Used Toyota buying guide
- 4Runner
- 4Runner Hybrid
- 86
- Avalon
- Avalon Hybrid
- bZ
- bZ Woodland
- bZ4X
- C-HR
- Camry
- Camry Hybrid
- Corolla
- Corolla Cross
- Corolla Cross Hybrid
- Corolla Hatchback
- Corolla Hybrid
- Corolla iM
- Crown
- Crown Signia
- FJ Cruiser
- GR Corolla
- Gr. Highlander Hybrid
- GR86
- Grand Highlander
- Highlander
- Highlander Hybrid
- Land Cruiser
- Matrix
- Mirai
- Prius
- Prius c
- Prius Plug In Hybrid
- Prius Prime Hybrid
- Prius v
- RAV4
- RAV4 EV
- RAV4 Hybrid
- RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid
- RAV4 Prime Plug-In
- Sequoia
- Sienna
- Sienna Autono-MaaS
- Sienna Hybrid
- Supra
- Tacoma
- Tacoma Hybrid
- Tundra
- Tundra Hybrid
- Venza
- Venza Hybrid
- Yaris
- Yaris iA
About Toyota
Toyota is a Japanese automaker known for its well-built vehicles. According to RepairPal, Toyota has above-average reliability. Its line-up includes a range of coupes, sedans, sports cars, minivans, small SUVs, large SUVs, and pickup trucks. Many models feature quiet cabins, smooth rides, advanced driver aids, and impressive fuel economy. The brand is a pioneer in the hybrid market — in 1997, it launched the first mass-produced hybrid vehicle, the Prius, which remains popular today. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrain options are now available on almost all its most popular models, including the RAV4, Camry, Corolla, Tacoma, and Tundra.
What CarMax customers like
Fuel Economy
Reliability
Ride and Handling
What CarMax customers don’t like
Fuel Economy
Technology and Entertainment
Cabin Noise
Toyota FAQs
Yes, it can be a good idea to buy a used Toyota. The brand offers a wide array of vehicles to fit different needs and styles, ranging from sporty sedans and sleek electric vehicles to SUVs and trucks. CarMax offers access to a nationwide inventory of used Toyotas and other vehicles. Once you find the right car for you, CarMax can even deliver it to your home.
Used Toyotas can have as little as a few hundred miles to tens of thousands of miles, and still be great vehicles with a lot of life left in them. When shopping for a used car, be sure to check the vehicle’s mileage and maintenance record to find the right option for you.
The best Toyota vehicles to buy second-hand include the 2012-2015 RAV4, 2012-2019 Prius C, 2013-2017 Accord, 2014-2019 Highlander, and the 2015-2019 Tacoma, according to RepairPal reliability data. However, you can shop for many other models and years of Toyota vehicles, so research which one fits your needs.
Before buying a Toyota, it’s helpful to research the models and trims to see which option fits your lifestyle and budget. It’s also important to check the vehicle history, schedule a professional inspection, and take it on a test drive.
The top five Toyota models by sales include the RAV4, Camry, Corolla, Tacoma, and Tundra. While these are the most popular vehicles, Toyota makes a variety of cars, trucks, and SUVs. Research the available models to see which one is right for you.
The Toyota Corolla Hatchback and the Toyota Prius are two of the best in the Toyota lineup for families because of their versatile cargo space. The 2026 Corolla Hatchback comes standard with 17.8 cu-ft of cargo space, enough for strollers, scooters, and other kids' essentials. The 2026 Toyota Prius comes standard with 23.8 cu-ft of cargo space (though in higher trims, the cargo space drops to 20.3 cu-ft). The Prius also comes standard with a rear-seat reminder, a bell that reminds drivers to check the rear seat if the back doors have been opened.
Toyota currently makes 12 different SUVs, so there's sure to be one to fit your needs. The smallest are the Toyota Corolla Cross and the Corolla Cross Hybrid, compact SUVs that seat five. The Toyota RAV4, fully electric Toyota bZ4X, and hybrid Toyota Crown Signia also seat five, as does the Toyota Land Cruiser (and Land Cruiser Hybrid), which are built with off-roading in mind. The Toyota 4Runner (and 4Runner Hybrid) is also off-road ready, with the option to seat up to seven people. Looking for a three-row Toyota SUV? Check out the Highlander, Grand Highlander (also available as the Grand Highlander Hybrid), and Toyota Sequoia (the largest Toyota SUV), which all seat up to eight people.
Toyota offers two off-road SUVs: the Toyota Land Cruiser and Toyota 4Runner. One key difference is that the Land Cruiser seats a maximum of five people, whereas the 4Runner can seat up to seven. Both offer hybrid options: the 4Runner Hybrid and Land Cruiser Hybrid. If you don't need the extra seats, the Land Cruiser stands out, offering a higher ground clearance, locking rear differential, skid plates, and more.
The best Toyota truck for overlanding is one that has the available TRD Pro package. That's an available option on both the Toyota Tundra and the Toyota Tacoma (as well as the Toyota Sequoia and Toyota 4Runner SUVs). With the TRD Pro trim, you can expect off-road-ready features, including off-road suspension, dampening seats, and TK. Some trims, like the Tacoma TRD Pro Trailhunter, have additional features that are convenient for camping, like bed lights and an integrated air compressor.
1. Toyota Corolla
CarMax owner rating
2. Toyota RAV4
CarMax owner rating
Pros
Quiet and comfortable ride
Capacious cabin for passengers and cargo
Excellent off-road capabilities
Cons
Mediocre acceleration
Steering on road feels vague
Rugged styling might not be for everyone
Compare Used Toyota Models
The Toyota Camry and RAV4 are great options if you're looking for a practical vehicle that can haul five passengers around town and on road trips. The 2026 Camry and RAV4 both come equipped with adaptive cruise control and other driver-assist features, including lane departure warning and pedestrian detection. Both vehicles also have optional AWD. Where the RAV4 and Camry diverge is in their design and size. The RAV4 is a compact SUV, while the Camry is a midsize sedan. The 2026 RAV4 also has an estimated towing capacity of 3,500 pounds with the hybrid engine, when properly equipped.
Meanwhile, the Camry isn't designed for any significant towing.You can view more similarities and differences between the Camry and RAV4 using our comparison tool here.
The 2026 Toyota Highlander and 4Runner are both SUVs with available AWD, but that's where their similarities end. The Highlander is a more refined and family-friendly SUV with seating for seven or eight. Conversely, the 4Runner is more rugged with its body-on-frame platform. It seats five unless you choose the optional third row, has higher ground clearance, and offers optional off-road packages. The 2026 4Runner's 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder engine also has a maximum estimated towing capacity of 6,000 pounds.
The 2026 Highlander's turbocharged 2.4L four-cylinder engine is slightly less capable, with an estimated towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. While both are great commuters, choose the 4Runner if you're looking for a little off-road fun on the weekends.You can compare these SUVs — and more — here.
The Toyota RAV4 and 4Runner are two very different SUVs, with the RAV4's compact crossover size more suited for city commutes and comfortable highway cruising. Meanwhile, the 4Runner's large size and body-on-frame platform make it far more suitable for rugged off-roading. Both the 2026 RAV4 and 4Runner have optional AWD, and come standard with driver-assist features including lane-departure warning and blind-spot monitoring. If you want the option of off-roading, available third-row seating, and an estimated towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds (with the turbocharged 2.4L four-cylinder engine, when properly equipped), the 2026 Toyota 4Runner is the way to go.
Click here to compare more vehicles.
The Toyota Highlander and the Sienna don't share many overlapping traits, except that they both have third-row seating for up to eight passengers. The Highlander is a midsize SUV that's great for commuting, while the Sienna minivan is ideal for maximizing cargo and passenger space. The 2026 Toyota Highlander and Sienna both have available AWD, but the Highlander's 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder engine offers an estimated towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
On the other hand, the Sienna's 2.5L four-cylinder hybrid engine has an estimated 3,500-pound capacity when properly equipped. If long road trips with the family are a priority, the Sienna is the best choice. But if you want to maximize your versatility while keeping the third-row seating, then opt for the Highlander.Compare more vehicles here.
The Corolla and Camry are two of Toyota's signature sedans, each offering room for five passengers and optional all-wheel drive. The primary difference between the two is size: the Camry's midsize cabin is the go-to choice if you want the most space and a more comfortable ride. The compact Corolla is more focused on value. The newly redesigned 2026 Camry has four trim levels to choose from — compared to seven for the Corolla — and is only available as a hybrid. You'll also find more standard equipment on the 2026 Camry, including navigation and keyless entry, as well as a more powerful 2.5L 225-hp engine.
Click here to view more vehicle similarities and differences.
Toyota's Tacoma and Tundra are both fantastic pickup truck options, whether you're headed to the work site, hauling the family on your next excursion, or want to do a little off-roading. The main difference between the two is that the Tundra is a full-size pickup with a wider bed and more passenger room. The 2026 Tundra also has more towing capacity, with its 3.4L 389-hp engine capable of towing an estimated 12,000 pounds when properly equipped..
That's versus the 2026 Tacoma's 2.4L 278-hp engine's estimated 6,500 pounds of capacity when properly equipped. Both have a four-wheel-drive option, but the Tacoma has a long history of off-road ability, particularly with the TRD Off-Road trim levels.To compare these two pickups and many more vehicles, click here.
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RepairPal reliability ratings
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings.
Unless otherwise noted, information related to these featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities. We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of 3/18/2025. Learn more at repairpal.com/reliability.
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Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
Unless otherwise noted, information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities. By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.
We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.