Toyota RAV4 Attracts Record November Sales as Next Generation Is Revealed

VALLEY STREAM, N.Y., Dec. 12, 2012 — At the end of last month, the next-generation 2013 Toyota RAV4 debuted at the LA Auto Show, just as the current generation of the model was wrapping up its record November sales. Moving 12,423 units in the United States, the RAV4 saw a sales increase of 10 percent in November compared to the same month last year. Toyota hopes there will be many more record sales months to come when the fourth generation of the compact crossover SUV arrives early next year.

Featuring a sleekly sloping roofline and boldly sculpted front and rear fenders, the athletic new exterior of the 2013 Toyota RAV4 reflects the improved driving dynamics underneath. The lone powerplant will be a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, and the prior model's four-speed automatic transmission has been replaced with a six-speed gearbox for superior performance and fuel efficiency. That combination will return up to 31 mpg on the highway, an increase of three miles per gallon compared to the outgoing four-cylinder models.

"The RAV4 was a trailblazer in the compact crossover segment when it debuted in the mid 90s, and it has remained one even as the market has become more and more crowded," said Rob Patel, general sales manager of Advantage Toyota, a Long Island Toyota dealer. "The next generation takes the things that made the vehicle so great in the first place, like its combination of cargo space, responsiveness and fuel efficiency, and ups the ante once again."

Despite the fact that the spare tire has been moved from the rear end of the vehicle to under the cargo floor, maximum cargo space has actually increased to a class-leading 73.3 cubic feet in the new RAV4. Access to that space has been made easier as well, with the side-hinged liftgate replaced by a roof-hinged version. That change also allows for an optional one-touch power liftgate with customizable memory height settings.

While the 2013 Toyota RAV4 has already made impressive gains in fuel efficiency, eco-conscious drivers may be able to purchase a hybrid version in the not-too-distant future. Speaking to the UK publication Auto Express, RAV4 Deputy Chief Engineer Yoshikazu Saeki said that it would not be difficult to transform the conventional gas-powered model into a hybrid, and if the market proves favorable, a gas-electric offering could be a possibility down the road.

Until market conditions are right for a RAV4 hybrid, buyers can turn to Toyota's latest hybrid model, being the 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid. With a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle engine and a pair of electric motors, the first-ever hybrid Avalon produces 200 horsepower and nets 39 mpg on the highway, all while offering an array of premium features. Leather-trimmed heated front seats, a power moonroof and an integrated rearview camera are all standard, while available amenities like a blind-spot monitor and rain-sensing wipers provide added convenience and safety.

"Fuel economy continues to be a top factor for today's car buyers, and the Avalon Hybrid lets drivers pass up the gas station more often without giving up the exceptional ride quality they're used to," added Patel. "Customers will find only the most modern features and highest quality materials inside the newest generation of the Avalon, and the hybrid model is no exception."

About Advantage Toyota:
Advantage Toyota is dedicated to meeting all the automotive needs of its local Toyota customers from Long Island and the boroughs, offering a wide inventory of new and used Toyota vehicles to those shoppers looking for a ride that's built to last. To ensure customer satisfaction, their New York Toyota dealership employs a knowledgeable sales staff and expert team of technicians geared towards meeting the needs of visitors. Visit Advantage Toyota at 400 West Sunrise Highway in Valley Stream, N.Y., or contact their team at 888-866-0562. They can also be found online at www.advantagetoyotany.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AdvantageToyotaNY.