Nearly two decades after pioneering the hybrid and crossover SUV market in the U.S., two of Toyota’s most iconic trendsetters are ready to disrupt the automotive segments they helped create.
Toyota has been the overwhelming gas-electric hybrid sales leader in the U.S. since 2000. Now, 15 years after the first Prius was sold in the U.S., Toyota has reimagined its iconic Prius hybrid while adding its eighth hybrid model in the form of the refreshed 2016 RAV4. Both will share the Toyota stage at the 2016 New England International Auto Show, held Jan. 14-18 at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center.
Show-goers will have a chance to get up close with the Prius, RAV4 Hybrid and other offerings from Toyota’s 2016 model lineup. Additionally, attendees will have the chance to get behind the wheel of the Prius, RAV4, Camry, Corolla and Tundra at the Toyota Drive Center.
Toyota comes to the Boston auto show on the heels of a standout year for the region. The Boston Region logged record Toyota sales in October, November and December. As more consumers enter the SUV and crossover segments, the region sold more light trucks in 2015 than ever. In all, the Boston region posted 2015 sales of 104,106 Toyota and Scion vehicles.
“2015 was a historic year for the auto industry and a great year for us here in New England,” said George Brenner, General Manager of Toyota’s Boston Region. “We look to continue the momentum in 2016 with new products like the all-new Prius and the RAV4.”
After selling more than 3.5 million hybrids worldwide and helping steer the industry toward hybridization, the fourth-generation 2016 Prius serves as a new disruptor. The fresh version of this global green icon takes the hybrid concept further than ever with a striking design, greater ride comfort and improved fuel economy. Fuel economy ratings have risen to 58 mpg city / 53 mpg highway / 56 mpg combined, thanks to lighter weight and further optimized aerodynamics. Higher levels of driving satisfaction and refinement will reward the Prius faithful and surprise those new to the movement.
The new Prius’ premium interior debuts advanced technology complemented by features that are functional, fun and also delight the eyes. The wrap-around dash design, form-hugging seats, ease of controls and enhanced visibility combine to make the new Prius highly engaging.
New to the RAV4 family for 2016, 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 is impressive, with EPA ratings of 34 mpg city / 31 mpg highway / 33 mpg combined for the 2016 RAV4 Hybrid.
Both the Prius and the RAV4 will offer Toyota Safety Sense, a new multi-feature advanced safety package anchored by automatic pre-collision braking. TSS bundles cutting edge safety technologies including Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection; Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist; Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control; and Automatic High Beams.
