Across the Nation, Toyota Gives Back

Seventy-five Toyota Tundras haul 250,000 pounds of food – funded by donations from dozens of local dealers and their business partners – to Philabundance, the largest hunger relief organization in the Philadelphia region.

Texas-based Toyota team member volunteers drive vehicles filled with toys to Children's Health Medical Centers in the North Dallas area.

Team members from Toyota’s Los Angeles Region walk to raise funds for and increase awareness of childhood cancer.

“Toyota is committed to supporting the betterment of the communities it serves,” said Alec D. Hagey, vice president and general manager of Toyota’s Los Angeles Region. “We’re proud to give back to our local communities and help those in need this holiday season.”
 
Happy holidays from the Toyota family.

Scrap That’s Not Crap

Toyota’s North American Parts Operation Gives New Life to Used Vehicle Parts 

Toyota has bumped up efforts to reduce waste by recycling old vehicle bumper covers and other scrap parts.

In partnership with Boles Parts Supply (BPS), Toyota created the National Scrap Program in 2014, a one-stop shop for all of Toyota’s North American Parts Operation’s (NAPO) recycling needs. Accepting the challenge to help Toyota recycle old bumper covers, BPS began shredding them into plastic pellets. The pellets are now sold to a vendor where they take on a second life as part of the materials used to create new plastic automotive parts. 

The program piloted with Toyota’s two largest parts centers – Ontario, Calif., and Hebron, Ky. – and in the first 15 months helped recycle over 40,000 pounds of cloth and foam, two materials previously incinerated or sent to landfills.

Between April 2014 and June 2015, it expanded to parts distribution centers in Cincinnati, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Portland,  and more than doubled the amount of cloth, foam, glass and rubber recycled – over 88,000 pounds. Toyota is currently reviewing the program for potential roll-out to remaining parts distribution centers by the end of fiscal year 2017.

“We’ve been enormously pleased with the success of this program,” said Juliana Dee, manager of the program at NAPO. “Thanks to our partner BPS, we are giving a second life to things that used to be trash and making a real improvement in our recycling rate.”

To find out more about Toyota’s material efforts to minimize waste, roll over to the 2015 North American Environmental Report. 

Subtly Saving Lives

Toyota Technical Center's Pelky Devoted to Child Car Seat Safety

So what if Jennifer Pelky was only 10-years-old? It was a two-person job and nothing could stop her from putting together that entertainment center with her dad.
 
“I was determined to help him. Basically, I read the instructions and told him what to do,” Pelky says years later while sitting on a cement block in the crash test area at Toyota Technical Center (TTC) in Ann Arbor. “That was my first entry into engineering. I loved doing it.”
 
Fast forward to 2011. Pelky has graduated from the University of Michigan and is a few years into her job at TTC. She also happens to be pregnant with her first child. She goes to Babies “R” Us to buy a child car seat.

But there are issues. She can’t figure out how to properly install the seat. Eventually, after some struggle and consultation with a coworker, she figures it out.

Think about that for a second.

Pelky – who has a passion for cars, a degree from one of the most prestigious engineering schools in the nation and a job as an engineer for one of the top automakers in the world – had trouble figuring out how to install a normal car seat.

What chance does the average parent have?

According to Buckle Up for Life, Toyota’s partnership with the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital that helps educate families about child safety seats, only one in four child car seats is properly installed.

That’s the issue Pelky is trying to correct. And that situation confirmed for Pelky that interior safety was where she wanted to work.

“When you get your vehicle, there’s an anchor the child seat attaches to,” she explains. “I’m responsible for making sure that anchor meets federal regulations.”

After struggling to install that first seat, Pelky wanted to help other mothers in similar situations. She became a certified child passenger safety technician in 2012. Since then she has worked with Safe Kids Huron Valley to take shifts at local retailers, fire stations and community events to help parents choose the right seat and install it in their vehicles.

In 2014, she joined Buckle Up for Life, acting as a Toyota spokesperson doing media interviews and trying to spread the word on the importance of the issue.

The U.S. Department of Transportation reports that in 2012, 1,168 children under 14 died in traffic accidents. Another 169,000 were injured. But those numbers are likely going down. In 2013, total traffic fatalities hit historic lows, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

And while factors like safety technology play a major role, so does educating parents on how to properly transport their children.

“As a parent I value the safety of my children above everything else and I see a lot of parents who don’t know they’re doing it wrong, but they’re making an effort and that is great,” says Pelky. “And I know that when they leave, they’re safer than when they came in. That, to me, is huge.”

Marking Watershed Effort

Toyota Takes 360 Degree Approach to Water Stewardship

Can a stream of effort flow into a river of results? Of course.

Proof positive is Toyota’s Portland Vehicle Distribution Center (VDC). Toyota redesigned the site at Terminal 4 of the city’s port on the Willamette River in 2004 with a focus on H20.

The facility collects rain water, stores it in a large underground tank and uses it to flush toilets in the main building…saving water. Toilets have dual function flush…saving water. Personnel are trained to clean vehicles in a wash bay (not outside) and to only wash vehicles that have accessories added…saving water.

The VDC – which processes Toyota, Scion and Lexus vehicles for distribution to dealers in 23 states – earned LEED® Gold certification. Water conservation, not surprisingly, played a big role.

But environmental efforts extended beyond the building, says Doug Warneke, production supervisor at the VDC. Take, for example, the site’s four-acre bioswale.

The bioswale is a series of shallow ditches that holds water during runoff. Grass and other biomass in the ditches slow the water down, allowing time for particulates to settle out. The ditches also cool water running off the asphalt. As a result, the bioswale helps improve the quality of the water flowing into the Willamette River, helping many species living in and near it. “The bioswale serves as a protected wildlife habitat,” says Warneke. “We’ve seen eagles, geese, ducks, rabbits, coyotes and other critters.”

Other steps Toyota has taken to protect the watershed:

• Installing filters to absorb oil in the parking lot and loading area
• Using vegetable-based hydraulic oil instead of petroleum-based oil
• Using native, drought-resistant plants for landscaping
• Not using pesticides on landscaped areas
• Partnering with Willamette Riverkeeper for annual river cleanup

Team members even test storm water for contaminants quarterly as part of the site’s storm water pollution prevention program. Levels have been consistently low, so the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality allows the company to opt out of monitoring.

“We choose to stay in the program,” says Brent LaFollette, safety and environmental administrator at the facility. “It’s a good way for us to remain vigilant about water quality.”

To read more about Toyota’s water stewardship efforts, go with the flow athttp://www.toyota.com/usa/environmentreport2015/index.html.

Toyotathon is On!

Tis the holiday season, which means Toyotathon is on! Here at Burien Toyota, we have some incredible holiday deals that will be available through January 4. What kind of awesome holiday deals?

• Get a new 2015 Toyota Camry Hybrid for less than $27,000
• Seahawks 2015 Toyota Tundra for $40,000! (check out the metallic logo!)
• A 2015 Toyota Sienna for less than $30,000

Check out these deals and many more HERE and be sure to stop by to take your new or used Toyota at Burien Toyota before January 4 so you can take advantage of these end-of-year deals!

Toyota Tops the IIHS 2016 ‘Top Safety Pick+’ Awards

Nine Toyota, Lexus and Scion Models Earn Institute’s Highest Recognition for Crashworthiness and Front Crash Prevention

Toyota once again led the industry on the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) annual list of safety awards. Nine Toyota, Lexus and Scion models received the IIHS’ highest award for 2016, the TOP SAFETY PICK+, the most of any manufacturer.   

“At Toyota, we continue to focus on the safety and peace of mind of our customers,” said Dino Triantafyllos, Toyota’s North American Chief Quality Officer. “We are proud that IIHS has recognized our commitment to helping protect drivers and passengers.” 

According to IIHS, automakers were required to meet tougher criteria to be considered for the 2016 awards. For this year’s TOP SAFETY PICK+ awards, the IIHS recognized the addition of Toyota’s pre-collision system to the Avalon and the RAV4, rating both models superior for front crash prevention. The Scion iA, which received an advanced rating for front crash prevention, was also acknowledged as the only low-priced car sold with a standard pre-collision system. 

All award winners were required to achieve good ratings in five crashworthiness tests and have an available front crash prevention system. TOP SAFETY PICK+ award winners must also have a superior- or advanced-rated front crash prevention system with automatic braking capabilities

The full list of 2016 Toyota, Lexus and Scion TOP SAFETY PICK+ winners are: Toyota Prius v, Toyota Camry, Toyota Avalon, Toyota RAV4, Lexus CT 200h, Lexus ES, Lexus RC, Lexus NX, and Scion iA. 

From Water to Waste to Wildlife: Toyota’s Environmental 'To Do' List

Launch the only zero emission vehicle with more than 300 miles of driving range – check. 

Manufacture vehicles using renewable energy from landfill gas – check.

Save more than 54 million gallons of water by reducing, reusing and recycling – check. 

Certify more than 1,000 acres of land in North America to Wildlife Habitat Council’s Wildlife at Work program – check.  

Reuse hybrid batteries to create stationary energy systems – check. 

The environmental “to do” list is lengthy and the achievements above, along with many more, are featured in our latest North American Environmental Report 



Five priority issues - carbon, water, materials, biodiversity, and outreach - guide Toyota’s efforts in North America. Here are a few highlights from each:

Carbon

• Toyota Mirai is the only zero emission electric vehicle on the market that tops the 300 mile range milestone. Mirai is a fuel cell electric vehicle that uses hydrogen as fuel and emits only water vapor.
• 11th consecutive ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence Award from the U.S. EPA. Toyota’s 14 North American manufacturing plants have reduced energy use by nearly 14 billion kilowatt hours since 2002.
• Toyota’s Georgetown assembly plant now generates green power from local landfill gas, enough for the production of 10,000 vehicles per year.

Water

• Toyota saved over 54 million gallons of water in North America during fiscal year 2015, enough to fill 82 Olympic-size swimming pools.
• Team members at Toyota’s assembly plant in San Antonio, Texas, reduced water use by 80 gallons per vehicle produced by installing additional filtration in the paint shop.
• Toyota’s Chicago Service Training Center collects rain water and routes it to a rain garden where it’s reabsorbed into planting beds. Together with drought-tolerant native landscaping, this eliminates the need for irrigation.

Materials

• Toyota’s North American facilities reduced, reused, recycled or composted over 96 percent of non-regulated waste during calendar year 2014.
• Toyota has 28 North American facilities that meet the U.S. Zero Waste Business Council’s definition of a “Zero Waste Business” – one with a 90 percent or greater diversion of all waste from landfill, incineration and the environment.
• Toyota’s plant in Alabama is the first in North America to reuse batteries from end-of-life hybrid vehicles as stationary energy storage. Using these batteries gives them a second life and keeps them out of landfills.

Biodiversity

• Toyota currently has over 1,000 acres across nine North American sites certified to the Wildlife Habitat Council’s Wildlife at Work program.
• Toyota’s assembly plant in Mississippi planted four pollinator gardens last year; all four were certified by Monarch Watch as monarch waystations. Waystations offer habitat for the monarch butterfly, whose numbers have declined 90 percent in the last two decades.
• Over 130,000 trees were planted at Toyota’s Indiana assembly plant between 2008 and 2014. In 10 years, when these trees reach their peak, they will be capturing and storing 2,170 tons of CO2 from the air annually.

Outreach

• At the Lamar Buffalo Ranch in Yellowstone National Park, an innovative distributed energy system combines solar power generation with reused Camry Hybrid battery packs. The result: reliable, sustainable, zero emission power to the field campus for the first time since it was founded in 1907.
• Residents from more than 3,900 U.S. cities pledged to save over 1.5 billion gallons of water as part of the annual National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation, supported by Toyota.
• Forty seven Toyota and Lexus dealers have achieved LEED® certification – that’s more LEED-certified dealers in the U.S. and Canada than any other auto manufacturer.

Toyota Places a Charitable Spin on the Traditional Selfie with New Campaign - #Selflessie

Holiday Campaign to Benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of America

Toyota launches a new initiative, #Selflessie, which encourages Instagram users to ditch their typical selfie snapshots in favor of posting a “selfless selfie.” Kicking off on #GivingTuesday, and continuing through January 4, every photo hashtagged on Instagram with #Selflessie will trigger a $50 donation from Toyota to Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), up to $250,000.
 
The #Selfie, a cultural phenomenon, ranks amongst the most popular hashtags on social media with over 1 million posts each day. Celebrities including Kelly Rowland, Debby Ryan and Paul Wesley are helping Toyota spread the positive message of selflessness this holiday season.
 
“We have become a society of photo sharers, and one of the most popular photography styles is the selfie," said Jason Schragger, Chief Creative Officer, Saatchi & Saatchi Los Angeles. "We take them to show off or simply to capture life’s most memorable moments. By co-opting this behavior, and flipping it, creating a powerful agent of positivity and selflessness this holiday season, #Selflessie can turn this activity into something truly meaningful." 
 
#Selflessie is timed in conjunction with this December’s Toyotathon sales event. In years past, Toyota has made it a priority to give back during this time, previously developing, “Give a Click for Charity,” benefiting BGCA, “Prius Toy Drive,” serving Toys for Tots, and “Buckle Up For Life,” a national program Toyota created with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center that provides free child car seats to families in need.
 
“We continuously seek new and exciting ways to transform ideas into action while bringing the ‘Toyota Way’ principles – Respect for People and Continuous Improvement – to life. Supporting BGCA lends us the perfect opportunity to inspire the next generation of engineers, thinkers, and leaders who will help drive the American economy,” said Jack Hollis, Group Vice President, Marketing, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A.
   
Toyota team members at all levels of the organization are active volunteers with the Clubs, including Toyota Financial Services President & CEO, Mike Groff, who serves on the Board of Trustees for Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
 
As the Signature Sponsor of the Youth of the Year program, Toyota is committed to collaborating, investing and elevating BGCA’s industry-leading youth leadership platform. In addition to their Youth of the Year program sponsorship, Toyota has provided a brand new Corolla to the National Youth of the Year winner since 2010, along with financial support to offset the costs of automobile ownership.

Buckle Up for Life Releases New Holiday Traditions for Child Passenger Safety

National Injury Prevention Program from Cincinnati Children’s and Toyota Helps Protect Children During Busiest Travel Season of the Year

Every family has their own holiday traditions – it’s one of the reasons this time of year is so special. On the cusp of the busiest travel season of the year, Buckle Up for Life, the national injury prevention program from Cincinnati Children’s and Toyota, is releasing “New Holiday Traditions for Child Passenger Safety” to help keep kids safe this holiday season and beyond.
 
According to AAA, nearly 42 million Americans will take a holiday road trip this Thanksgiving. Millions more will hit the road between then and the New Year. While cars and trucks are safer than ever, crashes are still the leading cause of death for children. Car seats can prevent or greatly reduce injuries in the event of a crash, but they must be installed properly – an alarming three out of four are not.  
 
“Whether you’re traveling far this holiday season or staying local, no trip with small children is complete without a properly installed car seat,” said Gloria Del Castillo, child passenger safety expert at Cincinnati Children’s and senior outreach specialist for Buckle Up for Life. “Our goal with these traditions is to offer simple ways to make child passenger safety a part of every family’s routine - during the holidays and throughout the year.”
 
Buckle Up for Life’s New Holiday Traditions for Child Passenger Safety
 

1. Make it a family affair. The holidays are a wonderful time to gather with family near and far. However, older generations may have had different approaches to keeping kids safe in cars. If relatives help chauffer children, make sure everyone understands the latest practices for car seats, booster seats and seat belts.

2. Ban re-gifting.  It may be tempting to accept a used car seat, but this is one item that should never be re-gifted. It’s not bad manners – it’s safety. You can’t necessarily know the history of the seat and a past crash or even normal wear-and-tear may have compromised its ability to protect your little one.  

3. Remember that car seats expire, just like Thanksgiving leftovers.  Many families are surprised to learn that car seats – like food – have a shelf life and must be replaced. Establish a new habit this year: when you clean out your refrigerator after Thanksgiving, check the expiration date on your car seat too.  

4. Booster seats – they aren’t just for the holiday table. We all know booster seats can help young children enjoy special meals this time of year with the rest of the family. But don’t forget about booster seats for your car – all year round. Children under 4’9” should always sit in these special seats, which raise them up so that seat belts can protect them correctly.

5. Look forward to the New Year, but make sure young children look back. This is one of the most common questions that perplexes parents and caregivers – when do I turn the car seat around to face forward? The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children remain in rear-facing car seats until age two, or until they exceed the height or weight limit for the car seat. 

 
“We know the holidays are a happy – and hectic – time, especially when traveling with children,” said Jennifer Pelky, vehicle safety engineer at Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing North America and certified child passenger safety technician. “We want all families to embrace these traditions and make child passenger safety a habit this holiday season and year-round.” 
 
For additional child passenger safety tips and advice, including animated car seat installation videos, visit BuckleUpforLife.org or follow us on Facebook or Twitter (@BuckleUpforLife).

Toyota Family Learning Programs Lead Communities in National Family Literacy Month® celebrations

The research is clear – a strong support system helps children excel in the classroom and beyond.

This month the National Center for Families Learning (NCFL) and 10 Toyota Family Learning programs are celebrating National Family Literacy Month® by focusing on the immense influence families have on a child’s education, future success and well-being.

The events range from celebrations and fairs focusing on healthy living and eating to encouraging wonder and curiosity about the world. There are family community service projects – from raising money to increase an elementary school library collection to organizing a food drive to collect items for refugees. Toyota Family Learning families are engaging their communities in an effort to share what they’ve learned through the program.

Toyota Family Learning empowers parents and caregivers, as well as their children, to become engaged in their schools and communities. During the 2014-15 program year, parents and children in the 10 partner cities spent nearly 17,500 hours learning together; 1,600 of those hours were spent doing 67 Family Service Learning projects. Nearly 80 percent of the families in the program were English language learners.

“When parents and children come together to learn and serve, relationships among family members, neighbors and communities are all strengthened,” said Sharon Darling, president and founder of NCFL. “The time commitment is big, but families see this as a worthwhile investment.”

NCFL’s independent evaluators at Penn State University found that among families graduating from Toyota Family Learning programs

• 90%  of parents increased their engagement in their children’s education
• 96% of parents became better teachers to their children
• 75% of parents increased their English language skills
• 34% of parents got a better job

Toyota has partnered with NCFL to launch Toyota Family Learning programs in cities across the U.S. Each partner organization received a three-year $175,000 grant for the Toyota and NCFL model program.

“Families across the country are creating better lives for themselves and feeling empowered to become engaged community members thanks to this two-generation literacy model,” said Mike Goss, vice president of external affairs for Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing North America, Inc. “Toyota Family Learning helps bridge the gap between classroom and lifelong learning that is relevant to real life situations.”

NCFL is a leader in family learning initiatives and developed Toyota Family Learning, a two-generation solution to educational challenges that is being employed across the United States. It partners with organizations in Bronx, N.Y.; Cincinnati, Ohio; Denver, Colo.; Detroit, Mich.; Houston, Texas; Lincoln, Neb.; Milwaukee, Wis.; Providence, R.I.; San Mateo, Calif.; and, San Pedro, Calif. Health and financial literacy, reading, STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics)-based education and Family Service Learning projects are all part of Toyota Family Learning. To learn more about these organizations and their events, visitToyotaFamilyLearning.org/grantees and follow @NCFL on Twitter.

Black Friday Deals at Burien Toyota Goes Through November 30!

If you're looking for some great Black Friday deals on new vehicles, Burien Toyota has some great deals for you...and these offers are in addition to all other current offers! Now that's something to give thanks for!

Watch it HERE!

$500 ADDITIONAL BONUS CASH ON 4 TOYOTA FAVORITES: PRIUS, CAMRY, COROLLA AND RAV4! In addition to all other offers! 

 
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o   NEW PRIUS - 2015 MODEL YEAR - ENTIRE FAMILY
o   NEW PRIUS V - 2016 MODEL YEAR
o   NEW COROLLA - ALL MODEL YEARS
o   NEW RAV4 - 2015 MODEL YEAR
Offer Valid through NOVEMBER 30, 2015 ONLY!

*Must be approved and finance or lease through Toyota Financial Services to receive the $500 Bonus Cash offer. Not all customers will qualify.

That's right, combining Toyota cash with all other offers IS the better way this Black Friday. And, remember, all deals go through November 30, so don't let these offers slip past you!

Toyota Turns Compost Into Cars

Toyota’s Georgetown Plant Contributes to Global Environmental Goal
Landfill Gas Generator to Produce One Million Watts for Vehicle Production

Toyota is working to help everyone breathe a little easier.
 
The company recently announced its intent to virtually eliminate CO2 emissions from its factories and vehicles, and it’s about to flip the switch on a very tangible example of this effort. Toyota’s Georgetown, Ky., manufacturing plant will begin generating electricity from methane, a byproduct of trash decomposition at the nearby Central Kentucky Landfill on Nov. 23, 2015. 
 
“We will generate one megawatt (1 million watts) per hour at the site,” said Toyota’s environmental strategies manager Dave Absher. “That’s enough annual energy generation to produce approximately 10,000 vehicles. The system can eventually be scaled up to 10 megawatts per hour.”
 
Toyota’s global headquarters recently announced a very aggressive goal of largely eliminating CO2 emissions from its vehicles and manufacturing plants by 2050. The launch of the Mirai hydrogen fuel cell vehicle this year; making its fuel cell patents available to other automakers; and developing manufacturing technologies that use hydrogen as a power source are specific initiatives mentioned within the plan.  Alternative energy sources such as wind, solar, and locally produced renewable energy also will be required to achieve the goal.
 
“The landfill gas generator represents the kind of thinking that our company is asking us to do to reduce our carbon footprint over the next 35 years,” said Kevin Butt, Toyota’s general manager for environment strategies. “It’s a small step, but a significant one. These types of changes to our manufacturing operations coupled with other global initiatives will help us reach this very aggressive goal.”
 
The project is a collaboration between Toyota’s Georgetown manufacturing plant and the Central Kentucky Landfill owned and operated by Waste Services of the Bluegrass. Landfills are required to monitor methane levels and report these levels to the EPA. Capturing and burning the methane has been determined by the EPA to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
 
Toyota Georgetown’s project began in 2010 when the two companies met to discuss the potential. Last fall, Waste Services began installing a methane collection system and Toyota began installing the generator at the site. An underground electric transmission line runs from the landfill approximately 6.5 miles to deliver the electricity to the plant. 
 
“This project was a true collaboration between the two companies,” said Absher. “There was also a tremendous amount of support from the local community, public utilities and elected officials to get the project off the ground.”
 
More information about Toyota’s environmental initiatives is available in the North American Environmental Report http://www.toyota.com/usa/environmentreport2015/ which was released this week.

Electrifying Development: Refreshed 2016 RAV4 Line Offers Toyota's Eighth Hybrid

-     New 2016 RAV4 Offers Eighth Hybrid in Toyota Lineup
-     Hybrid is Most Powerful and Fuel-Efficient RAV4
-     Refreshed Exterior Styling and Updated Interior Across the RAV4 Lineup
-     New SE Grade Provides Sport-Tuned Suspension and Sportier Styling

Looking at the expansive crossover landscape today, Toyota can proudly point to the first RAV4 as the pioneering model two decades ago. The RAV4 was a new kind of vehicle that combined SUV versatility with car-like handling, ride comfort and fuel economy. What began as a niche exploded into a category, with the RAV4 remaining one of its leaders. That leadership shows once again for 2016 with the introduction of the first RAV4 Hybrid as part of a refreshed RAV4 line that also includes a sporty new SE grade.

A few years after the first RAV4 arrived, Toyota began offering what would become the world’s best-selling hybrid vehicle, the Prius. The 2016 RAV4 Hybrid brings the number of Toyota hybrid models to eight (plus six more in the Lexus luxury division). The RAV4 Hybrid is a no compromise vehicle aimed at active young couples who put high fuel economy at the top of a priority list that also includes utility, style, versatility and capability. The fuel economy estimates are expected to be high, as Toyota anticipates to receive EPA ratings of 34 mpg city / 31 mpg highway / 33 mpg combined for both 2016 RAV4 Hybrid models. The RAV4 Hybrid comes in two premium grades: XLE and Limited. The RAV4 gas version comes in four grades: LE, XLE, Limited and the new SE.

Drives Great, Less Fill-Ups
Whoever chooses a 2016 RAV4 Hybrid -- couples, singles or small families -- will be enjoying a more powerful and quicker-accelerating RAV4. The all-weather capability is there, too, as both Hybrid grades come equipped with an Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel-Drive System with intelligence (AWD-i) as standard. A second, independent electric motor drives the rear wheels when needed to help maintain optimal traction.

Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive has long been the platinum standard for seamless hybrid performance, high efficiency and exemplary dependability. Drivers love the way it works, because they cannot feel it working, and that’s the point. The 2016 RAV4 Hybrid combines output from a 2.5-liter Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine and a small high-torque electric motor through its unique transaxle. The RAV4 Hybrid delivers a jolt of performance from a combined 194 system horsepower. The system varies power between the gas engine and electric motor, or combines both as needed, all seamlessly.

The versatile RAV4 Hybrid will zoom from zero to 60 mph in 8.1 seconds (nearly one second quicker than its gas counterparts), yet what feels most impressive is the response from 206 lb.-ft. of total system torque in everyday driving. Regenerative braking changes the electric motor to a generator that captures the kinetic energy of the still-turning wheels when the brake is applied, storing it in the nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) hybrid battery pack.

The RAV4 Hybrid driver can play an active role in conserving fuel by selecting one of the several operating modes. Choosing ECO mode (on Hybrid and Gas models) optimizes throttle response and air conditioning output to help prioritize fuel economy. In EV mode, the RAV4 Hybrid, under certain conditions, will run solely on the electric motor for up to 0.6 miles at lower speeds (below approximately 25 mph). A Hybrid System Indicator and fuel consumption indicator, located in a 4.2-inch TFT screen, helps coach the driver to operate the vehicle as economically as possible.

New Look Outside
The 2016 RAV4 line ushers in refreshed exterior styling that lends the vehicle a sleeker, more dynamic stance.  A bolder looking front fascia seems to come alive when equipped with the available LED combo of headlights, daytime running lights and Hi-Lo Headlights. The new rocker panels sharpen the sides and tie in restyled front and rear bumpers for a more flowing profile. Available LED taillights add a premium touch.

New front and rear silver skid plate garnishes on most models, new wheel designs and a standard shark fin antenna on all grades further accent the freshened look of the 2016 RAV4. Capping the restyle in high style are three additions to the color palette: Silver Sky Metallic, Black Currant Metallic and Electric Storm Blue.

On some grades, the revised gauge cluster contains an available 4.2-inch TFT multi-information display, and a 7-inch touch-sensitive display audio touch screen is also available. Among new conveniences are LED illumination on the lower center console, a 12V power outlet added to the rear area, and a revised cup holder design to hold tall mugs with handles. There’s also a new holder for sunglasses.

New Safety Tech Everywhere
The 2016 RAV4 will be among the first U.S. models to offer Toyota Safety Sense (TSS), a new multi-feature advanced safety package anchored by automated pre-collision braking. TSS, which is standard on 2016 RAV4 Limited grades (gas and Hybrid) and available on XLE (gas and Hybrid) and SE grades, bundles cutting edge safety technologies including Pre-Collision System (with Forward Collision Warning and automatic emergency brake), Lane Departure Alert, Automatic High Beams, Pedestrian Pre-Collision System and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. In addition to TSS, RAV4 LE gas and XLE gas and hybrid models will feature a standard Blind Spot Mirror and the SE gas and Limited gas and hybrid grades have a standard Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

The 2016 RAV4 debuts new technologies to bolster convenience, entertainment and information. Smart Key, standard on SE and Limited (gas and Hybrid) grades, and a Homelink® garage door opener (standard on Limited gas and Hybrid grades), add convenience and security. Available front and rear parking sonar helps make parking easy and safe, and now the RAV4 offers the ultimate technology for that purpose, a new Bird’s Eye View Camera with Perimeter Scan. This Toyota-first technology employs four cameras that are mounted on the front, the side mirrors and rear of the vehicle to project a panoramic view of the vehicle’s surroundings on the central seven-inch touch display. The system offers drivers assistance when parallel parking, and when pulling in and out of parking spaces. The Bird’s Eye View Monitor system also debuts a Toyota-first feature called Perimeter Scan, which provides a live rotating 360-degree view around the vehicle, helping the driver to see potential obstacles.

For 2016, the RAV4 XLE and SE feature the standard Scout® GPS Link cell phone-based navigation system (available on LE). And for entertainment, RAV4 XLE, SE and Limited models come equipped with SiriusXM All-Access Radio with a 3-month complimentary trial subscription.

RAV4 SE: Sporty New Look and Attitude
Gaining the versatility of a crossover shouldn't have to mean giving up on sporty driving. The refreshed 2016 Toyota RAV4 line adds an athletic new member to the family, the SE, featuring sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels and paddle shifters for the six-speed automatic transmission. While providing a more dynamic and responsive driving experience, the RAV4 SE shows off its sporty attitude with LED headlights and taillights and exclusive bumper and lower grill design. Its most distinctive exterior feature is the S-Code paint design, which combines one of three available upper colors (Super White, Black Sand Pearl and Electric Storm Blue) over Classic Silver Metallic on the vehicle’s lower trim.

The SE continues the sporty, upscale theme inside with SofTex®-trimmed seats featuring a power driver’s seat (also on Limited) and contrast stitching, and a choice of two interior colors (Black and Black/Cinnamon), along with a Black headliner, Black A&B-pillar covers, sport floor mats and door sill protectors and Gunmetal Gray trim.

The SE instrument panel features twin dials with red illumination and red pointers, along with a standard 4.2-inch color TFT multi-information display.

Where Practicality Meets Fun
The RAV4 gets down the road with authority from a 2.5-liter direct-injection four-cylinder engine that smoothly delivers 176 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 172 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,100 rpm. It’s teamed to a standard six-speed automatic transmission, and the combination yields EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 24 mpg city / 31 mpg highway/26 mpg combined. With Dynamic Torque Control All-Wheel Drive, the EPA estimates are 22/29/25 mpg.

As seen on premium vehicles, the Toyota RAV4 comes with driver-selectable operating modes. Select Eco mode and the RAV4 optimizes powertrain operation to maximize fuel economy. Switch to Sport mode, and you’ll experience sharpened shift timing, throttle response and steering feel.  Downshifting will “blip” the throttle, as the driver in a stick-shift vehicle would do to maintain driving smoothness. On RAV4 models with Dynamic Torque Control All-Wheel Drive, Sport mode also alters torque distribution to enhance agility.

Dynamic Torque Control All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
With standard front-drive, the RAV4 gas model has a special traction helper called Automatic Limited Slip Differential (Auto LSD).  Essentially a second layer of computer logic in the Traction Control system, Auto LSD can be engaged at speeds below 25 mph to provide the function of a mechanical limited-slip differential. Unlike Traction Control, it doesn’t cut into engine power.  This helps give the driver control and distributes power where it’s most effective.  On all RAV4 gas models, standard Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) helps prevent the vehicle from rolling backward when starting off on an incline when the brake pedal is released.  All RAV4 models (except SE) are equipped with standard Trailer Sway Control.  A function of Vehicle Stability Control, Trailer Sway Control helps counteract handling forces that can cause trailer sway during towing by applying brakes to individual wheels.

For maximum traction capability in all conditions, the RAV4 gas models offer the sophisticated Dynamic Torque Control AWD system that’s also offered on the larger Highlander model. Taking input from various sensors (vehicle speed, steering speed and angle, throttle angle and yaw rate), Dynamic Torque Control continuously monitors and actively governs torque distribution to the rear wheels, as needed, via an electromagnetically controlled coupling positioned in the rear differential. 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.

When accelerating, Dynamic Torque Control automatically shifts to AWD to help prevent front wheel slippage, or when sensors detect wheel slippage.  New for 2016, torque transfer to the rear wheels starts from the moment the steering wheel is turned to reduce the load on the front tires in all Drive Modes (previously only in Sport Mode on 2015 AWD RAV4s). If wheel slip occurs, the system transfers up to 50 percent of torque to the rear wheels to reduce front tire loading, thereby enhancing lateral grip. Pushing an AWD Lock button fixes torque distribution at 50:50 at speeds up to about 25 mph to help maximize grip for off-pavement driving or slippery conditions. Above that speed, the system reverts to Auto mode.

Inner Strength
A body structure that makes extensive use of high-strength steel provides a robust and stiff, yet light platform and is the foundation for the RAV4’s smooth ride, handling agility and cabin quietness. The rear suspension member has increased spots welds and support mounts to help enhance rigidity and reduce vibration transfer to the vehicle occupants. The MacPherson strut front suspension and double-wishbone rear suspension let the RAV4 absorb bumps, ruts and railroad crossings with composure. A strut tower bar links the tops of the front strut towers to the main bulkhead, helping to increase torsional rigidity.

Front and rear shock absorbers and coils have been retuned in all RAV4 grades to help enhance stability and increase comfort. The SE grade receives unique sport-tuned shock absorbers and coils for enhanced sport driving composure.

Vehicle-speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion electric power steering provides precision feel and quick response, and it has no messy hydraulic fluid to be checked or changed. The RAV4 LE rolls on standard 17-inch steel wheels with wheel covers and P225/65R17 all-season tires. The XLE Hybrid upgrades to unique 17-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels with 225/65R17 tires and XLE gas rides on 18-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels with 235/55R18 tires, while the Limited and SE grades get 18-inch alloy wheels with P235/55R18 all-season tires.

Cavernous Cabin
The easy-to-maneuver, easy-to-park RAV4 takes up little space outside but offers cavernous space inside. There’s ample room for five adults, including competitive 37.2 inches of rear legroom and, behind the rear seat, 38.4 cu. ft. of cargo capacity (35.6 cu. ft. for Hybrid). With the 60/40 split rear seats folded, that space expands to 73.4 cu. ft. (70.6 cu. ft. for Hybrid). The rear seatbacks recline several degrees for added passenger comfort, and rear privacy glass is standard on all RAV4 models.

The RAV4 Limited brings in the luxury SofTex-trimmed seats, dash and door panels. The driver gets an eight-way power seat with memory and lumbar adjustment, and the front seats are two-stage heated. Added conveniences include the Smart Key system with push button start, remote power liftgate, a frameless auto-dimming rear-view mirror with Homelink® and SofTex-covered sliding center armrest with a console storage compartment.

Special attention was directed towards improving cabin quietness with the addition of sound insulation materials in the rear cargo area, floor pan, and side and rear doors to help reduce road noise and create a premium feel.

Tune in With Entune™
There’s no shortage of music and information choices in the 2016 RAV4, thanks to a line of four available Entune™ audio systems. In the RAV4 LE, the standard Entune Audio system features a 6.1-in. touchscreen, AM/FM/CD, Bluetooth® hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming,  iPod® connectivity and control, USB 2.0, AUX mini-jack, Advanced Voice Recognition, and six speakers. Siri® Eyes Free is also new for 2016.  The Entune touchscreen, which also serves as the display for the standard backup camera, allows the driver and front passenger to operate the audio system, and more.

Standard on XLE grade, Entune Audio Plus with Connected Navigation App adds high-resolution to the 6.1-inch touch screen, HD Radio® with iTunes® tagging, SiriusXM® Satellite (with 3-month complimentary All Access Trial), HD Radio® Traffic/Weather (metro areas only), Connected Navigation via Scout® GPS Link app (includes cell-phone driven navigation, voice activated search, traffic-based commute information, and more) operated through a 6.1-inch high resolution touch screen with Customizable Home Screen.  In the RAV4 Limited (and optional for the XLE), Entune Premium Audio adds a 7.0-inch high resolution touchscreen with Customizable Home Screen, Integrated Navigation and the subscription-free Entune® App Suite.  Entune Premium Audio adds AM/FM Cache Radio pairs with the user’s mobile smartphone to provide a richer in-vehicle experience with fully integrated access to navigation, music and information services. Mobile apps include Destination Search, iHeartRadio, MovieTickets.com, OpenTable®, Yelp, Facebook Places, Slacker Radio, and Pandora®, plus real-time traffic, weather, fuel prices, sports and stocks. Customers can also download available Entune updates.

Reserved as an option for the Limited and SE, the Entune Premium JBL® Audio with Navigation system brings your music to life with 576 watts (maximum) pumped through 11 JBL®GreenEdge™ Technology speakers in seven locations, including a subwoofer and JBL amplifier. The eight-channel amplifier and Green Edge speakers reduce electrical draw on the vehicle compared to other systems of comparable output.

Star Safety
Like every 2016 Toyota, RAV4 is equipped with the Star Safety System™ that includes: Traction Control (TRAC), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Brake Assist (BA), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Smart Stop Technology (SST). Eight standard airbags include dual stage advanced driver and front passenger airbags; front seat-mounted airbags; first and second row side curtain airbags; driver knee airbag and a front passenger seat cushion airbag. Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL) front seats are designed to help support the driver’s and front passenger’s heads during certain types of rear-end collisions.

Value Pricing
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for the 2016 RAV4 gas models will range from $24,350 for the LE 2WD to $32,910 for the AWD Limited.

The MSRP for the 2016 RAV4 Hybrid will be $28,370 for the AWD XLE and $33,610 for the AWD Limited.

The MSRP for all RAV4 models does not include the delivery, processing, and handling (DPH) fee of $900.  The DPH fee for vehicles distributed by Southeast Toyota (SET) and Gulf States Toyota (GST) may vary.

Limited Warranty
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 against corrosion with no mileage limitation.

The hybrid-related components, including the HV battery, battery control module, hybrid control module and inverter with converter, are covered for eight years/100,000 miles. In applicable states hybrid-related component coverage is 15 years/150,000 miles with the exception of the hybrid battery, which is covered for 10 years/150,000 miles.

The 2016 RAV4 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.


2016 RAV4 Pricing

Gas
Model #	Model	Drive	Transmission	Grade	MSRP
4430	RAV4	2WD	A/T	LE	$24,350
4440	RAV4	2WD	A/T	XLE	$26,270
4470	RAV4	2WD	A/T	SE	$29,265
4450	RAV4	2WD	A/T	LTD	$31,510
4432	RAV4	AWD	A/T	LE	$25,750
4442	RAV4	AWD	A/T	XLE	$27,670
4472	RAV4	AWD	A/T	SE	$30,665
4452	RAV4	AWD	A/T	LTD	$32,910

Hybrid
Model #	Model	Drive	Transmission	Grade	MSRP
4444	RAV4	AWD	CVT	XLE	$28,370
4454	RAV4	AWD	CVT	LTD	$33,610

All prices listed above exclude the Delivery, Processing, and Handling (DPH) fee.  Fleet models excluded.