Forbes Honors 2012 Toyota RAV4, Matrix as Best Compact Crossover SUVs

2012 Toyota RAV4

Ever-increasing fuel prices and concern for the environment have pushed the ubiquitous minivan and lumbering SUVs to the back of the line, behind the smaller, cushier crossover SUV. Forbes studied this shift, then released a list of top ten compact crossover SUVs, featuring both the 2012 Toyota Matrix and Rav4 as winners.

Compact crossover SUVs combine the passenger and cargo capabilities of an SUV with the fuel economy and style of a car. They are different from larger SUVs because instead of being built on a truck platform, they typically ride on car-like chassis. More than 58 models are classified as compact crossovers, so landing two Toyota models in the top ten is no small feat. The list was compiled by Forbes using Total Car Score data.

Forbes gives the RAV4 credit for pioneering the crossover movement. Even with a redesign on the horizon, the RAV4 has still held up well to up-and-coming competitors. Working it its favor are the distinctions of an available V6 engine and 7-passenger capacity. Fuel economy averages 24 mpg combined city/highway with the four-cylinder engine and 24 combined mpg for the V6. The MSRP ranges from $22,650 to $28,650, depending on selected trim levels and options. The Total Car Score for the 2012 Toyota RAV4 is 79.71, in an average class score of 74.43.

Forbes seemed skeptical that the 2012 Toyota Matrix was actually a crossover, attributing the classification to the fold-flat rear seats. The Matrix is a hatchback based on the Corolla platform, and is available with all-wheel drive. It has two available four-cylinder engine options, which return either 24 or 28 combined city/highway mpg for fuel economy. Various trim levels and options put the MSRP between $18,845 and $21,715. The Total Car Score for the 2012 Toyota Matrix is 74.89.

To experience the 2012 Toyota Matrix, RAV4, or any other Toyota that might suit your driving needs, visit Toyota Scion of Concord online or in person near Charlotte, North Carolina. Follow on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and updates on your favorite Toyota vehicle.

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Joe Burke and William Vana did an outstanding job for us.  I will have no problem in the future giving Toyota of Concord a chance to earn my business again.-  Christie

I thought Paul was awesome.  And I'm in sales and usually therefore tough.  He listened to what I wanted and figured how to make it happen vs. what many others did (which wasn't listen).  I was very happy with how Paul conducted and handled me and my family.  I would hire him in a second.- Scott

Titus is very friendly and explained all the options very well.-Naveen

2012 Toyota Tacoma, Tundra Win in Kelley Blue Book Study

2012 Toyota Tacoma

Kelly Blue Book rated the 2012 Toyota Tundra and 2012 Toyota Tacoma top in their segments in the latest KBB Cost to Own Awards. The Cost to Own evaluation goes beyond the purchase price of the car to estimate what the actual costs would be over five years of ownership.

The Cost to Own analysis includes factors such as out-of-pocket expenses like insurance, fuel, repairs, maintenance, state fee, and financing. Depreciation is also a factor, which is determined by the loss in the value of the car from its value after five years of ownership compared to the initial price of the car.

Why should buyers care about ownership costs? If a buyer is considering two similarly-priced models, the cost of ownership should be considered as well. In the long term, it could save the driver thousands of dollars.

While Toyota is often praised for its reliable, affordable compact cars, it was the trucks that were the stars in the cost of ownership study.

The 2012 Toyota Tacoma (regular cab) was awarded Best in Class in the Mid-size Pickup Truck category in the Kelley Blue Book evaluation. With estimated out-of-pocket expenses of $22,847 and depreciation of $9,481, the five-year cost to own a Toyota Tacoma is $32,328. This puts it above other mid-sized pickups like the Nissan Frontier and Chevrolet Colorado.

The lowest cost-to-own Full-size Pickup Truck category was won by the 2012 Toyota Tundra (regular cab). With estimated out-of-pocket expenses of $27,482 and depreciation of $15,561, the five-year cost to own a Toyota Tundra is $43,043. Not faring so well in the same category were the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, and GMC Sierra.

To test drive a 2012 Toyota Tundra, Tacoma, or any other Toyota model, visit Toyota Scion of Concord today. We are happy to supply the Charlotte area with new and pre-owned Toyota vehicles and many other used cars. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and updates on all things Toyota or Scion.

Check Out Our Testimonial This Week

Peter Del Sol is the best service writer I have ever dealt with.- Karlton

Thank you for your service and keeping my car healthy LOL- Deborah

Thomas Hopewell is awesome.  He always makes sure I leave satisfied.- Gina

We were very pleased with our experience and would highly recommend Toyota Scion of Concord.- Jeffrey

Another satisfied customer at Toyota of Concord

I have purchased/leased many vehicles over the years and I actually have to say that this was the most direct, honest and COMFORTABLE negotiating experience I have had.- Meryl

Rick Zabala was very sweet, friendly, and very helpful to me.  I was impresses with his kindness and the service that I received.  I have told several people about what great service I received.- Tana

Thomas was my service advisor; he's fantastic.- Mona

I bring both of our Toyota's to the dealership for service, despite the distance from house (it is close to office).  I have also recommended use of the dealership to several friends who have purchased Toyotas.  Always efficient and timely, shop & waiting room is clean, invoices & advisor always explain work.- Wesley

Thomas is great!  He always takes care of me.  I take the courtesy van to the mall when my vehicle is being serviced and Thomas calls me when my car is ready.- Donna Lynn

Was treated courteously by the sales manager.  He was very appreciative of my business and understanding of my concerns.  They have a great sales manager at the dealership.- Jonathan

Had an excellent experience with the product presentation.  Both Jeffery Reeves and Mark Higdon helped me and my wife go through features, test drive, explanation of options, safety, etc.- Charles

It was by far the best experience I have had at any dealership in the past 20 years.- Joseph

Charlotte Children’s Charity Winner in Toyota 100 Cars For Good

Toyota of Concord congratulates A Child’s Place of Charlotte, one of the latest winners announced in the Toyota 100 Cars for Good contest.

For the contest, Toyota accepts applications from thousands of nonprofits around the county, explaining who and how they help and why they are deserving of the prize. Organizations include those who improve society through animal welfare, health & safety, education, and services to children, adults, and people with disabilities. 100 Cars for Good applications are reviewed by an independent judging panel of experts in philanthropy and service to narrow the selections down to 500 organizations.

Final decisions are made by public vote, so finalists work hard to rally support and raise awareness about their organizations and how a new vehicle from 100 Cars for Good would help them serve their community. Each day for 100 days, five groups go up for vote, and one is announced as the winner of their choice of a new Toyota Highlander, Tundra, Camry Hybrid, Prius V or Sienna.

A Child’s Place (ACP) in Charlotte, NC is a group that works to erase the impact of homelessness on children and their education. According to ACP, homeless children were once unable to attend public schools because they had no home address. Homeless children are sick four times as often as other children, are usually two to three grade levels behind other children, and experience behavioral and emotional problems three times more than their peers. The national graduation rate for homeless children is below 25%.

ACP works with the homeless population of Charlotte to minimize the immediate effects of homelessness on individuals while providing the stability and education needed to break the future cycle. These services are provided free to recipients, and are completely privately funded, with no federal, state or local tax dollars.

Just a few of the services provided to students include counseling sessions with students and teachers to evaluate progress, school supplies, backpacks, field trip funds, and clothing or uniforms to wear to school. They are also provided with daily or weekly snack packs so they have food outside of the breakfast and lunch each school provides. They also provide counseling services and community resources for food, housing and job training for parents.

It costs ACP $695 per year to serve a homeless child, while the same child would cost $62,000 to be in the juvenile justice system, or $39,000 to be incarcerated or provided with substance abuse treatment or government assistance as an adult. Toyota of Concord is proud to be involved with a company dedicated to giving back. We happily congratulate A Child’s Place on their well-deserved win in 100 Cars for Good, and encourage the community to support their efforts in any way you can.

All-New 2013 Scion FR-S Available at Toyota of Concord

2013 Scion FR-S

Toyota of Concord is excited to introduce the brand-new 2013 Scion FR-S.  The 2013 FR-S is the latest addition to the Scion family and finally provides enough performance to match the sporty styling synonymous with the Scion brand. 

What catches most enthusiasts’ eyes is the sporty, sleek exterior of the new Scion FR-S.  The 2-door coupe features an aerodynamic design that not only will turn heads, but increases performance.  The sports car styling extends to the interior of the car where a pair of racing seats provides enough lateral support to keep the driver in place while accelerating around tight turns.

The sporty coupe appearance of the 2013 Scion FR-S is backed up by its performance, as well as its efficiency.  Powered by a 2.0-liter boxer 4-cylinder engine, the FR-S is able to generate 200 horsepower and 151 lb.-ft. of torque.  This power allows the FR-S to go from 0-60 mph in just 6.6 seconds. The impressive performance of the FR-S does not sacrifice fuel efficiency.  The 2013 FR-S is able to return 34 mpg highway and 30 mpg city.

If you’re interested in learning more about the all-new 2013 Scion FR-S, or in scheduling a test drive stop by Toyota of Concord near Charlotte, NC today. You can also view our inventory of other new Toyota and Scion vehicles on our web site, and follow us on Facebook for updates.

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Toyota of Concord did everything in their power to meet our needs.- Paul

My service advisor is Woody Woods.  He is true professional and definately treat all with the ultimate respect.- Charles

Excellent and courteous staff.  Very helpful and friendly.- Cynthia