2013 Toyota RAV4

The 2013 Toyota RAV4 will be the fourth-generation RAV4 since 1994 and is an all-new model redesigned with the latest Toyota styling that’s sure to bring the RAV4 back on top of its class.

Updates

For the first time in the RAV4s history, the new RAV4 has a conventionally top-hinged tailgate (which can be power-operated for the Limited trim), over the awkward side swinging door that used to make it slightly inconvenient to users.

The 2013 RAV4 retains its predecessor's 104.7-inch wheelbase, but it is 2 inches shorter than the outgoing model (179.9 inches) and about an inch lower (65.4 inches). The 2013 Model is slightly wider, offering 72.6 inches of width versus the 2012 model's 71.5. The maximum passenger capacity drops from seven to five due to the third row being eliminated.

Under the Hood

For 2013 Toyota is no longer offering the 268-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 engine used for the previous model.

Instead it opted to bring back the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine instead. Expect this engine to produce 176 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque.

Front wheel drive models of the 2013 Toyota RAV4 is able to achieve EPA ratings of 24/31 mpg city/highway, improving on the 22/28 mpg rating for the outgoing model. Meanwhile the all-wheel-drive RAV4 gets 22/29 mpg, a slight improvement over the third-generation model.

Trims

The 2013 RAV4 will be available three trims: LE, XLE, and Limited.

The LE trim will come equipped with 17-inch steel wheels, a six-way manually adjustable driver's seat, power windows, power side mirrors, eight airbags, a rearview camera, Bluetooth, and 60/40 split/folding second-row seats.

Those who opt for the RAV4’s XLE trim get the above features, but also add on 17-inch alloy wheels and bucket seats with side bolstering.

At the top of the 2013 RAV4 lineup, the Limited model will equip your RAV4 with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, bigger 18-inch alloy wheels, a programmable power liftgate, and an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat.

The RAV4 Limited will also offer heated front seats, as well as memory settings and power lumbar the driver's seat. The 2013 RAV4 Limited also adds on a more modern center console, featuring a standard 6.1-inch touch screen.

Conclusion

While the 2013 Toyota RAV4 faces more competition than ever in the market, we'd say the new model’s redesign will give it a nice edge over competitors.  We expect the RAV4 to maintain its place as a leader in the market.

For full pics of the 2013 RAV4 go to: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151203546191044.450045.311116776043&type=3

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2013 Toyota Corolla Vehicle Profile

The Toyota Corolla has always been the top choice for people looking to buy an inexpensive, fuel-efficient and reliable vehicle. For that reason it has sold more than 33 million since it was launched 40 years ago. 

What's New for 2013

 The Toyota Corolla is back for 2013,  receiving a few minor changes that include a revised grille and an upgraded audio system equipped with a touchscreen display for the upper trim levels.

Trims and Options

The 2013 Toyota Corolla comes available in three different trims: L, LE and S trim levels.

The base L model is standard equipped with full power accessories, keyless entry, 15-inch steel wheels, air-conditioning, a height-adjustable driver seat, a 60/40-split-folding rear seat, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a trip computer and a four-speaker sound system with a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack.

The LE takes the features mentioned above, but take it a step further by adding 16-inch steel wheels, cruise control, heated mirrors, variable intermittent wipers,  steering wheel audio controls, a six-speaker sound system with a 6-inch touchscreen display, iPod/USB connectivity and Bluetooth audio streaming. 

The S trim takes it a step even further by adding a sport-look body kit, a rear spoiler, foglights, upgraded cloth upholstery and metallic interior trim.

The LE and S trims offer an available Premium package that adds a sunroof and upgraded wheels, as well as the Premium interior package for the Corolla LE which adds an eight-way power driver seat, automatic headlights, automatic climate control and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. 

Lastly, the 2013 Toyota Corolla also offers an available touchscreen navigation system equipped with satellite radio, voice control, and smartphone app integration through Toyota's Entune system.

Under the Hood

Every 2013 Toyota Corolla comes equipped with a 1.8-liter inline-4 that produces 132 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard and a four-speed automatic is optional. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 26 mpg city/34 mpg highway and 29 mpg combined with the automatic transmission and 27/34/30 with the manual.

Interior Design and Special Features

On the inside, the Toyota Corolla's controls are easy to see and simple to use. The seats are soft and comfy, and offer plenty of room for taller drivers, while the backseat also boasts decent room and a cushy bottom. It boasts 12.3 cubic feet of trunk space, average for the class, but the trunk is fit with a wide opening, which is particularly useful if you want to load up your groceries, suitcases, etc.

Safety

Standard safety features for the 2013 Toyota Corolla include front disk and rear drum antilock brakes, stability and traction control, front side airbags and side curtain airbags. 

In government crash tests, the Corolla received an overall score of four out of five stars, with four stars for overall frontal-impact safety and five stars for overall side-impact safety. In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash testing, the Corolla earned a top score of "Good" in the frontal-offset, side and roof strength tests.

Toyota Debuts New Furia Concept at 2013 North American International Auto Show

Last week, during the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Toyota revealed a very intriguing concept called the Toyota Furia.

The exciting news to come out of this compact sedan concept is that it hints at the styling cues consumers can expect to see on the next-generation Corolla. The Furia concept came to be as a result of an exterior styling study by Toyota designers. It looks to build on the brand's product development priority to develop more dramatic and vividly designed vehicles.

When asked about the Toyota Corolla Furia concept, Bill Fay, Toyota Motor Groups vice president and general manager of the Toyota Division said: "The Corolla Furia Concept is an early indicator of where our compact car design may lead in the future…It blends a heightened emphasis on dramatic design and modern elements of high technology to generate curb appeal that will surprise a lot of people."

One look at this new design and you can definitely see the changes from the current Corolla model. The new Toyota Corolla Furia design includes a swept windshield, a sloped roofline and more prominent fender flares. It has an aggressively styled front fascia, with a blacked-out grille treatment that highlights a pair of sculpted front LED headlamps (and rear composite LED taillights) that add a sense of advanced technology to the Furia's exterior. The Corolla Furia Concept's wheel wells are equipped with Carbon fiber accents, rocker panels, and rear valance, which includes ornate metal exhaust outlet surrounds to add a sense of modern athleticism.

Toyota says that the Furia concept is designed around a theme of "Iconic Dynamism," which uses pure and simple surface elements to create a very distinct and stylish appearance in order to appeal to more youthful consumers. The Furia is Toyota’s edgier interpretation of a usually conservative compact sedan that displays a more stable, athletic stance with 19-inch allow wheels pushed to the vehicle's corners to help emphasize its long wheelbase.

Toyota Corolla Furia Concept Specs

Overall Length 4620 mm/ 181.9 inches

Overall Width 1805 mm / 71 inches

Overall Height 1425 mm / 56.1 inches

Wheelbase 2700 mm/ 106.3 inches

Wheels 19-inch aluminum alloy

What do YOU think?

The Furia concept definitely would add some “pizzazz” to the Corolla model, but what do you think? Is it too much for the Corolla’s generally conservative users or is it just what the car needs? 

Vehicle Profile: 2013 Toyota Venza

The Toyota Venza is back for 2013! This crossover was created to provide SUV capability with luxury car refinement. It delivers the perfect combination of performance, luxury, versatility and bold design.

What’s New?

For 2013, the already stylish Venza sports a refreshed front fascia with foglamps, new upper and lower grilles, and new taillamps. A new 19-inch wheel design and three new exterior colors – Attitude Black, Cypress Pearl and Cosmic Gray Mica – round out the visual changes.

Trims

The 2013 Toyota Venza (MSRP $27,700) is available in 3 different trims: LE, XLE and Limited.

The LE comes equipped with a Display Audio system with 6.1-inch touch-screen, Bluetooth® wireless technology and dual-zone climate control. An available Convenience Package adds a power liftgate and rear back-up camera. There is also a Preferred Package, which gives the Venza LE a panoramic glass roof and adds navigation and Entune® to the Display Audio system.

The Venza XLE offers a little more luxury with the addition of a leather-trimmed steering wheel, seats and shift knob, multi-stage heated front seats and the Display Audio system complete with Entune and navigation as standard equipment. An anti-theft system with alarm, the Smart Key System with Push-Button Start and the power liftgate with back-up camera are also standard on the XLE. The only option package available for the XLE is the Premium Package, which adds the panoramic glass roof and a JBL® audio system with 13 JBL Synthesis speakers including subwoofer.

The top Limited trim comes standard with the panoramic glass roof, Premium HDD Navigation with Entune and the JBL speaker system, and adds High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps with LED daytime running lights.

All Venza trims are available with a choice of front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), and all models come equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission. LE and XLE models offer your choice of a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 181 hp or a 3.5-liter V6 that puts out 268 hp. The Venza Limited is available exclusively with the V6.

Performance

Fuel economy for the FWD four-cylinder Venza is EPA-estimated at 21 mpg city/27 mpg highway, with the AWD model coming in at 20 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. V6 models return 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway for FWD and 18/25 for AWD.

For those of you looking to lug some stuff around, the 2013 Venza offers an optional Tow Prep Package for V6-equipped models, which provides a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. That is nearly the full weight of the Venza itself.

Safety

The 2013 Toyota Venza is equipped with Toyota’s Star Safety System™ which includes safety features such as Traction Control (TRAC) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) combined with advanced airbags. Antilock brakes (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and Smart Stop brake override technology (SST) are also included in the Star Safety System.

Conclusion

The 2013 Toyota Venza received substantial improvements in entertainment and connectivity from its predecessor, while remaining a comfortable, practical, and stylish pick for those who are not looking for a super rugged SUV.

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Vehicle Profile: 2013 Toyota 4Runner

The Toyota 4Runner is back for 2013!

This bad boy has the ability to seat up to seven and is offered in three available trims: the all around well-equipped SR5, the off-road-capable Trail and the luxury minded Limited.

Under the Hood

Every trim comes standard equipped with a 270-hp 4.0-liter V6 paired with a five-speed Electronically Controlled automatic Transmission with intelligence (ECT-i).

Drivetrain options for all 2013 models include rear-wheel drive (4x2), part-time four-wheel drive (4x4) and full-time multi-mode 4x4 with locking center differential. Fuel economy for the 4Runner has been EPA-estimated at 17 mpg city/22 mpg for 4x2 models, and 17 mpg city/21 mpg highway for 4x4s. New for 2013, the SR5 features a switch control for the transfer case, in place of a lever.

Trim Features

Limited trim models of the 2013 Toyota 4Runner come standard with an X-REAS suspension system that automatically adjusts to changing surfaces. The system also features a center control absorber that links the 4Runners shocks at opposite corners to reduce yaw and pitch (which would cause the vehicle to move side to side or dip forward otherwise). The benefit of the X-REAS system is that it makes the 4Runner Limited corner flatter and handle more predictably across uneven surfaces.

The 4x4 SR5 and Trail trims feature the two-speed, part-time four-wheel drive system with a neutral position, while the Limited comes with the full-time 4x4 system with the locking center differential.

The A-TRAC traction control system is standard on all 4x4 models and can send power to any one wheel in contact with the ground, making sure that power is not wasted on tires with little or no traction. Downhill Assist Control (DAC) and Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) are also standard systems on all 4x4-equipped 4Runner trims.

2013 4Runner buyers who opt for the Trail trim will have the option to upgrade to Toyota’s Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), which is an optional upgrade that allows the 4Runner to dynamically disconnect its stabilizer bars for greater suspension travel, making the 4Runner better able to negotiate difficult terrain. Also for the Trail trim is standard equipped Crawl Control (CRAWL) which acts as a low-speed throttle control, making it easier for drivers to focus on steering through rough terrain. Lastly, the Trail trim is standard equipped with a Multi-Terrain Select system which lets the driver select differing levels of wheel slip to match terrain conditions.

The Limited trim for the 2013 Toyota 4Runner brings high levels of luxury equipment as standard features for your 4Runner including: Leather seats, a standard Audio Display system equipped with navigation and Entune^®, and dual-zone climate control. There is an available JBL^® premium sound system with 15 speakers for owners who desire more audio power.

To make the 4Runner more versatile, an available third-row seat provides seven-passenger capacity, and an available pull-out cargo deck allows you to more easily load cargo. No need to worry about how much your groceries weigh either, as the shelf can support up to 440 pounds.

Safety Features

The 2013 Toyota 4Runner is equipped with the Toyota Star Safety System^™, which includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with traction control and Antilock Brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) Brake Assist (BA) and Smart Stop Technology (SST).

To make sure the car protecting you is also protected, the 2013 4Runner comes with a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The 4Runner also comes standard with Toyota Care^®, which covers normal factory-scheduled maintenance and provides 24-hour roadside assistance for two years or 25,000 miles.

Conclusion

The 2013 Toyota 4Runner offers a little bit for everybody. Whether you want a rugged, a luxury or a well rounded SUV, the Toyota 4Runner will certainly be a crowd please. MSRP for 2013 Toyota 4Runner starts at $31,340.

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2013 Toyota RAV4 Revealed

Redesigned RAV4 Debuts at Los Angeles Auto Show

Toyota gave us a tease last week, letting us know that the 2013 RAV4 was coming better than ever. The company made good on its promise last week at the Los Angeles auto show, when the company officially unveiled the redesigned soft roader.

The 2013 RAV4 will be the fourth-generation RAV4 since 1994 and is an all-new model redesigned with the latest Toyota styling, in order to bring the RAV4 back on top of its class.

2013 RAV4

Under the hood, Toyota is no longer offering the 268-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 engine, opting to bring back the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine instead. Expect this engine to produce 176 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque.

Front wheel drive models of 2013 RAV4 are expected to receive EPA ratings of 24/31 mpg city/highway, improving on the 22/28 mpg rating for the outgoing model. Expect the all-wheel-drive RAV4s to achieve 22/29 mpg, a slight improvement over the third-generation model.

Trims

The 2013 RAV4 will be available three trims: LE, XLE, and Limited.

The LE trim will come equipped with 17-inch steel wheels, a six-way manually adjustable driver's seat, power windows, power side mirrors, eight airbags, a rearview camera, Bluetooth, and 60/40 split/folding second-row seats.

Those who opt for the RAV4’s XLE trim will add on 17-inch alloy wheels and bucket seats with side bolstering.

At the top of the 2013 RAV4 lineup is the Limited model, which will equip the vehicle with bigger 18-inch alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a programmable power liftgate (for added convenience at the store), and an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat. The RAV4 Limited will also offer heated front seats, and the driver's seat has memory settings and power lumbar. The 2013 RAV4 Limited also adds on a more modern center console, featuring a standard 6.1-inch touch screen.

Updates

In a break with tradition, the new RAV4 has a conventionally top-hinged tailgate for the first time (which can now be power-operated for the Limited trim), over the awkward side swinging door that used to make it slightly inconvenient to users.

The 2013 RAV4 retains its predecessor's 104.7-inch wheelbase, but it is 2 inches shorter than the outgoing model (179.9 inches) and about an inch lower (65.4 inches). The 2013 Model is slightly wider, offering 72.6 inches of width versus the 2012 model's 71.5. The maximum passenger capacity drops from seven to five via the elimination of the third row.

Conclusion

Since it was launched 18 years ago, Toyota has sold more than 4.5 million RAV4's in 150 countries.

While the 2013 Toyota RAV4 faces more competition than ever in the market, we'd say the new model’s redesign will give it a nice edge over competitors.  We expect the RAV4 to maintain its place as a leader in the market.

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Vehicle Profile: 2013 Toyota Tacoma

Luxurious and Tough to Match 

The Toyota Tacoma is back for 2013 adding new enhancements for this model year. The new upgrades for the 2013 Toyota Tacoma look to increase the refinement of the vehicle. Look for the Tacoma to also sport a refreshed look for added visual appeal.

What’s New?

The new upgrades for 2013 help to add new levels of comfort to the interior , thanks to the Tacoma’s new Limited Package, which adds some improved interior features like SofTex^®-trimmed heated seats, a leather-trimmed steering wheel with audio controls, a Display Audio System with Entune^™ and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror with a rear camera display.

The exterior updates for the Tacoma under the Limited Package include 18-inch chrome wheels, a chrome grille surround and fog lamps, while adding a chrome rear bumper, exterior mirrors and door handles.

What Stayed?

Some features from the Tacoma’s predecessor carried over from last year, including the many customization options.

The Toyota Tacoma offers three cab sizes, two engine choices, available 4WD and multiple performance packages, making this a very customizable vehicle depending on your needs. The 2013 Tacoma’s engine choices include a 159-hp 2.7-liter four-cylinder that can be mated to a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission. The 4.0-liter V6 produces 236 hp and comes paired with a six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic.

Cabin options for the 2013 Toyota Tacoma include: a Regular Cab, Access Cab and Double Cab.

The Regular Cab and Access Cab models come standard with a 73.5-inch bed, while the Double Cab gets a shorter, 60.3-inch bed standard, though it does offer the longer bed as an option. Mileage estimates range from an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city/25 mpg highway for the Regular Cab 2.7-liter with the five-speed manual, to 16 mpg city/21 mpg highway for the 4.0-liter V6 4x4 Double Cab long bed with the five-speed automatic.

The 2013 Tacoma 4x2 Regular Cab features a Display Audio stereo with a 6.1-inch touch-screen, Bluetooth^® and USB capability. All Access Cab and Double Cab models get added features like power windows and locks. The Double Cab V6 models feature a more advanced version of the Display Audio system with seven JBL GreenEdge Synthesis speakers including a subwoofer.

Off Road and Safety

Looking to take this bad boy off into the dirt? Then you are looking for a little more capability than the standard 4x4 provides. If you are one of those drivers, Toyota offers the TRD Off-Road Package for V6 automatic models. The package includes Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), Downhill Assist Control (DAC) and a switch-activated locking rear differential. HAC controls the brakes on each wheel independently to stop the Tacoma from rolling backwards or sliding sideways when climbing a grade from a stop. DAC works by using engine braking and brake control to regulate downhill speeds.

The Tacoma, like all Toyota vehicles, features the Star Safety System^™, which includes Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, an Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist, and Smart Stop brake override technology. Each Tacoma also comes equipped with six airbags. To keep your Tacoma in optimal running condition, the standard Toyota Care covers all scheduled maintenance for two-years/25,000 miles. Free 24-hour roadside assistance is also included with Toyota Care.

The 2013 Tacoma’s refreshed look and luxury features give it an overall nicer feel, while at the same time maintaining all of the power and favorite features from the previous models.

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