Kelley Blue Book’s List of 10 Best Family Cars includes the Toyota Prius v and Avalon!

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The list of 10 Best Family Cars is made annually by KBB.com editors to highlight vehicles that address the unique family specifications and situations while offering innovation.

Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com, said “Our annual list is aimed at helping families find the right ride and always include something for everyone, with a special no to what is new”.

The 2013 Toyota Avalon has an EPA estimated 21 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. The Avalon is a new direction for Toyota, and they’re doing it with style. The interior of the Avalon is meticulously crafted with leather-trimmed seats, soft-touch materials and French stitching help create a pleasant and enjoyable environment.  It comes with a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 268 horsepower.  The KBB.com editors said the 2013 Toyota Avalon is “renowned for its spacious interior quarters, abundance of luxury features and sofa-soft ride, the fully redesigned Toyota Avalon can now add “high style” to its list of highlights. In addition, laudable fuel economy coupled with an exemplary reputation for reliability and quality, make the 2013 Avalon a smart buy for today’s value-conscious family”.

The 2013 Toyota Prius v has a versatile interior to hold all of your families after school and weekend activities. The Hybrid has EPA estimated 44 mpg city and 40 mpg highway. The Prius v comes with the Star Safety System which is a suite of advanced safety features that includes Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist, Smart Stop Technology, and Anti-Lock Brake System. The KBB.com editors said “Let’s say you love Toyota vehicles and want the exceptional fuel economy of a hybrid, but the standard Prius just isn’t big enough. Then consider the 2013 Prius v, which comes jam-packed with all the Prius-ness you crave while also offering roughly 50 percent more cargo space. Yes, plus-sizing the Prius cuts combined fuel economy from 50 mpg to 42 mpg, but among family-friendly vehicles the Prius v remains a mileage champ.”

Route 44 Toyota is proud to carry the 2013 Toyota Avalon and Prius v. For more information on these models, please visit our website.

The 2013 Toyota Prius c Makes Vacationing More Enjoyable!

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With summer right around the corner, that means family vacation isn’t far away either. If you have trouble packing everything into your car, we have the solution for you. The 2013 Toyota Prius c is the answer to all of your problems. It’s versatile, eco-advanced, and safe. It Toyota Prius c is sure to help you on your vacationing endeavors.

The 2013 Toyota Prius c has a 1.5-liter aluminum 16-valve engine and has an EPA estimated 53 mpg city and 46 mpg highway. It has Display Audio with Navigation and Entune which includes a 6.1-inch touch screen. It also comes with Bluetooth and has USB and auxiliary inputs for your iPod, iPhone, or even iPad.  The Prius c is one of the most versatile Prius’ yet with 60/40 split rear sits to help pack up all your luggage and souvenirs for the ride home. It has a cargo area of 17.1 cubic feet behind the rear seats to hold all of your family’s necessities for everyday.

The 2013 Toyota Prius c is available in four trim levels to best suit you and your family’s needs. Whether you’re taking a family vacation or are just looking for a new ride the Prius c is sure to please! Route 44 Toyota is proud to carry the Prius c and all other models in the Prius family. For more information, please click here.

The 2013 Toyota RAV4 SUV has and Early Sales Surge!

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The 2013 Toyota RAV4 has seen a surge in sales for the SUV. This is now the fastest growing segment in the auto industry.

The RAV4 sales have increased ever since the newly designed model began making way to Toyota dealerships back in January. After its first full month in showrooms the RAV4 sales increased by ten percent over the same period last year. The new model made up 65% of all RAV4 sales.  The RAV4 is in high demand right now and Toyota dealers expect the sales to continue to climb as full production continues. April sales increased 17% over the same period last year and they are up almost 9 percent for the entire year, thus far.

Bill Fay, group vice president and general manager, Toyota Division, said “When developing the new RAV4 we spent a lot of time talking to consumers to understand what they wanted and needed in a small SUV”. He went on to say, “We have met those needs and now, since its launch, the new RAV4 is one of the fastest selling vehicles in the Toyota line-up”.

Route 44 Toyota is proud to have a selection of 2013 RAV4 inventory. To check our inventory and find the perfect RAV4 for you, click here for the complete inventory.

 

2014 Toyota 4Runner Now With a Rugged Exterior

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The 2014 Toyota 4Runner was revealed this past Saturday. The 4Runner is now in its fifth-generation and it combines the rugged body-on-frame construction with comprehensive suspension technology. This allows it to obtain optimal off-road capability with a smooth ride and comfort that is more commonly associated with crossovers.  This fifth-generation mid-size SUV gets an updated, rugged exterior design and interior refinements that adds comfort and convenience. The SUV’s performance capability and value remain un-sacrificed.

The 2014 4Runner is available in three trim levels: the well-equipped, value driven SRS, the top-of-the line Limited and the Trail grade for those who really want to maximize the off-road capability. With the optional third-row seats on SR5 and Limited, they can have a seven-person capacity. The 4Runner owners will have the choice of a rear wheel 4×2, part-time 4×4 or a full-time multi-mode 4×4 with a locking center differential. All models are equipped with the powerful 4.0-liter V6 engine that produces 270-horsepower. It is teamed with a five-speed ECT-i automatic transmission.

The 2014 Toyota 4Runner will be available in Route 44 Toyota later this year.

Toyota’s 2014 4Runner will debut this Saturday April 27!

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The 2014 4Runner by Toyota will be getting stylish refreshment that it is out of the ordinary for the Japanese automaker. Toyota will be launching the 2014 4Runner this Saturday April 27th at the 2013 Stagecoach Music Festival which is held in Indio, California.

The 4Runner seems to be getting a bolder or in-your-face design. This is the first time that Toyota is unveiling a product at a music festival.  There haven’t been a lot of photos leaked of the new model. The new headlights break from the rectangular shape present on the current model for an edgier scalloped shape. Underneath the headlights are vertical air inlets, but Toyota hasn’t disclosed if they are on every model or just certain trim levels.

At the festival, Toyota will have legendary off-road driver Ivan “Ironman” Stewart at the show. They will also offer an off-road driving course for people to drive Toyota trucks and SUVs.

For more information on Toyota vehicles, visit our website, inventory, or model highlights page.

Teen Drivers Gain Confidence and Driving Skills from Toyota’s Teen Safe Driving Program

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Toyota continues to offer its free-of-charge safe driving skill s program, Toyota Driving Expectations, and comprehensive online resources with the goal of reducing motor vehicle crashes. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among teens.  The upcoming behind-the-wheel safety events will be held in Torrance, California, Denver, Colorado, and San Antonia, Texas for newly licensed or permitted teens and their parents to learn about defensive driving skills, the dangers of distracted driving, and crash avoidance techniques. Each event will last for around 2.5 hours.

Toyota Driving Expectations is entering its 10th year and focuses on preparing inexperienced drivers for the challenges they will face on the road.  Toyota realizes the importance of parents’ involvement to help their teens drive responsibly. The program requires each teen to have a parent or guardian present.

Michael Rouse, Toyota’s vice president of diversity, philanthropy and community affairs, said “Safer drivers lead to safer roads, so Toyota is committed to helping educate and empower teens and parents around smart driving choices. Through our safe driving programs, partnerships and online resources, we hope more young drivers will absorb the sobering lessons of distracted driving and learn key skills to keep themselves safe behind the wheel”.

For more information on Toyota’s Driving Expectations visit www.toyotadrivingexpectations.com and www.toyotateendriver.com.

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month!

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April is not only car care awareness month, but it is now Distracted Driving Awareness Month.  Toyota has partned with Teen Vogue, the hip teenager magazine, to create a campaign called “Arrive in Style”. The campaign has launched, if you want more information on that specific campaign, please visit www.teenvogue.com/arriveinstyle.

In theme with this month, we thought it would be best to help educate not only teenagers about distracted driving, but everyone. Here are some tips to help reduce distracted driving:

-Think Before You Drive

-Plan in advance – avoiding eating, drinking, or making phone calls while in the car. If you have to leave a littler earlier to be less stressed, do so.

-If you have children, make sure they are comfortable and properly buckled up. Give them something to do to remain occupied.

-Be familiar with the equipment in your car like your stereo. This will help with muscle memory and not having to glance away from the road.

-Stay Focused and Pay Attention

-Limit interaction with passengers. Passengers can be one of the biggest distractions, we’re not saying don’t have fun, just don’t get crazy either.

-Do not talk on a cell phone while driving. This includes hands-free devices. Your mind will not be focused on driving, but rather what the other person is saying.

-Do not text while driving – this is most common with younger drivers.

-Avoid Driver Fatigue

-Stay focused on the road.

-Don’t daydream

-Don’t drive if you are tired

-On longer road trips, share the driving responsibility.

-Don’t Drive When Angry or Upset

-Postpone heated or emotional conversations with passengers until you have arrived at your destination.

-If you are too upset to drive, just pull over until you feel you are able to continue on.

-Drive Defensively

-Avoid “gawking” or slowing down to look at an accident or other activity.

-Be vigilant for construction workers, changing traffic patterns, and approaching emergency vehicles.

-Be prepared for poor driving conditions. If the weather is bad, give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination.

These are some helpful tips on distracted driving and how to avoid it. Please share with your family and friends to help raise awareness of Distracted Drivers Awareness Month!

2014 Toyota Highlander has been Unveiled!

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Last week, Toyota unveiled the 2014 Highlander in New York. Critics have already said this is sure to be a heavyweight in the mid-size crossover segment.

This is the third generation for the Highlander and it comes in three different powertrain options. The base model is powered by a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. The middle model offers a 3.5-liter V6 that is also paired with the 6AT. This model however, available in either front- or all-wheel drive. Lastly is the Highlander Hybrid that is an all-wheel drive model with a 3.5-liter V6 paired with an electric motor. The engine and electric motor are hooked up to the continuously variable transmission, or CVT.

The interior of the new Highlander is now able to seat eight humans. It has three rows of seating and it is easier to access through the sliding second-row point of entry.  This is something that has been a long time coming for the crossover.

Toyota said the Highlander should be available in dealers in the first part of 2014 and pricing has not be finalized yet.

Toyota Tundra and a Space Shuttle

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80 tons, that’s roughly how much the Space Shuttle Endeavour weighs.  That’s nothing for a Tundra.

You may recall that last October, a 2012 Toyota Tundra towed the shuttle from the LAX airport to its new resting place, the California Science Center.  Other than an amazing feat of technological strength, what does Toyota have to do with a shuttle?

Toyota has been sponsoring the California Science Center for quite some time in hopes of attracting a younger generation to become interested in science and innovative processes.   Toyota also ran a very successful Twitter charity campaign in association with the event, donating $50 for every tweet about the event; and wanted to promote the Tundra’s American roots.

The entire event has been documented on this neat video for those hardened skeptics.

If you’re interested in purchasing a Toyota Tundra, we invite you to stop by Route 44 Toyota to browse our inventory.  However, we do advise that you not attempt to tow a space shuttle, though we would be impressed if you could get your hands on one.

Toyota’s Prius and Highlander Hybrid: U.S. News and World Report’s Best Cars for the Families

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The Toyota Prius and Highlander Hybrid have earned category honors as part of the U.S. News and World Report’s Best Cars for Families awards.

The 2013 Toyota Prius was number one in the Hatchback for families and the 2013 Highlander Hybrid took the category for the Best Hybrid SUV for families’ award, for the third year in a row might we add.

The Best Cars for Families awards combine quality, size and family-friendly features into a composite score. Quality can be hard to determine so they use a weighted average score form the U.S. News rankings at the time that the awards are being announced and published.  The rankings overall compare the cars based on safety, reliability, and the consensus of the automotive critics’ opinions.

The Toyota Prius is one-of-a-kind in the hatchback category and is the hybrid that started it all. The 2013 Toyota Prius is also one of the IIHS Top Safety Pick. There are now four different types of Prius’.

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid has taken the crown for the third consecutive year, which is not surprising.  It can seat any size family and has a versatile interior, which is at the top of most moms’ list of features they want. They 2013 Highlander Hybrid does it all from fuel efficiency to design and technology. It doesn’t fall short anywhere.

For more information on the Prius or Highlander Hybrid, visit our website at www.route 44toyota.com.