Toyota RAV-4 and Corolla are Red Tag Sales staples

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Ah yes. Sounds of the holidays have arrived … let the shopping games begin.

Now that Thanksgiving is in the rear view, it is time to start thinking about a new ride for the holidays. In an ode to Hendrick Automotive Group’s “Red Tag” Sales event, let’s explore a couple of Toyota’s more popular offerings -- RAV4 and Corolla.

RAV4 is the Ultimate Family Vehicle

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Spacious, reliable and quite practical, the Toyota RAV4 is the perfect choice for many families on the go during the holidays. Six different model options and a choice of FWD, AWD and Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD help fit the RAV4 into any family arrangement. Model choice includes LE, XLE, XLE Premium, Limited, Adventure or TRD Off-Road.

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“(The Rav-4) is a happy medium between a full-size SUV and someone who doesn’t want to have a car,” said T.J. Parris, Financial Service, Hendrick Toyota Concord. “Size-wise, it’s going to appeal to a lot of different customer. It for someone who wants a mid-size SUV, but does not want to be sitting closer to the ground like a car.”

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With a base 2.5-liter, 203 horsepower four-cylinder engine that makes 184 foot pounds of torque, the RAV4 is powerful enough to be comfortable on both city and highway driving. It is also durable, with an aluminum alloy block, dual overhead cams and variable valve timing.

“You’re not going to have to worry about the vehicle, other than just get into it, drive it and enjoy it,” Parris said.


For 2024, the Toyota has added a top-of-the-line Hybrid Woodland Edition to the RAV4 package with a standard 1.25-inch activity mount, which includes an available ‘weather package’ that includes available heated front seats and leather-trimmed steering wheel. The Woodland Edition also includes a tray bike rack, high-profile black roof rails and standard cross bars for additional storage, with a 120V inverter that powers compatible household items.

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Fifth-Generation Hybridization

The fifth-generation RAV4 Hybrid adds an electronic AWD system, highlighted by an independent electric motor that powers the rear wheels. Technology that’s been perfected over the past decade by seamlessly transferring power to the wheels with the most available  traction. Optimized to driving conditions, the mid-size SUV offers drivers a steadying hand when conditions become a bit tricky.

“We have been doing (Hybrid) technology since the 90s,” Parris said. “Everyone else follows what we do. When it comes to the leading edge of hybrid technology, you can always trust Toyota. Especially in the RAV-4, as we do something a little different with the all-wheel-drive system. The front and rear wheels do not connect with the rear wheels powered by motors. It’s a pretty cool feature and something I really like about it."


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A direct-shift, eight speed, automatic transmission leads to smooth shifts and good gas mileage at 27 mpg city and 35 mpg highway.

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The RAV4 Hybrid features five drive modes (Eco, EV, Sport, Normal and Trail). Eco mode reduces acceleration levels, while EV pulls power from its battery. Sport mode is a more aggressive setting while ‘normal’ mode is a blend of Eco, Sport and EV. It is also loaded with the latest in driver comforts and technology.

“Technology-wise, Toyota has come a long way,” Parris said. “They have added a ton of things that customers really enjoy. For example, we’ve upgraded to wireless Apple Car Play, wireless Android Auto, bigger touch screens – going all the way when it comes leading technology.”


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In addition, the Toyota audio system features Bluetooth phone and Wi-Fi connectivity, along with a standard 8-inch touch display adorning most models. Meanwhile, a 10.5-inch screen is standard in the TRD Off-Road, Hybrid XSE and Limited/Hybrid Limited versions. And it wouldn’t be a Toyota without a priority on safety.

“You have (safety items) such as pre-collision assist (that’s standard),” Parris said. “Its going to help protect against (colliding) with another vehicle. Blindspot monitoring on each side. Lane departure, dynamic radar cruise control.

“A couple of weeks ago, I had a customer that was in a side collision,” Parris added. “They were just so impressed with the structural (integrity) of the vehicle. It took a complete side impact and survived. They are now back behind the wheel of another one.”

If you are a family in need of a do-it-all SUV, you may want to box a RAV4 up this holiday season. Wrapping paper not included.

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Fun, Sporty and Practicality Defines Corolla

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There’s a Corolla model for everyone on Santa’s shopping list. Now with a new Nightshade Edition, people can purchase a sedan, hybrid or hatchback version of one of America’s most-popular vehicles. Oh. That Nightshade edition might be the best option if you plan to hang out with Rudolph too!

Under the hood, the Corolla is powered by a 2.0-lter, 169-horsepower four-cylinder engine which garners an estimated 34 mpg rating. The Hybrid version offers a 138-horspower four-cylinder powerplant with two electric engines at the rear which helps the vehicle achieve 47 mpg.


On the exterior, the new Corolla offers available LED headlights and daytime running lights on the Nightshade and XSE models. With options like a sports mesh gloss gloss-black front grill and an aggressive front grill design, the Corolla’s unique styling often impresses.

“My favorite feature on the Corolla is definitely the front end,” Parris said. “It looks aggressive, especially on the sport models. This car ends up being very appealing to the younger crowd.”


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Fabric-trimmed six-way adjustable driver’s seat and four way adjustable front passenger seat are standard in the LE, while a six-way fabric inserted sports driver’s seat with six-way maneuverability is available in the Nightshade version. The top-of-the-line XSE offers heated front seats, with eight-way adjustability for maximum comfort. Standard USB ports and12-volt outlets give passengers plug-in features for our modern-day connected lifestyles.

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Owners can also upgrade to ambient interior lighting, dual-zone climate control and category-leading storage capacity. Additional upgrades include subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless charging and a JBL Audio System. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also available.

“In the Corolla, when you get in, you don’t feel like you are trapped,” Parris said. “It’s a lot bigger on the inside than it looks on the outside. It fits pretty much anybody.


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“A lot of customers are ‘wowed’ when they first get into a Toyota,” Parris added. “There’s a lot of technology and they absolutely love it.”

Safety features are a priority in the new Toyota Corolla. Standard items include forward collision warning, automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist. Also included is standard adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams and road sign assist. The Corolla, like most of the Toyota lineup, offers a lot of value for money.

“Toyota is really big on trying to keep the cost of ownership down,” Parris noted. “They are packed with a lot of technology, but have found different ways to keep the cost of ownership down.

“I think it’s what really attracts customers because they know they can get into a vehicle,” Parris continued. “Trust that it can get them wherever they need to go, yet not cost them an arm and a leg throughout its ownership life.”

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