Toyota to make hybrid RAV4

Toyota plans to use the New York Auto Show to introduce a natural extension to its crossover line -- a hybrid version of the RAV4.

Toyota already has a Highlander hybrid, which runs on both electricity and its gas engine. An all-electric plug-in version of the RAV4 was dropped after it was announced last year that Tesla would no longer be supplying the batteries.

For now, Toyota is only showing a hint of the look of the new RAV4. It makes its debut next week.

The new RAV4 is keeping with Toyota's pledge to extend hybrid technology across its line. Because it's a compact SUV, there's a little more space inside to pack in suitcase-sized hybrid batteries than would be found in a sedan. And Toyota is banking that there are plenty of eco-minded families willing to pay a little more for a hybrid in order to save some gas.

While Toyota is known for hybrid version of its cars, it has none at present among its bigger family haulers. An electric plug-in version of the Highlander, done in conjunction with Tesla, is no longer part of the lineup.

2015 Toyota Camry: Making Its Name

With 25 miles to the gallon city and 35 miles to the gallon highway, the new 2015 Toyota Camry is making a statement out there on the open road. This season, it is out and hungry to make its claim to fame and is insisting on getting the attention it deserves.

The newest generation of the Camry comes in 10 unique colors so that your Camry can match your style. Also, this year the model is taking on an entirely new and fresh look. It is hardly even recognizable and is built unlike any Camry that came before it! The exterior body takes a more aggressive stance, especially with the addition of the new grille! It has taken many by surprise considering the usual, more relaxed persona. It’s new. It’s fresh. It’s bold. It’s Camry. But, not only has the exterior been revamped, but the interior as well in order to have a sportier feel. Features such as race-inspired paddle shifters, a 6 speed automatic transmission, sporty front seats with available Ultra suede seats, and a breezy moon roof are all available for the hot 2015 model. 

When you finally see this hot new model in person, you will be blown away by the improvements and speechless at the abundance of features that have been made readily available to you through this 2015 Toyota Camry. Don’t miss out on owning this iconic sedan for yourself.

Come on in for a test drive at Hixson Toyota of Leesville 11981 Lake Charles Highway Leesville, LA or give us a call at 337-239-3434 today!

2015 Toyota Prius: The Beginning of an Era

We all have come to know the Toyota Prius as an iconic image of the Toyota company. When you think of the Toyota brand, it is definitely one of the first automobiles that comes to mind. It is one of the smallest and most fuel efficient models that Toyota offers. With an astounding 51 miles to the gallon city and 48 miles to the gallon highway, it will be a life changing, money-saving decision to purchase and drive a 2015 Toyota Prius.

The 17 inch alloy wheels the Prius rolls on are coated in a beautiful dark metal finish that is both stylish and eco-sensitive. There are color-keyed side mirrors that add a touch of style and ensure that you intentions to turn are highly visible. For the darker of nights, the new model features illuminated footwells. The lights are an icy-blue. The brake and accelerator will be lit up for immense visibility. All throughout the cabin there are dark chrome accents for a more upscale feel and stylish look. From the steering bezel to the gear shift, from the door handles to the center console, the interior is fashionably infused with accents that will be virtually impossible for your passengers to ignore. 

Some other visibility features that are so crucial to the 2015 concept of the Toyota Prius are the Daytime Running Lights (DRL) and the LED Headlights.

Come on in for a test drive at Hixson Toyota of Leesville 11981 Lake Charles Highway Leesville, LA or give us a call at 337-239-3434 today!

2015 Toyota Camry: Taking Leaps and Bounds

Much is in store for the 2015 Toyota Camry! Redesigned and redefined, the new model takes the cake! With interior and exterior updates, this year’s model offers a completely different driving experience than that of previous year that is invigorating. The new model comes equipped with new facial styling including LED fog lamps and headlights, chrome trim around the window frames and a chrome bar across the rear deck lid. It is a quieter ride with sound deadening throughout the vehicle and improved aerodynamics to reduce outside noise.

More improvements include a widened track. The vehicle is now 1.8 inches longer! It has electric power assist steering system and new brake tuning as well as a larger center console and a huge 4.2 inch LCD screen. As far as the engine goes, this year’s model is locked and loaded with a 2.5 Liter, 4 cylinder engine with 178 horse power and 170 pounds of torque. It is also very fuel efficient! The 2015 Camry gets 25 miles per gallon city and 35 miles per gallon highway. This is the ideal sedan as far as the mechanics, and, well, everything else for that matter, goes!

As for the cherry on top, there is an immense amount of safety features available for the model such as lane departure warning system, blind spot monitoring system, rear cross traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control with forward collision warning. 

Come on in and test drive a Toyota at Hixson Toyota of Leesville 11981 Lake Charles Highway Leesville, LA or give us a call at 337-239-3434 today!

Toyota Tundra: American Made.

The Toyota Tundra is the most refined, over-engineered, secure-handling and powerful pick up in its class. Though designed by a Japanese automotive manufacturer headquartered in Toyota, Aichi, Japan, most of the vehicle is actually American manufactured! The new chrome grille featured on the beautiful Tundra was designed by Toyota Calty Studios in California. The various engines the different versions of the truck has to offer such as the 4.0 liter, 270 horse power V-6, the 4.6 liter, 310 horse power V-8, and the 5.7 liter, 381 horse power V-8, were all manufactured in Alabama.

Also, the transmissions included in the 2014 model of the Toyota Tundra were made in North Carolina. Though revenue from the vehicle sales goes directly to Japan, through purchasing the Toyota Tundra, you are indirectly supporting American jobs on American soil. “The Tundra is by percentages of content among the most American-made of full-size trucks.” says the Wall Street Journal. And, while other major car companies tend to fudge numbers about their towing capacities, Toyota uses a series of repeated tests to verify a certain towing capacity per model. In 2011, Toyota adopted the SAE J2807 towing standard.  

Along with being mostly American manufactured and providing customers with real and reliable information about towing capacity, the CrewMax Limited 4x4 Toyota Tundra can go 0-60 in 9.5 seconds, has an EPA fuel economy of 17 miles per gallon highway and has a verifiable towing capacity of 9,000 pounds.

Come on by and check out our line-up Hixson Toyota of Leesville 11981 Lake Charles Highway Leesville, LA or give us a call at 337-239-3434 today!