Innovative, Spirited and Versatile :: The 2015 Toyota RAV4

(TORONTO, ON. – September 30, 2014) The popular, Canadian-built compact SUV – the 2015 Toyota RAV4 – is impressive by any measure. The RAV4 combines driving dynamics, comfort for driver and passengers, cargo-hauling versatility, fuel efficiency and bold styling to make it a perfect choice for busy Canadian lifestyles.

“With RAV4’s winning combination of style, performance and versatility, playtime never looked better,” noted Larry Hutchinson, Vice President of Toyota Canada Inc. “Since every RAV4 sold in Canada is built in Woodstock Ontario, our customers can count on exceptional quality in a vehicle designed and built with Canadians in mind. ”

The 2015 RAV4 is offered in five models – two with very efficient front-wheel-drive and three with the added confidence of Toyota’s Dynamic Torque Control AWD System. Whichever model you choose, each is engineered for fun, comfort, style, versatility and performance.

All 2015 RAV4 models feature a 176 HP 2.5L 4-cylinder engine coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift mode and three driver selectable drive modes – Sport, ECO and Normal – to match RAV4’s performance and efficiency to one’s driving style or road conditions.

The boldly sculpted body is visually distinct, and the styling contributes to RAV4’s significant cargo capacity. It also confers an abundance of legroom for those sitting in the reclining rear seats. A lift-back rear door and lower loading height make it easier to load and unload up to 1,090 liters worth of groceries, golf bags, garden gear, or other goodies.

The 2015 RAV4 also receives top marks for safety, as every model is equipped with eight airbags, anchor points for child protector seats, available auto highbeams, lane departure alert and blind spot monitor. As with every new Toyota since 2011, the 2015 RAV4 is also standard equipped with the six active safety technologies of the Star Safety System: Antilock Brake System, Brake Assist, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Vehicle Stability Control, Active Traction Control and Smart Stop Technology work together to help drivers avoid potential accident situations.

All 2015 RAV4 models come with comfort and convenience features, including: Audio systems equipped with USB inputs and Bluetooth connectivity for portable devices, plus steering wheel-mounted audio and Bluetooth controls; air conditioning; power door locks with keyless entry; a full range of instrumentation including an eco drive monitor, outside temperature gauge and more; power windows with driver’s side auto down; a tilting/telescoping steering column; cargo and map lamps; plenty of thoughtful in-cabin storage; cruise control; 12-volt accessory power outlet and retained accessory power; reclining rear seats with a 60/40 split fold-down configuration, plus fold-down centre armrest; dual power adjustable and heated exterior mirrors with integrated signal lamps; a rear spoiler with integrated LED stop lamp; and more.


The 2015 RAV4 is available in five models:

RAV4 FWD LE (MSRP starting at: $24,005) and
RAV4 AWD LE (MSRP starting at: $26,270)
These models feature a four-speaker audio system with AM/FM/CD with mp3/WMA capability; fabric seat surfaces; 17” steel wheels; and more.

• These models may be ordered with the available Upgrade Package, which adds: an enhanced audio system with 6.1” Display Audio, six speakers, and voice recognition controls; heated front seats; rear privacy glass; roof rails; a tonneau cover; and a back-up camera.

RAV4 FWD XLE (MSRP starting at: $28,340) and
RAV4 AWD XLE (MSRP starting at: $30,540)
These models feature: a 6.1” Display Audio system with six speakers, steering wheel-mounted voice recognition controls, and integrated XM Satellite Radio; dual zone automatic climate control; heated front sport seats; premium fabric seat surfaces; a back-up camera; auto up/down function on driver window; rear privacy glass; tonneau cover; scuff plates; a soft-touch instrument panel with stitching; chrome inner door handles; automatic headlamps; 17” aluminum alloy wheels with locks; roof rails; a power moon roof; variable intermittent wipers; fog lamps; and more.

• These models may be ordered with the available Navigation Package, which adds: Navigation.

RAV4 AWD Limited (MSRP starting at: $33,350)
This model features: Toyota’s 6.1” Display Audio system with six speakers, steering wheel-mounted voice recognition controls, and integrated XM Satellite Radio; Navigation; dual zone automatic climate control; eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, cushion height, and memory system; heated front seats; SofTex seat surfaces; a back-up camera; auto up/down function on driver’s side window; auto-dimming rear view mirror; rear privacy glass; tonneau cover; cargo net; leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob; simulated leather door trim; chrome inner door handles; a sliding front centre console box; illuminated front cup holder; a power lift gate with remote operation; smart key system; push button start; scuff plates; a soft-touch instrument panel with stitching; 18” aluminum alloy wheels with locks; roof rails; a power moon roof; variable intermittent wipers; fog lamps; and more.

• This model may be ordered with the available Technology Package, which adds: an 11-speaker Premium JBL audio system; Lane Departure Alert System; Blind Spot Monitor; Rear Cross Traffic Alert System; Back-up Sensors; and Automatic High Beams.

2015 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid Sleek, Strong and Versatile is a Great Combination for Active Canadian Families

Toyota’s popular mid-size SUV combines striking design, drivability, impressive comfort and terrific versatility with a choice of drive trains and trim levels

(TORONTO, ON. – September 5, 2014) – Modern life can be busy and demanding – and the 2015 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid are more than up to the task. This popular mid-size SUV has it all: Versatility, convenience, a well-mannered easy driving experience, style, comfort and more. And with a choice of drive trains, seating arrangements, and trim levels, there’s a Highlander or Highlander Hybrid for every active Canadian family.

“In the 2015 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, Toyota designers and engineers have created a great family of vehicles for Canadians,” said Larry Hutchinson, Vice President of Toyota Canada Inc. “The Highlander and Highlander Hybrid combine terrific versatility for transporting people and gear with style and performance that reflects a more modern, active lifestyle.”

Highlander’s great versatility starts with a wide range of vehicles from which to choose – including four Highlander and three Highlander Hybrid models. These offer tremendous choice – including three drive trains (FWD, AWD and Hybrid AWD) and two seating configurations (seven-person with first and second row captain’s seats, or eight-person).

At the same time, the Highlander family leaves nothing out, with an extensive list of premium standard features on every model:

• All 2015 Toyota Highlander models are standard equipped with: 6.1” Display Audio system with touchscreen, USB and Bluetooth connectivity, voice recognition, and steering wheel-mounted audio controls; dual-zone (front and rear) climate control; power door locks with keyless entry; power windows with driver and front passenger auto up/down function; tilting/telescoping steering column; plenty of thoughtful in-cabin storage (including a console box between the front seats designed to hold a large tote bag); reading lamps and cargo-area lamp; 12v DC accessory power outlets and retained accessory power; a power assisted rear door closer; power adjustable exterior mirrors with integrated signal lamps; front windshield de-icer; rear spoiler; aluminum alloy wheels with locks; and more.
• These features are also found on all 2015 Toyota Highlander Hybrid models, which are also standard equipped with: Integrated XM Satellite Radio; three-zone independent automatic climate control with humidity sensor; automatic headlamps; a power rear door with jam protection and flip-up glass hatch; leather trimmed steering wheel and shift knob; the Toyota Smart Key System with Push Button Start; simulated leather door trim and front centre console box lid; silver accented interior trim; fog lamps; and more.

The strong, sleek exterior and beautiful, functional interior deliver big helpings of style, comfort and capacity. The third-row seat has space for three people, making the Highlander family one of the few eight-person choices in the segment, while there’s plenty of cargo space – even with all seats occupied.

The 2015 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid are stable on the road and drive like a passenger car, thanks to Toyota’s careful engineering of all drive and handling systems. The electric power steering and suspension have been optimized to deliver smooth lane changes and impressive cornering.

• Highlander models feature a 3.5L V6 with a six-speed automatic transmission offering smooth shifts and confident acceleration, plus a choice of fuel-efficient front wheel drive or the added all-weather driving confidence of all-wheel-drive.
• Highlander Hybrid models feature the Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive, built around a 3.5L V6 Atkinson cycle engine, an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission, a high-torque electric motor/generator and a powerful traction battery – all working in concert under the direction of a sophisticated power management system. The Highlander Hybrid features AWD-i, which delivers exceptional traction and fuel efficiency, helping Highlander Hybrid to back-to-back wins (2013-2014) in the hybrid/crossover category for best value from automotive analyst Vincentric LLC.

The 2015 Highlander family also maintains Toyota’s no-compromise commitment to safety. In addition to eight airbags, all Highlander and Highlander Hybrid models are standard equipped with a back-up camera, connected to a larger display in the console for even better visibility. Additionally, available safety technologies include Toyota’s Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert System; Lane Departure Alert; and Pre-Collision System.

As with every new Toyota since 2011, the 2015 Highlander family is standard equipped with the six active safety technologies of the Toyota Star Safety System: Antilock Brake System, Brake Assist, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control and Smart Stop Technology work together to help drivers avoid potential accident situations.

For 2015, the Toyota Highlander is offered in four models as follows:

2015 Toyota Highlander LE (MSRP starting at $31,975)

2015 Toyota Highlander LE AWD (MSRP starting at $34,475)
The front wheel drive Highlander LE features a V6 that delivers up to 270 horsepower for great performance, coupled with a fuel efficiency of 11.1 L per 100 KM (city/highway combined).

The Highlander LE AWD offers the same full feature set at the front-drive model, plus the added all-weather confidence of an all-wheel-drive system featuring Dynamic Torque Control with Downhill Assist Control to maximize efficiency, performance and drivability. The Highlander LE AWD achieves a fuel efficiency of 11.6 L per 100 KM (city/highway combined).

• These models may be ordered with an available Convenience Package, which features unique 18” alloy wheels and adds popular upgrades including: eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat; fog lamps; power rear door with jam protection; keyless entry with hatch release; a flip-up glass hatch on the rear door; heated front seats finished in cloth and Softex materials; leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob; three-zone independent automatic climate control; and Sirius XM Satellite Radio.
• This package may be ordered with an available option which adds leather seating.

2015 Toyota Highlander XLE AWD (MSRP starting at $40,195)

The Highlander XLE builds on the LE model with several additional features as standard. These include: A navigation system with an 8” touch-screen; the Easy Speak system which facilitates conversation between those in the front and rear seats; rear door sunshades; the Toyota Smart Key System with Push Button Start; leather seat surfaces; eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with adjustable cushion length; fog lights; power rear door with jam protection; a flip-up glass hatch on the rear door; heated front seats; leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob; power moon roof; three-zone independent automatic climate control system; a larger, 4.2” colour multi-information display linked to audio system; integrated garage door opener; roof rails with crossbars; and more.

2015 Toyota Highlander Limited AWD (MSRP starting at $45,395)

The Highlander Limited builds on the XLE model, creating a premium mid-size, 7 passenger SUV that stands out from the competition. In addition to XLE features, standard features on the Limited model include: a 12-speaker JBL Synthesis Audio system; heated steering wheel; front heated and ventilated seats; heated 2^nd row captain’s seats; perforated leather seat surfaces; a driver’s seat/mirror memory system; auto up/down function on all windows; a panoramic moon roof; wood grain interior trim; front doorsill trim with aluminum accents; interior LED ambient lighting; steering wheel-mounted HVAC controls; clearance sonar system; Toyota’s Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert safety systems; roof rails with chrome trim and cross bars; 19” chrome-clad alloy wheels; and more.

For 2015, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid is offered in three models as follows:

2015 Toyota Highlander Hybrid LE (starting MSRP: $44,015)

The 2015 Toyota Highlander Hybrid LE features seating for eight; 18” aluminum alloy wheels; a 3.5” multi-information display; front row captain’s seats; a 60/40 split 2nd row bench seat with seat slide and 60/40 split fold-flat third row seat; seat surfaces trimmed in cloth and Softex material; auto up/down function on driver and front passenger windows; cruise control; the Toyota Smart Key System with Push Button Start; and more. It may be ordered with an available leather package which adds leather seating.

2015 Toyota Highlander Hybrid XLE (starting MSRP: $46,440)

The 2015 Toyota Highlander Hybrid XLE features a 4.2” colour LCD multi-information display; 8” Display Audio touchscreen; Navigation; the Easy Speak system which facilitates conversation between those in the front and rear seats; front row captain’s seats; a 60/40 split second row bench seat with seat slide and 60/40 split fold-flat third row seat combine to offer seating for eight; leather seat surfaces on the first two rows of seats; auto up/down function on driver and front passenger windows; cruise control; integrated garage door opener; rear door sunshades; anti-theft system; 19” aluminum alloy wheels; silver painted roof rails with cross-bars; a power moon roof; and more.

2015 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited (starting MSRP: $52,990)
The 2015 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited features a 4.2” colour LCD multi-information display; 8” Display Audio touchscreen; Navigation; 12 speaker JBL Synthesis audio system; the Easy Speak system; driver’s seat memory system; power front captain’s seats; second row captain’s seats with slide and recline, and 60/40 split fold-flat third row seat that combine to offer seven-person capacity; perforated leather seat surfaces on the first two rows of seats; heated and ventilated front row seats; heated second row seats; auto up/down function on all windows; heated steering wheel; LED ambient cabin lighting; dynamic radar cruise control; integrated garage door opener; rear door sunshade; anti-theft system; 19” chrome clad alloy wheels; roof rails with chrome trim and accompanying cross-bars; a panoramic glass roof; automatic high beam feature; Toyota’s Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert system, Adaptive Cruise Control; Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert; and more.

The 2015 Toyota Highlander and Toyota Highlander Hybrid are now on sale at Toyota Dealers across Canada.

TOYOTA BRINGS ADVANCED AUTOMATED VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY TO MARKET

·        Next generation mapping and display technology to support rapid deployment of advanced safety systems
·        Toyota Advanced Highway Driving Support System Launches in Mid-2010s

TORONTO, ON., (September 4, 2014) – It’s not science fiction anymore. Toyota is putting the future of auto safety technology on display, including environment-mapping systems that can track objects on the road both day and night, 3D information displays that transform the ability to provide road information to drivers, and an advanced driving support system that will be available in the mid 2010s.
       
 All these and more were shown today at the fourth annual Toyota Advanced Safety Seminar (TASS), convened in Ann Arbor, Michigan ahead of the Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) World Congress next week. The seminar provides an advance look into Toyota’s safety research and development, spotlighting the company’s work to ensure the safe transition to the future of mobility.

“Toyota’s vision is of a world without traffic fatalities, and these advanced connected and automated vehicle technologies hold the potential to revolutionize automotive safety,” said Seigo Kuzumaki, Chief Safety Technology Officer Secretary for Toyota Motor Corporation. “We are committed to bringing advanced active safety systems to market as quickly as possible and will make them accessible to a broad range of drivers.”

In addition to demonstrating safety research underway at the Collaborative Safety Research Center and updating the public on development progress of fully autonomous vehicles that can operate at high speeds and in inclement weather, Toyota executives revealed the status of several advanced automated driving technologies.


AUTOMATED HIGHWAY DRIVING ASSIST (AHDA)

First unveiled last year in Japan, Toyota’s Automated Highway Driving Assist (AHDA) system is designed to team up with the driver behind the wheel to control the car safely. The newest version of AHDA, unveiled at TASS and on display at the ITS World Congress, has been programmed based on actual traffic conditions in the United States and can operate at speeds of up to 70 miles per hour.

The system integrates three core technologies: Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Trace Control (LTC) and Predictive and Interactive Human Machine Interface (HMI).  These support the driver by helping to keep the vehicle in the lane and a safe distance from others on the road, all while travelling at highway speeds. The advanced Predictive and Interactive HMI promotes driver engagement by warning when the system will disengage and monitoring the driver’s hands on the wheel.

Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC)

DRCC enables drivers to maintain speed and headway more comfortably while also reducing potential risks by maintaining a safe margin to the preceding vehicle. The system uses 77GHz millimeter wave radar to detect other vehicles on the road and maintain specific speeds and distances. The AHDA vehicle is equipped with a production prototype radar sensor that is installed on the front grill, which will be introduced to the market as part of Toyota’s next generation driving assist systems.  

Lane Trace Control (LTC)

LTC allows the driver to easily and safely trace an appropriate path within the lane by using signals from a forward-looking camera and 77GHz millimeter-wave radar.  These sensors are used to detect lane marking on the pavement as well as forward vehicles.  The system calculates an appropriate driving path and automatically adjusts the vehicle's steering angle so that the vehicle remains within a lane with sufficient margin to surrounding vehicles.  

Predictive and Interactive HMI (HMI)

Improved automation through DRCC and LTC enable safer and more comfortable highway cruising to drivers. However, it is important to always engage the most important component of the driving system – the “driver.”  For that reason AHDA has incorporated a Predictive and Interactive HMI as an integral feature to enable smooth transitions between automated and manual driving.

·        The system provides advance “preview” information to the driver for upcoming settings where limited system support can be expected, predicted based on upcoming road geometry as well as historical sensor performance. These predictions are intelligently generated such that they are only relevant for the particular lane in which the AHDA vehicle is currently travelling.  Lane-specific predictions are a result of fusing data from an enhanced map, an automotive-grade global positioning system (GPS) receiver, and sensors such as the forward-looking camera and radar.

·        Driver monitoring technologies allow the system to understand the level of driver focus on the road ahead.  An infrared camera allows the system to understand the driver’s face direction, while a touch sensor allows the system to understand whether the driver’s hands are on the steering wheel.  The system warns the driver if prolonged periods of hands off the steering wheel or eyes off the forward driving scene are detected.

Toyota plans to market technologies based on the AHDA advanced driving support system in the mid-2010s.


SPAD LIDAR (Single Photon Avalanche Diode / Light Detection and Ranging)

Demonstrated for the first time in North America at TASS, Toyota’s advanced SPAD LIDAR environment mapping and recognition system is a key advancement toward the deployment of automated driving technology. In addition to performance improvements, the system boasts reduced size and cost, allowing it to be installed onboard the vehicle instead of the bulky roof mounts of traditional LIDAR systems.

·        High-resolution LIDAR (Laser Radar) combines the functions of millimeter wave radar and stereo cameras
·        Detects the positions and the shapes of obstacles
·        Active sensors are usable during both day and night
·        Co-developed with Toyota Central R&D Labs., Inc.  


3D HUD (Heads-Up Display)

Toyota’s innovative 3D Heads-Up Display builds on the company’s philosophy that advanced safety technology should work as a “teammate” with the driver to offer a groundbreaking new approach to vehicle interface design. The system provides critical information including vehicle status, traffic conditions and road signs on the front windshield, rendering them in three dimensions without the need for glasses or other accessories.

·        Completely new 3D viewing technology
·        Shows information at specific positions on the roadway.
·        Developed by Toyota InfoTechnology Center, U.S.A., Inc. (ITC) and Calty Design Research, Inc. San Francisco.