2019 Toyota Land Cruiser: Why Buy More Than You Need? Simply Because You Can

Toyota revealed the newest Land Cruiser model this Summer. Building on its 70-year heritage, the 300 Series—now the flagship model—seems to take all the best parts of previous Land Cruisers while evolving in areas that needed improvement. The automaker has proclaimed “reliability, durability, and off-road performance” as the reasons for more than 10 million worldwide sales throughout the nameplate’s history. And Toyota also boasts that the new Land Cruiser equips drivers to “go anywhere and everywhere, and bring you back safe and well.” Let’s take a closer look at what you can expect from the new Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series: Upholding Tradition The very first Land Cruiser came in the form of a 1951 Toyota BJ, which was a four-wheel-drive vehicle that offered a powerful engine and unprecedented performance on adverse terrain. The BJ became a standard police patrol automobile throughout Japan, and from there the Land Cruiser nameplate has maintained legendary status. In fact, Toyota estimates that more than 300,000 units have sold per year since then in 170 countries and regions across the globe. Simply put, there’s no other vehicle in its class that matches the reputation of the Land Cruiser. The SUV has long been a staple in humanitarian aid and disaster relief efforts, a one-of-a-kind tool that enables people to get around in areas of the world where travel would otherwise be impossible, and a vehicle that helps enrich lives by facilitating safari explorations and other experiences that no other vehicle can provide. Toyota has kept all of this in mind while developing the new Land Cruiser. But as can be expected, it also hasn’t shied away from incorporating new technology and making improvements that push the vehicle to even higher standards. Evolving Where Necessary Succeeding the 200 Series as the flagship Land Cruiser, the 300 Series is a station wagon model. It rides on the new GA-F platform, which is based on TNGA. While it maintains the frame structure of previous models, this structure has been redesigned to reduce total vehicle weight and boost rigidity. Several new technologies have been incorporated to increase the overall safety and comfort for drivers and passengers, such as improved wheel articulation, an upgraded suspension system, and an automatic driving mode selector, among others. On the Outside Both the exterior and interior of the new Land Cruiser can be described in a single phrase: functional beauty. This year’s Land Cruiser is as attractive as you will find, especially if you’re into off-road vehicles. From the bumper shape to the light positions, every design aspect stays true to the rich heritage this vehicle has garnered over seven decades. The overall vehicle size is identical to the previous model; the total length and width, wheelbase, and approach and departure angles all promote optimal off-road function and performance. On the Inside Toyota has enhanced operational comfort in the new Land Cruiser. The repositioning of switches and controls allows for intuitive, practical operation in tough situations. And new color and shape designs aid drivers as well. Moreover, drivers are assisted by a horizontal instrument panel, which captures the vehicle’s position in all-terrain environments. Powertrain and Performance The world’s leading automaker is improving both performance and environmental standards at every turn, and that philosophy is clearly demonstrated in the new Land Cruiser. The vehicle gets an all-new V6 twin-turbo engine that comes in either a 3.5-liter gasoline or 3.3-liter diesel. It also gets a newly developed 10-speed automatic transmission—the DirectShift-10AT. Combining the engine, transmission, and lighter body weight, this year’s Land Cruiser is more eco-conscious than ever. That said, the Land Cruiser’s performance has also improved. Simply put, it offers the most effective and pleasant driving experience of any Land Cruiser before it, especially when it comes to off-road situations. The new model has adopted the first-of-its-kind E-KDSS (Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System), which improves the vehicle’s ability to hold to the road. Via the Multi-Terrain Select feature, the new Land Cruiser can automatically assess road surfaces and choose the ideal driving mode. Additionally, the Multi-Terrain Monitor reveals obstacles in the driver’s path that would otherwise go unnoticed (until it was too late). Safety The new Land Cruiser comes standard with the Toyota Safety Sense active safety package, as well as two additional functions that help drivers prevent collision or damage by detecting surrounding vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians. Furthermore, the Land Cruiser has adopted Toyota’s new Parking Support Brake, which ultimately helps reduce the risk of parking lot accidents. Conclusion If reliability, durability, and off-road performance are top priorities for you, then it doesn’t get better than the new Toyota Land Cruiser. Stay posted with Mount Airy Toyota on when you can expect a North America release of this exceptional vehicle. And remember that we offer superior service for all Toyota vehicles. Whether you need a transmission replacement or a simple oil change, come to us for top-tier repairs and customer service!

Look on the road these days and you’ll see a lot of one thing and not a lot of another – SUVs vs. sports cars. Buyers have driven away from small, cramped, and low and toward spacious seating with a view from a higher vantage point. At least for the traditional consumer, having room for the family and all their things, or perhaps the crew of friends and all their dogs, has made SUVs more popular than ever before. Toyota's recent release of the C-HR and its upcoming release of the 2019 RAV4 are strong contenders in a crowded market. Toyota has long earned love and loyalty for its RAV4, 4Runner, Highlander, Landcruiser, and Sequoia models. This year brought the introduction of the crossover C-HR, which was designed to fit a particular niche missing from the traditional Toyota lineup: something to bridge the gap between the SUVs, sedans, and compact cars. Edmunds named the C-HR as one of the Best Small SUVs for 2018. Those who remember the Toyota FJ Cruiser will recognize the signature white roof available on the C-HR with a Radiant Green Mica, Ruby Flare Pearl, or Blue Eclipse Metallic body. Its body styling is edgier than typically seen from Toyota, in part because the C-HR carried over from the maker’s now defunct Scion brand. The C-HR’s comes with push-button start, a 7-inch touch screen, 4.2-inch information display for the driver, auto-dimming rear view mirror, electric parking brake, and folding mirrors. Walk up to your C-HR with smart key technology and once you touch the door handle, the mirrors will unfold and display an illuminated logo on the ground. These lights complement the car’s halogen headlines, LED daytime running lights, and sculpted taillights. However, Toyota shoppers will have noticed a lack in connectivity across the line. There’s no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto currently available, but this tech is expected to be added in 2019. What else is coming from Toyota in 2019? The fifth-generation RAV4. The RAV4 was the bestselling non-pickup in the US in 2017. It was last redesigned in 2013. The new model will feature Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive with rear Driveline Disconnect, meaning that the engine can not only direct available power to the rear wheel, it can pick the wheel that has the most traction. When all-wheel drive no longer is needed, the system disconnects and reverts to front-wheel drive. Partnered with the Toyota New Global Architecture platform, which Toyota started using 2015 with the Prius, the result is a vehicle built to go further and do more. “The implementation of the TNGA platform allows RAV4 to adopt the charisma of a bolder and tougher SUV, but in a package that is lower and wider,” writes Toyota. “The longer wheelbase and wider front and rear tracks provide a stable, confident driving platform. For off-road prowess, the shorter front and rear overhangs will aid in RAV4’s ability to overcome rugged terrain.” To be released in winter 2018 (soon!), the RAV4 will come in three versions: the premium Limited, rugged Adventure grade, or stylish XSE Hybrid that will be available spring 2019. On the Limited edition, standard features include a front-row moonroof and 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory and 2-way lumbar support, plus a newly-designed 7-inch Multi-Information Display (MID) and, for the first time in a Toyota vehicle in North America, a Digital Display Rearview Mirror. Options include ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a panoramic moonroof, and hands-free liftgate. With the expected arrival of the 2019 RAV4, our specials at Mount Airy Toyota on the 2018 RAV4 are better than ever. From the XLE to the LE to the SE, you’ll find saving of up to $3,799 on select models. In fact, there’s savings to be had on every Toyota model now through the end of the year. Plus our pre-owned vehicles also are marked down. Toyotathon is on at Mount Airy Toyota. Come visit us at 508 N. Andy Griffith Pkwy. in Mount Airy, NC, visit us online at mountairytoyota.com, or give us a call at 336.786.2118.

How could an earthquake more than 7,100 miles away from the North Carolina mountains impact your bottom line if you're car shopping? It's all about the supply chain. The truth is, no one has a crystal ball and knows for certain, but smart buyers are considering the possible impact. Toyota and several other Japanese manufacturers temporarily paused production at some facilities following the recent earthquake while engineers inspected plants, suppliers, and transportation infrastructure. That's a standard safety procedure after a significant seismic event and doesn't necessarily indicate long-term production problems. Still, the pandemic and the shortages it caused in our supply chain are still fresh enough in our memories to cause caution. It's a reminder that today's automotive supply chain stretches around the globe, and events thousands of miles away can eventually influence what shows up on dealership lots here in North Carolina. Which Toyota Models Could Be Affected? Industry analysts have identified a few models that could experience tighter inventory if production disruptions continue for an extended period. These include: Toyota Land Cruiser Toyota Prius Toyota Corolla It's important to emphasize that no widespread shortages have been announced. At this point, manufacturers are still evaluating facilities, suppliers, and logistics before determining whether production schedules will be affected over the coming weeks. We've Seen This Before This isn't the first time the automotive industry has faced unexpected challenges. Over the past fifteen years, manufacturers have dealt with: The 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan Global semiconductor shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic Shipping delays and port congestion Severe weather events affecting manufacturing plants Labor disruptions and transportation bottlenecks Each event affected inventory differently. Some caused only minor delays, while others created shortages that lasted months. The lesson is simple: the automotive industry has become very good at adapting, but unexpected events can still influence availability. Should You Buy Now? There's no reason to panic or rush into a purchase simply because of one news story. However, if you've already decided to purchase a specific Toyota—especially a particular trim level, color, or package—it may be worth beginning your search sooner rather than later. Limited-production models often have less flexibility than high-volume vehicles, and if inventories tighten, buyers may have fewer choices. If production returns to normal quickly, nothing changes. If disruptions last longer than expected, shoppers who waited may discover longer delivery times or fewer vehicles matching exactly what they wanted. What Mount Airy Toyota Is Watching Like dealerships across the country, Mount Airy Toyota closely monitors manufacturer updates and inventory availability. As information becomes available from Toyota, we'll continue helping customers find the right vehicle, whether it's already on our lot, arriving soon, or available through Toyota's dealer network. If you're considering a new Toyota and have questions about availability, our team is happy to discuss current inventory, incoming models, and your options. What's in Stock Now If you're interested in buying a Toyota right now, Mount Airy Toyota has 41 new vehicles in stock on our lot today. A Snapshot of Today’s New Car IN STOCK Inventory  at Mount Airy Toyota 1 Toyota 4Runner Limited – White 1 Toyota bZ XLE Plus – Black 1 Toyota bZ Woodland Premium – White 4 Toyota Camry XSE – Black SE – Black (2) SE – Gray 1 Toyota Corolla Hybrid LE – Gray 1 Toyota Crown Platinum – White 1 Toyota Grand Highlander Platinum – White 1 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited – Black 2 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid XSE – Gray XSE Premium – White 2 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid SE – White XSE – Black 3 Toyota Sequoia Platinum – Gray Capstone – Gray TRD Pro – White 1 Toyota Sienna XLE – Gray 11 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport – Black (3) TRD Sport – White TRD Pro Hybrid – Black TRD Pro Hybrid – White Trailhunter Hybrid – Black TRD Off Road Hybrid – Blue TRD Off Road – Black TRD Off Road – Silver SR5 – Silver 11 Toyota Tundra Limited – Black (3) Limited – Gray (2) SR5 – Red (2) SR5 – Gray 1794 Edition Hybrid – Black TRD Pro Hybrid – White Capstone Hybrid – Gray We have an additional 36 vehicles that are in transit or in production. If you have any inclination to buy one of our vehicles listed as In Transit or In Production, reserve your preferred model as soon as possible. Whether you're shopping for a dependable Corolla, an efficient Prius, a capable Land Cruiser, or another Toyota model, Mount Airy Toyota is here to help you find the vehicle that best fits your needs.  Call for assistance in finding your dream car!  336-786-2118