Toyota unveils fifth-generation RAV4 at New York International Auto Show

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NEW YORK

“At Toyota, we’re not going home, we’re going big! Right here in the Big Apple!”

With those words, TMNA Group Vice President and General Manager, Toyota Division, Jack Hollis, began the press conference Wednesday morning, which highlighted the 2019 Toyota RAV4 global reveal for the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, in Manhattan.

Toyota’s RAV4, the original small SUV that created the segment, has taken its guests on countless adventures for over two decades, earning the current rank of the best-selling Toyota and the best-selling non-pickup vehicle in the USA, with over 400,000 sold in 2017.

For its fifth generation, the all-new RAV4 debuts more powerful, roomier and fuel-efficient than ever before. RAV4 will be showcased alongside Toyota’s full vehicle lineup of cars, trucks, SUVs and future mobility vehicles.

The 2019 RAV4 possesses an entirely reimagined design and performance, thanks to the implementation of its new Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform and two new powertrains. With the platform comes a Multi-Link Rear Suspension, and an available Toyota-first Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive with Driveshaft Disconnect system giving drivers improved handling. Multi-Terrain Select is also available for guests who want to take their adventures off the pavement.

A new hybrid grade makes its debut on RAV4: XSE Hybrid. RAV4 XSE Hybrid is the sportiest of all grades and is expected to achieve class-leading fuel economy.

Auto show attendees will also get a firsthand look at the all-new 2019 Corolla Hatchback, making its North American debut. A striking interior and exterior design, along with enhanced performance capabilities, make the fun-to- drive Corolla Hatchback agile, sporty and practical. It’s equipped with a new TNGA powertrain—a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline Dynamic Force Engine that’s more powerful and fuel efficient—as well as an all-new TNGA platform and available sport-tuned suspension.

With anticipated class-leading cargo space, Entune 3.0 with Wi-Fi Connect, Amazon Alexa connectivity and Apple CarPlay, the 2019 Corolla Hatchback will likewise be the first Toyota in the US to offer the latest generation of Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0), a bundle of active safety features included at no additional cost. “It’s the only vehicle in its class to offer such a thorough system as standard equipment,” said Hollis. An Adaptive Front Lighting
System and Qi Wireless Charging are also available.

Also on display, for the first time ever, is the 2019 Yaris, replacing the 2018 Yaris iA. Featuring a redesigned sport-inspired front grill, the new Yaris is equipped with a standard low-speed pre-collision system, and a standard 7.0-inch touchscreen multimedia system with voice recognition, remote interface, steering wheel controls and Bluetooth connectivity. LED automatic headlights are also available. It has a highway rating of up to 40 EPA MPG.

In addition to L and LE grades, the 2019 Yaris comes in a new XLE premium grade, featuring leather accents and a leatherette interior.

Having made its debut at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the all-new 2019 Avalon was on view too. Toyota’s flagship midsize sedan boasts standard passive and active safety benefits through Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P). Its athletic handling is enhanced by available Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), a Toyota-first, helping the all-new Avalon outperform its peers. The Avalon mixes a bevy of additional Toyota-firsts such as standard Apple CarPlay and Dynamic Auxiliary Turn Signals, available authentic Yamaha wood and aluminum cabin accents, and Engine Sound Enhancement.

NYIAS also features the pulse-pounding, heart-racing TRD Pro Series for its next generation of off-road dominance. The series comes to New York after its debut at this year’s Chicago Auto Show. For 2019, Tundra, 4Runner and Tacoma will all feature high-tech Fox Internal Bypass Shocks and a host of impressive off-road equipment tuned and designed by the engineers at Toyota Racing Development (TRD). The Tacoma TRD Pro, for example, offers an available TRD desert air intake, and the Tundra TRD Pro is fitted with Rigid Industries fog lights and new BBS wheels. The 4Runner TRD Pro flaunts a new TRD roof rack.

Toyota has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. and North America for 60 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through their Toyota and Lexus brands. During that time, Toyota has sold more than 36 million cars and trucks in North America. They operate 14 manufacturing plants (10 in the U.S.) and directly employ more than 47,000 people (more than 37,000 in the U.S.). Their 1,800 North American dealerships (nearly 1,500 in the U.S.) sold more than 2.7 million cars and trucks (2.4 million in the U.S.) in 2017 – and about 87 percent of all Toyota vehicles sold over the past 15 years are still on the road today.

The New York International Auto Show runs from March 30 through April 8, 2018.