Toyota Corolla

At a Glance: 2020 Toyota Corolla Sedan

September 19, 2019 by admin 3 Comments

An all-new Corolla Sedan arrives for 2020.

The Toyota Corolla is one of the best-known and most popular models in the world, with more than a half-century of history its claim. In 2019, the twelfth-generation model rolled out, this time in hatchback form. For 2020, an all-new sedan debuts, giving the Corolla an important 1-2 punch in the compact sphere.

While Toyota can typically count on selling at least 300,000 Corollas annually in the U.S., it is China which now supplies the greatest demand. Indeed, Chinese sales are nearly double that of what Americans purchase, easily enabling Toyota to sell one million units annually worldwide.

2020 Toyota Corolla Highlights

The all-new Corolla is the sportiest and in some cases the most luxurious one yet. It comes loaded with standard driver-assist features and has an efficient powertrain to move this sedan. And for the first time, a hybrid variant rolls out, giving Toyota shoppers yet another alternative to the ground-breaking Prius.

1. Three Corollas this year.

We haven’t seen multiple Corolla models in some time, but now we’re up to three. Most consumers will opt for the sedan, while a not insignificant number will shop the hatchback. A hybrid is available for the first time too, although it comes only with the sedan. If you want a small hatchback with a hybrid drivetrain, turn to the Toyota Prius.

2. A modular platform debuts.

There is something that the Toyota Camry, C-HR, Avalon, RAV4, and Corolla have in common: a shared, modular platform. This all-new global platform may not mean much to customers, but it means a lot to Toyota as the company can build multiple and varying models from the same architecture. This process saves the company time, resources, and money, which means the company can continue to invest in vehicle lines, even as sales adjust — crossover sales are up, while car sales are down.

3. Two engine choices.

We haven’t seen ore than one engine choice with a Corolla since the 1990s, when 1.6- and 1.8-liter engines were offered. Once the smaller engine was dropped for the 1998 model year, the 1.8 soldiered on, although it has gained some improvements and efficiencies along the way. This year, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine joins the product line, covering the upper trim models, while the 1.8-liter engine is reserved for the base and middle trims. The performance difference is significant: 169 horsepower to 139 horsepower. We think customers will notice and like the difference.

4. A CVT joins the powertrain.

The Corolla’s automatic transmission is gone, replaced by a continuously variable automatic transmission. The change was made to gain a few extra mpg and will most likely not be noticed by drivers. Happily, a six-speed manual gearbox is also available, paired with the bigger engine and delivering rev-matching capability on SE trims.

5. Toyota ups its connectivity game.

Toyota has trailed the competition in all things connectivity but has now begun to move forward. For the first time, Apple CarPlay smartphone compatibility rolls out, although Android Auto still isn’t available. Amazon Alexa compatibility and Wi-Fi Connect are two additional features.

6. Standard advanced safety package.

When it comes to your safety, Toyota bundles various features. And they’re standard too. Under the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 umbrella, you’ll find such features as automatic high beams, lane tracing assist, road sign assist, lane departure alert with steering assist, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control with full stop and go. These are features that’ll typically cost you more with some competing models. You’ll also pay much more to obtain them with certain luxury brands.

7. LED lights and adaptive lighting.

LED lighting is standard across the Corolla line and includes the headlights, daytime running lights, taillights, and the stoplights. Some trims include upgraded front lighting and an available adaptive front lighting system, which “sees” better while cornering.

8. Audio options we like.

A six-speaker audio system is standard and comes with a 7-inch touchscreen display, Siri Eyes Free, two USB ports, and Bluetooth. But there are better choices available too, which bring in an 8-inch screen, CD player, a robust app suite, and a 9-speaker JBL audio package.

Making the Grade

Toyota prices the Corolla from just under $20,000 plus destination, which is a competitive price point considering all that is offered. With six grades available and highway fuel economy as high as 40 mpg, the 2020 Corolla upholds its position as a cost-effective, fuel-efficient, entry-level car.

2020 Toyota Corolla Sedan Specifications

Toyota	2020 Corolla Sedan
Segment	Compact Sedan
Price Range	$19,500 to $25,450
Destination Charge	$930
Engine No. 1	1.8-liter, I4
Horsepower	139 hp @ 6,100 rpm
Torque (lb.-ft.)	126 lb.-ft. @ 3,900 rpm
Transmission	Six-speed manual or CVT
Engine No.2	2.0-liter, I4
Horsepower	169 hp @ 6,600 rpm
Torque (lb.-ft.)	151 lb.-ft. @ 4,400 rpm
Transmission	CVT
Seating	5
Curb Weight (pounds)	2,910 to 3,150
Wheelbase (inches)	106.3
Length (inches)	182.3
Width (inches)	70.1
Height (inches)	56.5
Head room (f,r…inches)	38.3, 37.1
Leg room (f,r…inches)	42.3, 41.4
Shoulder room (f,r…inches)	54.8, 54.8
Hip room (f,r…inches)	53.0, 43.9
Storage (cubic feet)	13.1
Gross vehicle weight (pounds)	NR
Towing (pounds)	NR
Payload (pounds)	NR
Fuel	Regular
Fuel Tank (gallons)	13.2
EPA Fuel MPG (city/highway/combined)	29/36/32 to 31/40/34
Manufacturing Plant	Takaoka, Japan

Data compiled by Tom Keegan. Specifications supplied by the manufacturer.

Photo array copyright Toyota Motors.

First-Ever Toyota Corolla Hybrid Debuts

July 25, 2019 by admin 3 Comments

A Corolla Hybrid for your consideration.

For the first time ever, we have a Toyota Corolla Hybrid.

The Prius launched Toyota into the hybrid sphere, a market it has controlled for more than two decades. And no wonder: the Prius has long delivered the best combination of fuel efficiency, passenger-carrying capacity, and utility of any competing model. Quite easily, the Prius line outsells all other competitors combined, although it hardly is the only Toyota hybrid available today.

Indeed, through the intervening years, Toyota has brought its “hybrid synergy drive” system to the Camry and Avalon sedans as well as to its RAV4 and Highlander crossovers. Moreover, it has offered up to four Prius variants, although that count currently stands at two, including the brand’s first-ever plug-in hybrid.

Not a Prius

So, what’s kept Toyota from developing a Corolla hybrid? After all, the Corolla is the brand’s top-selling model in the world and one of its oldest nameplates — it dates to 1966. Well, there is one reason we haven’t seen one and that’s due to the Prius itself. Both models are similar in size, therefore offering a Corolla hybrid would only siphon Prius sales.

But everything is different now. Car sales are in a free-fall as crossovers continue to gobble up more of the market. Witness Toyota’s RAV4: it is now the brand’s best-selling model of any kind, as it even outsells the Camry, Toyota’s previous standard-bearer.

Toyota probably isn’t all that concerned about the shift as the RAV4 does offer a hybrid option. Nevertheless, with a new platform in place supporting multiple models, including the current Prius and Corolla, spreading those costs to create a Corolla Hybrid makes sense.

Trouble is, the Corolla Hybrid is simply a very nice car and will likely poach not a few Prius devotees.

The 2020 Corolla sedan launches this model’s 12th generation.

2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid Overview

If you want a 2020 Corolla Hybrid, Toyota offers it in LE trim only. Otherwise, if you prefer trim choices, the Prius comes in L, LE, XLE, and Limited for front-wheel-drive models and LE and XLE with all-wheel drive. We’re not sure why only one trim is offered, but at least it comes well equipped.

The front-wheel-drive Corolla Hybrid shares the same 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine in the Prius and has an electric motor. A continuously variable automatic transmission routes power to the front wheels.

Here are the highlights of the 2020 Corolla Hybrid:

1. The Corolla family tripled in size for 2020.

The Corolla line now boasts three models with the sedan and hybrid debuting one year after the all-new hatchback arrived (we reviewed that model here). The hybrid, though, is only available with the sedan — you’ll have to opt for a Prius if you want a hatchback. Notably, the three models complete the launch of the Corolla’s 12th generation.

2. You’ll pay $3,000 more for one.

Sit a Corolla LE and Corolla LE Hybrid side by side and the fuel sipper will cost you three grand more. That’s a noteworthy difference, but the fuel economy edge justifies it. Indeed, when comparatively equipped the hybrid averages 52 mpg and the gas model achieves 33 mpg. Of course, that 19 mpg difference translates into savings at the pump. With gas costing an average of $2.65 per gallon, that means it costs $34.98 to fill an empty Corolla or Corolla Hybrid. Both models have a 13.2-gallon fuel tank.

Importantly, the savings mean more for people who drive their vehicles further.

For instance, for an individual driving 15,000 miles per year, they would use 454.54 gallons of gasoline in the standard sedan, but just 288.46 in the hybrid. The fuel costs in the gas model would run $1,204.53. In the hybrid, the cost is $764.42. The difference is $440.11 annually, as long as gas prices are constant. Under this scenario, the extra cost would be recouped in 6.8 years. That’s important, especially if you keep your car for at least 10 years.

Certainly, gas prices do fluctuate. When they’re low, the time to recoup is extended by months, if not years. On the contrary, higher fuel costs greatly reduce the recoupment period accordingly. In fact, if you live in California or Hawaii, you’re already paying as much a dollar a gallon more for gasoline than what consumers pay in several other states. Check out GasBuddy.com for current gas prices.

3. Equipped, not stripped.

No worries: Toyota isn’t delivering a bare-bones model with the 2020 Corolla Hybrid. Indeed, as we’ll soon find out, this model is well equipped. Unfortunately, leather seats are not available! Nor are power-controlled front seats.

That said, you’ll find the roster of exterior equipment includes LED lights (headlights, daytime running lights, tail, and stop lights), heated side mirrors, and 15-inch alloy wheels. You’ll also find keyless entry with push-button start.

Inside, Toyota supplies fabric-covered seats, automatic climate control, and a tilt-and-telescoping steering column. Among tech items, Toyota includes an 8-inch color screen, a six-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, two USB ports, Siri Eyes Free, and Apple CarPlay compatibility (sorry, still no Android Auto).

4. Safety features galore.

We’re still waiting for one more crash test score to come in, but we can tell you that the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has awarded the sedan with a Top Safety rating. On the other hand, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives the hatchback a top 5-star rating. In like manner, we think the sedan will also garner a top score.

What sets the Toyota Corolla Hybrid apart from its competitors is its long list of standard driver-assist features. Under the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 umbrella, you’ll find a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection (with low light pedestrian detection and daytime cyclist detection); lane departure alert with steering assist and road edge detection with a sway warning system; automatic high beams; full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control (adaptive cruise control with full stop and go); road sign assist, and lane-tracing assist. This last feature keeps the car centered in the lane when adaptive cruise control is active and lane markers are visible.

You can’t find all these features with most competing models. Even some luxury cars aren’t as generously equipped or you’ll be charged extra by sometimes bundling items under a high-cost package option.

An 8-inch touchscreen display occupies the center stack.

On the Road

Fuel efficiency is the name of the game with the Corolla Hybrid and it does everything right in this department. In particular, this model earns an EPA-estimated 53 mpg in the city and 52 mpg on the highway for a combined 52 mpg. My fuel economy ranged as high as 57.2 mpg, before finishing at 56.5 mpg.

What’s outstanding besides the stellar fuel economy is that the weather conditions were extreme on most days — the temperature approached 100 degrees at the beginning of the week and stayed in the 90s until the heatwave broke the day before my lender went back. Hybrids operate best under optimum weather conditions — not too hot and not too cold — therefore, the Corolla Hybrid performed strongly regardless.

As with any electrified vehicle, I always attempt to maximize fuel economy. I don’t engage in hypermiling, but I do ease up the gas pedal and press gently on the brake at most times. You’re coaxed to do that too, as the Corolla Hybrid gives you an “eco score” at the end of your drive, which is based on your driving behavior. I scored a “71” after one drive, which is a C- in my book.

If you need to floor the gas pedal, the Corolla Hybrid complies, but the run-up to 60 mph will take you about 10 seconds. The gas engine and electric motor combine for a sedate 121 horsepower, which underscores that this sedan is geared toward efficiency. Light-to-the-touch steering and direct handling are two of its strong suits. We also like that braking has improved over earlier Priuses — they’re firmer than ever with the inherent squishiness essentially a non-factor.

Parting Thoughts: 2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid

Like not a small number of people, I’m skeptical when it comes to vehicle electrification — the cost, supposed benefits, and in some cases range anxiety play in. But when it comes to hybrids, my thinking has modified as the vehicles offered are more efficient than ever and nice-looking too.

And that’s part of Toyota’s strategy — if you were put off by the Prius, but are a Corolla fan, then here you go. Yes, we understand that car model sales are crashing, but the Corolla Hybrid may do its part to stem the slide. That doesn’t bode well for competitors or even for the Prius, but if the whole electric car movement has you interested, a Toyota hybrid offers a logical value proposition.

The Corolla shares its hybrid system with the Prius.

2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid Specifications

Toyota	2020 Corolla Hybrid
Segment	Compact sedan
Base Sticker Price	$23,880 (including a $930 destination charge)
Price as tested	$24,524 (est.)
Standard Engine	1.8-liter, inline-four
Horsepower	121 @ 5,200 RPMs
Torque (lb.-ft.)	105 @ 3,600 RPMs
Transmission	Continuously variable automatic
Seating	5
Curb Weight (pounds)	3,050
Wheelbase (inches)	106.3
Length (inches)	182.3
Width (inches)	70.1
Height (inches)	56.5
Head room (f,r…inches)	38.3, 37.1
Leg room (f,r…inches)	TBD
Shoulder room (f,r…inches)	54.8, 54.8
Hip room (f,r…inches)	53.0, 43.9
Storage (cubic feet)	13.1
Gross vehicle weight (pounds)	NR
Towing (pounds)	NR
Payload (pounds)	NR
Fuel	Regular
Fuel Tank (gallons)	13.2
EPA Fuel MPG (city/highway)	53/52/52 city/highway/combined
Manufacturing Plant	Aichi, Japan

Blue hybrid badging is one distinction from the standard model.

The Fifth-Generation Toyota RAV4 Evaluated

March 25, 2019 by admin

The 2019 Toyota RAV4 is a compact crossover utility vehicle with room for five. it comes with a four-cylinder engine, an 8-speed automatic transmission, and offers all-wheel drive. A hybrid variant is marketed separately.

Launched stateside in 1996, the RAV4 has gradually grown in size and importance. Indeed, it is now Toyota’s best-selling model, even surpassing sales of the midsize Camry sedan and the compact Corolla — intrepid models both.

For 2019, the RAV4 is all-new. It is based on Toyota’s latest global architecture and is slightly longer and wider than the preceding model.

2019 Toyota RAV4 Overview

Toyota offers the 2019 RAV4 in five trims: LE ($25,500), XLE ($27,300), XLE Premium ($29,500), Adventure ($32,900), and Limited ($33,500). Add $1,060 for the delivery, processing & handling (destination) fee. All models come with ToyotaCare, a no-cost maintenance plan that covers most expenditures for two years or 25,000 miles as well all as roadside assistance for two years and unlimited miles.

As for the hybrid version, it arrives later this model year. You’ll find LE, XLE, and Limited trims.

We’ll cover over the various features offered. In the meantime, an assemblage of packages set these models apart beyond trim differences. For instance, the base LE model offers a blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert for $590. Bundle it with the available tonneau cover and you’ll pay $680.

2019 Toyota RAV4

Head to the XLE trim and you’ll find the XLE Convenience Package ($1,295) with it power liftgate, 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and heated front seats. Increase your outlay to $2,335 and the package adds Entune 3.0 Plus, a six-speaker audio system with an 8-inch touchscreen, four charging ports, HD Radio, Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay smartphone compatibility, Wi-Fi connect, and other amenities. It also includes a security system.

The mid-range XLE Premium trim offers the Entune 3.0 audio system with 11 speakers ($1,620). For $2,885, the package adds such driver-assist features as intelligent clearance sonar and rear cross-traffic braking. A digital rearview mirror with HomeLink and a Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging round out the offering here.

The Adventure trim bundles the Entune system with navigation and an 11-speaker JBL audio system for $2,470. For $3,735, the package adds a power tilt-and-slide moonroof, and the driver-assist features found in the XLE Premium’s trim.

At the Limited level, you’ll find a Limited Grade Advanced Technology Package ($1,605). This package combines Entune audio, navigation, a bird’s eye view camera, Qi-compatible wireless smartphone technology, and a power liftgate with the JBL 11-speaker audio system. For an additional $200, Toyota adds a panoramic glass roof with a power tilt-and-slide moonroof.

2019 Toyota RAV4

A Matter of Style

And now for an essential disclaimer. My wife and I have owned or leased a Toyota RAV4 for many years, beginning with the 2004 model, followed by the 2013 and 2017 versions. Needless to say, when our current lease ends in 2020, the RAV4 will be among the few models considered. My wife also likes the Nissan Rogue. As for me, I’d be happy to upgrade to the Toyota RAV4. The forthcoming Ford Bronco also has my attention.

As a RAV4 acolyte, it is easy to spot the changes from year to year as well as from generation to generation. Happily, the improvements with the fifth-generation RAV4 are more evolutionary than revolutionary, but they are quite evident nonetheless.

Among the standout exterior features include the front fascia with its gaping grille and fog lamp cutouts, squared wheel wells, and rear roof pillar — the last window cants forward, instead of backward. Lighting changes, updated wheels, and fresh signature lines are also present.

The base model comes with multi-LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, 17-inch steel wheels, power side mirrors, black roof rails, and chrome exhaust tips. As for upgrades, there are many and include fog lamps, a two-tone exterior color, heated side mirrors, puddle lights, a power tilt-and-slide moonroof, 17- or 19-inch alloy wheels, and a power liftgate. The Adventure trim adds special roof rails,

2019 Toyota RAV4

Inside, the cabin is slightly roomier than before. It offers sufficient room for five, although four is the ideal. We’ve witnessed the growing sophistication of this model down through the years and that’s something consumers should find pleasing.

Our test XLE Premium model featured ample soft-touch materials across the lower dashboard and door inlays. Splitting the upper and lower dash sections is chrome-like trim. The upper portion is sculpted plastic, but with ample creases and lines to add distinction.

One of the biggest changes involves the touchscreen display as it is bolted to the top of the center stack where the two dashboard sections meet. We like the look of the screen as well as its location.

Beneath the screen is the usual knob settings for managing the climate control system. At the base of the stack is a large open area for housing smartphones and making a connection. Switches for the automatic parking brake and hill hold are to the left of the transmission stick.

Our all-wheel-drive model added three switches to the eco, normal and sport modes offered in the front-wheel-drive models. Here, you’ll find snow, mud & sand, and rock & dirt settings.

2019 Toyota RAV4 As for the seats, they’re trimmed in fabric on most models or dressed in SofTex, which is a brand of synthetic leather. Our test model had this material and we found it very comfortable and pleasing to the eye. An 8-way power driver’s seat is standard. The rear seat is a 60-40 split fold-down arrangement with a center armrest and two cup holders.

The list of standard features include power accessories, a tilt-and-telescopic steering column, and air conditioning. Trim-level and package upgrades bring in a leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and rear outboard heated seats.

Safety & Technology

With a new model to show for it, the Toyota RAV4 will undergo the usual safety tests as conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Auto Trends prefers the IIHS’ tests as they’re more rigorous and detailed.

In any case, we expect the new model to achieve at least a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and perhaps win its highly coveted “+” rating if this model’s advanced driver-assist features and available headlight upgrades pass muster.

In any case, the RAV4 comes with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0), which includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, lane departure alert, automatic high beams, radar cruise control, road sign assist and lane tracing assist. Notably, this system builds on the company’s standard Star Safety System with automatic smart stop technology.

2019 Toyota RAV4

Optional to the XLE and standard on the upper trims is a blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, intelligent clearance sonar with rear cross-traffic braking. All models have at least some type of security system.

As for audio packages, the standard system includes a 7-inch touchscreen, six speakers, Bluetooth, Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay smartphone compatibility, and four USB ports. Among the upgrades are an 8-inch touchscreen, HD Radio, up to 11 speakers, and navigation.

On the Road

Under the hood resides a familiar 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. For the current-generation model, Toyota tweaked this engine to make it more powerful and thermally efficient. Thus, it now delivers 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. That’s up significantly from the 176 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque furnished previously.

Another change Toyota made was upgrading from a six-speed automatic transmission to an eight-speed. What’s interesting about this combination is that it delivers more power and better efficiency to the RAV4. The previous front-wheel-drive model earned 23 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway for a combined 25 mpg. This year, that same model earns 26/35/30 mpg. That’s a 5 mpg improvement.

2019 Toyota RAV4

As for performance, the RAV4 delivers adequate step-off power and decent passing power. Under a full load, the engine has its work cut out for it, but it doesn’t lag. The new transmission shifts smoothly between gears. No hunting was felt or observed. This SUV’s steering provides a level of connectivity we like and it handles well.

With available all-wheel drive, you’ll find the system does an admirable job of shifting power from front to back as well as from side to side. Beginning at the Adventure trim, the system employs torque vectoring, which transfers power to the wheels with the most traction. This system will cost you about 2 mpg, however.

Concerning ride comfort, the RAV4 matches the segment leaders. The cabin, though, isn’t the quietest in the segment. In fact, under hard acceleration, you’ll hear the engine. That’s fine for a V8, but not so much for a conventional four-pot.

There is one other important point of note: most models have a 1,500-pound towing capacity. That’s sufficient for a small camper. Choose the Adventure trim and towing capacity increases to 2,900 pounds (front-wheel drive) or to 3,500 pounds (all-wheel drive). This enhanced towing capability is something to consider when comparing small SUVs.

2019 Toyota RAV4

Auto Trends Recommends

The Toyota RAV4 has a lot going for it. The new design, upgraded powertrain, and advanced safety technologies keep it competitive in a dynamic segment. Moreover, we’re glad that Apple CarPlay smartphone compatibility is finally here. Unfortunately, Google Android Auto fans will have to wait at least another year for integration.

We rarely recommend the base model for any vehicle. And this holds true for the RAV4. You might start your search with the XLE trim, but we think you’d be in a better position to consider the XLE Premium as it offers superior bang for the buck. We always recommend all-wheel drive for anyone living in the northern states or wherever wintry conditions take hold. As for the hybrid, its late arrival may yet supply a justifiable alternative, especially if the price discrepancy between the standard and hybrid models is under $2,000.

All in all, the 2019 Toyota RAV4 does what it needs to do and better. It supplies a viable alternative to the Corolla and Camry, and fits nicely between the smaller C-HR and the midsize Highlander utility vehicles.

2019 Toyota RAV4

2019 Toyota RAV4 Specifications

Toyota	2019 RAV4
Segment	Compact Crossover SUV
Base Sticker Price	$25,500 (plus $1,065 destination fee)
Price as tested	$33,899
Standard Engine	2.5-liter, inline-four
Horsepower	203 @ 6,100 RPMs
Torque (lb.-ft.)	184 @ 5,000 RPMs
Transmission	8-speed automatic
Seating	2+3
Curb Weight (pounds)	3,370 to 3,620
Wheelbase (inches)	105.9
Length (inches)	180.9/181.5
Width (inches)	73.0/73.4
Height (inches)	67.0/67.2/68.6
Headroom (f,r — inches)	39.5, 39.5
Legroom (f,r — inches)	41.0, 37.8
Shoulder room (f,r — inches)	57.8, 56.4
Hip room (f,r — inches)	54.3; 47.7
Storage (cubic feet)	37.6, TBD
Gross vehicle weight (pounds)	4,610/4,705
Towing (pounds)	1,500 or 3,500
Payload (pounds)	1,085 to 1,240
Fuel	regular
Fuel Tank (gallons)	14.5
EPA Fuel MPG (city/highway)	26/35
Manufacturing Plant	Cambridge, Ontario CANADA

2019 Toyota RAV4

See Also — Full Disclosure: 2018 Toyota C-HR

These Car Models May Soon Get the Axe

November 7, 2018 by admin 1 Comment

Sharply declining sales may spell the end for several car models.

The U.S. automotive market, indeed the entire global market has seen a shift away from cars to utility vehicles. Cars, while valued for their practicality and reasonable cost are yielding the market to utility vehicles, which offer an excellent combination of passenger space and cargo capacity. They’re also more profitable to automakers.

As such, manufacturers will soon lay the ax to several car models as the market shift continues. Soon, you may walk into a new car dealership and find no more than one or two car models available as utility vehicles, pickup trucks and an assortment of crossover-like conveyances take over.

Here’s our list of threatened models based on year-to-date sales figures through October 2018:

Chevrolet: Sonic and Impala

The bow-tie brand’s weakest models are its subcompact Sonic (hatchback and sedan) and its full-size Impala sedan. The two models were introduced or updated in 2012 and 2014, respectively.

Chevrolet Silverado — Like its top competitor’s Chevrolet’s best-selling vehicle is not a car.

Sonic sales are down 25.7 percent and will struggle to top 22,000 units this year. The Impala numbers aren’t as bad with Chevrolet selling 43,953 units, down 13.38 percent. We think the midsize Malibu sedan (-23.88%) will hang on for a while longer, mostly because it is rather new. The compact Cruze (-26.52%) numbers are way down too, but there is life left. Besides, it shares its platform with the plug-in Volt (-13.72%).

As for the Corvette (-21.23%) and Camaro (-25.87%), both models will soldier on with a mid-engined Corvette waiting in the wings. We can’t see Chevrolet killing the Camaro all over again, although sales now trail both the Mustang and Challenger.

Dodge and Chrysler: A Vulnerable Trio

Dodge and Chrysler are FCA’s two domestic car brands and both are hanging on. Dodge dropped the compact Dart sedan and Chrysler the midsize 200 sedans in recent years. What’s left is a trio of sporty models: The Dodge Challenger (+0.07%), Dodge Charger (-11.98%), and the Chrysler 300 (-12.83%).

Dodge Charger Hellcat — A succession of Hellcat models has kept the Charger and Challenger alive. But for how long?

The Chrysler is the most vulnerable of the three and will likely be replaced by a utility vehicle. We think Dodge will hang on to the Challenger and Charger for a few more years, making updates to keep these dated models fresh. But the tide is changing and we could see the Charger killed off first with the Challenger following a few years later. The Jeep and Ram brands are the big profit centers for FCA, thus every other brand is vulnerable.

Ford: Only the Mustang Remains

Ford has not been coy about its car models. Every single model except for the Mustang (-0.93%) is threatened. Already, the subcompact Fiesta (+1.05%) and compact Focus (-18.46%) are gone or will soon be gone from the U.S. market.

The midsize Fusion (-21.77%) and the full-size Taurus (-2.49%) will be the next to go, although one or more names may be affixed to a future crossover model. Yes, we’ve heard rumors of a four-door Mustang appearing, but all that noise is simply speculation.

2018 Ford Mustang GT — The Mustang “brand” is a blue oval success story.

Honda: Staying the Course

Sales of the compact Civic (-10.32%) and midsize Accord (-14.16%) may be down, but they’re not out. Indeed, Honda may very well sell as many as 250,000 Accords and 300,000 Civics this year. Even if sales continue to slide, both models are safe.

As for the subcompact Fit (-14.59%), sales aren’t likely to top 40,000 units this year. That said, Honda may keep the Fit around and not offer an update for some time. This automaker also seems committed to its Clarity and Insight electrified vehicles, though sales remain modest.

See Also — It’s a Wrap: 2018 in Review

Nissan: Maxima on a Short Leash

Like Honda and Toyota, Nissan will keep its compact Sentra (-0.34%) and midsize Altima (-16.64%) sedans. The Altima is new for 2019 and will offer available all-wheel drive for the first time. Although the Sentra was last updated in 2013, we think a new model will eventually roll out.

Nissan Maxima models — The Maxima is one of Nissan’s strongest names, but it may not have long-term staying power.

What might not survive is the Maxima sedan (-36.18%), although it shares its underpinnings with the Altima. Like other flagship models, the Maxima may no longer have a place in the Nissan product line.

Also threatened is the subcompact Versa (-29.87%), the sporty 370Z (-24.44%) and the high-performance GT-R (-2.49%). The last two will likely sell just 3,000 and 500 copies, respectively. Those aren’t sustainable numbers no matter how you slice it.

Toyota: Several Models Might Get 86’d

Imagine Toyota without the compact Corolla (-11.35%) and its midsize Camry (-6.94%) if you would. That’s hard to fathom, right? Well, both models sell slightly better than their Honda counterparts, so they’ll be around for some time. Indeed, a new Camry arrived in 2018, followed by an all-new Corolla hatchback in 2019 (we’re expecting a new Corolla sedan in 2020).

2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback — Toyota’s Corolla is hanging around and includes this sporty hatchback model.

The threatened Toyota models include the subcompact Yaris (-37.05%) and the hybrid Toyota Prius c. We doubt the Toyota 86 (-41.71%) will survive for much longer, although the nearly identical Subaru BRZ may soldier on. As for the full-size Avalon (+6.38%), it is also all new and gaining market share in a shrinking segment. We consider the Avalon the safest model in its segment by far.

Volkswagen: A Passe Passat?

Volkswagen has been undergoing intense changes these past few years following its diesel scandal. New or updated crossovers are taking a bigger slice of the sales pie and are driving sales. But models such as the subcompact Golf (-38.08%), compact Jetta (-32.77%), and the midsize Passat (-33.78%) are falling out of favor.

We think the Golf and Jetta will hang on, but the Tennessee-built Passat may give up its assembly line space to one or more new (and electrified) models planned. That transition may take a few years to complete, however.

Hyundai and Kia: Opportunity Lurks

Hyundai and Kia are joined at the hip, although the two Korean automakers largely operate as separate concerns. Hyundai supplies the vehicle platforms, then leaves each brand (plus Genesis) to decide how they will go.

In recent years, we’ve seen Hyundai do away with the Equus, Genesis, and Genesis coupe, along with the Azera sedan. Some of those models were replaced by Genesis brand vehicles when Hyundai rolled out its luxury brand.

Hyundai has also expanded its crossover offerings while bringing the electrified Ioniq (+37.69) to the market. We’re not sure the subcompact Accent (-51.12%) will survive, given that a new model rolled out in 2018. The compact Elantra (+4.06%) is performing well, but the midsize Sonata (-24.83%) has certainly seen better days. The sporty Veloster returned after a one-year hiatus and like the Elantra, it seems safe. Still, we think Hyundai will keep its car line in place as other automakers cut back.

2018 Kia Rio — Kia Rio sales are down despite a new model on hand.

As for the Kia, nearly the same can be said about it as we have said about Hyundai. Further, Kia continues to update even its slow sellers, such as the full-size Cadenza (-11.07%) and the luxury K900 (-26.14%).

A new subcompact Rio (+44.67) is performing well, although the compact Forte (-18.68%) and the midsize Optima (-5.74%) are not. Still, looking at Kia’s track record, we doubt any model will go away in the near future. In all, we think Hyundai and Kia may see opportunity in segments soon to be vacated by its competitors.

Looking Ahead

The shift to crossovers is, indeed, playing a large part in driving each brand’s portfolio. Two other factors, electrification, and autonomous vehicles, will play increasingly significant roles as we move forward.

The question not asked is this one: will manufacturers permanently adjust their portfolios? They may say yes, but market conditions can and do always change.

Witness Ford’s insistence a few years back that the Ranger pickup truck wouldn’t return. Beginning in 2019 we’ll see a new Ranger. And as for the Fiesta and Focus, both models will serve other markets and could at some point return to the U.S. if demand warrants it.

See Also — End of the Road: Ford Taurus

Delicious Design: 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback

June 19, 2018 by admin 11 Comments

The best-selling Corolla is the most attractive one yet.

When you have the world’s best-selling model and the market is shifting away from cars to crossovers, you have a bit of a dilemma on your hands. On the one hand, you can acknowledge the shift and reduce your investment in a new model, thereby effectively furthering its decline. On the other hand, you can always roll the dice and come up with a new plan to woo customers.

Fortunately, Toyota chose the latter, at least for the all all-new hatchback version of the compact Corolla. The 2019 Toyota Corolla hatchback replaces the Corolla iM, a holdover model from the defunct Scion brand. The new model offers the sportiest design we have ever witnessed on a Corolla, which suggests that the new sedan bound to follow will receive a similar treatment.

2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback Overview

The 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback is a compact, front-wheel-drive model that seats five. Toyota offers this attractive hatch in four grades: SE MT ($19,990), SE CVT ($21,090), XSE MT ($22,990) and XSE CVT ($24,090). Add $920 for the destination charge.

Essentially, that makes for two trims along with your choice of either a six-speed manual gearbox or a continuously variable automatic transmission. All models come with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.

2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback

New Platform, New Possibilities

The 2019 Corolla Hatchback sits on an all-new platform, described internally as the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA). We saw the first application of this architecture beginning with the fully redesigned 2016 Prius, Toyota’s hybrid.

2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback Toyota followed with the midsize 2018 Camry sedan and the large 2019 Avalon sedan. Toyota’s utility vehicles and all Lexus models are undergoing a similar transformation.

The platform is designed to support front-, rear- and all-wheel-drive configurations. Although Toyota has not said as much, various new all-wheel-drive models seem likely.

You can bet that Toyota is watching what Ford does as it exits most car segments — add a turbo and all-wheel drive and then a Corolla “RS” hatchback model seems logical.

A Matter of Style: Sharp Design

Never have we seen a more sculpted Corolla since this model was introduced in 1966. Toyota has long advanced a winning formula with its best-seller: a simple exterior, a modest interior, average power (at best) and unparalleled reliability.

2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback Quite frankly, it is an approach that has successfully carried the Corolla ideology for decades, but now there is a need for a transformation.

The new design is so noticeably different that when I asked people what they thought it was, quite a few did not immediately recognize it as a Toyota.

Indeed, two thought that the new vehicle was a Mazda3, one of the most stylish models in the segment. That is how detached this hatchback is from the Corolla sedan as well as how much effort Toyota put into the new design.

The sportiness is evident up front with this model’s massive, gaping lower grille and sleek, constricted upper grille. The upper portion flows out to the headlights, which offer a vibrant design marked by pronounced LED lights. The hood eases down to the grille, taking styling cues from what we hope will someday be the next Supra sports car.

2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback This model’s profile has its share of character and cut lines. The rising beltline pulls up suddenly at the rear door handles just where another set of character lines begin and sweep to the rear.

A wing-like rear spoiler is one of the biggest surprises — it is neither small-scale nor is it overpowering. Sleek wraparound tail lamps, deep body sculpting and a diffuser-like finisher influence the rear.

Make Room for Everyone

On paper, the Corolla hatchback seats five. If your rear-seated passengers are diminutive or slender, then five is a possibility. Even so, this Corolla is ideal for seating four.

Just as Toyota devoted much attention to the exterior, the cabin is a significant improvement as well. Of course, my test model was the upper trim XSE with the automatic, but the conventional style is the same. The layered dashboard simply looks exceptional. For instance, the instrument panel hood is situated near to the surface. Then, as your eyes scan from left to right, you cannot help noticing how well everything progresses. Further, even something as simple as the split dashboard design imparts a level of elegance to cherish.

The front seats are comfortable and generally better than what you would expect in this segment. The rear 60/40 split fold-down bench seat supplies storage options as needed. Big pockets in the doors and a cleanly laid out center console are other important features. Yes, you are observing leather covering the seat or, rather, leather with a mélange-like fabric on the XSE.

2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback

Safety and Technology

You do not have to go back too many years to find cars that were sparsely equipped with tech and safety equipment.

2019 Toyota Corolla hatchback In the late 2000s, a four-speaker audio system with a CD player was commonplace. Bluetooth was just getting started and USB ports were still a few years away. Satellite radio was also not yet available.

Fast forward to today and most cars have at least six speakers as does the 2019 Corolla hatchback. And that is just on the base model. Toyota also includes an 8-inch color touchscreen, Wi-Fi Connect, USB and auxiliary audio ports and for the first time: Apple CarPlay. Sorry, no Android Auto yet. Toyota also includes its Entune 3.0 connectivity suite, Siri Eyes Free and Amazon Alexa.

Upgrades include HD Radio, weather and traffic reports, connected services and an eight-speaker JBL audio system. Thus, the key features once limited to luxury models are now available with the mainstream Corolla.

Among safety items, you will find the latest version of the Toyota Safety Sense suite, dubbed 2.0. Specifically, you will discover as standard equipment, automatic high beams, lane departure alert with steering assist, lane tracing assist, road sign assist, full-speed-range dynamic radar cruise control. and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection.

Notably, lane tracing assist is something new to Toyota, what keeps this hatchback centered in its lane when radar cruise control is on. It is doubtful you will find as comprehensive of a system as the one presented in this new Corolla.

Let’s Make it a Drive!

My Corolla hatchback test model arrived just two months removed from my California trip where I tested the new model (and the 2019 Avalon). Toyota supplied manual and CVT versions of this model — so kudos to this automaker for offering standard three-pedal foot action with both trims.

2019 Toyota Corolla hatchback Alas, the relatively smooth-shifting manual version was not my weekly driver, but the CVT should please the majority of people. And if you do have a hankering for shifting, you can place the transmission in sport mode and play with the paddle shifters. Those shifters mimic 10 forward gears.

The Corolla’s engine is matched well with this model, delivering 168 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. No, it is not particularly fast — it offers steady step-off acceleration and ample passing power. However, Toyota did gear this powertrain for optimum fuel economy — it delivers an excellent 42 mpg on the highway.

The steering offers satisfactory feedback. But the most enjoyment takes place on twisty roads where this model does a satisfactory job of hanging the curves.

2019 Toyota Corolla hatchback Size certainly makes a difference with any front-wheel-drive model and the new Corolla holds its own as it pulls out of corners.

That said, here is hoping Toyota will go beyond the base model and offer us more powerful versions. Perhaps add a turbo to give us something close to the 252 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque with the Focus ST?

Then use that as a prelude to a Focus RS fighter with all-wheel drive and 350 horsepower at the ready! One can imagine, right?

Parting Thoughts: 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback

Once again, Toyota brings the appropriate product to the market.

2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback Back around 2010, Chairman Akio Toyoda promised us that more exciting models were on the way, acknowledging that although vanilla is a dependable flavor, it does little to stir the imagination. The Corolla hatchback is the latest model to keep that pledge and we are happy to see the direction the brand has taken.

Beyond the sporty design and refined interior, the long list of standard driver-assist features makes this model a strong entrant in the shrinking, but still very competitive small car segment. Toyota’s advantage in having the newest model on the block should also serve itself well, especially as competitors leave the segment or slow their updates.

Thus, if you put this one on your short list, you will quickly learn what a strong contestant it is straight out of the gate.

2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback

2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback Specifications

Toyota	2019 Corolla Hatchback
Segment	Compact car
Base Sticker Price	$20,910 (including a $920 destination charge)
Price as tested	$25,000 (est.)
Standard Engine	2.0-liter, inline-four
Horsepower	168 @ 6,600 RPMs
Torque (lb.-ft.)	151 @ 4,800 RPMs
Transmission	Continuously variable automatic
Seating	5
Curb Weight (pounds)	3,060
Wheelbase (inches)	103.9
Length (inches)	169.9
Width (inches)	69.9
Height (inches)	57.1
Head room (f,r…inches)	42.0; 38.0
Leg room (f,r…inches)	TBD
Shoulder room (f,r…inches)	54.0; 54.4
Hip room (f,r…inches)	TBD
Storage (cubic feet)	18.0
Gross vehicle weight (pounds)	NR
Towing (pounds)	NR
Payload (pounds)	NR
Fuel	Regular
Fuel Tank (gallons)	13.2
EPA Fuel MPG (city/highway)	28/37 (SE MT); 32/42 SE CVT
Manufacturing Plant	Blue Springs, Mississippi

2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback

First Look: 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback

April 30, 2018 by admin 2 Comments

A summer arrival for the 2019 Corolla hatchback.

Updated May 25, 2018, to reflect prices and fuel economy ratings.

I’ve checked out new vehicles on showroom floors, at auto show exhibits and also upon various ballroom, convention center and theater stages. I’ve yet to find myself tired of the process, although some shows are overwhelming and that means missing a few releases or simply not having enough time to examine the latest offering.

In early Spring, Toyota invited journalists to San Diego County, California, to preview and drive two new vehicles: 2019 editions of the Toyota Avalon and Corolla Hatchback. The first model headlined the invite, the second model was kept under wraps until just a week before our arrival. Some of us had wondered if the future Supra would finally make its debut, but not this time. Instead, an all-new Corolla hatchback had its moment in the sun.

And sunshine we had in abundance as our first glimpse of the 2019 Corolla Hatchback was outside, on the lawn in front of the former Delmar train station. Just steps from active train tracks and yards from paths leading to the beach, a Blue Flame four-door hatchback offered a fitting contrast to the historic surroundings.

The 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback is not related to the current Toyota Corolla iM, a hatchback that got its start out at Scion before moving to Toyota. Scion, as you probably know, was decommissioned in 2016, with two models transitioned to Toyota and the remaining vehicles canceled.

2019 Toyota Corolla hatchback.

A Shared Architecture

The new model is just that — new. It has no relationship with any current model, except for those based on the Toyota’s new global architecture. That architecture supports the current Prius, Camry, C-HR and the 2019 Avalon. Eventually, all new Toyota models will share a common platform. Thus, Toyota is in the middle of an important transition and the 2019 Corolla hatchback is its latest model.

The starting price for the 2019 Corolla Hatchback is $20,910 (including a $920 destination charge) for the base SE model with the six-speed manual transmission. Other choices include the SE CVT ($22,010); XSE MT ($23,910) and XSE CVT ($25,010).

Prices for select upgrades include $395 for the Blizzard Pearl (white) paint. The SE Preferred Package ($1,400, Entune 3.0 Audio with app suite, Toyota Connected Services and blind spot monitor) and XSE Preferred Package ($1,600, Entune 3.0 Audio with app suite, an 8-speaker JBL audio system, Toyota Connected Services, navigation and Qi wireless charging) are the two package options. Separately, XSE shoppers can choose an adaptive lighting system ($415).

Exterior Highlights

If you like a sporty front fascia with a gaping grille, sleek headlamps and generous sculpting, the Corolla hatchback delivers. Further, beautiful character lines and sculpting dominate the profile, before pushing back to the rear fascia.

It makes for one of the most beautiful themes we have seen on a Toyota product since, well, the 2018 Camry. It seems Toyota’s design studio has been unleashed, to provide vehicles that are just as handsome as the best models out there. That is not something we could say as recently as the Corolla iM and it is a direction we like. Scan the photos carefully and you can see for yourself.

Standard equipment includes Bi-LED headlamps with automatic high beams, 16-inch aluminum wheels, LED fog lamps, aero stabilizing fins and a rear chrome diffuser. Available features include LED fog lamps, heated side mirrors and 18-inch aluminum wheels.

2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback

Interior Highlights

Toyota has always offered cabins with ordered interiors and superb fit and finish. Trouble is, they have not always been the most exciting. The 2018 Camry shows us how Toyota dazzles and the Corolla hatchback offers its own take on style.

Regardless of the trim, you will find a layered dashboard with overlapping analog displays and a clean center console with the display fixed to the top, much like a tablet. The front seats are quite comfortable, better than what I have typically experienced in this segment. Sightlines are very good and the overall sporty feeling shines through.

Standard features include power windows, power door locks, a tilt-and-telescopic steering column, automatic air conditioning and cloth seats. Choose the top trim and you will gain a power-operated driver’s seat, heated front seats and dual-zone climate control.

Safety & Technology

Toyota is rocking the driver-assist safety equipment with all its models. On the Corolla hatchback, you will find the Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) group, which includes automatic high beams, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, low light pedestrian detection, daytime cyclist protection, lane departure alert with steering assist, road sign assist and lane tracing assist. Blind spot monitoring is optional with the base trim, but included with the top trim.

That tablet-like display on top of the center console measures 8 inches diagonally. It is part of Toyota’s Entune 3.0 audio package with six speakers, Bluetooth, an auxiliary audio port, USB ports and WiFi. You will also find Amazon Alexa, Siri Eyes Free and Apple CarPlay. Sorry, Android fans, but Android Auto is not ready yet. Toyota says that it has people embedded in Google and vice-versa to prepare Android — they want to ensure the proprietary information does not get into the wrong hands. Upgrades include satellite radio, HD Radio, navigation and an 8-speaker audio system.

2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback

Performance Matters

Let us stand and give Toyota a round of applause for keeping with a manual transmission. With manufacturers routinely ditching manual gearboxes because of low demand, Toyota is having none of that. Importantly, the manual gearbox is available with both Corolla hatchback trims.

And it is no long throw stick either. Indeed, while it may not shift as fast as a TREMEC, it does make quick work of each gear. Also importantly, rev-shift match downshift is present. This is a significant feature for anyone who places an emphasis on driving dynamics.

Under the hood, a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine powers the Corolla hatchback. We first saw this engine at work in the Toyota C-HR and now it motivates the new Corolla.

Fortunately, the performance numbers are a bit more robust with the hatchback. Indeed, this model makes 168 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque.

2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback

On the other hand, Toyota’s subcompact crossover delivers 144 horsepower and 139 pound-feet of torque. Both sets of numbers are below what we would like, but we think higher output versions of these two vehicles are in the offing.

The Corolla hatchback offers decent step-off acceleration and good pick up as you move through the gears. Definitely, the manual is much more fun to work with. You may find yourself holding each gear as long as you can before upshifting, testing what this hatchback can do. Expect responsive steering, weighted handling and firm braking. This hatchback hangs well on twisty roads and does its best to carve corners.

All that said, we could not help but think about what might have been. Specifically, just how well this new Corolla would perform with more power under the hood. Again, we think this is only the first step from Toyota, with a hot hatchback in its future. We can wait. But not for long!

Toyota Corolla Hatchback Parting Thoughts

So, there you have it. If design, quality, reliability and amenities are any indication, the 2019 Corolla hatchback has the potential to win new customers.

That makes for a great start for a new model, but Toyota must not stop there. After all, the car market is shrinking. Also, the few strong players in this segment are certain to dominate.

That said, an opening for new customers has shown its face as competitor Ford says it will soon stop offering its subcompact Fiesta and compact Focus models in North America. Opportunity knocks; Toyota has the products in place to respond.

2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback Specifications

Toyota	2019 Corolla Hatchback
Segment	Compact car
Base Sticker Price	$19,990 (plus $920 destination)
Price as tested	N/A
Standard Engine	2.0-liter, inline-four
Horsepower	168 @ 6,600 RPMs
Torque (lb.-ft.)	151 @ 4,800 RPMs
Transmission	Six-speed manual or automatic
Seating	5
Curb Weight (pounds)	3,060
Wheelbase (inches)	103.9
Length (inches)	169.9
Width (inches)	69.9
Height (inches)	57.1
Head room (f,r…inches)	42.0; 38.0
Leg room (f,r…inches)	TBD
Shoulder room (f,r…inches)	54.0; 54.4
Hip room (f,r…inches)	TBD
Storage (cubic feet)	18.0
Gross vehicle weight (pounds)	NR
Towing (pounds)	NR
Payload (pounds)	NR
Fuel	Regular
Fuel Tank (gallons)	13.2
EPA Fuel MPG (city/highway)	32/42 SE CVT
Manufacturing Plant	Blue Springs, Mississippi

See Also — Toyota: 2019 Corolla Hatchback Returns

Toyota: 2019 Corolla Hatchback Returns

March 26, 2018 by admin 3 Comments

Corolla hatchback debuts at the 2018 New York International Auto Show.

For 50 years, the Toyota Corolla has faithfully served as the budget vehicle of choice for millions of drivers the world over. Toyota has offered this compact model as a coupe, sedan, hatchback and wagon, but in recent years we’ve seen only the sedan, at least in North America.

Beginning in 2019, a Corolla hatchback will join the sedan. Yes, there currently is a Corolla hatchback, but it isn’t the same model — rather it is the Corolla iM, formerly the Scion iM.

2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback

The all-new 2019 Corolla hatchback is a derivative of Toyota’s new global architecture, leaping ahead of the current sedan in “newness” and sportiness. Indeed, Toyota says the hatchback will feature a revised sport-tuned suspension. Further, the hatchback will get a new 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

Toyota announced the 2019 Corolla hatchback prior to the start of the New York International Auto Show this week. That show launches with two media days on March 28 and 29, then opens to the public on March 30. The New York show is open on Easter Sunday and concludes on April 8.

2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback

As for the new model, the following is what we know about the hatchback:

1. Sleek design.

The hatchback will offer a similar front fascia to the sedan, but the overall canvas is comprised of sweeping lines and distinct edges. The new model is lower, wider and longer than the Corolla iM, with a wheelbase that’s 1.5 inches longer than the outgoing model.

2. Peppy engine.

Toyota hasn’t released the performance numbers for the new engine, but we do know that it is a high-compression engine with both direct and port injection. This combination typically yields an engine that’s more powerful, cleaner and efficient than comparable older designs. What’s especially terrific here is that Toyota hasn’t abandoned the manual gearbox, despite low demand for the same.

3. Improved technology.

The new hatchback will come in two trims — SE and XSE. Standard tech features include the latest telematics system with Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa Connectivity. Other features include an eight-inch color touchscreen, six speakers, Siri Eyes Free, Bluetooth, a USB port and auxiliary audio input. Upgrades include an eight-speaker JBL audio system, satellite radio, HD Radio and navigation.

4. Driver assist.

Manufacturers continue to build in additional driver assist safety features into more models or at least make them available on some trims. Toyota has been at the forefront with its own Toyota Safety System package. For 2019, the Corolla hatchback will come with the second generation of this suite, dubbed TSS 2.0. Here, you’ll find automatic high beams, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, full-sized range dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist and an all-new lane tracing assist. Notably, the latter works in conjunction with dynamic radar cruise control to keep the hatchback centered as it “reads” white or yellow lane markings. Further, you’ll find the usual blind-spot monitoring on the XSE and available on the SE. Certainly, the Toyota safety package with the 2019 Corolla hatchback should attract buyers.

At the Auto Show

There are a few things about the Corolla Hatchback we still don’t know, including performance numbers and price. We expect additional information forthcoming at Toyota’s press conference which, incidentally, will introduce the next-generation RAV4, its most popular model. We’ll update this page once that information is made known.

As for availability, the 2019 Corolla hatchback goes on sale this summer. Lastly, as for the sedan, we believe it will also receive an update, perhaps arriving by early next year.

See Also — Highlights of the 2018 Toyota Camry

Photos courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

America’s Top 10 Selling Vehicles in 2017

January 8, 2018 by admin 1 Comment

New vehicle sales dip slightly in 2017.

Ford F-150 Raptor — America’s top-selling model in Raptor guise.

US passenger vehicle sales fell by 1.8 percent in 2017, the first year-over-year loss in seven years. However, the drop was modest and certainly wasn’t a surprise. In 2017, 17,230,436 new sales were recorded, down from a record 17,550,394 in 2016.

Light trucks, composed of pickup trucks and SUVs, dominated as sales rose by 4.3 percent to 10,897,511 units. On the other hand, car sales continued to fall, dropping 10.9 percent to 6,332,925 units. Clearly, consumer preference is with trucks, which now account for nearly two-thirds of new vehicle sales. The following is our Auto Trends breakdown of the top 10 selling passenger vehicles in America in 2017 with statistics compiled by Good Car Bad Car.

America’s Top 10: 2017 Calendar Year

1. Ford F-Series — For the 41st consecutive year, the F-Series is the best-selling truck and vehicle in America, led by the F-150. Notably, sales climbed by 9.3 percent finishing at 896,764 units sold. Further, add in Canadian and Mexican numbers and total sales topped one million units.

2. Chevrolet Silverado — Ford’s lock on the top spot seems assured for many, many years as Silverado sales finished a distant second at 585,864 units. That’s a difference of more than 310,000 vehicles. Even when accounting for the twin GMC Sierra’s 217,943 units sold, Ford easily makes more full-size pickup trucks than GM. We’ll see a new Silverado and Sierra this year, with a sizable sales increase likely to follow.

2017 Nissan Rogue Sport — Nissan’s Rogue now includes this smaller Rogue Sport model.

3. Ram 1500/2500/3500 — Ram’s full-size pickup truck topped the half-century mark for the first time on 500,723 units sold. Fiat Chrysler’s bestseller hasn’t been updated since 2011, but a new model is on the way and should likely help sales continue to grow in 2018.

4. Toyota RAV4 — Toyota’s best-selling model for the past two decades was the Camry sedan, but in 2017 those sales came in flat despite the release of a new model. Taking the top spot is the compact RAV4 crossover with 407,594 units sold for an increase of 15.7 percent.

5. Nissan Rogue — Hot on the heels of the RAV4 was the Nissan Rogue, registering an even stronger increase based on Rogue and Rogue Sport models. Indeed, for 2017, Nissan sold 403,465 units, reflecting a whopping 22.3-percent increase. Furthermore, this was the first time any Nissan model passed the 400,000 unit sales mark.

6. Toyota Camry — For 2017, the Toyota Camry remains America’s best-selling car with sales of 387,081 units. That’s down just 0.4 percent. Here, much credit must be given to the all-new 2018 model, which narrowed those losses considerably.

The 2018 Toyota Camry marks the start of a new generation.

7. Honda CR-V — Three models account for the majority of Honda sales. For 2017, the CR-V took over the top spot, edging out the Civic by 609 units. On sales of 377,895 units, the CR-V posted a respectable 5.8-percent gain for the year.

8. Honda Civic — The Honda Civic was one of just a few car models registering a year-over-year gain in 2017 with 377,286 units sold. Specifically, the Civic recorded a 2.8-percent sales increase for the year.

9. Toyota Corolla — Sales of the compact Corolla finished at 329,196 units, down 13 percent. The Corolla swapped places with the Civic as sales fell by nearly 50,000 units.

10. Honda Accord — Unlike the Civic, Accord sales fell in 2017 to 322,655, registering a 6.5-percent drop. Like the Camry, the Accord is also new and that fact may help sales stabilize in 2018.

2017 Chrysler Pacifica — Pacifica sales enable Fiat Chrysler to dominate the shrinking minivan segment.

2017 Auto Trends, Looking Ahead to 2018

Other changes of note in 2017 included the continued demise of the once popular minivan segment. Notably, overall sales dropped below 500,000 units as most of the big players registered declines. The Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Pacifica accounted for nearly half of all sales, however. Also, the Nissan Quest exited the market.

Two brands continue to stand out above the pack. Subaru sales pushed the brand ahead of Kia and just behind Hyundai, as the Japanese automaker has seen sales increase for 73 consecutive months. Audi continues to take a bigger chunk of the luxury market, although Mercedes-Benz remains the top-selling premium marque in America. Audi’s sales streak reached 98 consecutive months of month-over-month gains in December.

Looking ahead, we see Jeep sales rebounding in 2018, largely on the strength of new Wrangler and updated Cherokee models. Moreover, if Tesla gets its manufacturing act together, Model 3 production might help overall sales increase by as much as four times what they currently are. Look for additional collaboration between manufacturers this year. We’ll see a new factory open in South Carolina (Volvo) with Toyota-Mazda announcing the location of their much-anticipated manufacturing plant for either Alabama or North Carolina.

America’s 10 Best-Selling Passenger Vehicles

July 5, 2017 by admin 1 Comment

A look at the year-to-date best-sellers through June 2017.

2017 Ford Super Duty — The Ford Super Duty is all-new for 2017 and is a
significant contributor to overall Ford F-Series sales.

The US auto market is slowing down and will most likely finish below 2016’s peak numbers. Still, somewhere between 16.8 and 17 million new passenger vehicles will likely sell as the books close in early January — that’s still an impressive range.

To that end, let’s take a look at America’s current crop of the 10 best-selling cars, trucks, and SUVs, with statistics supplied by GOOD CAR BAD CAR and confirmed by the manufacturers.

1. Ford F Series (429,860) —- Ford’s full-size pickup trucks are right where you expect them to be: on top. Indeed, for four consecutive decades the F-150 and similar models have led the pickup truck sales pack. In many years, this truck has been the best-selling passenger vehicle, bar none. Year-to-date (YTD) sales are up 8.8 percent for a model last redesigned in 2015 (2017 for Super Duty models).

2. Chevrolet Silverado (262,940) —- The Chevy Silverado has long been in second place behind the Ford F-150. However, in some years the Silverado and its GMC Sierra twin outsell Ford, allowing GM to claim the full-size truck crown. This year, sales are down 3.9 percent for a model last overhauled in 2014. A new model is about two years away and it can’t come soon enough as Ram may move ahead of Chevrolet for the first time.

3. Ram Pickup (250,443) -— That the three top selling models in the US market are full-size pickup trucks may surprise some, but given how strong this segment is, the hold these three have isn’t. What is surprising is that Ram sales are up 7 percent, demonstrating that demand for a model redesigned in 2009 and renamed in 2011 continues unabated. A new model is due out in 2019.

4. Nissan Rogue (195,689) -— The biggest gainer this year among the top models is the Nissan Rogue. Now comprised of Rogue and a smaller Rogue Sport model, sales are up a whopping 31.4 percent. Redesigned in 2014, the Nissan Rogue continues to harness insatiable demand for small SUVs and they’re doing it with just one powertrain choice — a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine comes paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission.

5. Honda CR-V (187,726) —- Honda’s Accord and Civic models have long delivered a 1-2 punch for the automaker, but since CR-V sales began to surge five years ago, it’s now a 1-2-3 hit from Honda. The CR-V is now in the top position, benefiting from a 17.7 percent sales surge YTD. Helping matters is a 2017 overhaul, what makes this model one of the newest in the small SUV segment.

6. Toyota RAV4 (184,766) —- Like Honda, Toyota has also enjoyed a 1-2-3 punch. Like Honda, the compact RAV4 SUV has leaped the Camry and Corolla, and is now Toyota’s top-selling model. Up 11.4 percent YTD, the RAV4 is one of three compact SUVs that may outsell the Camry this year, the perennial best-selling car in America for most of the past two decades.

2018 Toyota RAV4 — An all-new Toyota Camry debuts this summer. Will it be enough for this midsize sedan
to reclaim its top perch once again this year?

7. Toyota Camry (176,897) — Whoa! Toyota Camry sales are down 11.4 percent YTD and that doesn’t bode well for America’s top-selling car. Consumer tastes have shifted and cars are getting hammered. But there is hope — an all-new Camry is in production and some type of rebound is certain to follow. Whether that’ll be enough to close the near 20,000-unit gap between the Camry and the top-selling Rogue is not knowable.

8. Toyota Corolla (176,527) —- The Corolla was last overhauled in 2014. But like the Camry, sales are taking a hit, falling 7.7 percent so far this year. Unlike the Camry, a new model isn’t waiting in the wings. At least not this year.

9. Honda Civic (175,763) —- Honda shook the small car market in 2016 when a larger and more dazzling Civic made its debut. But sales are down 7.4 percent YTD as a once forgiving market reveals a harsh reality: even handsome cars can’t keep up with SUVs.

10. Honda Accord (160,091) — The only car to challenge the Toyota Camry in recent years has been the Honda Accord. Like the Camry, sales are down YTD and to the tune of 5.5 percent. Also, like the Camry, a new model arrives this year, bringing with it the possibility of a sales rebound before the year closes out.

2016 Lexus RX — The Lexus RX is the best-selling luxury vehicle, but it doesn’t crack the
top 50 among all models. (Photo copyright Lexus)

Best of the Rest

The current top 10 may change before the year draws to an end. The Ford Escape occupies eleventh place, just 4,000 units behind the Accord. The twelfth through fifteenth positions include the Nissan Altima, Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Equinox, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Of these four, the all-new Equinox has the best chance of moving up as the year winds down.

Overtaken: Toyota Camry Falls to Third

May 5, 2017 by admin 1 Comment

America’s best-selling car is now a crossover.

2017 Nissan Rogue Hybrid — With a hybrid model now in its lineup, the Nissan Rogue may solidify
its new position as the top-selling car in the USA.

For most of the past two decades, the Toyota Camry has been America’s best-selling car. Routinely, Toyota could count on selling more than 400,000 units most years, peaking at 473,108 units in 2007.

Even following the latest recession where sales bottomed out at 308,510 units sold in 2011, Toyota rebounded to push near 430,000 sales in 2015.

But there is something that is challenging Camry sales and it has nothing to do with the economy. Instead, it has everything to do with consumer preferences.

Indeed, those preferences reflect a steady shift to SUVs and pickup trucks, with the former grabbing the lion’s share of that increase. And these are not traditional body-on-frame SUVs like we have seen in the past. Much of the current crop of utility vehicles are known as crossovers — unibody vehicles closer in design to cars than to trucks.

No. 1 Seller: Toyota Camry

The Camry’s dominance hasn’t been in question much since the late 1990s. One year, the Honda Accord finished in first, while in other years the compact Toyota Corolla pressed in. Still, Toyota has been able to keep the “family Camry” on top despite its run-of-the-mill looks. Notably, Toyota always emphasizes this five-passenger, front-wheel drive sedan’s value and reliability, significant factors for car-buying Americans.

But utility vehicles offer something that no sedan has and that’s versatility. Not only do most models offer more standard storage space than similar sedans, but with the rear seat folded, capacity is typically doubled. Further, if you need to tow something, most SUVs can handle at least 2,000 pounds of trailering. Few of today’s cars are designed to tow. If they do, then you’re usually limited to no more than 1,000 pounds.

Besides, when it comes to towing, high-profile vehicles such as the Toyota RAV4 are preferred. But the RAV4 isn’t the model that has pushed the Camry into third place through the first four months of the year. Rather, it is the RAV4’s two top competitors that have done the deed: the Nissan Rogue and Honda CR-V.

2015 Toyota Camry — The seventh-generation Camry covers 2012-2017 model years.

Rising Tide: Nissan Rogue

The Nissan Rogue’s ascendancy is remarkable, especially since it didn’t even arrive to the market until 2008, years after most competitors had rolled out their models. Now in its second generation, Rogue sales measure 128,807 through April and that’s good for an 18.2-percent increase in a market that’s down 4.7 percent during the same period.

In second place is the Honda CR-V, long the compact SUV leader. CR-V sales are right behind the Rogue, coming in at 126,728 units sold and up by double digits as well: 13 percent to be exact.

Camry’s fall this year isn’t as precipitous as some models — 7.7 percent thus far. But with 114,887 models sold, Toyota must make up about 14,000 units in eight months. That’s possible, especially as the gap was 18,000 units through the first quarter of this year.

Embracing or Avoiding Fleet Sales

One thing we know about Toyota’s strategy is this: the company won’t be turning to fleet sales to boost Camry sales, unlike Nissan. Fleet sales have long been the practice of the US automakers, but in recent years GM, Ford and Fiat Chrysler have pulled back. The reason? Fleet sales hurt residual values and lower residual values eventually drive customers away.

Nissan has wholeheartedly embraced this strategy with Nissan North America Chairman Jose Munoz explaining to Automotive News that it is “a good thing.” Said Munoz, “every fleet sale we do in the United States is a profitable sale.”

Another way Toyota can reclaim sales is by releasing an all-new model. Typically, when a manufacturer rolls out a next-generation vehicle, sales benefit tremendously.

The Eighth-Generation Toyota Camry

Given that timing is everything in business, Toyota is doing just that this summer. The eighth-generation Camry will be shown to journalists in June and go on sale in August. There’s a core group of people who are sticking with cars and they’re among the most loyal of all Camry owners. If I were a betting man (and I’m not), I would say Toyota still has a better than even chance of staying on top when yearly sales are counted early next January.

What else can help Toyota’s cause is a spike in fuel prices. The Camry is more fuel efficient than the Rogue, CR-V, and even the RAV4. Further, price creep means that the RAV4 is costlier than before. The deep discounting is also with the Camry and that means there is some additional price spacing for value-driven customers.

Even if the Camry permanently loses its position as the top seller, Toyota management may not be fazed. Spreading your wins over more models, simply positions the automaker to respond faster to customer changes, while keeping it well ahead of the competition, including Honda and Nissan.

Sales statistics courtesy of GoodCarBadCar.net