Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[2013 Toyota RAV4]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/16/2013-toyota-rav4-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/16/2013-toyota-rav4-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/16/2013-toyota-rav4-review/#commentsFiled under: , ,

A Nicer View Than Ever Of Middle Of The Road

2013 Toyota RAV4 - front three-quarter view, red

When we had our first shot behind the wheel of the 2013 Toyota RAV4, the overall judgment from Managing Editor Jeremy Korzeniewski could be summed up in a sentence along the lines of, "Eh, not bad." The truth is that the compact crossover segment, now filled with not-so-compact offerings, is as cutthroat as any in the industry these days. When a heavyweight player like the RAV4 comes to market with a new generation, it is not at liberty to start from a clean sheet, lest it throw cold water on a vehicle that sells tens of thousands of units globally every month. Like De La Soul says, "Stakes is high."

If the choices in the marketplace were still largely limited to the Honda CR-V, as was the case when this market niche was green, the Toyota offering might actually seem like the exciting choice. But with new players offering better dynamic thrills (Mazda CX-5), cool turbo motors and fancy technology (Ford Escape), or even crunchy cred (Subaru Forester), the small crossover shopper is really spoiled for choice in 2013.

With Mr. Korzeniewski's excellent First Drive review covering the granularity of the RAV4 specification so well, we chose to focus our notes this time around on living with the Toyota in its natural suburban habitat for a longer stretch. What's more, we'll try to mark out where the CUV wins, loses or draws with the rest of the strident segment.

Continue reading 2013 Toyota RAV4

2013 Toyota RAV4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Apr 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 toyota rav4featuredrav4 reviewreviewreviewstoyotatoyota rav4Tue, 16 Apr 2013 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20541575/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/16/2013-toyota-rav4-review/20541575/article-detail.xml 20541575 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/01-2013-toyota-rav4-review-opt_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/01-2013-toyota-rav4-review-opt.png <![CDATA[Toyota RAV4 hybrid in development?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/03/toyota-rav4-hybrid-in-development/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/03/toyota-rav4-hybrid-in-development/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/03/toyota-rav4-hybrid-in-development/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2013 Toyota RAV4

Toyota may be hard at work on a new hybrid version of the RAV4. AutoExpress reports the automaker is keeping a close eye on the CUV segment to determine whether or not buyers would be receptive to the idea of a hybrid RAV4. Yoshikazu Saeki, deputy chief engineer with the automaker, said that a hybrid iteration wouldn't be difficult to do. Saeki spoke with AutoExpress during the LA Auto Show, and said that while Toyota has no interest in building either a seven-seat version of the RAV4 or a sportier model along the lines of the Nissan Juke, a hybrid isn't off the table.

"We are watching the market," Saeki said. "After introducing the new RAV4 we will see. There will be a possibility of introducing a hybrid RAV4 and we will respond to what the market wants."

Than again, we've heard these rumblings before. Back in 2009, Toyota said almost the exact same thing after the Shanghai Motor Show three years ago.

Toyota RAV4 hybrid in development? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Dec 2012 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hybridhybrid rav4toyotatoyota rav4toyota rav4 hybridMon, 03 Dec 2012 11:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20392480/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/03/toyota-rav4-hybrid-in-development/20392480/article-detail.xml 20392480 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/2013-toyota-rav4-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/2013-toyota-rav4-628.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota RAV4 EV priced at $49,800]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/07/toyota-rav4-ev-priced-at-49-800/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/07/toyota-rav4-ev-priced-at-49-800/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/07/toyota-rav4-ev-priced-at-49-800/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Toyota RAV4 EV

Announced almost two years ago, Toyota finally gave us some more details about the was the all-electric RAV4 EV will be sold to the general public during the 26th Electric Vehicle Symposium in Los Angeles today. The important number? The MSRP for what Toyota calls a "fully equipped" RAV4 EV is $49,800 and will be available before the end of the year.

Toyota says the RAV4 EV's range is 100 miles and that the car will charge from empty in approximately six hours on a 240V/40A charger. The new RAV4 EV has LED and halogen headlights and it has special "environmental blue" color emblems on the outside. The vehicle will be made at the Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada, Inc., plant in Woodstock, Ontario. The first generation of the new RAV4 EV was unveiled back at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show. Our First Drive report is here.

With a battery and powertrain designed by Tesla, the new RAV4 EV certainly appears to be one of the new breed of compliance EVs. We had heard that the RAV4 EV will be lease only, but the official press release says the car "will go on sale in late summer 2012 through select dealers, initially in four major California metropolitan markets." Those markets are Sacramento, the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles/Orange County and San Diego and the news matches the rumor we heard last year, that sales about be limited to California. In all, Toyota hopes to sell just 2,600 units in the next three years. Nissan Leaf, you've got nothing to worry about.

Continue reading Toyota RAV4 EV priced at $49,800

Toyota RAV4 EV priced at $49,800 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 May 2012 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehicleevsevs26msrprav4rav4 electricrav4 evrav4 ev priceteslatoyotatoyota rav4toyota rav4 electricMon, 07 May 2012 17:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20233197/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/07/toyota-rav4-ev-priced-at-49-800/20233197/article-detail.xml 20233197 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/toyotarav4evopt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/toyotarav4evopt.jpg <![CDATA[These are the 10 new cars with the highest percentage of female ownership]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/27/these-are-the-10-new-cars-with-the-highest-percentage-of-female/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/27/these-are-the-10-new-cars-with-the-highest-percentage-of-female/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/27/these-are-the-10-new-cars-with-the-highest-percentage-of-female/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

2011 Volvo V40 - front, three-quarter view (red)

If you hear the pejorative "chick car," what comes to mind? Mazda MX-5 Miata? Volvo C70? Would you believe neither made Inside Line's list of 2011 models with the highest percentage of female ownership? No. 1, with 57.9-percent female ownership was the Volvo S40. Considering the female dollar is sought-after, it's probably too bad that Volvo decided to axe the model for 2012.

That means No. 2, the Nissan Rogue with 56.9 percent, could take the top spot for 2012. Or maybe the VW Eos at No. 3 with 56.4 percent. We're also kind of wondering how the new Fiat 500 will fare this year.

No. 4 is another VW that shouldn't surprise. The cute New Beetle has been a perennial favorite among the ladies. It was No. 1 a year ago, but as we know, the newer, more aggressively styled Beetle is enjoying increased interest among the guys. No. 5? The Toyota Matrix, of all things.

Here's how the rest shake out according to Inside Line:

Top ten 2011 models with the highest proportion of female buyers

  1. Volvo S40 - 57.9%
  2. Nissan Rogue - 56.9%
  3. Volkswagen Eos - 56.4%
  4. Volkswagen New Beetle - 54.6
  5. Toyota Matrix - 54.1%
  6. Hyundai Tucson - 54%
  7. Honda CR-V - 53.4%
  8. Toyota RAV4 - 54%
  9. Nissan Juke - 52.7% (tie)
  10. Jeep Compass - 52.7% (tie)

These are the 10 new cars with the highest percentage of female ownership originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car shoppingcarsfemalehonda cr-vhyundai tucson ix35jeep compassnissan jukenissan roguetoyota matrixtoyota rav4volvo s40vw beetlevw eoswomenTue, 27 Mar 2012 15:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20201335/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/27/these-are-the-10-new-cars-with-the-highest-percentage-of-female/20201335/article-detail.xml 20201335 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/04-2011-volvo-s40-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/04-2011-volvo-s40-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota Belgium offering adventurous location-based RAV4 discounts]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/21/toyota-belgium-offering-adventurous-location-based-rav4-discount/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/21/toyota-belgium-offering-adventurous-location-based-rav4-discount/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/21/toyota-belgium-offering-adventurous-location-based-rav4-discount/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

RAV4 Black Edition

Toyota Belgium has just launched a new campaign for the Toyota RAV4 Black Edition that allows participants to earn discounts for the vehicle based on their location. Smartphone users download the RAV4 Adventure Discount App, travel to a so-called adventurous location within Belgium and sign in with the application. The app then calculates a discount based on just how daring you are. While far-flung wilderness locations are an obvious choice for big discounts, Toyota has hinted there are plenty of adventurous spots in city locales as well.

The campaign seems pretty brilliant to us, though we have to wonder how many RAV4 buyers will be willing to cover hill and dale in pursuit of a few extra hundred euros off of their bottom line. So far, it appears the app and the discounts are only good in Belgium, though it wouldn't surprise us if Toyota used a similar marketing ploy in other markets. Hit the jump to check out an ad for the app after the jump, complete with a mustachioed woodsman.

Continue reading Toyota Belgium offering adventurous location-based RAV4 discounts

Toyota Belgium offering adventurous location-based RAV4 discounts originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appapplicationbelgiumrav4 adventure discount apprav4 appsmartphonetoyota belgiumtoyota rav4toyota rav4 black editionvideoTue, 21 Feb 2012 16:55:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20174990/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/21/toyota-belgium-offering-adventurous-location-based-rav4-discount/20174990/article-detail.xml 20174990 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/rav4-black-edition-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/rav4-black-edition-628.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota RAV4 EV production set for Ontario, Canada]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/05/toyota-rav4-ev-production-set-for-ontario-canada/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/05/toyota-rav4-ev-production-set-for-ontario-canada/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/05/toyota-rav4-ev-production-set-for-ontario-canada/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Toyota RAV4 EV

All 2012 RAV4 EV models destined for the U.S. will be manufactured in Ontario, Canada, according to Toyota Motor North America senior vice-president Ray Tanguay.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Center for Automotive Research's Management Briefing Seminars in Traverse City, MI, Tanguay told Ward's Auto: "Yes, we're just going into final details right now. Obviously we're not going to [import it from] Japan - that would make no sense." Tanguay says Toyota's factory in Woodstock, Ontario, current site of production for all U.S.-bound RAV4s, will easily accommodate assembly of the electrified crossover.

The precise on-sale date of the RAV4 EV is, according to Tanguay, "still in negotiation," but Toyota has committed to 2012 for its retail launch. Furthermore, Tanguay says:
"We don't know the spec; we don't know the content. All we know basically is we have an agreement to develop this with Tesla, and we have to assemble that vehicle in North America.
To back up Tanguay's words, Toyota today confirmed that Ontario will be the site of production for the RAV4 EV. For the official press release, click through to the jump.

Continue reading Toyota RAV4 EV production set for Ontario, Canada

Toyota RAV4 EV production set for Ontario, Canada originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Aug 2011 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>rav-4rav4 electricrav4 evray tanguayteslatesla motorstoyotatoyota canadatoyota ontariotoyota rav4toyota rav4 evFri, 05 Aug 2011 13:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20010544/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/05/toyota-rav4-ev-production-set-for-ontario-canada/20010544/article-detail.xml 20010544 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/toyota-rav4-ev_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/toyota-rav4-ev.jpg <![CDATA[<strike>Toyota RAV4 EV</strike> Scion iQ EV won't be sold to the general public [UPDATE]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/18/toyota-rav4-ev-wont-be-sold-to-the-general-public/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/18/toyota-rav4-ev-wont-be-sold-to-the-general-public/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/18/toyota-rav4-ev-wont-be-sold-to-the-general-public/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Toyota RAV4 EV

For the sake of argument, let's posit that a Mitsubishi i is too odd looking for your tastes, a Nissan Leaf is still a bit too compact, and that your idea of a perfect battery-powered vehicle is something crossover-shaped. Well, you're in luck because the Toyota-Tesla Motors partnership is set to release its RAV4 EV in early 2012, right? Well, yes, and, in some critical ways, no.

Why? Well, unless you operate a fleet or a car-sharing program, chances are good that you won't be able to buy a RAV4 EV. According Pike Research, Geri Yoza, Toyota's National Business Planning Manager of Advanced Vehicle Marketing, has gone on record saying that while the electric-only RAV4 will indeed make its comeback (a first-gen version was first sold some 15 years ago), the electrified CUV won't be made available to the general public. Instead, Yoza says, Toyota will focus on "very strategic applications" (read: fleets and car-sharing programs) for the RAV4 EV.

Despite being a electric vehicle that could benefit from quick charging, Yoza says the RAV4 EV will not come equipped with a CHAdeMO charging port, stating that Toyota will not offer a quick-charge setup on any of its electrified vehicles until the SAE finalizes a standard.

Let's hope that Yoza's admission is slightly inaccurate and that Toyota will eventually sell the RAV4 EV to the public. Otherwise, the only electric CUV on the market in 2012 will be one that folks like us can't even buy.

UPDATE: Instead of using the strikeout feature in this entire post, here's an update direct from Pike Research: "Toyota called to clarify that the vehicle that will only be sold to fleets is the Scion iQ EV, not the RAV4 EV as we were previously told." So, um, yeah.

Toyota RAV4 EV Scion iQ EV won't be sold to the general public [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Jul 2011 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>geri yozarav4toyotatoyota rav4toyota rav4 evMon, 18 Jul 2011 07:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19993079/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/18/toyota-rav4-ev-wont-be-sold-to-the-general-public/19993079/article-detail.xml 19993079 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/toyota-rav4-ev_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/toyota-rav4-ev.jpg <![CDATA[KBB reveals 20 most researched cars of 2010]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/26/kbb-reveals-20-most-researched-cars-of-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/26/kbb-reveals-20-most-researched-cars-of-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/26/kbb-reveals-20-most-researched-cars-of-2010/#commentsFiled under: ,

Honda Accord
KBB.com names its 20 Most-Researched vehicles for 2010 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Kelly Blue Book has compiled a list of the most researched new vehicles for 2010, as well as brands that hold the greatest market share of interest. The Honda Accord, Civic and Toyota Camry claim the top three spots -- not a surprise if you've been reading this list the last few years. Since 2004, the same three vehicles have garnered the most attention at KBB.com.

While it's not a surprise to see those three, it's a nice change of pace for a few newcomers to the list. The Hyundai Sonata was 29th overall last year, but has risen 24 spots to claim the title of fifth most-researched vehicle for 2010. Not everyone rose this year, of course. Two notable vehicles, the Toyota Prius and Corolla, dropped a few spots compared to 2009.

It's not all bad news for Toyota, however, because KBB.com also takes a look at each brand's market share of interest among new car buyers. Toyota leads the way at 13.4 percent, with Honda, Ford, Chevrolet and Nissan rounding out the top five in that order.

Here's how the Top 20 Most-Researched Vehicles for 2010 breaks down:

1. Honda Accord
2. Honda Civic
3. Toyota Camry
4. Honda CR-V
5. Hyundai Sonata
6. Nissan Altima
7. Honda Pilot
8. Ford Mustang
9. Toyota Highlander
10. Toyota RAV4
11. Toyota Sienna
12. Honda Odyssey
13. Chevrolet Equinox
14. Toyota Corolla
15. Ford Fusion
16. Ford Escape
17. Toyota Prius
18. BMW 3 Series
19. Chevrolet Camaro
20. Volkswagen Jetta

Be sure to click past the jump to read the full release from Kelley Blue Book.


Gallery: Kelley Blue Book's Top 20 Most-Researched Vehicles for 2010



[Source: KBB.com]

Continue reading KBB reveals 20 most researched cars of 2010

KBB reveals 20 most researched cars of 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 26 Dec 2010 17:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmw 3 serieschevrolet camarochevrolet equinoxford escapeford fusionford mustanghonda accordhonda civichonda cr-vhonda odysseyhonda pilothyundai sonatakbbkbb.comkelley blue booknissan altimatoyota camrytoyota corollatoyota highlandertoyota priustoyota rav4toyota siennavolkswagen jettaSun, 26 Dec 2010 17:07:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19773711/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/12/26/kbb-reveals-20-most-researched-cars-of-2010/19773711/article-detail.xml 19773711 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/03accordcoupereview2010-1293037263_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/03accordcoupereview2010-1293037263.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota and Tesla to debut RAV4 EV love child at 2010 LA Auto Show]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/10/toyota-and-tesla-to-debut-rav4-ev-love-child-at-2010-la-auto-sho/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/10/toyota-and-tesla-to-debut-rav4-ev-love-child-at-2010-la-auto-sho/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/10/toyota-and-tesla-to-debut-rav4-ev-love-child-at-2010-la-auto-sho/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Toyota RAV4 EV
Toyota RAV4 EV - Click above for high-res image gallery

Toyota and Tesla producing electric vehiclesIn the spring of 2010, Toyota and Tesla announced that they would be working together on future electric vehicle products. The ink is probably still wet on the $60 million contract, but Toyota and Tesla are ready to show off the fruits of their respective labor. The RAV4 EV is slated to make its debut at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show, but Toyota has released a few teaser shots ahead of the full reveal.

Toyota has supplied the RAV4 bodies and a bundle of cash, while Tesla has developed the battery, power electronics module, electric motor, transmission and software. Thousands of laptop-like battery cells will power the RAV4 EV, but we can't speculate on the performance or efficiency figures. Engineers from Toyota will be on hand at the LA Auto Show and we will get the full scoop on the electric CUV before it goes on sale in 2012.


Gallery: Toyota teases the RAV4 EV ahead of the 2010 LA Auto Show

Toyota teases the RAV4 EV ahead of the 2010 LA Auto ShowToyota teases the RAV4 EV ahead of the 2010 LA Auto Show

[Source: Toyota]

Toyota and Tesla to debut RAV4 EV love child at 2010 LA Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Nov 2010 16:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crossoverElectric carevla auto showla auto show 2010laaslos angeles auto showlos angeles auto show 2010rav4rav4 evteslatoyotatoyota rav4toyota rav4 evtoyota tesla evWed, 10 Nov 2010 16:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19711594/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/11/10/toyota-and-tesla-to-debut-rav4-ev-love-child-at-2010-la-auto-sho/19711594/article-detail.xml 19711594 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/teaser2-prv_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/teaser2-prv.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Chevrolet sweeps HGTV Car Hunters Challenge]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/15/video-chevrolet-sweeps-hgtv-car-hunters-challenge/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/15/video-chevrolet-sweeps-hgtv-car-hunters-challenge/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/15/video-chevrolet-sweeps-hgtv-car-hunters-challenge/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Car Hunters Challenger on HGTV
Car Hunters Challenge - Click above to watch the video after the jump

One of HGTV's most popular shows is called House Hunters, where your average Joe and Jane Public take a look at two or three homes and ultimately end up purchasing their dream abode. Chevrolet wanted to get in on this game and its teamed up with the network to develop the Car Hunters Challenge. You see where this is going, right?

Cameras are everywhere and the supposedly unbiased reactions of the car shoppers are recorded. How are they able to get to the real opinions regarding the Chevy-supplied cars? Independent research company GfK is asking the questions, and the car buyers also look at equivalent models from Honda and Toyota. In the mid-size segment, the Chevy Malibu took on the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. A Chevrolet Equinox lined up next to a Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V for the compact crossover shoppers. In the mid-size crossover group, a Chevy Traverse duked it out with the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot.

The Car Hunters Challenge ultimately ended up speaking with 70 people, but how did the Bow-Tie brand fair? It took a gamble on the entire project but walked away happy after 43 new-car shoppers gave Chevrolet vehicles the thumbs up. By our grade-school math, that equates to a D-. However, it's entirely possible they grade on the nursing school curve. Regardless, it's interesting to see an automaker take a risk like this and the see the results play in its favor.

You can catch the Car Hunters Challenge spots in commercial form during episodes of House Hunters or watch episodes on the web courtesy of the HGTV website. Take a gander at the trailer, available for viewing after the jump.

Continue reading Video: Chevrolet sweeps HGTV Car Hunters Challenge

Video: Chevrolet sweeps HGTV Car Hunters Challenge originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Sep 2010 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bow tiecar hunterscar hunters challengechevroletchevrolet malibuchevychevy malibuhgtvhondaHonda Accordhonda cr-vhonda pilottoyotatoyota camrytoyota highlanderToyota Rav 4toyota rav4Wed, 15 Sep 2010 08:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19632113/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/09/15/video-chevrolet-sweeps-hgtv-car-hunters-challenge/19632113/article-detail.xml 19632113 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/carhunters-screengrab_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/carhunters-screengrab.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota/Tesla RAV4 EV coming to LA Auto Show, Prius PHEV hitting dealerships in Q2 2012]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/13/toyota-tesla-rav4-ev-coming-to-la-auto-show-prius-phev-hitting/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/13/toyota-tesla-rav4-ev-coming-to-la-auto-show-prius-phev-hitting/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/13/toyota-tesla-rav4-ev-coming-to-la-auto-show-prius-phev-hitting/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Toyota RAV4

Back in July, Toyota and Tesla announced a joint venture to bring electric vehicles to market, and the first example - the RAV4 EV - is slated to go on sale in 2012. Now, an update from Toyota says the all-electric RAV4 will debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show this November, meaning that an on-sale date in 2012 doesn't seem all that unrealistic.

Speaking of 2012, Toyota also tweeted about its plans to bring the Prius PHEV to market in the second quarter of that year, citing May or June as a specific timeframe. When it launches, Toyota is targeting sales of roughly 20,000-plus units in North America, with the Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf as the key competition.

[Source: Toyota]

Toyota/Tesla RAV4 EV coming to LA Auto Show, Prius PHEV hitting dealerships in Q2 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Sep 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010LaAutoShowla 2010la auto showla auto show 2010los angeles auto showpriusprius phevtesla rav4toyotatoyota priustoyota prius hybridtoyota prius phevtoyota rav4toyota rav4 evtoyota tesla evtoyota tesla rav4Mon, 13 Sep 2010 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19632041/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/09/13/toyota-tesla-rav4-ev-coming-to-la-auto-show-prius-phev-hitting/19632041/article-detail.xml 19632041 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/2008090309rav4limited_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/2008090309rav4limited.jpg <![CDATA[Tesla and Toyota to develop RAV4 EV, hope to launch in 2012]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/16/tesla-and-toyota-to-develop-rav4-ev-hope-to-launch-in-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/16/tesla-and-toyota-to-develop-rav4-ev-hope-to-launch-in-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/16/tesla-and-toyota-to-develop-rav4-ev-hope-to-launch-in-2012/#comments
Toyota RAV4 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Toyota and Tesla have officially announced that the electric prototypes being developed by the California startup are based on the RAV4 crossover, and the two companies hope to have a production version ready by 2012. When we sat down with Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda last week, he revealed that an initial prototype was being built with a Tesla electric powertrain. Since then, Tesla CTO JB Straubel revealed that his engineering team was preparing two vehicles based on an existing Toyota platform for delivery by the end of July.

If the project comes to fruition, it will be great news for fans of the original RAV4 EV which debuted in the late 1990s. Several hundred of those vehicles are still on the road today and regularly turn up for sale on eBay Motors at premium prices.

The new RAV4s will use Tesla's liquid cooled lithium ion battery configuration that contains thousands of commodity laptop cells. The first prototype is already running and a larger fleet will be prepared this year for durability testing by Toyota.


Gallery: 2009 Toyota RAV4


[Source: Tesla]

Continue reading Tesla and Toyota to develop RAV4 EV, hope to launch in 2012

Tesla and Toyota to develop RAV4 EV, hope to launch in 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>RAV-4RAV4Rav4 EVRav4Evteslatesla motorstesla rav4tesla toyotatesla toyota evtesla toyota partnershipTeslaMotorsTeslaRav4TeslaToyotaTeslaToyotaEvTeslaToyotaPartnershiptoyotaToyota CUVtoyota rav4toyota rav4 evToyotaCuvToyotaRav4ToyotaRav4EvFri, 16 Jul 2010 10:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19557273/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/07/16/tesla-and-toyota-to-develop-rav4-ev-hope-to-launch-in-2012/19557273/article-detail.xml 19557273 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/2010-toyota-rav4-base-concrete-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/2010-toyota-rav4-base-concrete-630.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Toyota to fix over 700,000 RAV4 and Matrix models outside of recall]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/15/report-toyota-to-fix-over-700-000-rav4-and-matrix-models-outsid/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/15/report-toyota-to-fix-over-700-000-rav4-and-matrix-models-outsid/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/15/report-toyota-to-fix-over-700-000-rav4-and-matrix-models-outsid/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2009 Toyota Corolla XRS - Click above for high-res image gallery

Toyota has announced that it will voluntarily repair a number of issues that have arisen with 2001-2003 RAV4 crossovers as well as certain 2009-2010 Matrix and Corolla vehicles. According to Reuters, around 235,500 RAV4 models will be repaired outside of a recall for a "hard shift" problem. Owners have complained that under certain circumstances, the vehicle's transmission would either abruptly shift or otherwise fail to change gears properly. The culprit is typically a faulty engine control module, though in some cases, damage to the transmission may lead to outright replacement. Owners who have previously had to pay for this work out of pocket can apply for reimbursement.

Meanwhile, around 500,000 Matrix and Corolla models will be serviced for "steering drift." The company hasn't exactly elaborated on what that means, but as we first reported yesterday,Toyota hasn't issued a recall because the automaker says that the issue doesn't pose a danger to the vehicle's occupants - this, despite reports of 18 crashes and 11 injuries. Instead, the Japanese manufacturer has labeled the steering problem a customer satisfaction issue. Like the RAV4, owners can have a fix performed free of charge.


Gallery: Review: 2009 Toyota Corolla XRS


Photos by Dan Roth / Copyright (C)2008 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Reuters]

Report: Toyota to fix over 700,000 RAV4 and Matrix models outside of recall originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CorollaCorolla Recallcorolla safetyCorollaRecallCorollaSafetyMatrixMatrix Recallmatrix safetyMatrixRecallMatrixSafetyrav-4Rav4RAV4 Recallrav4 safetyRav4RecallRav4SafetyToyotatoyota corollaToyota Corolla RecallToyota Matrixtoyota rav4toyota recalltoyota recallstoyota safetyToyotaCorollaToyotaCorollaRecallToyotaMatrixToyotaRav4ToyotaRecallToyotaRecallsToyotaSafetyThu, 15 Jul 2010 14:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19555636/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/07/15/report-toyota-to-fix-over-700-000-rav4-and-matrix-models-outsid/19555636/article-detail.xml 19555636 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/01-corolla_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/01-corolla.jpg <![CDATA[Those two mystery Tesla prototypes for Toyota? <i>Bloomberg</i> says RAV4 and Lexus RX]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/12/those-two-mystery-tesla-prototypes-for-toyota-bloomberg/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/12/those-two-mystery-tesla-prototypes-for-toyota-bloomberg/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/12/those-two-mystery-tesla-prototypes-for-toyota-bloomberg/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Toyota has several fingers in a few electric pies. There's the electric car it's working on in-house, in conjunction with Panasonic, using proprietary technology. Then there are two mash-up prototypes that Tesla is building for Toyota, which according to Bloomberg include an electric RAV4 and Lexus RX. According to the report, the crossovers were chosen because they're the best fit for the weight of Tesla's battery pack, which uses 6,831 lithium-ion batteries.

Even though the Elon Musk says he expects, "range and acceleration exceeding that of other announced electric vehicles of this class," we wonder if he's including a crossover like the BYD e6. The electric SUV from China is currently testing in the Shenzhen taxi fleet and claimed to have a range of 186 miles. If that's his target, then the numbers would exceed the figures Toyota has for the joint project, with an ideal cost of "about $40,000 with 150 miles (240 kilometers) of driving range per charge."

Tesla's electrified RAV4 and Lexus RX are predicted to be delivered to Toyota this month, so expect a barrage of news to be forthcoming.

[Source: BusinessWeek]

Those two mystery Tesla prototypes for Toyota? Bloomberg says RAV4 and Lexus RX originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Jul 2010 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessweekelon muskElonMusklexus rxLexusRxrav4rxtesla toyotatesla toyota partnershipTeslaToyotaTeslaToyotaPartnershiptoyota rav4toyota tesla electric prototypetoyota tesla evToyotaRav4ToyotaTeslaElectricPrototypeToyotaTeslaEvMon, 12 Jul 2010 18:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19551208/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/07/12/those-two-mystery-tesla-prototypes-for-toyota-bloomberg/19551208/article-detail.xml 19551208 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/teslatoyotaelectrics_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/teslatoyotaelectrics.jpg <![CDATA[Geneva 2010: Euro-spec 2011 Toyota RAV4 previews new U.S. look]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/03/geneva-2010-euro-spec-2011-toyota-rav4-previews-new-u-s-look/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/03/geneva-2010-euro-spec-2011-toyota-rav4-previews-new-u-s-look/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/03/geneva-2010-euro-spec-2011-toyota-rav4-previews-new-u-s-look/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2011 Toyota RAV4 - Click above for high-res image gallery

We showed you a few leaked media pics of the facelifted 2011 Toyota RAV4 a couple of weeks ago, and now we have some live shots to go with them. Besides the FT-86 Concept, redesigned Auris and Prius plug-in hybrid we're expecting at this week's Geneva Motor Show, the Euro-spec RAV4 is a pretty big deal. Looking much like the extended-wheelbase JDM Toyota Vanguard, this is likely the new nose we'll see on the 2011 Toyota RAV4 here in the States as well.

The redesigned front fascia benefits from a new grille, more angular headlamps, foglight surrounds and a sporty front lip. We still haven't received the press release or full details, but early reports indicate that the 2.0-liter gasoline-powered four-cylinder will be tweaked to increase fuel efficiency and decrease CO2 emissions. This particular show car features Toyota's D-CAT clean diesel that we doubt will make it to these shores. There is even talk of a hybrid in the mix. We'll have more details as they become available but for now, check out the image gallery below.


Gallery: Geneva 2010: Toyota RAV4


Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Geneva 2010: Euro-spec 2011 Toyota RAV4 previews new U.S. look originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 16:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 RAV42011 Toyota RAV42011Rav42011ToyotaRav4genevageneva 2010Geneva Motor ShowGeneva2010GenevaMotorShowrav4toyotatoyota rav4ToyotaRav4Wed, 03 Mar 2010 16:39:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19380966/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/03/03/geneva-2010-euro-spec-2011-toyota-rav4-previews-new-u-s-look/19380966/article-detail.xml 19380966 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/01toyotarav4genevaliveopt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/01toyotarav4genevaliveopt.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Autocar</i> tries to lay out Toyota's future Prius hybrid path, new models coming spring of 2011?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/03/autocar-tries-to-lay-out-toyotas-future-prius-hybrid-pat/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/03/autocar-tries-to-lay-out-toyotas-future-prius-hybrid-pat/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/03/autocar-tries-to-lay-out-toyotas-future-prius-hybrid-pat/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Toyota Hybrid X Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to a report from Autocar, Toyota will launch its next couple of hybrid vehicles under the Prius banner in the spring of 2011. The two new bodystyles will include a Prius-based wagon and an MPV, or minivan. After that, the Japanese automaker will reportedly turn its attention to a sporty coupe model that would theoretically go up against the new Honda CR-Z.

Expect that coupe to have a similar look and feel to the FT-CH concept that was shown at the Detroit Auto Show. Finally, Toyota is said to be developing a hybrid powertrain for its RAV4 compact SUV. None of this news should come as a surprise, considering Toyota's stated goal of hybridizing its entire model line and the revelation in Detroit that future hybrids would likely fall under a Prius sub-family within Toyota.


Gallery: Geneva Motor Show: Toyota Hybrid-X concept


[Source: Autocar]

Autocar tries to lay out Toyota's future Prius hybrid path, new models coming spring of 2011? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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"This is not a safety recall."

Toyota is making it perfectly clear that this latest limited service campaign involving V6-powered vehicles sold over the past few years is not, in fact, a safety recall, as it does not have the potential to harm drivers. What's happening, however, is the rubber portion of the oil supply hose for the VVT-i actuator has the potential to degrade, which can cause oil to leak, in turn causing the engine to produce odd noises and the oil pressure light in the dash to illuminate.

The most recent phase of this service campaign involves 2007-2009 model year V6-equipped RAV4 and Avalon models. Last year, however, Toyota announced the first two phases of this campaign, which included 2005-2006 Avalons, 2007-early 2010 Camrys, 2006 RAV4s, 2007-2008 Lexus ES350s, and 2007-2009 Lexus RX350s. For all of these models, Toyota dealers will replace the oil hose at no extra charge, and the service campaign will be available to owners until March 31, 2013. Click through the jump to read the full details in Toyota's press release.

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Toyota offering to fix oil lines on nearly 1M six-cylinder models

Toyota offering to fix oil lines on nearly 1M six-cylinder models originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Mar 2010 10:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AvaloncamryEs350lexuslexus es350Lexus RX350LexusEs350LexusRx350limited service campaignLimitedServiceCampaignrav4RX350toyotatoyota avalontoyota camrytoyota rav4toyota recallToyotaAvalonToyotaCamryToyotaRav4ToyotaRecallvvt-iTue, 02 Mar 2010 10:47:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19379443/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/03/02/toyota-offering-to-fix-oil-lines-on-nearly-1m-six-cylinder-model/19379443/article-detail.xml 19379443 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/toyotarav4opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/toyotarav4opt.jpg <![CDATA[<em>Consumer Reports</em> may restore Toyota "Recommended" ratings next week]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/01/consumer-reports-may-restore-toyota-recommended-ratin/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/01/consumer-reports-may-restore-toyota-recommended-ratin/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/01/consumer-reports-may-restore-toyota-recommended-ratin/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Toyota

Consumer Reports may be ready to offer a vote of confidence in Toyota, depending on the outcome of the Japanese automaker's current Congressional Hearings on Toyota Safety here in the United States, says CR Senior Director David Champion.

At the end of January as news was starting to pile up regarding reported cases of unintended acceleration and the subsequent recalls of nine Toyota models (totaling 2.3 million vehicles), CR decided to pull its Recommended rating from the Toyota Avalon, Camry, Corolla, Highlander, Matrix (and its twin, the Pontiac Vibe), RAV4, Sequoia and Tundra.

Says Champion, "We're looking at a daily basis at the recalls. We want to be sure that the recalls are being performed." Assuming that Toyota's efforts to repair faulty gas pedals remain on track, it would seem CR has enough faith in the automaker to give back its coveted Recommended ratings.

And what of suggestions that there may be more to Toyota's unintended acceleration woes than faulty floor mats and gas pedals? "We want to see if anything bubbles up from the Senate hearings... A lot of people pointed to the electronics, but I don't see anything at the moment that points to an electronic issue."


Tired of Toyota recall news? Try out the recall-free version of Autoblog.

[Source: AOL Autos | Image: Scott Olson/Getty]

Consumer Reports may restore Toyota "Recommended" ratings next week originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avaloncamryconsumer reportsconsumer reports recommendedConsumerReportsConsumerReportsRecommendedcorollacrhighlandermatrixpontiacpontiac vibePontiacViberav4Sequoiatoyotatoyota avalontoyota camrytoyota corollatoyota highlandertoyota matrixtoyota rav4toyota recallToyota Sequoiatoyota tundraToyotaAvalonToyotaCamryToyotaCorollaToyotaHighlanderToyotaMatrixToyotaRav4ToyotaRecallToyotaSequoiaToyotaTundratundraunintended accelerationunintended-accelerationUnintendedAccelerationvibeMon, 01 Mar 2010 15:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19378252/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/03/01/consumer-reports-may-restore-toyota-recommended-ratin/19378252/article-detail.xml 19378252 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/gyi0059432016opt-1264832860_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/gyi0059432016opt-1264832860.jpg <![CDATA[Geneva Preview: Redesigned Toyota RAV4 leaks out]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/15/geneva-preview-redesigned-toyota-rav4-leaks-out/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/15/geneva-preview-redesigned-toyota-rav4-leaks-out/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/15/geneva-preview-redesigned-toyota-rav4-leaks-out/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2010 Toyota RAV4 (Euro-spec) - Click above for high-res image gallery

Joining the FT-86 Concept, redesigned Auris and Prius plug-in hybrid at this year's Geneva Motor Show will be a facelifted version of the Euro-spec RAV4, and if it looks oddly familiar, that's because it's a subtle variation of the JDM Vanguard, a long-wheelbase version of the cute 'ute.

Early reports indicate that the interior will be restyled to up the luxury ante and the 2.0-liter gasoline-powered four-cylinder will be tweaked to increase fuel efficiency and decrease C02 emissions. The redesigned front fascia benefits from a new grille, more angular, drawn headlamps, foglight surrounds and a sporty front lip. We'll have more details on the 2010 RAV4 in two week's time and don't be surprised to see the new nose making an appearance on North American models later this year.


Gallery: 2010 Toyota RAV4 (Euro-spec)


[Source: Autoweek.nl, Carscoop]

Geneva Preview: Redesigned Toyota RAV4 leaks out originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Feb 2010 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20102010 rav42010 toyota rav42010Rav42010ToyotaRav4genevageneva 2010geneva motor showGeneva2010GenevaMotorShowrav4toyotatoyota rav4ToyotaRav4Mon, 15 Feb 2010 14:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19358829/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/02/15/geneva-preview-redesigned-toyota-rav4-leaks-out/19358829/article-detail.xml 19358829 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/02/2010-toyota-rav-4-1-630op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/02/2010-toyota-rav-4-1-630op.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Consumer Reports</i> tests fuel efficiency vs. speed; Honda Insight biggest loser]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/10/i-consumer-reports-i-tests-fuel-efficiency-vs-speed-honda-i/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/10/i-consumer-reports-i-tests-fuel-efficiency-vs-speed-honda-i/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/10/i-consumer-reports-i-tests-fuel-efficiency-vs-speed-honda-i/#comments
2010 Honda Insight - Click above for high-res image gallery

The faster you drive, the more fuel you use. Common sense, right? Absolutely, but it's still helpful to see real-life data, as you'll see by checking out the results of a recent test performed by Consumer Reports. Not all cars perform the same at various speed limits, and as you might expect, America's most fuel efficient models are also the vehicles most affected by higher speeds.

A total of seven vehicles were tested by CR: a Acura TSX with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder; a new 2010 Honda Insight; a Lexus RX350; a Mercury Mountaineer with 4.6-liter V8; Toyota Camry and RAV4 with 2.5-liter four-bangers; and a Yaris with a 1.5-liter four.

As you're probably aware, today's hybrids are optimized for high fuel economy at city speeds and therefore lose much of their miserly ways on the highway. As it turns out, this was especially true of the new Insight hybrid, which lost over 15 miles per gallon moving the needle from 55 mph to 75 mph - the largest drop in the contest. Click here for the complete test results.


Gallery: 2010 Honda Insight


[Source: Consumer Reports]

Consumer Reports tests fuel efficiency vs. speed; Honda Insight biggest loser originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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