manual six-speed transmission or the automatic alternative. You can find the ‘21 model with a five-foot or six-foot truck bed, and the tailgate is dependable and easy to operate.
CPO Toyotas
The 2021 Tacoma, the 2021 Highlander, and the 2020 Camry are examples of exceptional certified Toyotas circulating in the automotive market today. These vehicles come backed by Toyota’s unbeatable record of reliability and value. But best of all, going the certified route gets you a vehicle that has been quality checked, passing inspections and rigorous multi-point inspections. Clear title checks and low mileage make a CPO even more advantageous. Many dealerships will sell you CPO Toyotas with extended warranty programs to keep you confident in your purchase. You can keep any of these vehicles running for decades with the proper care. It’s no surprise Toyota is thriving as a brand and will continue to release top-of-the-line vehicles for generations to drive and love.
