New for 2016:Toyota Cars
Philly Murtha | Dec 11, 2015
To many, Toyota is considered an American brand because it is one of the most popular nameplates with U.S. auto buyers, and many of its car models are built in North America. The Japanese brand is known for producing the Camry, America’s best-selling car and top-selling sedan in the midsize segment. The Camry was completely redesigned for 2015 but gets a new sportier Special Edition trim level and upgraded multimedia systems for 2016. In addition, the compact Corolla, which was redesigned in 2014, was the second-best selling car in this market and globally ranked first last year. More than 40 million Corollas have been sold worldwide, according to the automaker. This year, Toyota ups the ante in interest by introducing Special Edition limited production versions of both its Camry and Corolla. Toyota—also known for creating the best-selling and most widely known hybrid gasoline electric car—is making headlines with the introduction of a redesigned Prius for 2016.
Following is an overview of new or updated features for each 2016 Toyota car model:
- New front styling including a new grille and turn signals, and other design enhancements
- Unique front fascia and LED lighting systems for Touring trim level with 18-in. dark gray painted alloy wheels
- Three interior color themes with light gray selection gaining accent stitching for 2016
- New XLE Plus trim level
- Two suspensions for 2016: sporty dynamic one for Touring trim level and comfortable ride for other trim levels
- Limited trim level gets new super chrome 17-in. alloy wheels
- Available Toyota Safety Sense-P system on Limited trim level
- Optional Toyota Safety Sense-P system includes driver-assist technologies including pre-collision system with lane-departure alert and steering assist; radar cruise control, automatic high-beam headlights
2016 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
- Hybrid system with 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, electric motor, and Ni-MH battery pack produces net 200 horsepower
- Electronically controlled CVT
- EPA-estimated combined fuel economy of 40 mpg
- Three trim levels including new XLE Plus, XLE Premium, Limited Hybrid
- Wood-grain trim and smoke chrome interior accents plus standard leather heated seats
- Standard LED lighting
- 17-in. dark gray painted alloy wheels
- Seven exterior paint color choices
- Toyota’s Entune Audio Plus with navigation standard on XLE Plus
- Multimedia bundle standard on XLE Premium
- Star Safety System including whiplash-lessening seats
- New Camry Special Edition with more technology, smoke taillight accents, 18-in. black finished alloy wheels, and aggressive performance features available in two exterior colors: Blizzard Pearl and Blue Streak Metallic
- New multimedia features including Entune Audio with Connected Navigation Scout GPS Link App
- Optional Qi wireless charging for phones that are compatible
- Sport-tuned suspension on SE, XSE, and Special Edition trim levels to appeal to younger consumers
- Optional 4-cylinder engine that produces178 horsepower or V-6 that generates 268 horsepower
- Variety of audio and navigation packages with different trim levels
- XLE and XSE trim levels upgrade from 6.1-in. display to 7-in.
- XLE and XSE trim levels equipped with 4-cylinder engines also gain the new Connected Navigation Scout GPS Link App
- Entune multimedia feature is optional for the LE and SE trim levels
- Hybrid LE receives an EPA-estimate of 41 mpg combined fuel economy
- XLE and SE trim levels offer luxury and sporty attributes, respectively
- Standard STAR Safety System and Bluetooth connectivity
- Corolla Special Edition in three exclusive paint colors with Special Edition mats and badging to be produced in an 8,000-unit limited-production run
- Corolla Special Edition includes 17-in. alloy wheels with gloss black finish, black interior with red stitching and red accents on dashboard and door trim
- Optional Entune Audio, Entune Audio Plus, or Entune Premium Audio on Corolla and Special Edition trim level
- Entune Audio Plus, Connected Navigation with GPS are options on LE, LE Eco, and S trim levels
- App Suite 2.5 adds Slacker Radio for 2016
- All-new, 4-door hydrogen fuel cell sedan to launch in late 2015
- Initially will be sold or leased only in California with limited (20) hydrogen refueling stations
- Polarizing geometric exterior with bow-tie grinning grille
- Driving range between 5-minute refuels is close to 300 miles
- Fuel stack holds 5 kg of pressurized hydrogen
- 8-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and 3 years of complimentary hydrogen fuel from Toyota and free maintenance
- Spacecraft-like cabin with Lexus touches and lots of technology, touch-screen displays, infotainment and connectivity features
- Motor produces 152 horsepower, propelling the car to 60 mph in a claimed 9.4 seconds
- 17-in. aluminum wheels
- All-new fourth generation model arrives in dealerships in early 2016
- Stylish new design with lower lines but retains signature Prius triangular shape and new architecture that delivers improved driving dynamics
- Highest fuel economy of any hybrid without a plug
- Full hybrid system components are smaller and lighter—the electric motor, transaxle, power control unit, and hybrid battery improve EPA estimated fuel-economy ratings by 10%
- Active grille shutter added to boost efficiency
- Available with either newly developed Lithium-ion or nickel-metal hydride batteries
- More cargo room with smaller battery relocated beneath rear seat
- Toyota Safety Sense C system available among other safety enhancements
- Interior improvements include new instrument panel, full-color 4.2-in. display screen, new color head-up display, cushioned seats
- New Eco variant added to Prius lineup for best fuel efficiency
2016 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid
- No changes for 2016
- Next-generation Prius Plug-in Hybrid anticipated to debut in October 2016 with enhanced fuel range
- Selectable EV mode
- Current model is EPA-rated at 95 MPGe; EPA 50-mpg combined fuel economy in hybrid mode
- 4.4-kWh Lithium-ion battery replaces Prius family standard NiMH battery
- Special trim level based on Prius Three trim level includes standard audio/navigation display and Entune App Suite
- Heated front seats
- 10-spoke wheels, chrome trim door handles and grille, plus blue-accent headlights differentiates plug-in hybrid from other Prius family models
- Quick home charging: recharges in 2.5 to 3 hours using a standard household outlet or 1.5 hours using a 240V EV charger
- Available special safety and technology packages
- Extra year of roadside assistance is included
- New Persona Series Special Edition variant limited to 1,500 units that goes on sale in December will be offered in black with lime and cherry color accents
- New Toyota Safety Sense C system
- Estimated 53 mpg in city driving
- Sportier, angular, more aerodynamic look based on new Prius architecture
- Larger 5-passenger family-size hybrid “station wagon” with higher seating, more legroom, and more cargo space
- Fold-down rear seats increase cargo space to 67.3 cu. ft.
- Four trim levels
- Revised Hybrid Synergy Drive system with 98-horsepower, 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine paired with electric motor
- 44/40 mpg city/highway EPA fuel-economy rating
- Standard rear-view camera and premium-level safety systems available including Pre-Collision System
- Resin panoramic view moonroof lightens Prius V’s weight
- Many standard safety and technology features including Star Safety System and integrated multimedia features
- Premium audio package available
- Extensive updates to subcompact Yaris in 2015; No major changes for 2016
- European design with wind-cheating aerodynamics
- Roomy, quiet cabin with soft-touch materials
- Nine air bags, including front-seat cushion air bags
- Choice of 3- and 5-door models and three trim levels
- Yaris Entune audio system is standard; navigation available
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