Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Toyota Earns Three Spots in Kelley Blue Book's 15 Best Family Cars of 2015






February 19, 2015
TORRANCE, Calif., Feb. 19, 2015 - - The votes are in and the people have spoken!  Three popular Toyota models, Camry mid-size sedan, Highlander mid-size crossover and Sienna van, have made the list of “15 Best Family Cars” by KBB.com.

Judges for the 15 Best Family Cars was made up of recruited families and the expert editors from KBB.com. Together, each vehicle evaluation was based on real-life testing, including comfort and driving, safety, child seats, cargo space, rear-seat entertainment, and extra features.

Camry, the best-selling car in America for the last 13 years, received a new design for the 2015 model year.  Toyota went bumper to bumper and floor to roof, changing or re-engineering nearly 2,000 parts, making it the boldest Camry ever.

The 2015 Highlander sets itself apart from its competitors with a distinct balance of style, comfort, performance and utility.  Highlander offers families three powertrain choices, head-turning exterior styling, and a roomy and refined interior with advanced technologies and exceptional utility.

Sienna was refreshed for 2015 with a more expressive exterior design and upgraded interior comfort and styling.  Sienna oozes fun and function as it has something for every member of the family.  Kids enjoy Sienna’s Blu-Ray Dual View Entertainment Center while parents easily communicate with them through Toyota’s Driver Easy Speak system.  For parental peace of mind, Sienna was named a 2015 IIHS Top Safety Pick +, and is the only van in its segment to offer all-wheel drive.
 

Wednesday, March 18, 2015




















  • All-V8 Lineup for 2015
  • New TRD Pro Off-Road Model with Special Suspension and More
  • New Rear Under Seat Tray Storage Added to Select Double Cab Models
  • Newly Available Spray-in Bed Liner
  • Assembled Exclusively in Texas



February 23, 2015
After a dramatic redesign for the 2014 model year the Toyota Tundra half-ton full-size pickup truck comes back with an encore for 2015. The most stylish, value-driven and capable Tundra yet gets more upgrades, including standard V8 power across the board, a new TRD Pro model with special off-road suspension and an available spray-in bed liner.

The brawnier, more chiseled look of the Tundra presented an ideal platform for the 2015 TRD Pro off-road model. You’ll know it when you see it: special blackout TOYOTA grille, TRD Pro bed panel stamping, skid plate, matte satin black badges and black headlight bezels. It takes an aggressive stance on 18-inch TRD black alloy wheels wrapped in exclusive Michelin Off-Road Package tires, and announces its arrival with the throaty growl of the 5.7-liter V8 with a TRD dual exhaust system.

Beneath the brawn, the Tundra TRD Pro is ready for any terrain with a complete TRD suspension upgrade that raises the front of the vehicle two inches for a level ride height and extends wheel travel at all four corners. The package includes larger diameter TRD-tuned Bilstein High-Performance shocks with internal hydraulic bump stops and piggyback external reservoirs.

Available in Attitude Black, Super White or the all-new exclusive color, Inferno, the Tundra TRD Pro is a take-no-prisoners kind of truck devised to embody the best of Toyota quality, durability and reliability.
 
American Roots
The current Tundra was primarily designed by Toyota’s Calty Design Research centers in Newport Beach, Calif., and Ann Arbor, Mich., with some engineering by Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Mich., and is assembled exclusively at Toyota Motor Manufacturing in San Antonio, Tex. Its V8 engines are assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama, Inc., and transmissions are manufactured in North Carolina.

The Tundra works and plays like a full-size American pickup should, while delivering Toyota value through a clear model grade strategy. In addition to the new TRD Pro, the line includes the hard-working SR, volume-leading SR5, the well-appointed Limited, and two premium grades, the Platinum and unique 1794 Edition.

Named for the ranch, founded in 1794, on which the Tundra plant is located in San Antonio, the 1794 Edition reflects a western lifestyle theme with exclusive saddle brown premium leather-trimmed seating with embossed leather and ultra-suede accents. Matching soft-touch materials also accent the shift console, the front and rear door trim, and the instrument panel. Like the Platinum, the 1794 Edition includes such luxuries as heated and ventilated front seats, and Entune® Premium JBL Audio with navigation.

Adding a distinctive design touch that’s also a functional benefit, the Platinum and 1794 Edition feature LED daytime running lights (DRLs).
 
Beneath that Tough Exterior, A Lot of Smarts
Tundra offers three cab styles: two-door Regular Cab, four-door Double Cab, and the super-sized four-door CrewMax. Tundra Regular Cab models come exclusively with a long bed (8.1-foot) configuration.  Double Cab models are offered in both standard bed (6.5-foot) or long bed (8.1-foot) configurations and include Rear Under Seat Tray Storage on the SR5 and Limited grades.  The CrewMax comes with a 5.5-foot bed. All beds are 22.2-in. deep.

As tough as it looks, the Tundra design is also quite sophisticated in its function. For example, patented aerodynamic stabilizer fins on the tail lamp lenses and mirror bases help reduce the air turbulence along the sides of the vehicle. These ”Aero-Fins” also help to enhance straight-line stability during normal driving conditions and while towing. 
 
Then there’s function that can help save money. The front and rear bumpers, which were new in the 2014 redesign, use three-piece construction for lower replacement costs. The new available spray-in bed liner also adds value for the owner.

The easy-lower-and-lift tailgate lowers slowly with no slam, can easily be removed when necessary and comes standard with a lock feature to help prevent theft. Limited trim Double Cab models come standard with a power sliding horizontal rear window, while the CrewMax models have a power vertical sliding rear window.
 
Two Engine Choices, Both Powerful V8s
Tundra customers want V8s. For 2015, the Tundra comes standard with the 4.6-liter i-Force V8 that doles out 310 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 327 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 3,400 rpm. The most popular Tundra engine, still one of the most capable and advanced in the full-size pickup segment, is the 5.7-liter i-Force V8. A real workhorse, it’s also remarkably refined as it generates 381 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 401 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 3,600 rpm. The 5.7-liter is offered in both gasoline and Flex Fuel variants.

Both V8s feature an aluminum cylinder block and double overhead-cam heads with four valves per cylinder. In both, Dual Independent Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) and Acoustic Control Induction System get credit for a broad torque curve and helping to optimize efficiency. Both V8s come teamed with with a 6-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, with 4WD optional.

Stronger Than Dirt
The foundation for Tundra’s strength and up to 10,500-lb. towing capacity (SAE J2807 towing standard compliant) is its advanced TripleTech frame. The “Triple” refers to the wide, full-boxed rails for the front portion, a reinforced C-channel under the cab and an open C-channel beneath the bed for strength, ride quality and durability. The double A-arm front suspension uses coil-over spring shock units, and a front-mounted steering rack helps enhance steering feel and response, while decreasing the overall turning diameter.

The rear suspension uses staggered shocks mounted outboard of the springs to help improve dampening efficiency. Spring rates are tuned to provide a flat vehicle stance when fully loaded.
 
The Tundra SR and SR5 grades ride on 18-inch styled steel wheels, while the Limited, Platinum and 1794 Edition feature 20-inch alloy wheels, with a design specific to each grade. Tundra comes with plenty of “whoa” power, too, with class-leading 4-wheel disc brakes with ventilated rotors: 13.9 inches and 1.26-inches thick in front with segment-exclusive 4-piston calipers, and 13.6 x 0.71-inch rear rotors with 2-piston calipers. 

The Tundra’s Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system integrates traction control (TRAC) that enhances grip on or off-road. A built-in technology called Automatic Limited-Slip Differential (Auto-LSD) provides better performance in deep sand or mud and on mixed-friction surfaces. Compared to a conventional mechanical limited slip differential, the Auto-LSD system is much more responsive and has better wear characteristics since it utilizes the vehicles brakes to limit wheelspin.

The Tundra driver gets a definite say in how these technologies work, via a mode selector. In normal mode, VSC, TRAC and Auto-LSD all function to help enable traction and control capability. TRAC Off and Auto-LSD modes activate Auto-LSD to help extricate the Tundra from extreme conditions by allowing full, unrestricted engine output and transferring power to the wheel with the most traction. The VSC Off mode turns off all three of these systems.

Tundra 4x4 models use an on-demand, electronically controlled four-wheel drive system featuring a six-pinion planetary reduction gear set to provide 4x2, 4x4 Hi and 4x4 Lo ranges. The driver selects the drive mode using a dial on the dash.  Included with the 4WDemand part-time 4WD system is Active Traction Control (A-TRAC), which operates like Auto-LSD, except it allows full, unrestricted engine output and transfers power to the wheel with the most traction on both the front and rear axles.

Built to Tow
When a pickup makes a claim about towing, ask to see its SAE J2807 towing standard certification. The Toyota Tundra was the first to adopt this standard and has been compliant since 2011.

With a Tow Package, Tundra offers a maximum tow capacity of 10,500 pounds (4x2 Regular Cab). So equipped, Tundra gets a one-piece towing receiver integrated into the frame prior to bed installation. Special Tow Package rear springs help provide level full-load rear suspension height and maintain a full range of suspension travel.
 
Toyota engineers tow, too, so they thought of everything. The Tow Package upgrades Tundra’s cooling and electrical systems. Integrated engine and transmission oil coolers help handle the demands of towing under a full load, and a heavy-duty battery and alternator are added, as well. The 7-and 4-pin towing hitch connectors sit above the hitch to help avoid damage during high-departure-angle driving.

All Tundra models include an under-dash pre-wire for consumer installation of a trailer brake controller.

Order a Tundra equipped with a Tow Package, and you get a selectable TOW/HAUL shift mode for the 6-speed automatic transmission. The TOW/HAUL mode adjusts throttle sensitivity and transmission shift control, favoring and holding lower gears when accelerating or decelerating to help enhance control and safety.

Anyone who tows will appreciate Trailer Sway Control.  A function of Vehicle Stability Control, Trailer Sway Control helps counteract handling forces that can cause trailer sway. On 5.7-liter models, heated, power, outside tow mirrors with turn signal indicators and manual-extend feature are available.  All Tundra models come standard with a backup camera (viewed from the audio display screen or available navigation screen).


Rugged Interior Has a Softer Side, Too
The Tundra interior has a rugged, interlocked construction design that’s chock full of clever ideas. The large knobs can be operated while wearing work gloves. The console offers multiple storage areas for personal items and electronics. Gauges are grouped in a clear, easy-to-see design and there’s a center-mounted multi-information (LCD) display screen. 

Double Cab and CrewMax models are available with bench or bucket seats for the front row. Double Cab and CrewMax rear seats can be folded up for additional cargo carrying capability. 
 
From Work Truck to Luxury Truck
All Tundras start out with a quiet cabin, made even quieter by comprehensive new sound insulation methods and materials. So, even in the base SR model, the ride is amazingly civilized.
From there, the Tundra becomes what you need it to be. All models come with a standard back-up camera, Bluetooth® hands-free phone and audio streaming. All have a standard windshield wiper de-icer, front and rear mudguards, power window and door locks, and heated, power, outside mirrors. Standard High Solar Energy-Absorbing (HSEA) glass helps filter solar heat and most UV light energy entering the vehicle. This helps reduce occupant sun exposure, helps to keep the interior cooler, and enhances durability of interior materials.

The SR5 cabin design features a “professional gear” theme, with unique driver and passenger zones, metallic accents and bold contrasting fabric. Premium surface treatments include high-granulated paint on the center cluster and unique seat stitching to enhance interior quality and durability.

Want a touch of luxury in your hard-working Tundra? The Limited grade adds leather seating surfaces in Black, Sand Beige or Graphite with matching soft-touch door and console surfaces, and wood-style interior trims. The list of added amenities include dual zone air conditioning and a 10-way power driver seat with power lumbar support.  The exterior is dressed out with chrome door handles and side mirrors, 20-inch alloy wheels and a deck rail system.

The Platinum and 1794 Edition upgrade to perforated, premium leather-trimmed seats and matching door and instrument panel inserts, and chrome console accent badging for an upscale, yet urban feel. Standard amenities include a 12-way power driver’s seat with memory and a 4-way power passenger’s seat, both with heat and ventilation; a 12-speaker touch-screen Entune Premium JBL Audio system with navigation; a power moonroof; parking sonar; auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass, and HomeLink® universal transceiver.
 
Standard Next-Generation Entune® Audio
The Tundra’s quiet interior is ideal for enjoying the sound quality of the standard next-generation Entune Audio systems. Standard on the SR grade, the Entune Audio Multimedia Bundle includes a 6.1-inch touchscreen display; AM/FM CD Player with MP3/WMA playback capability; aux jack; USB 2.0 port with increased charging capability and iPod® connectivity and control; hands-free phone capability; phone book access and music streaming via Bluetooth wireless technology; and advanced voice recognition. 

The SR5 models have even more. The SR5 comes standard with Entune Audio Plus, which includes the Entune Multimedia Bundle with Hi-Res 7.0-inch touch-screen display; HD Radio with iTunes tagging and HD Traffic and Weather (metro areas only); and SiriusXM® satellite radio (3-month complimentary trial).

Standard on the Limited grade models and available on the SR5, the Entune Premium Audio with navigation includes the Entune App Suite. Using your paired smartphone, you can access apps including Bing™, iHeartRadio, MovieTickets.com, Open Table®, Pandora®, Yelp and Facebook Places, and real-time info including traffic, weather, fuel prices, sports, and stocks – all through the Tundra’s touch screen.

The Platinum and 1794 Edition CrewMax models get the works, the Entune Premium JBL® Audio with Navigation and Entune App Suite. This package is optional for the Limited grade.

Toyota’s STAR Safety and Segment-First Available Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert
The Tundra in 2014 became the first full-size pickup to be equipped with a standard backup camera on all grades. Tundra raises the bar for safety again with the available Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (Limited CrewMax, Platinum and 1794 Edition), which detects vehicles not visible using mirrors alone.  The Cross Traffic Alert feature warns drivers of cross traffic via indicator lights in side-view mirrors and a warning buzzer.

The standard Toyota Star Safety System™ includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), and Smart Stop (SST) brake override technology. 

The eight standard airbags include front seat-mounted side airbags, and front and rear Roll-sensing Side Curtain Airbags (RSCA) driver and front outboard passenger airbags with an Advanced Airbag System, and the segment’s first standard driver and front outboard passenger knee airbags.


Ordering Simplicity
With all the available capability and luxury, the Tundra is actually a very easy pickup to spec out and order – a refreshing difference in the full-size pickup segment. The Tundra SR5 models offer an Upgrade Package that includes front bucket seats with power driver seat and power lumbar support; floor-mounted urethane shift lever and knob; tilt and telescopic urethane steering wheel; three front cup holders; a front console box; a rear under seat storage tray (Double Cab only), auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass and Homelink® universal transceiver, and anti-theft system with alarm.

Heading off-road? Choose the TRD Off-Road Package on SR5 or Limited models to combine off-road tuned suspension.  The package includes:
  • Bilstein gas-charged mono-tube shock absorbers
  • 18-inch TRD Off-Road alloy wheels
  • rear side privacy glass
  • engine skid plate
  • front tow hooks on 4x2 models
  • TRD unique badging
A Premium Package for the Limited adds:
  • front and rear parking sonar
  • power windows with driver and front passenger auto up/down
  • illuminated entry system
  • glass breakage sensor
Additional stand-alone options include:
  • power tilt/slide moonroof with sliding sunshade on Limited CrewMax models
  • heated power outside tow mirrors with turn signal indicators and manual-extend feature on all 5.7-liter V8 models
  • deck rail system with four adjustable tie-down cleats on SR and SR5 grades (standard on Limited, Platinum, 1794 Edition and TRD Pro)
  • tow hitch on 4.6-liter models and various wheel/tire packages
 
Limited Warranty and Toyota Care
Toyota’s 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items.  Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion with no mileage limitation.  Toyota dealers have complete details on the limited warranty.  Tundra also comes standard with Toyota Care, a complimentary plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Categories

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Toyota Sienna Van and RAV4 Compact SUV: All-Wheel-Drive Cures for the Winter Blues




  • Sienna: The Only All-Wheel-Drive Minivan in the Segment
  • AMCI Certified Testing of Sienna and RAV4 Reveals Significant AWD Benefits 
March 02, 2015
TORRANCE, Calif. (March 2, 2015) – Through ice and snow, Toyota continues to go places. Long, harsh winters can be a bit more bearable when drivers of family haulers ride into spring with the added capability and peace of mind that an all-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicle provides.   

Recently, the Toyota Sienna and RAV4, both with available AWD, along with some leading competitors in their respective segments, completed certified testing in snow and ice conditions by notable third-party organization AMCI. The certified tests revealed the Sienna minivan and RAV4 compact SUV performed significantly better in the areas of acceleration, traction, and handling on snowy and icy road conditions when equipped with AWD. In fact, the certified testing results showed the Sienna AWD performed substantially better than other front-wheel-drive competitors in its segment and equal cornering performance on both ice and snow as a competing popular mid-size SUV equipped with four-wheel-drive!  

Similarly, the RAV4 equipped with AWD was AMCI Testing certified to deliver better active-safety acceleration, handling and cornering performance on snow than its competitors in the testing.  Specific certified testing in which a Sienna XLE AWD and RAV4 XLE AWD each outperformed its competition by large margins included:
  • 0-50 mph on snow
  • Shorter stops on ice from 30 mph
  • Cornering performance on ice (Sienna only) and snow (Sienna and RAV4)
  • Evasive-action performance on snow (RAV4 only)
Toyota’s AWD technology helps provide additional on-road capability. The Sienna AWD system employs a transfer case to smoothly deliver power to an electromagnetic coupler on the rear differential that divides engine power up to 50/50 front and rear.  Wheel slippage at either set of wheels automatically transfers more power to the opposite wheels to help keep the Sienna moving forward. This type of system not only handles wet and slippery roads (rain, snow, ice, etc.) with confidence, but is fully up to light-duty off-highway conditions. Driver intervention is minimized, as the AWD system continuously monitors the torque transfer between the front and rear wheels. Front to rear torque distribution can vary from 100:0 to 50:50, with front-wheel drive (100:0) automatically engaged under normal driving conditions to help improve fuel consumption.

The RAV4 compact SUV offers a sophisticated Dynamic Torque Control All-Wheel Drive system. By coordinating through a high-speed interactive management system with Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and electric power steering systems, Dynamic Torque Control All-Wheel Drive helps enhance performance, handling and safety.

This advanced AWD system continuously monitors and controls the torque transfer between the front and rear wheels via an electromagnetically controlled coupling positioned in the rear differential. Dynamic Torque Control uses input from various sensors (vehicle speed, steering speed and angle, throttle angle and yaw rate) to actively govern torque distribution to the rear wheels, as needed.

Front to rear torque distribution can vary from 100:0 to 50:50, with front-wheel drive automatically engaged under normal driving conditions to help reduce fuel consumption. The system automatically shifts to AWD when accelerating to help prevent front wheel slippage, or when sensors detect wheel slippage.

When Sport mode is selected, torque transfer to the rear wheels starts from the moment the steering wheel is turned, to reduce the load on the front tires. If understeer develops, torque transfer to the rear wheels is automatically increased by up to 50 percent, further reducing front tire loading to provide enhanced lateral grip.

When tackling off-pavement driving or very slippery conditions, pushing an AWD Lock button fixes torque distribution at 50:50 at speeds up to about 25 mph to maximize grip. Above that, the system reverts to Auto mode.

Sienna’s AWD system is available on seven-passenger LE, XLE, Limited and XLE and Limited Premium models. The RAV4 AWD system is available on LE, XLE and Limited models.

To help prepare your Sienna and RAV4 for the harsh winter elements, a Toyota Outdoor Package is offered.  Available with all 2015 Sienna AWD models and select RAV4 XLE and Limited models in both FWD and AWD, the package consists of roof rack cross bars, all-weather floor mats and mud guards. The Sienna package also includes door sill protectors while the RAV4 package adds a rear bumper skid plate garnish.

Video of the Sienna and RAV4 AWD certified testing by AMCI can be viewed on the Toyota YouTube site at: http://toyota.us/Sienna_OnIce and http://toyota.us/RAV4_OnIce
Categories