The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid allows you to expand your automotive experience, combining gas and electric power while retaining the signature Toyota reliability you know and love. A huge part of why you can continue to depend on Toyota vehicles is performance, which the RAV4 Hybrid surely delivers.
The 2023 RAV4 Hybrid features Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive, providing all-weather capability and confident on-road driving dynamics. This system utilizes a dedicated electric drive motor to automatically supply power to the rear wheels for instant improvement in traction, letting you explore new grounds.
The all-wheel drive system is perfect for the city and suburbs as well, providing added peace of mind through inclement weather.
More 2023 RAV4 Hybrid Performance Highlights
The RAV4 Hybrid packs a punch with 219 combined net horsepower for great acceleration through highway speeds. Along with an EPA-estimated rating of 41 miles per gallon in the city, you can retain efficiency, as well.
Enjoy a variety of drive modes behind the wheel to tailor your experience on or off-road:
Normal Mode: utilizes both gas and electric to keep you going
Eco Mode: helps increase fuel efficiency by reducing acceleration levels
EV Mode: pulls power from the battery to maximize efficiency for short distances
Sport Mode: provides a boost in acceleration
Trail Mode: helps manage traction when in off-road settings
Those interested in enhanced power and acceleration should consider the RAV4 Hybrid SE and XSE models, featuring a sport-tuned suspension, tauter shock absorbers and springs.
Are you looking to try out the new RAV4 Hybrid for yourself? Schedule a test drive with us at our Madison, WI dealership. If you have any questions about hybrid vehicles or Electric On-Demand All-Wheel Drive, contact us online at Smart Toyota.
About Smart Motors
Founded in 1908 by O.D. Smart, Smart Motors is one of the nation’s oldest automotive dealerships, is the mid-west’s largest hybrid dealer, is Wisconsin’s Largest Toyota Certified Used Vehicle dealer and one of Wisconsin’s largest volume new Toyota dealers. Located in Madison Wisconsin, Smart Motors is Wisconsin’s only two-time President’s Cabinet Award recipient from Toyota Motor Sales for superior customer service & sales volume. More about Smart Motors.about Smart Motors.
If you’re prioritizing passenger and cargo space while wanting to maintain performance, choosing a new Toyota SUV with third row seating is a great way to go. With select models featuring third-row seating, you can get the capability you crave, while at the same time, bringing everyone and everything along for the ride.
From reliability to comfort and style, these Toyota SUVs with third-row seating tick all the necessary boxes, so you can cruise throughout Madison and far beyond without a second thought.
Toyota SUVs with Third-Row Seating
2023 Toyota 4Runner
Blazing trails with power and style, that’s the ever capable 2023 Toyota 4Runner. In addition to a third row, the Toyota 4Runner features Smart Key System with Push Button Start, Toyota Safety Sense P, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. In the world of rugged off-road SUVs, the Toyota 4Runner has been a long-standing icon. With the release of the 2023 Toyota 4Runner, Toyota continues to uphold its reputation for crafting durable, adventurous vehicles that can conquer any terrain. The latest iteration of this beloved SUV brings together enhanced performance, advanced technology, and a refreshed design, making it an irresistible choice for both off-road enthusiasts and everyday drivers seeking a touch of adventure in their lives.
2023 Toyota Highlander
Consider the new Toyota Highlander for your next SUV, with the third row of seating providing seating for up to eight passengers. Along with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, you can have peace of mind on every drive. At first glance, the 2023 Highlander exudes confidence with its striking design. Sculpted lines and a prominent grille give it an assertive stance while maintaining an aura of sophistication. LED headlights and taillights not only enhance visibility but also contribute to its modern aesthetic.
Step inside, and you’ll be greeted by a refined interior that exudes comfort and luxury. Premium materials and meticulous attention to detail create an atmosphere that rivals high-end vehicles. With spacious seating for up to eight passengers, the Highlander ensures that every journey is enjoyed in utmost comfort. Toyota has never been shy about embracing technology, and the 2023 Highlander is no exception. Whether it’s daily commuting, weekend getaways, or hauling cargo, the 2023 Highlander adapts to your lifestyle with ease. Fold-flat rear seats provide impressive cargo space, perfect for larger items. And with a towing capacity that rivals many trucks, this SUV is ready for adventure, whether you’re towing a camper or a boat.
2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Identical to its gas-powered counterpart, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid seats up to eight across three rows of seating. In a world increasingly focused on sustainability and efficiency, the automotive industry continues to evolve and adapt to meet the demands of eco-conscious consumers. The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid stands as a prime example of this evolution, seamlessly combining cutting-edge technology, comfort, and eco-friendliness in a single package. This hybrid SUV boasts an advanced hybrid powertrain that combines a fuel-efficient gasoline engine with an electric motor, allowing for an impressive blend of power and efficiency. With its intelligent energy management system, the Highlander Hybrid optimizes power distribution, seamlessly switching between the gasoline engine and electric motor to deliver a smooth and efficient driving experience. This not only translates to fewer stops at the fuel pump but also contributes to reduced carbon emissions—a win-win for both drivers and the environment. The 2023 Highlander Hybrid’s exterior design exudes elegance and modernity. Its sleek lines and aerodynamic profile not only enhance its visual appeal but also contribute to improved fuel efficiency. Signature LED headlights illuminate the road ahead while lending the vehicle a distinctive look that’s instantly recognizable. As the automotive landscape continues to change, the 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid emerges as a shining example of innovation and sustainability. It’s a vehicle that embraces the needs and desires of today’s drivers, offering a seamless blend of performance, comfort, and eco-consciousness.
2023 Toyota Sequoia
In the world of full-size SUVs, the Toyota Sequoia emerges as a true powerhouse, blending rugged durability with modern sophistication and of course, three rows of seating. With its revamped design, enhanced features, and unwavering performance, the Sequoia continues to make a bold statement in the ever-evolving automotive landscape. Step inside the Sequoia, and you’re greeted with a spacious and luxurious cabin that comfortably accommodates up to eight passengers. Premium materials and meticulous craftsmanship are evident throughout, providing a sense of refinement that elevates the driving experience. With available features like heated and ventilated seats, a panoramic moonroof, and advanced infotainment options, the Sequoia ensures that both driver and passengers travel in style and comfort. The 2023 Sequoia embraces modern technology, offering a range of features designed to keep you connected and safe on the road. The intuitive infotainment system includes a large touchscreen display with smartphone integration, allowing you to access navigation, entertainment, and communication with ease. Advanced driver-assistance features such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking provide an extra layer of safety and peace of mind. Whether you’re navigating city streets or embarking on an off-road escapade, the Sequoia is more than just an SUV—it’s a symbol of reliability and adventure rolled into one.
2024 Toyota Grand Highlander
Discover the much-anticipated 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander. This extraordinary SUV harmonizes Toyota’s renowned reliability and elegance with the capaciousness and opulent attributes expected from a premier vehicle. With a commanding and vigorous exterior design, the Grand Highlander commands attention on the road, captivating onlookers at every turn. Its contemporary appeal is accentuated by sleek LED headlights and the iconic Toyota grille, while its refined contours and aerodynamic silhouette augment its efficiency and prowess. Meticulously crafted using upscale materials, the spacious cabin guarantees a top-tier driving experience for all occupants. Accommodating up to eight passengers with generous legroom across all three rows, the Grand Highlander offers unparalleled adaptability and luxury, whether embarking on long voyages or navigating daily commutes.
Packed with cutting-edge technology and safety enhancements, encompassing an intuitive infotainment system, advanced driver-assistance mechanisms, and a panoramic sunroof, this SUV seamlessly blends convenience, entertainment, and assurance. Whether maneuvering urban streets or embarking on outdoor escapades, the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander stands as the impeccable companion, delivering exceptional performance, unmatched dependability, and a hint of opulence in every single drive.
If you’re interested in a Toyota SUV with third-row seating, schedule a test drive with us at our Madison dealership or visit us in person for a closer look. If you have any questions about our Toyota SUVs or potential financing options, be sure to contact us at Smart Motors Toyota.
About Smart Motors
Founded in 1908 by O.D. Smart, Smart Motors is one of the nation’s oldest automotive dealerships, is the mid-west’s largest hybrid dealer, is Wisconsin’s Largest Toyota Certified Used Vehicle dealer and one of Wisconsin’s largest volume new Toyota dealers. Located in Madison Wisconsin, Smart Motors is Wisconsin’s only two-time President’s Cabinet Award recipient from Toyota Motor Sales for superior customer service & sales volume. More about Smart Motors.
So what are the best vehicles in the snow? Here are some things to consider. Winter driving can be a bit of a daunting task, especially if you aren’t fully equipped with the proper tools. From winter tires to all-wheel drive to the vehicle itself, Toyota offers everything you need to best navigate any snow, sleet, or freezing rain.
If you’re in the market for a new Toyota, consider the following models, as they offer plenty of performance all year round, including winter weather.
Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 is designed to go on or off the road with available all-wheel drive and a multi-link rear suspension. Along with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 on the 2023 model, the Toyota RAV4 includes the tech you need for increased peace of mind in stressful driving environments like inclement weather.
As part of standard Multi-Terrain Select, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 features a SNOW mode, which increases traction in a given scenario. The system is designed to sense slippage and regulate wheelspin by automatically adjusting the engine throttle, brakes and drive-force distribution. In turn, this helps maximize driving performance on snowy and slippery roads.
The multi-link rear suspension in the RAV4 also enhances handling and control overall, using the vehicle’s natural body rigidity in order to keep the traction steady. The vehicle’s long, wide stance also promotes responsive handling, providing a smooth and confident ride throughout.
Toyota 4Runner
Another Toyota that is built for the tough terrain ahead, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner includes automatic modulation for the throttle and brakes with the advanced available Crawl Control (CRAWL) system.
The available electronic locking rear differential evenly distributes power to both rear wheels while the available Multi-Terrain Monitor helps increase awareness of any bumps or potential skids along the way.
The 4Runner offers nine inches of ground clearance and plenty of visibility with large, vertical windows and LED headlights. Utilize low beams, high beams and fog lamps to help navigate the snowy terrain, allowing for increased visibility in a snowstorm.
Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander is revved up and ready to go with a new 2.4-liter turbo powertrain on the 2023 model. Add Multi-Terrain Select to the Highlander to keep you in control with ever-changing road conditions.
In addition to SNOW mode, the Highlander features an anti-lock braking system, Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Traction Control to help keep peace of mind in inclement weather. The anti-lock braking system prevents your wheels from locking up from braking too often, analyzing the rotation of each wheel, and activating when one wheel stops rotating.
Electronic Brake Force Distribution regulates the brake pressure on each individual wheel, and works together with the anti-lock braking system. Meanwhile, Traction Control detects any wheel that is spinning over a slippery surface, and enables the brake on any given wheel.
Toyota Tundra
As evident by its name, the Toyota Tundra is surely ready to perform with the available electrified i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain, iFORCE twin-turbo V6 engine option and a maximum towing capacity of up to 12,000 pounds.
If you’re looking to make the most out of your Toyota Tundra in snow, consider the off-road models, which include an upgraded suspension, off-road tires, and skid plates. These, along with 8.5 inches of ground clearance, will help protect you and your vehicle in harsh snowy conditions.
People may not envision a pickup truck when they think of Toyota, but the Tundra goes to show how versatile and boundary-breaking the automotive brand can be.
Toyota Venza
The Toyota Venza utilizes advanced hybrid technology to achieve 219 horsepower, and class-leading fuel economy. Also featuring Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive, the Venza allows you to navigate through roadways safely and efficiently.
The available Panoramic View Monitor helps you check your surroundings via four total cameras – one on each side of the vehicle. If you are looking for a compromise between snow capability and hybrid efficiency, the Toyota Venza could be your go-to vehicle.
Toyota Sienna AWD
The Toyota Sienna has become iconic for its spaciousness and ever-capable performance. When it comes to snow, the Sienna is no different. Trim levels like the Sienna XSE feature a sport-tuned suspension, maximizing responsiveness and preparing you for slippery conditions.
The all-hybrid powertrain allows you to keep up with efficiency while staying winter-ready, with all-wheel drive enhancing your confidence on a given road. If you’re caught in a snowy situation, the sturdy body of the Sienna and about half a foot of ground clearance let you plow through light snow with ease.
Toyota Camry AWD
Toyota innovation is truly a wonder, and the Toyota Camry shares snow-performance technology with the bigger SUVs and trucks. With all-wheel drive enabled, the Camry is equipped to sense any slipping when driving through snow or rain. Sending up to half of the vehicle’s torque capacity to the rear wheels, your Camry smartly grips the road when you need it most.
Enjoy a sport-tuned suspension to perform on a daily basis, even without snow in the mix. While it may not be as formidable in size and stature, the Toyota Camry is prepared to keep you and yours throughout winter, thanks to the ever-impressive technology of Toyota.
Shop for a New Toyota in Madison, WI at Smart Toyota
If you’re considering a new vehicle, schedule a test drive with one of our aforementioned models. If you have any questions about a new or used vehicle, be sure to contact us. We’re happy to help.
Vehicle winterization – whether this will be your first winter in Wisconsin, or you’re born and raised in cheese-country, it’s something every Wisconsinite must prepare for. The morning temperatures are dipping below freezing, highs are lucky to break freezing, accumulating snow will soon be piling up, but have you winterized your vehicle? Thankfully, most of us only need to brave these elements for brief periods at a time, usually as long as it takes to go from a heated building to one’s vehicle and back into another heated sanctuary. But if the freezing temps, gusty winds, and icy snow in the Madison area are hard on you for the few moments you’re out, think about the brutal beating your car takes.
Does your vehicle need winterization help?
Your vehicle may have been sitting out for hours. The last thing you want to do is trudge over the frozen landscape, reach your vehicle, turn the key in the ignition, and – oh no! – all you hear is a hideous series of click-click-clicks, groans, and exhausted whirs. The engine isn’t turning over. Why didn’t you winterize your ride!?
Luis Roman, Assistant Service Manager at Smart Motors in Madison, says there’s no time like the present to start getting your vehicle in shape for the unpredictable winter season. He says every year he is asked by multiple people what the most important factors are when preparing a vehicle for the challenges winter can pose. And with the Farmers’ Almanac predicting a snowy winter with colder than normal temperatures, it is probably a good idea to take note of the winterization check list he shares with others.
Luis Roman – Assistant Service Manager
“The top item on any vehicle winterization list is fairly obvious,” he says. “It’s having a quality, fully charged, and undamaged BATTERY.”
Roman says it takes more power to start a car in the winter because battery power decreases as the temperature drops. If your battery is already having problems, your risk of breaking down or becoming stranded increases. It is recommended to have a battery with at least the vehicle manufacturers CCA rating, most hybrids will have 12 volt batteries under 400 CCA which are fine for that application
Car Battery Tester
The second and third items on Roman’s list are TIRES and BRAKES. Thankfully the cold doesn’t necessarily harm these components, but it doesn’t hurt to make sure they are in the best condition to handle the hazards of winter driving. He says most drivers don’t think about their tires until they have to swerve or brake suddenly – often with serious consequences. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about nine percent of vehicle crashes are tire-related and could be prevented with proper tire maintenance.
“All-season tires are what I recommend to most drivers,” says Roman. “They’re great for people with short commutes and little reason to veer far from the beaten path.” According to Roman, all-season tires are also very convenient, as they don’t need to be swapped out with any other set of tires seasonally.
Tire Tread Depth & Stopping Distances
“When people need to commute to and from work from a rural area, I almost always say they should go with snow tires,” says Roman. “They can swap out with their regular tires in early November or so. And having two sets of tires puts less wear and tear on both pairs, so you can have them for quite a long while.”
The fourth item on Roman’s list is WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES. He says that there are blades specifically made for winter driving, and they could really be a lifesaver.
“You really never know what winter is going to throw at you, so it’s best to be prepared,” he says. “It could be freezing rain, wintery mix, wet snow, or the car in front of you splashing your windshield with the dirty, salty slush on the road. Windshields really take a beating in the winter.”
Wisconsin Snow Plow on City Streets
The amount of debris that could potentially block your view needs to be cleared for you to be able to navigate the winter roads safely. Roman says he constantly hears about harrowing journeys drivers make with bad wipers that just smear the slush around instead of clearing it off the windshield. Or there are the wipers that don’t make contact with the windshield at all! These wipers need to be replaced for your safety and for the safety of others.
“Wiper blades are inexpensive, and many people can install them themselves,” he says. “So please check yours before the snow flies. The last thing you want to do is drive blind.”
Roman says there are a few other items that you might want to have a professional check for you before winter is in full swing:
What Should I Have My Mechanic Inspect On My Car Before Winter?
• The cooling system – Your automotive service technician can tell you what antifreeze should be used and the appropriate coolant-to-water ratio to avoid potential freezing. • Belts, hoses, spark plugs, wires and cables – While they can go bad at any time, if they do in the winter, you could be stuck in the cold for an unfortunately long period.
“These areas might seem small compared to the engine or fuel intake system, but without the small things aiding the large items, your vehicle will not function properly,” he says.
Aside from vehicle winterization, Roman says for safety reasons all motorists should have a cell phone and a phone charger handy, and drivers shouldn’t let their gas go much below a half tank in the wintertime, either. Plus he recommends keeping a worst-case-scenario-kit in your vehicle, filled with the following items:
What Items Should I Keep In My Car During Winter In Wisconsin?
• A blanket • Several heavy duty garbage bags: Can be a makeshift rain coat; keep your clothing off the wet ground when changing a tire, or to collect wet items. • A shovel • Kitty Litter – which can help aid in traction • Jumper cables or a battery-powered portable booster • Flashlight or emergency light • First aid kit • Food • Jack and spare tire: Know how to use them — practice if necessary.
About Smart Motors
Smart Motors was founded in 1908 by O.D. Smart and is one of the nation’s oldest automotive dealerships, is the mid-west’s largest hybrid dealer and one of Wisconsin’s largest volume Toyota dealers. Located at 5901 Odana Road, Smart Motors is Wisconsin’s only two-time President’s Cabinet Award recipient from Toyota Motor Sales for superior customer service & sales volume. For more information, check out their history.
Spring time in Wisconsin is like when a bear comes out of hibernation. Daytime temperatures are pushing 50 degrees, Wisconsinites are sporting shorts and short sleeve shirts, but when the winter frost leaves our roadways we are left with those pesky “potholes” which can cause damage to our vehicle’s alignment. The constant freezing and unfreezing of water on roadways can wreak havoc, forming supersize potholes destroying the underside of your vehicle. The automotive specialists at Smart Motors service department have the following advice to help prevent and notice pothole-related damage.
Visible damage is the easiest to detect, but may not be the only indication your vehicle needs some attention. One obvious sign of tire damage is when a tire ‘bulges’; which occurs when the steel/fiber ply belt in the sidewall of a tire breaks due to a heavy impact. Luis Roman, Assistant Service Manager at Smart Motors Service Center, says even if your tires don’t have bulges does not necessarily mean you are free from the damage of potholes.
Luis Roman, Assistant Service Manager
Warning Signs of Pothole Damage
If your vehicle pulls to one side, or your steering wheel is visibly off center, Roman suggests being on the safe side and schedule an appointment with a reputable automotive service center and getting an assessment. This way, the vehicle’s alignment and other signs of damage can be analyzed and fixed before they become a major problem. Repair costs can vary greatly depending on the extent of damaged parts; from a $200 strut to several thousand dollars for an entire suspension system and cradle.
Roman also offers these tips to help protect vehicles against the jarring experience of a pothole encounter:
Tips to Protect your Vehicle from Pesky Potholes
• Maintain full air pressure in all tires to provide as much cushion as possible between the pothole and the rim of the tire. Consult the vehicle owner’s manual for the correct pressure. • Watch for potholes by leaving plenty of space between your vehicle and the one in front of you. • If a pothole cannot be avoided, slow down BEFORE hitting the pothole. Hitting a pothole at high speed increases the chance of damage to tires, wheels, shocks, struts or springs. • When driving over a pothole-filled road, hold the steering wheel firmly to avoid losing control. • Do NOT brakewhen directly over a pothole. Applying the brakes causes the car’s weight to shift to the front of the wheel and can increase damage from the impact. • Beware of water that may be concealing a deep pothole.
About Smart Motors
Smart Motors was founded in 1908 by O.D. Smart and is one of the nation’s oldest automotive dealerships, is the mid-west’s largest hybrid dealer, is one of Wisconsin’s largest volume Toyota dealers and is Wisconsin’s largest Toyota Certified Used dealer. Located at 5901 Odana Road, Smart Motors is Wisconsin’s only two-time President’s Cabinet Award recipient from Toyota Motor Sales for superior customer service & sales volume. For more information visit their history page.
Consumers ‘Bang the Gong’ to celebrate the arrival of their new Toyota at Smart Toyota Madison WI.
Since early 2020, American consumers have had to come to terms with a new kind of normal. Products and services are not as plentiful as we’ve grown accustomed to. Covid-19 and the occasional freak weather patterns have wreaked havoc on a number of industries in many ways, especially in terms of shortages. The restaurant industry is struggling to hire viable and reliable employees. Grocery stores are out of products, specifically goods originating from meat-packing plants. And we all know how paper products like toilet paper were hard to come by for many months. Nearly all industries are having some growing pains adapting to the unavoidable changes taking place, including automobile manufacturers.
Madisonians have noticed the dearth of new vehicles for the past several months when they pass by Smart Toyota on Odana Road. What has been a car lot brimming with options for decades has suddenly become a sort of ghost town with only a handful or so of vehicles on the lot.
“It’s a very noticeable difference,” says Smart Toyota’s sales director Justin Jackson. “We normally have 400 or more new vehicles on the lot, but since mid-April 2021 we’ve seen a steady decline in the number of New Toyotas we have on the lot. Now we only have maybe 5 to 10 new vehicles physically at the store.”
Justin Jackson Sales Director Smart Toyota – Madison, WI
Jackson says the pandemic is partially to blame for the shortage because modern vehicles rely on computer chips which became scarce due to manufacturers reallocating them to industries other than automotive. Then, early in 2021 the issue in new vehicle manufacturing were winter storms that crippled Texas-based businesses that are critical in the manufacturing of foam for seats.
“If it’s not one thing it’s another,” says Jackson. “We’ve got the chips, but because of the power issues Texas faced in the Spring of 2021, we didn’t have enough foam padding for the seats, and today, as production ramps up, it’s supply chain and logistical issues.”
It’s Not All Doom and Gloom
Those looking to purchase a new vehicle seem to understand the slow-down in global manufacturing, Jackson says. Instead of getting upset they can’t drive off the lot with a vehicle they think is “good enough,” consumers are now more apt to customize and pre-order a vehicle specifically made to their specifications.
“It’s kind of cool how people have adapted,” says Jackson. “They might not get that prior sense of immediate gratification of new car ownership, but they get to experience something else: personalization.”
Jackson explains the process of pre-ordering has been well-received for a few reasons, one of which is the compassion the consumer feels about simple logistics as they relate to inventory issues in this day and age.
Vehicle Customization increases satisfaction
“They also really like the fact we can get them exactly what they want; from safety features and amenities, to color preference,” says Jackson. “And when their customized vehicle comes in – usually in about 45 days – they are over the moon when they see the Happy New Car Day sign bearing their name saying the car was made specifically for them. It takes ‘ownership’ to a whole new level.”
Custom Pre-Orders on the Rise
Jackson says about five percent of Smart’s new vehicle sales used to be custom ordered. Today the percentage has skyrocketed to about 50 percent of the dealership’s monthly new car sales. And, Jackson notes, when a consumer has all the customizable options at his or her disposal, no one opts for a base model in order to save a buck or two.
“Often times, though, it’s not options that are the most appealing aspect of pre-ordering,” says Jackson. “Instead, currently, there has been a surge in hybrid vehicle sales. And now in winter, AWD (all-wheel drive) vehicles will see a spike in popularity.”
If you know you are going to order a customized vehicle, Jackson says it might be best to do a little homework prior to meeting with a sales consultant.
“People take a lot of amenities for granted, but if you’re customizing, you should consider some of the following options,” he says.
Custom Pre-Order Checklist
Entertainment & Communications: think about your stereo system. Do you still need a CD player? How about satellite radio capability? Hands-free phone control? A video system? Navigation?
Comfort & Convenience: this includes upholstery, heated/cooled seats, power door locks, keyless entry, dual climate control, etc.
Safety: the simple rule of thumb is the more you can install, the more secure you’ll feel. If you can, opt for dual air bags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, cruise control, and parking assist systems.
Appearance: the most enjoyable aspect of customizing is picking out your paint, trim, and wheels.
Performance: what do you need to get from point A to point B in your daily life? A larger engine? Sport suspension? 4-wheel drive? Automatic transmission or stick?
Jackson says while customers are not complaining right now about having to customize and then wait for their new ride, he anticipates their patience won’t last forever. However, he also doesn’t see new vehicle inventory returning to “normal” in the immediate future, and with customer satisfaction currently at such a high level he’s not overly anxious about it.
“At this point, we do not see ‘ground stock’ (vehicles physically on the lot) back to our previously average levels before the end of the year,” he says. “That could change, but we really don’t see it happening until late 2022.”
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