Toyota Los Angeles Auto Show Cars

Toyota is going rampant with the RAV4 lately. After launching the fifth-gen of the beloved crossover last year, the company launched the TRD Off-Road model, and now, it is being offered with a plug-in hybrid system. We’re talking about the RAV4 Prime, a fuel-efficient version of the crossover that can deliver a combined fuel economy of 90 MPGe. Surprisingly, it also happens to be the most powerful version of the RAV4 yet. Toyota sure knows how to keep a 25-year-old nameplate fresh and running.

Toyota just introduced a brand-new generation for the Corolla this year, with both a head-turning hatchback and a smart sedan making the body style lineup. Now, Toyota is adding yet another model with a new hybrid variant, ushering in an even-greener option for the compact four-door segment. Standout features for the 2020 Toyota Corolla hybrid include a comfortable ride, loads of technology and features, and as an added bonus, upwards of 52 mpg combined thanks to the drivetrain that’s borrowed from the Toyota Prius.

The Corolla is a true benchmark for the compact segment, with over 46 million units sold over the course of five decades since its release in 1966. Now, the Corolla enters its impressive twelfth generation for the 2020 model year. Earlier in 2018, we got behind the wheel of the new 2019 Corolla hatchback and loved its raucous styling and shift-happy manual transmission. Now, the Japanese automotive behemoth is offering a brand-new sedan version, and it promises even more refinement, more technology, and a new look to boot.

Toyota has pulled the wraps off its refreshed Prius at the 2018 LA auto show which brings a more toned down appearance and optional all-wheel drive to the table. It isn’t any significantly more efficient or any faster, but its less aggressive styling will be a pleasing comeback for some, while the new all-wheel drive is apparently going to be really popular.

Projected sales for the Prius AWD-e say up to 25 percent of all cars sold will have the option, despite the fact that it does have a small negative impact on overall efficiency - the main reason you went for a Prius in the first place. The most frugal Prius, the L Eco trim, can still hit a claimed 56 mpg combined.

Aside from the subtle restyling and addition of all-wheel drive, the 2019 Toyota Prius also gets interior updates, extra tech, and a simplified trim structure to help buyers and dealers alike understand the range better.

The TRD brand, aka Toyota Racing Development, was once reserved for a few models in Toyota’s range but, now, Toyota seems eager to bring TRD-infused packages to all the models it offers. That will most definitely dilute the feeling of exclusivity that came embroidered in TRD models. On a more positive note, Toyota also plans to bring AWD across the board.

Toyota officially presented the new Camry TRD and Avalon TRD models at the L.A. Auto Show. We knew they were coming since Toyota teased us with a few previews a couple of weeks ago but that doesn’t mean we didn’t feel like Toyota’s two sedans were the natural base for TRD to apply their magic to. Still, with what we know now, it seems less weird than, let’s say, a TRD-ized RAV-4.

The Toyota 86 is a clever way of getting in the two-door sports car club without breaking the bank and with the certainty that buckets of fun await you when you get hold of the keys. However, the nifty little runabout was never praised for its power output which is why we’ve been asking for years for more power. Toyota, finally, got up from its sleeping bag and offered the TRD Special Edition. What is its selling point? Improved handling.

Yes, the 86 TRD Special Edition didn’t really answer our prayers, but it builds on the car’s core strengths. The TRD package contains some of the goodies you can find on the European Performance Package that became available with the Club Series Blue Edition model as well as some other things, like a new exhaust, that is unique to this version

Expectedly, Toyota revealed a hybrid version of their latest (and quite handsome) 2020 Corolla. The 2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid takes the talents of the Prius and packs them in a far more alluring package. In short, the 1.8-liter four-banger is complemented by two electric motors for a combined output of 121 horsepower. Not exactly the most powerful thing out there, but it will get 50 mpg combined. Just like the latest Prius AWD-e.

Toyota just unveiled an all-wheel drive Prius for the North American market. Not only that, the new Prius looks a tad finer (actually, less bizarre than before) and gives us the AWD technology that dispenses with the usual torque converters and driveshafts. The Toyota Prius AWD-e actually introduces us to an extra electric motor rigged to the rear wheels. It will apply power as needed up to 6 mph when accelerating and up to 43 mph when the computer senses that additional torque is needed (when the front wheels slip basically).

In less than a month after launching the next-gen Corolla, Toyota follows it up by launching a new hybrid version of the popular sedan at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show. The new Corolla Hybrid will be Prius-derived powertrain and is expected to arrive in showrooms in the second quarter of 2019.

In its continuous pursuit of excitement that started sometime with the introduction of the latest Camry, Toyota revealed two cool cars - the Toyota Avalon TRD and the Toyota Camry TRD. These may be some of the most important products Toyota has ever unveiled. Not per se in terms of sales or market, but in terms of something far more important for us - car enthusiasts. The Avalon TRD and the Camry TRD are what the company wants to show the world - audaciousness.

See, before the latest 2018 Camry, Toyota’s car development process was always led by the engineer. The engineer was at the top of that imaginary car development food chain. For the latest Camry, it was the designer.

"We actually started with that 2-inch doodle," Ian Cartabiano, Toyota California Chief Designer said, "And it became sketch, bigger sketch, bigger sketch, model. But that original intention followed all the way through to the cars. It was totally new for us. There’s always been a designer, but the chief engineer has been the top guy. It was always just 100 percent engineering."

Obviously, not for the latest Camry.

Well, the Avalon TRD and the Camry TRD are basically an ultimate expression of the flamboyance Toyota wanted to express with the latest line of its cars. That was the main idea behind Akio Toyoda’s, Toyota CEO, comment back in January 2017. He said,

“Until now, there were times when Toyota’s cars were called ‘boring’ or were said to be lacking in character,” Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda told reporters of USA Today. “But I now feel that, in terms of driving and design, our customers have begun to favorably evaluate our cars.”

He said it just months after the unveiling of the latest Toyota Camry, a bold design exercise that seemed kinda risky compared with the Toyota styling habits of the past.

So, what do the tricked-out Avalon and Camry TRD bring to the table then?

This is the all-new Toyota Corolla sedan that is set to reach no fewer than 150 different markets as of next year. It looks better than before, drives better than before, and packs plenty of new tech features lacked by its predecessor - it is expected to reach showrooms around the world as of Spring 2019.

Toyota is once again rolling out a lineup of special edition Nightshade Editions, this time at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show. Months after introducing Nightshade SE versions for the 4Runner, Tacoma, and Tundra, the Japanese automaker is giving the Camry sedan and the Highlander SUV the same treatment. Both special edition models will be in attendance in Los Angeles before going on sale in 2019.

The Toyota Racing Development division, or TRD, has finally set its sights on Toyota’s Camry and Avalon sedans. The TRD-seasoned sporty versions will drop at the upcoming L.A. Auto Show confirming Toyota’s drive towards performance cars and trucks.

The Avalon and Camry sedans are really good cars in their own way but they never really had any claim to performance. Now, however, with the involvement of TRD, that’s all about to change. Both the mid-size Camry and the full-size Avalon have been peaked at in an announcement released by the Japanese manufacturer which states that the new models will drop at the end of the month.

Keep reading to learn more about the TRD Avalon and Camry

Toyota’s been hitting it big with its recent concept vehicles. This year alone, we’ve seen the Japanese automaker unveil the Concept-i, the FT-4X, and the GR HV Sports Concept. Now that we’re less than a month away from flipping our calendars to 2018, Toyota introduced one last concept at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show. It’s called the Future Toyota Adventure Concept (FT-AC), and in my mind, it’s the best Toyota concept to come out this year.

Yes, I’m picking it over the GR HV Sports Concept, the sexy, taiga-style, two-door concept that we first saw at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show last October. I like the GR HV Sports Concept, but given a choice, I’d probably pick the FT-AC Concept over it. There’s something about this angry-looking SUV prototype that’s hard to ignore. Maybe it’s because of its design. Perhaps it’s because of the assortment of tech and connectivity features it has. It might even be a combination of both. The FT-AC is a concept that screams to my imagination, telling me to tell Toyota to turn it into a production model. I don’t know if I have that kind of cache, but I definitely wouldn’t be opposed to seeing it happen.

Continue after the jump to read more about the Toyota FT-AC Concept

The cool thing about Toyota is that it produces a wide range of crossovers and SUVs that are affordable, reliable, and off-road-capable at the same time. Granted, some might be a bit boring to look at, but this could change in the near future. At least that’s what the new FT-AC concept suggests. Unveiled at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show, the FT-AC, which comes from Future Toyota Adventure Concept, promises to make weekend getaways a more fun and exciting experience.

About the size of a current RAV4, the FT-AC sports a very rugged look with massive wheel arch extensions, a beefy underbelly plate, and front bumper assembly, and a concept roof rack. Up front, the off-road-specific features are combined with aggressive-looking, swept-back headlamps, and a grille that’s actually similar to a few production models. The rear is a combination of angular features, with the taillights’ sharp edges extending well into the bumpers. The bumper features a big protective plate at the bottom, while a special rack holds a mountain bike. More protection can be seen on the side skirts, while the off-road tires complete the off-road-capable look.

The concept comes with a few cool convenience features too. For starters, the roof rack’s LED lights can be controlled via a mobile device, while the capable geolocation system ensures you won’t get lost no matter the trail you tackle. The side mirrors include infrared cameras that can record trail runs, but they can also be removed and mounted off-vehicle. An integrated Wi-Fi hotspot uploads footage to cloud-based storage for instant access via mobile devices

Finally, Toyota says that the production version of the FT-AC could be a hybrid and use a drivetrain that’s both capable and fuel-efficient. The Japanese firm also talks about an advanced torque-vectoring AWD system, variable terrain-response settings, and four-wheel lock functionality, but doesn’t give additional details. All told, the FT-AC could become a very interesting production SUV, even if Toyota decided to tone its design down a bit.

After a series of concept cars, the Toyota C-HR made its official debut at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show in production-ready form, showing us that the Japanese carmaker can build a

like crossover with very aggressive styling. Come November 2016 and the mini SUV made its official production debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

The U.S.-spec model will go on sale for the 2018 model year with the same features as in other parts of the world, but with a different drivetrain. While other markets will get to choose between a 1.2-liter turbocharged unit and a hybrid system comprising a 1.8-liter four-cylinder and an electric motor, U.S. customers will have to settle for the 2.0-liter four-cylinder gas engine, at least in the beginning. The four-banger is good for 144 horsepower and 140 pound-feet of torque and uses a brand-new CVT to spin the front wheels.

The small crossover will be launched in two trim levels, XLE and XLE Premium. Standard features on the XLE include a leather steering wheel, power folding and heated mirrors, dual-zone climate control, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, a seven-inch display, and 4.2-inch screen in the instrument cluster. The more expensive XLE Premium adds heated front seats, blind-spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert, puddle lamps on the side mirrors that project "Toyota C-HR" onto the ground, and push-button start.

The C-HR also boasts numerous safety features, starting with 10 standard airbags, hill-start assist, and rear backup camera. There’s also Toyota Safety Sense P, a multi-feature active safety bundle that includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection function, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist function, Automatic High Beams, and Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, a first in this segment. Optionally, it can be equipped with Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

No word on pricing yet, but the C-HR’s sticker should match those of the Honda HR-V and Mazda CX-3, which retail from $19,365 and $19,960, respectively.

Continue reading for the full story.

Since 2001, Toyota has offered the Prius in one form or another, giving buyers the roominess of a sedan or a liftback (2004 and on) with fuel economy that was almost impossible for traditional cars to match. In 2012, after other automakers started hopping on the hybrid bandwagon and gobbling up sales, Toyota saw a gap in the market for a hybrid wagon and launched the Prius v. With the 2015 model year upon us, and Toyota looking to inject a little youth into its customer base, the automaker has given the hybrid wagon a facelift that gives it a slightly sportier look than before without abandoning its reserved personality altogether.

With this refresh comes a handful of changes to the front fascia and a little tuck on the backside. Unfortunately, Toyota left the drivetrain unchanged. Allowing its main competitor to easily trump it in terms of performance.

Does the Prius v still have what it takes to dominate the hybrid wagon market?

Click past the jump to read more about the 2015 Prius v and find out.

The Prius c started its life in 2012 as a smaller and more affordable version of the hotly successful Prius liftback. Through 2014, the model remained relatively unchanged and failed to really shake up the hybrid segment. Now as we approach 2015, the Prius c has undergone a nice refresh that makes it stand out from its larger brothers with its sportier and more youthful appearance. Oh, and it gets 50 mpg combined, which sweetens the deal a little.

Though it’s just a refresh the 2015 Prius c looks like a whole new car; that’s just how far Toyota took this upgrade. Sure, from the side it looks like the 2014 model, but the wide-open front grille and the “light pipe” taillights inject a little youth into the lineup.

So, is this redesign enough to help push the Prius c to the next level?

Click past the jump to read more about the 2015 Toyota Prius c and find out.

The Swagger Wagon has just received a dramatic and quite literal facelift, featuring the unmistakable mug of SpongeBob Squarepants. This one-off piece of absurdity is actually a 2015 Toyota Sienna, customized to the hilt by Toyota and Nickelodeon to promote the upcoming SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water.

The Sienna SpongeBob Squarepants Edition will make its public debut at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show. As sure as the sun is hot, this creation will likely go down as one of the more popular attractions in Los Angeles.

Once the SpongeBob Sienna gets its fill of the spotlight in Los Angeles, the van will embark on a cross-country tour to promote the new SpongeBob movie before the it opens in theaters on February 6, 2015.

Serious-minded folks are likely to scoff at the Sienna SpongeBob and dismiss it as nothing more than a novelty showpiece. How easy these people forget that this is actually the second SpongeBob-themed creation Toyota has built in as many years. Remember the 2014 Toyota Highlander Spongebob Squarepants Edition that made its debut at the 2013 SEMA Auto Show?

On a far less obvious level, it’s a genius marketing ploy to attach SpongeBob Squarepants to a minivan Toyota wants parents all over the U.S. to buy. What better way to do draw attention to that than by dressing up a Sienna using a cartoon character that kids of this generation are all-too familiar with. We see what you’re doing there, Toyota.

Click past the jump to read more about the Toyota Sienna SpongeBob Edition.

The current generation RAV4 has been sale since 2005 and the only update was in 2009 when it received a mild refresh. It is no surprise that today, at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show, Toyota decided to finally unleash the fourth generation RAV4. The new SUV has been caught testing in many times and teased a few more times, so we can say it brings nothing that we did not expect.

The new RAV4 is not only redesigned both inside and outside, but it also receives new in-cabin technologies, a fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine, new six-speed transmission and new safety features.

While building the new RAV4, Toyota will use the same body-engineering principles previously used on the 2012 Camry and 2013 Avalon that helps improve steering and handling, and makes the car a little bit lighter.

The new generation Toyota RAV4 will go on sale early in 2013 in three well-equipped grades: LE, XLE and Limited.

Updated 12/18/2012: Toyota today announced prices for the 2013 RAV4 SUV that will arrive at dealerships in early January 2013. Prices will range from $23,300 for the LE FWD version up to $28,410 for Limited AWD one.

Click past the jump to read our full review on the 2014 RAV4