Is Toyota More Innovative Than a Software Company?

Honored to be recognized by @MIT @techreview as one of the 50 Smartest Companies! https://t.co/B7S0q5Iovm pic.twitter.com/bN2VIoJhD3

— Toyota USA (@Toyota) June 22, 2016

Toyota was the only one of two automakers to appear on MIT Technology Review's 50 Smartest Companies of 2016 list. This list is an editor's pick of 50 companies from all over the world that best demonstrate innovation.

Toyota ranked 17th on the list, ahead of Microsoft, IBM, and Intel.

"We're very grateful to be recognized by MIT, one of the finest educational institutions in the world," said Toyota North America's CEO, Jim Lentz. "Toyota's scientists are committed to innovation and leading the way to a future of mobility that is cleaner, safer, and provides freedom of mobility for all. In the spirit of kaizen, Toyota is committed to improving every day in the service of our customers and society."

MIT was impressed with Toyota for developing one of the first mass-produced hydrogen-fuel cell vehicles ever, as well as making a $1 billion investment into artificial intelligence and robotics research. The United States Patent and Trademark Office has also awarded Toyota more patents than any other automaker over the last eight years, according to the Intellectual Property Owners Association, with 1,636 given in 2015 alone.

If Toyota is one of the smartest companies in the world, then are new Toyota vehicles the smartest cars? Decide for yourself with a test drive at Larry H. Miller American Toyota Albuquerque.