You aren’t stuck with the choice of either a sedan or an SUV. Sometimes you need the comfort of one and the space of the other, but many drivers don’t want to choose an SUV. Whatever the restrictions, fuel prices, budgets or style, drivers want more choices beyond SUVs, and Toyota has them covered. Take a look at the top alternatives to SUVs.

2015 Toyota Venza LE

The starting MSRP for the 2015 Toyota Venza LE is $32,085. The five-passenger vehicle has an all-wheel-drive drivetrain, a powerful inline-4, and it provides 36.2 cubic feet of cargo space. The Toyota Venza’s 4-cylinder engine produces 181 hp with 182 lb.-ft. of torque, and it can tow up to 1,000 lbs. The Venza’s estimated fuel economy rating is 20/26 mpg. Installed features in the Venza include a 6-speaker audio system, satellite radio, color screen display, dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth®, and Toyota’s Star Safety System™.

2015 Toyota Prius v Four

You will be impressed by the efficiency of the Prius and the space in the cargo area. The starting MSRP for the hybrid wagon is $30,745. Under the hood is a 1.8-liter hybrid engine that nets 134 hp and averages an estimated 44/40 mpg. Kelley Blue Book ranks the Prius v #1 for fuel economy in its segment. Family-friendly features include 34.3 cubic feet of cargo space, a 6-speaker Entune™ Audio system, Bluetooth®, navigation, split-screen display, cargo storage, HomeLink®, and push-button start. The 2015 Toyota Prius v is an IIHS 2015 Top Safety Pick+ Award winner.

Sometimes people are just nasty. Whether it is a troublemaker, an angry ex, or a friend who thinks he is funny, your wallet takes the ultimate hit in the end. Pranks and vandalism are one in the same as far as insurance and the law are concerned, and some damage costs more than car accident claims. If someone goes Carrie Underwood on your ride, it will cost you? Continental Toyota and Scion looks at the costliest types of vandalism.

• Keying

There is scratching the paint, and then there is keying. Keying is usually done so deep that it claws through the finish and strikes against the car’s metal. When you run your thumbnail over the damage and it becomes hung up in the groove, you are in for an expensive job that can reach thousands of dollars.

• Egging

Egging is a nasty crime. Egging is typically done at night, which means the damage goes unnoticed and sits on the car’s finish until you wake up and notice it the next day. By then, the yolk has soaked in and eaten through the paint job. Just a couple eggs can cost a couple grand in repairs if they eat into the paint.

• Spray paint

Fewer things will infuriate you more than seeing spray paint all over your car’s finish. When someone wants to deliver a message, he/she may resort to spraying it out for you, and that act can result in a nasty bill from the body shop. The most common things spray painted on cars are racist, sexist, or angry rants.

• Flipped car

Unrest and partying can result in a slew of damaged cars. Alcohol and emotions can get people wound up, and many take their aggression out on nearby cars. In many cases, cars are flipped or beaten beyond repair. Many times, the cars are completely totaled by the end of the night.

You can't visit Chicago without tasting our famous pizza. While known for the rich, deep-dish style, we also specialize in crispy thin crust. If you're really hungry, try a slice of the stuffed pizza pie! Whatever your preference, we have a crust for everyone. Here a just a few of Chicago's best pizza paces to get you started on your delicious journey.

Nancy's Pizza

Nancy's advertises as the “Original Inventors of the Stuffed Pizza”. Order the 2 ½ inch thick stuffed pizza and you'll have enough to eat for days. Nancy's stuffed pizza has two layers of crust, with sauce on top, then cheese and toppings stuffed between. Make sure to wear a bib!

My Pie

Enjoy a deep dish delight at My Pie in Bucktown. The crust is thick and crispy, with a special sauce and a recipe so secret that only the founder knows what is in it. My Pie has been open since 1971 and offers pizza by the whole pie or slice, so you can choose based on your appetite that day. We have a feeling one slice will not be enough once you get a taste!

Luigi's Pizza and Pasta

On the other end of the pizza spectrum, we have Luigi's, who is known for their thin crust. Don't worry though, you can get a scrumptious slice of deep dish here as well. The owner will not give away his secret sauce recipe, and has been in the pizza business his whole life, so he knows his stuff.

Santullo's Eatery

If you're looking to cheat a little, you can get Chicago's version of a New York style pizza at Santullo's. Not only are their pies delicious, they are affordable. Santullo's offers daily $2 special on slices of pepperoni, sausage or cheese. If you're feeling adventurous, try one of the popular pepper jack macaroni and cheese pizzas!

Is your mouth watering yet? This is just a taste of the pizza Chicago has to offer.

Continental Toyota Scion cares about your loved-ones' comfort and well-being. This is why we are recommending the 2015 Toyota Sienna to be your family minivan. It has plenty of interior space, and it can be purchased to seat seven or eight passengers, depending on your needs. Not only is the Sienna comfortable, but it is full of the latest safety features to make your ride more secure, making it even more ideal for transporting your whole brood.

Versatility and Interior Space in the 2015 Sienna

The Sienna can be purchased in five main levels of trim: L, LE, SE, XLE and Limited. The L and Limited trims only come in the seven-passenger style. The SE is an eight-passenger only van, while the LE and XLE come in either seven- or eight-passenger configurations. Why would you want only seven? The reason is simple: captain's chairs! If you do not have a need for the second-row bench seat, consider a Sienna with second-row captain's chairs. These luxurious seats recline, slide back and forth enough for passengers to get into the third row with ease, and even feature footrests!

If you do need space for more passengers, the second-row bench seat is perfect, especially when you have children in car seats. The middle section of the 40/20/20-split second row slides forward. This allows for easier access to your little one who needs to be tended to. Behind the third row you will find ample storage space at 39 cubic feet. When the second and third-rows are folded, or captain's chairs removed, cargo space opens to a huge 150 cubic feet.

Safety Features

The 2015 Sienna scored high on government and IIHS crash safety tests. Standard equipment for safety in every Sienna includes: traction control, side curtain airbags the full-length of the cabin, traction control, front active head restraints, side airbags for the front seat, stability control, rearview camera and front passenger seat cushion airbag.

Stop in to Continental Toyota Scion and experience the 2015 Sienna in person. Bring the kids and they'll love it too!

The beautiful thing about a city as populous and diverse as Chicago is that it is a cultural hub for the midwest. Enjoy food, theater, art, music and more from a number of diverse backgrounds. The Windy City has something for everyone, guaranteed to revitalize the end of the season. Don't let the rest of the summer slip by without checking out one of Chicago's many August festivals.

Hot Dog Festival

August 7-9

Clark & LaSalle Streets

The Chicago Hot Dog Festival has become so popular that it has expanded to three days this year. Celebrate America's most classic food that benefits the Chicago History Museum. There will be plenty of live music and activities for kids to keep you busy for the whole 3-day weekend!

Chicago Bears Family Fest

August 8

Soldier Field

Football fans can come and watch the beloved Chicago Bears practice on their home field. There will be entertainment throughout the day, including a youth football demonstration, giveaways, games for the whole family, live music, and autographs. Tickets for this event are a modest $8 - $12.

Summer Art Fair

August 16

Arlington Heights Rd & Eastman St

This summer art fair is an Arlington Heights Art Guild presentation and it features fine art to be juried from the local suburban art scene. Take in works of art from many mediums including: sculpture, jewelry, painting, ceramics and photography. There will be classical guitar and delicious catered food. This event is free and open to the public.

These are just a small sampling of the festivals going on in Chicago in August. Check out the Events12 web site for information on even more fun Chicago events!

You made it- you finally received your esteemed college degree and you have all the student loans to show for it. Toyota applauds your hard work and has set up a special program to help give your wallet a break.

If you've obtained a degree within the last two years or will graduate within the next six months, you could qualify for the Toyota College Graduate Finance Program, featuring a $750 rebate toward the purchase or lease of select new Toyotas through your Toyota dealer and Toyota Financial Services.

It is common knowledge that college does not come cheap nowadays. Toyota Financial Services has come up with a finance plan that features the following:

• Competitive APRs on all new untitled Toyota vehicles and Toyota Certified Used Vehicles
• $750 rebate when you purchase or lease on select new untitled Toyota Camry (excludes Hybrid model), Corolla, Prius (excl. Plug-in Hybrid), Prius c, Prius v, RAV4 (Gas only), Tacoma or Yaris, between January 13, 2015 and January 4, 2016

Don’t wait to have your college education paid off. For more information on this event and how to qualify, visit www.toyotafinancial.com.

The Fourth of July has come to an end- the fireworks are put away, backyard parties cleaned up and American flag t-shirts tucked away until next year. Although Independence Day has ended, doesn’t mean Toyota’s celebration of troops has.

Toyota is truly moved by our troops bravery, honor and commitment. To say thank you, Toyota would like to offer a $500 rebate to eligible U.S. military personnel. This rebate can be used toward ANY new Toyota vehicle purchased through your dealer and Toyota Financial Services.

The Military Rebate offer is available to:

• U.S. military personnel
• Household members of eligible U.S. military personnel (including Gold Star families)
• U.S. military retirees (within 1 year of retirement)
• U.S. military veterans (within 1 year of discharge)

To those who sacrifice everything- we solute you!

Visit www.continentaltoyota.com/Military-Rebate to find out how you can take full advantage of this rebate.

When choosing your next hybrid, you can’t go wrong with Toyota. Whether you enjoy the feel of a sedan, or prefer a hatchback, both models will not only help the environment, but will also help you reduce your fuel costs.

Continental Toyota has recently compared the 2015 Camry Hybrid against the Prius Model. Information includes a comparison between each car’s base engines, electric horsepower, satellite radio, and fuel economy.

Continental Toyota is always trying to make your car shopping experience simpler based on your own personal preferences. Here at Continental Toyota we realize occasionally it’s hard to figure out which of two similar vehicles will best serve you. Individual preference determines which related car will better fit your needs.

Interested in learning the details about the comparison between the Camry vs. Prius? Visit www.continentaltoyota.com/2015-toyota-camry-hybrid-vs-prius-model-comparison to parallel the two vehicles, as well as numerous other side-by-side comparisons of Toyota models!

Chicago area Toyota has the heavy duty and spacious 2015 Land Cruiser on our lot waiting for you. This eight-passenger SUV will provide you with a smooth ride, yet still take on all the bumps with no problem off-road. With one trim level, the Land Cruiser gives you all you'll ever need in a full-sized SUV.

Power and Performance

The 2015 Land Cruiser is stocked with a mighty 5.7-liter V8 engine that kindles a thunderous 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard. Full-time four-wheel drive is also standard to get you through all the tough terrains and inclement weather situations. With the proper equipment, the Land Cruiser will tow a maximum 8,200 pounds, which is excellent for this class of vehicle.

Off-Road Capabilities of the 2015 Land Cruiser

For better off-road capabilities and on-road handling, the Land Cruiser gets a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System that modulates electronically the stabilizer bars. Traction and stability control settings are matched to specific surfaces with Multi-Terrain Select. A five-speed crawl control is a way of using cruise control off-road at low speeds. Hill-start assist helps on inclines, and the brakes are automatically hit to the inside wheels when cornering for a better turning response with Off-Road Turn Assist. A locking center differential is also featured.

Interior Space and Features

Behind the third row is 16.1 cubic feet of cargo space. Fold down rows tow and three and it opens to 82 cubes to store your gear. Standard interior features include: power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel trimmed in wood and leather, four-zone automatic climate control with controls in the second row and vents in the third, perforated leather upholstery, power ventilated and heated front seats, 10-way driver seat and 8-way passenger front seat and a 14-speaker JBL audio system with CD, HD and satellite radio.

The Toyota Corolla already has a reputation for being an extremely reliable vehicle. When you choose the 2015 Corolla LE Eco at Chicago area Toyota, you'll get even better fuel economy than the original model. Stop in and see the sporty new look of the Corolla and you'll surely be impressed.

Performance and Power

The 2015 Corolla LE Eco has a more efficient version of a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine than the other Corolla trims receive. Instead of 132 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque, it has a bit more power with 140 horsepower, but torque drops only slightly to 126 pound-feet. The ECO Mode button lowers the output for the gas pedal, and it will tweak the air conditioning for increased fuel efficiency. All you have to do to save on gas is simply push a button and get more distance out of your gas tank.

A continuously variable transmission is standard with Toyota's CVTi-S Valvematic technology. This aids in allowing for a smoother ride and increased fuel efficiency, while giving the driver more control. The LE Eco gets the best fuel economy out of all Corolla trims with 35 miles per gallon combined city and highway driving. The standard form LE Eco will go from 0-60 in a quick 9.2 seconds.

Features in the 2015 Corolla LE Eco

The exterior of the 2015 LE Eco gets decked out with a rear spoiler, improved aerodynamic design, and 15-inch steel wheels wrapped in low-rolling resistance tires. The trunk has a wide opening for easy loading and unloading, and will hold up to 13 cubic feet. Interior features include: automatic climate control with pollen and dust filter, integrated backup camera, 8-way power adjustable driver's seat and 4-way adjustable front passenger seats with heat, cruise control, tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel swathed in leather, metallic interior trim, chrome interior door handles, power accessories, 60/40-split rear folding seats with two cup holders and a center armrest and a six-speaker audio system with CD, 6.1-inch touchscreen, bluetooth and 3 month SiriusXM satellite radio trial.

When was the last time you opened an Atlas, unfolded a map across the front of the car, or printed directions off the internet? If you know exactly when, you must not have in-car navigation yet. It is everywhere now. Pre-owned vehicles and new models offer navigation as an extra convenience feature, and once you experience the drive with a navigation system, you will wonder how you ever lived without it. La Grange area Toyota praises the benefits of in-car navigation.

Maps vs. GPS

Younger generations cannot use a map as well as older drivers. Now, we rely on technology to get us around town and across the country. Is that good or bad? Some drivers just prefer to have the large Atlas open across the center console or the accordion map stretched across the dash. Using a map encourages drivers to pay attention to their surroundings, and it allows drivers to track where they have been and where they are going. Using a map does get a little tricky when you are all alone. If you don’t know the route, you can get yourself into quite a bind.

In-car navigation eliminates the map tangle and the need for a co-pilot. In-car navigation gives you verbal directions, points of interest, traffic information, and in some cases, weather info. In-car navigation helps you recover from wrong turns, and they are affordable.

But I use my Cell Phone

Many drivers prefer to use their cell phones to get around, but a few issues arise will cell phone use: battery power, attracts thieves, they can get lost, accessories, and screen size. Another downside to using your cell phone is data use. If you have a long trip, your phone can eat up your data quickly.

Toyota has an extensive collection of hybrid vehicles. The iconic Toyota Prius set a high bar for Toyota and every other manufacturer in the industry, and now you can buy many hybrid versions of your favorite Toyota models. Cut down on your summer driving expenses with a hybrid sedan at Chicago Toyota.

2015 Toyota Avalon Hybrid

The 2015 Toyota Avalon is a 2015 IIHS Top Safety Pick. The starting MSRP for the hybrid is $36,470 for the XLE Premium. Under the hood is a 2.5-liter inline-4 hybrid engine that nets 200 hp and averages an estimated 40/30 mpg. Standard features in the 2015 Toyota Avalon Hybrid XLE Premium include LED brake lights, tilt/slide power moonroof, 17-inch painted alloy wheels, dual-zone A/C, a 8-speaker audio system with 6.1-inch color touchscreen display, HD Radio™, Bluetooth®, iPod® connectivity, USB ports, backup camera, and leather-trimmed seats and steering wheel.

2015 Toyota Camry Hybrid

The 2015 Toyota Camry Hybrid is the winner of the US News and World Report 2015 Best Hybrid Car for the Money, and the Camry earned a 2015 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Award.  A 2.5-liter gasoline-hybrid engine power the Camry Hybrid. It produces 200 hp and averages an estimated 43/30 mpg (LE). Both the SE and XLE versions average an estimated 40/38 mpg. Standard installed features in the Toyota Camry Hybrid LE include 10 airbags, Star Safety System™, dual-zone A/C, 6-speaker audio system, satellite radio, Bluetooth®, backup camera, USB ports and 12V power outlets. The starting MSRP for the 2015 Toyota Camry Hybrid is less than $27K.

There are some who argue that a luxury car needs to come from one of a few, elite carmakers and must cost a small fortune. The good folks at Toyota don’t agree. The way they see it, everyone should be able to get the kind of luxury they deserve. That’s why they make the 2015 Avalon Limited, available from Continental Toyota, your La Grange Area Toyota dealer.

Under the Hood

The Avalon uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine. Using variable valve timing, multi-point fuel injection, and a high efficiency automatic transmission, the Avalon delivers 268 horsepower and 248 pounds of torque as well as an EPA-estimated 31 miles per gallon on the highway.

On the Road

The horsepower alone will allow you to accelerate in the red, but the independent front and rear suspensions use a combination of struts, coil springs, multi-link, and stabilizer bars to create a feel that is smooth without losing the curves. Top it off with a manual mode for a real driving feel.

Inside the Bones

It’s four-wheel, anti-lock disc brakes are managed through a brake assist system to help you stop faster and safer. Electronic traction and stability control make sure your wheels are doing everything they can. Inside, intelligent airbags adapt to crash conditions to minimize injury.

In the Lap of Luxury

Let’s begin with cruise control, power windows, and remote locks. Then let’s add triple-zone climate control, leather upholstery, and a sunroof. Finally, let’s throw in on-board navigation and an 11-speaker JBL audio system with SiriusXM, color touchscreen, and Bluetooth streaming.

Not too long ago, Toyota announced that it was building a state-of-the-art development and production campus in Plano, Texas, to replace some of the smaller facilities around the country. Along with that, though, are some exciting numbers. Continental Toyota and Scion, your Chicago Area Toyota dealer, wants to tell you all about it.

The What

The move is one of the biggest Toyota has ever made. By consolidating employees from New York to California, Plano is looking to see a huge influx of citizens. But that isn’t all. Along the way, nearly a thousand jobs will be opening at the plant to complement the nearly 4,000 workers who will be transferring. On top of that, Toyota is likely to need several hundred contractors and subcontractors in the building of the plant, slated to open in 2017.

The Why

This is huge news for Plano, of course, as it will make it a company town and one of the premiere spots for automotive innovation. By gaining thousands of people already employed, Plano’s base increases, but it will also attract businesses to provide services for those employees. Finally, since the contract work for the building of the plant could very well become permanent, Plano could easily attract even more small businesses as satellites.

The Result

So what does this mean for folks not in Plano? Likely it means better deals and better vehicles. Consolidating will cut down on delays and costs and Toyota promises the new plant to be at the forefront for new engineering methods. It’s not just good news for Texas; it’s good news for Toyota and Scion fans, too.

These days, it’s important to be prepared for anything. Being ready for what comes your way can mean a lot of things, though, especially for those of us in Chicago. One sure step forward though is the functional and comfortable 2015 Venza Limited from Continental Toyota and Scion, your La Grange Area Toyota dealer.

The Engine

The Venza comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine with dual overhead cams, variable valve timing, and multi-point fuel injection. The result is 268 horsepower, 246 pounds of torque and an EPA-estimated 25 miles per gallon on the highway.

The Capacity

All-wheel drive does ensure you’re ready for any road conditions, but so does the automatic transmission with manual mode for added control when you need it. The V6 means you can handle over 1,200 pounds in payload and 3,500 pounds in towing. Oh, and naturally it can seat five comfortably.

The Safety

Four-wheel, anti-lock disc brakes are managed through a brake assist system while electronic traction and stability control keep you on the right track with the right traction. Intelligent front airbags use sensors to adapt to crash conditions and are aided by side and curtain airbags to protect the whole cabin.

The Spoils

Life isn’t all work. Neither is the Venza. The Limited comes with leather interior, sunroof, dual-zone climate control, heated driver seat, on-board navigation, and thirteen-speaker audio system with subwoofer, AM/FM/CD/MP3 playback, USB 2.0 input, touchscreen interface, and Bluetooth connectivity for streaming or hands-free calling.

Since most people cannot afford to just buy a new car with cash, they are faced with the decision of whether to lease one or take out a car loan. There are advantages and disadvantages of both. Are you faced with the decision of whether to lease or buy a new car? Our Chicago area Toyota dealer explains the benefits of both.

Leasing a Car

With leasing, you are usually able to get more for less money due to the fact that the lease price is based on only a percentage of the price of the car, whereas when you buy a car it is based on the full price. If you have less money to spend, leasing may be better for you. You can also leave a much lower down payment. You will have peace of mind knowing that most repairs will be covered under warranty. Leasing will make affording the more luxurious and high-tech features easier. You never have to worry about selling the car since all you need to do is simply turn it in when you’re done.

Buying a Car

The best part of buying a car is probably the fact that the car is all yours. Once the loan is up the car belongs to you. You’re free to do whatever you please to it with no consequences. This will save you money in the long run. You have no mileage restrictions. This is especially nice if you drive a lot.

If you’re looking to help out the environment while also helping out your wallet, then you should consider getting a Toyota Camry Hybrid. This vehicle is not only fuel efficient, but it is safe, reliable, and spacious. It received a major overhaul for 2015, making it better than ever. The interior has been refreshed, and the exterior has been completely redesigned. Go green with a 2015 Toyota Camry Hybrid SE from your Toyota dealer near La Grange.

Performance

The 2015 Toyota Camry Hybrid SE has a 2.5 liter, 4 cylinder engine that is combined with an electric motor, which will give you 200 horsepower. It has a continuously variable speed automatic transmission. It has front wheel drive. You will get amazing fuel efficiency, with 40 miles per gallon in the city and 38 miles per gallon on the highway.

Popular Features

The 2015 Toyota Camry Hybrid SE has many people-pleasing features all around. The driver has a powered bucket seat. The front passenger has a bucket seat, and the rear seats are folding. It has comfortable premium cloth upholstery. The audio system has an AM/FM radio, a CD player, color screen and touch screen. You will have steering wheel audio controls, 6 speakers, cruise control, a trip computer, a tilt telescoping steering wheel, and power steering and EPS. The ventilation system has a micro filter, passenger ventilation controls, and dual-zone climate control. It has rear camera parking distance sensors.

According to the IIHS, the Toyota Avalon is a 2015 top safety pick. It is one of the safest choices in the large car market, with outstanding results in its safety tests. It offers a long list of safety features to back up its outstanding safety ratings. Find out what makes the 2015 Toyota Avalon from your Chicago area Toyota dealer a top safety pick for 2015.

Safety Ratings

The 2015 Toyota Avalon was given good ratings in all categories of crashworthiness, which included head restraints and seats, roof strength, side test, moderate overlap front test, and small overlap front test. These ratings were based on how the test dummies held up in the tests. Overall, they all showed that the risk of significant injuries were minimal in crashes of that severity. The roof strength is above average, with a strength-to-weight ratio of 5.22. The average is 4. The seats and the head restraints proved to have good protection that will help to prevent whiplash injuries.

Safety Features

The 2015 Toyota Avalon offers an impressive airbag system that will protect all parts of your body from many different angles. It includes side airbags, head airbags, and torso airbags. The torso airbags are seat-mounted on both the front and the rear. It offers knee airbags for both the driver and the front passenger, which are located in the instrument panel. These will help to protect your knees in a frontal crash. Other safety features include ABS, electronic stability control, and daytime running lights.

If you’re searching for that perfect family vehicle, but not really sure where to start, Toyota has got your covered. Your La Grange area Toyota dealer has some great options for your family.

Toyota Sienna

The Toyota Sienna received lots of refreshments and new features for 2015. The interior has been redesigned. It is very spacious and comfortable, with seating for up to eight passengers. It offers excellent cargo space as well. It offers you a long list of family-friendly features. After all these years, the Sienna remains the only minivan with all-wheel drive. Whether you’re hauling your family on a snowy road trip, or simply just driving them around town, this vehicle is a great choice.

Toyota Highlander

The Toyota Highlander is a midsize SUV that offers you three rows of amazing style and comfort. You will be able to fit up to eight passengers. You will have lots of storage space, not only your cargo, but for all of your small personal items as well. This includes a huge oversized center console. This vehicle gives you a nice, quiet, but powerful ride. It is reliable, popular, and not to mention has a great resale value.

Toyota Camry

If you’d prefer a car over an SUV, why not go with one of America’s top sellers? That’s exactly what the Toyota Camry is. This vehicle will ride 5 passengers in great comfort. It gives you a nice and easy drive every time. It has a very attractive style, legendary reliability, a wide variety of features, and a high resale value.

There have been a lot of changes to vehicle safety over the years. When airbags we first introduced in the 1980s, for example, many saw it as the peak of advancement. Turns out, in America, it only takes a little time to outdo ourselves. Your Chicago Area Toyota and Scion dealer explain what it means to have intelligent airbags.

The Basic Model

Everyone by now is familiar with the basic airbag. A large bag is packed into the steering wheel or the dashboard and a compressor fills with air during an accident to absorb some of the impact instead of having your head hit any hard surface.

The Problems

Over the years, experts found that the one-size-fits-all airbag wasn’t working as well as it could. In fact, it was causing more harm than good in some cases. People who were too light, not sitting upright, or were not wearing a safety belt could get seriously injured. Likewise, an airbag deploying where a person isn’t sitting can pose a risk to the driver.

The Intelligence

The solution has been to use a number of sensors in the seat and the seat belt area to determine certain things. First and foremost, your car can detect whether someone is even sitting there. It can determine height, weight, and even a person’s posture.

The Possibilities

Using what are called dual-stage or multi-stage airbags, newer compressors can actually adjust the amount of air and the force with which the bags are deployed. This allows them to adjust to crash conditions and maximize protection.