Advanced driving system included

you can hammer up to about 20 mph before it moves to the bands and pulley of the CVT. This “dynamic-shift CVT” then has a 10- speed, umm, simulator that can be drawn out for higher revs with small paddle shifters. A sport mode also enhances more urgent driving. It does not drone like other CVTs. It would have been fun to test the six-speed manual ($1,100 less), but the vast majority will opt for the CVT.

It’s not fast, but it’s not dull. And we averaged 33 mpg. The handling was pleasantly surprising. It can be pushed, and the uncluttered design of the cabin puts the driver in a pushing state of mind.

The interior is where the XSE stands out. The light gray and black trim pieces soften the sharp blue exterior, and the climate controls are one narrow line of buttons. The 8-inch touch screen is embedded like an iPad in the dash, but it has a volume and tuner knob and a super clear backup camera. The steering wheel controls and 7-inch display in the instrument cluster let you avoid the touch screen for the most part. Toyota Safety Sense comes standard. The suite of advanced driver assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking and lane keep assist would cost anywhere from $ 1,000 to $2,000 from other automakers.

It includes all the dings, pings and zings for free as well. If you go over the speed limit, you get a ding. If your passengers don’t buckle up, ping. If you leave hands off the wheel long enough, zing.