The 2019 Toyota RAV4 continues the excellence of the compact SUV series with a new design and improved performance. There are nine different trim levels with countless features. That means you can customize your driving experience. 

Read our full model overview to learn more about what you’ll find in the new Toyota RAV4.

Key Features of the 2019 Toyota RAV4

Tough Design

The exterior of the 2019 RAV4 has a rugged design with bold lines, more ground clearance, and a wider stance. You can choose from nine single-tone color bases or upgrade to any of the seven available two-tone color schemes on compatible trim levels. The LED headlights and daytime running lights look sharp in smoked trim while improving road visibility in bad weather.

If you enjoy comfort, then you’ll love the available SofTex®-trimmed leather seating for all five passengers. The available panoramic glass roof lets you get closer to nature with more sunshine during the day while available interior lighting provides an ambient glow at night. Choose between four available interior accents with anti-slip door handles and cup holders.

Gritty Performance Capabilities

Non-hybrid models feature the 205-horsepower 2.5L inline 4-cylinder engine that pairs with an automatic 8-speed transmission to earn an estimated 30 mpg in combined fuel economy. 

Select models can improve traction with available all-wheel drive (AWD) and the multi-terrain select that features three modes: Mud/Sand, Rock/Dirt, and Snow/Normal. All models use electric power steering and Independent MacPherson front strut suspension which can be upgraded to the available sport-tuned suspension on XSE Hybrid models.

Smart Technology and Safety

You can choose between either the 7” or available 8” color touchscreen. Each provides a sharp display while controlling audio, Apple CarPlay™, and navigation. The best available multimedia package features Entune™ 3.0 with Dynamic Navigation and JBL® with Clari-Fi® technology. This includes 11 speakers, a subwoofer, an amplifier, and nearly all of the available connectivity and safety services. 

Below are more available technology and safety features in the 2019 RAV4:

• Smart Key System w/ Push Button Start
• Integrated Panoramic Backup Camera with Gridlines
• Digital Rearview Mirror w/ HomeLink® Transceiver
• Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
• Intelligent Clearance Sonar for Detecting Pedestrians and Vehicles

Test Drive the 2019 Toyota RAV4 in Hodgkins, IL

The best way to decide which features you’ll like best is to test drive the 2019 Toyota RAV4 at Continental Toyota. Our dealership has a full inventory of new Toyota cars for sale in Hodgkins, Illinois, with a friendly sales staff to help you choose your next ride. Be sure to see what new Toyota specials we are currently offering to help you finance your next purchase.

The all-new 2018 Toyota Camry earned another award this month, AutoWards best-selling passenger car on its 10 Best Interiors list for 2018. AutoWards called the Camry “delightfully daring” and the jurors lauded the cockpit’s sporty appearance. The editors also universally hailed the Camry’s advanced driver-assistance programs as a “good value” in the mid-size sedan segment.

According to their Senior Editor Steve Finlay, the WardsAuto team admired the Camry’s “eye for detail, onboard technology, high degrees of functionality and artistic approach.” The judges also appreciated the Camry for the craftsmanship and comfort of the seats, compelling signature lines and a bold use of colors, particularly red. One judge said, “Finally, an interior with some color that pops.” Stop into Continental Toyota and see why Wards loved the 2018 Toyota Camry interior or you can click here to view our 2018 Toyota Camry inventory

Toyota is the official vehicle of the Chicago Cubs, and now the second baseman, Javy Baez, is showcasing his beautiful new Toyota 4Runner!

Below you can see him next to his fancy new ride, getting ready to start the new baseball season! Follow him on twitter to stay updated on Javy's new SUV!

Some of you might know Fred and Angi from KISS-FM from your morning commute. If so, you may have heard them mention Toyota on multiple occasions and that is no coincidence. Toyota has partnered with Fred and Angi to help them with their social and philanthropic initiatives this year.

Most recently, Toyota provided Fred with a 2017 Toyota Highlander so that he could drive to the Ronald McDonald House to visit the families and make Valentine’s Day cupcakes for them. You can learn more about it here or take a look at this video to see how Toyota and Fred are giving back to the Chicagoland community.

This is the first of many opportunities Toyota will have to work with Fred and Angi, so be sure to follow us on Facebook to learn more about the philanthropic events that Toyota is part of in Chicagoland.

Toyota is known for having long-lasting, reliable vehicles. As part of their commitment to their customers, Toyota has developed the ‘Toyota Safety Sense’ (TSS) feature for its vehicles. Crash protection starts with crash prevention, but sometimes a driver’s reaction might not be quick enough to prevent a collision.

This is why most of Toyota’s vehicles are now equipped with TSS, because the goal is to keep you and people around you safe. Toyota Safety Sense not just prevents you from getting injured, but also allows you to be a safer driver by protecting individuals in other vehicles and even pedestrians.

TSS is offered in the form of two packages: Toyota Safety Sense^™ C (TSS-C) for compact vehicles and Toyota Safety Sense^™ P (TSS-P) for midsize and large vehicles. If you’d like to learn more about the features included in the Toyota Safety Sense and watch a video explaining these features and its advantage, click here.

A lot of Toyota models have this package, but for a list of vehicles that include the TSS package, click here.

The Toyota Concept-i was recently revealed at CES 2017 and it proved to be Toyota’s take on the future. It features highly sophisticated interior and exterior graphics, lighting that glows from beneath the outer skin and a host of interesting and clever details, such as Yui. Much like Apple’s Siri, Yui was designed to strengthen the bond between driver and car by anticipating your needs and informing the car so that Concept-i can consider and execute that next action accordingly.

The belief behind the Concept-i is that cars are more than technology; they are about the experience of the people who use them. Therefore, Concept-i was built from the inside out, with a focus on making it immersive, energetic and, most importantly—approachable. Thanks to artificial intelligence, Toyota foresees an automotive future wherein cars can connect with their drivers. Thanks to Yui, Concept-i will enhance that relationship between car and driver.

The really fun part is that the car understands you. Through biometric sensors throughout the car, Concept-i can detect what you're feeling, and the car’s Artificial Intelligence then analyzes that information. That's when the automated features kick in. Let's say, for example, that you're feeling sad; the AI will analyze your emotion, make a recommendation and if necessary, take over and drive you safely to your destination. So safety and protection are a major benefit of this relationship.

We don’t know yet when this concept car will become a reality, but what we do know is that Toyota is headed into a future that is oriented towards making the car driving experience feel more like spending time with a friend, rather than simply going places.

Toyota just revealed the redesigned, eighth-generation of the Camry at the Detroit auto show on Monday. Consider this redesign a more structural overhaul than cosmetic revolution. Toyota engineers designed the Camry using a global architectural platform that is shared with other vehicles of similar size and allows the company to spread out costs and improve quality.

It's a little longer, with the wheelbase growing by 2 inches, a little lower, with the roof 1 inch shorter and the hood height 1.6 inches closer to the ground. The 2018 Camry comes with three new powertrain options: a 3.5-liter, 6-cylinder engine; a 2.5-liter, inline-4 gas engine paired with 8-speed automatic transmission, and a hybrid.

Standard safety technologies on the Camry include 10 air bags, pedestrian detection system, range-dynamic radar cruise control, lane-departure alert with steering assist and automatic high beams.

The new generation Camry will be available for sale this Summer.

Nearly four years ago, Ford announced that it was contributing the core code of its SYNC AppLink system to an open-source project with the hope that other automakers and infotainment providers would adopt the open platform known as SmartDeviceLink (SDL). In 2015, Ford and Toyota began active discussions on some collaboration and made a formal announcement at the 2016 CES in Las Vegas. This week in Las Vegas, the two automakers announced the formation of the SmartDeviceLink Consortium to manage the open-source program and help move it forward.

Toyota plans to launch a new infotainment system that integrates SDL in 2018 but the hope is that other automakers will follow. The new consortium also includes Mazda, Subaru, and Suzuki, along with several suppliers.  AppLink and SDL are designed to provide a common software interface so that developers can make their apps available to be controlled directly through the vehicle controls including the audio system, touchscreen and voice button.

While most automakers support the Apple and Google platforms (CarPlay and Android Auto, respectively) since most drivers now use one of those two mobile platforms, the hope is that the in-car user experience will remain at the hands of the automakers.

Looking for a place to ring in the New Year? Chicago is definitely a great place to be at as you welcome 2017. New Year's Eve is on a Saturday this year, making it the perfect time to have a weekend-long celebration. We have rounded up some of the best things to do in the city while you prepare for the new year that's coming!

Navy Pier

From Chicago’s only lakefront midnight fireworks show to the biggest and best parties in the city in the historic Aon Grand Ballroom and Crystal Gardens as well as dining cruises featuring entertainment and champagne toasts, you want to ring in the New Year at Navy Pier!

Chi-Town Rising

Instead of a Times Square ball drop, a large silver star rises 365 feet into the air, accompanied by a fireworks display along the Chicago River and Lake Michigan, synchronized to music. The Chi-Town Rising celebration started last year, and due to its success it has returned to help you celebrate New Year's in a great way!

Porchlight Theater

Catch the final performance of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s In the Heights from Chicago’s Porchlight Music Theater. Stick around after the show for a New Year’s Eve celebration and champagne toast with the cast.

Lincoln Park Zoo

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at the most sparkling setting in town! The Lincoln Park ZooLights is the perfect opportunity to celebrate with family. Complimentary festive hats, horns and party favors will be distributed to visitors while supplies last.

New Year's Eve Dinner Cruise

Spirit Cruises spends NYE on Lake Michigan complete with a dinner buffet, an open bar, a dance party, a champagne toast, and an-up-close-and-personal view of Navy Pier's midnight fireworks.

The next two weekends are all about celebrating the Holidays and spending time with your family. We know it’s important for our customers, just as it is for our employees, so we wanted to let you know that our hours will be slightly different due to the Holidays.

Sales

Saturday, December 24^th: CLOSED

Sunday, December 25^th: CLOSED

Monday, December 26^th: 9am – 5pm

Saturday, December 31^st: 9am – 6pm

Sunday, January 1^st: CLOSED

Monday, January 2^nd: 9am – 5pm

Service

Saturday, December 24^th: CLOSED

Sunday, December 25^th: CLOSED

Monday, December 26^th: CLOSED

Saturday, December 31^st: 7am – 3pm

Sunday, January 1^st: CLOSED

Monday, January 2^nd: CLOSED

Our Continental Toyota family wants to wish yours a Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year! May 2017 bring great things your way!

Every year we like to spread the Holiday spirit and give back to those in need. The Illinois Masonic Children’s Home provide a safe and nurturing environment for children who are unable to care for themselves due to various family or home conditions. For this reason, we have hosted the Illinois Masonic Children’s Home Christmas party at our Continental Toyota dealership for several years. It’s an evening full of fun games and a warm Holiday spirit.

This year we held the event on Tuesday, December 13^th at 4:30pm and both children and adults had a great time! We played a Left-Right Pass game where they had to pass a gift around a circle based on a story that involved the words ‘left,’ ‘right,’ and ‘across.’ We all shared some laughs and at the end there was one lucky winner! And what would Christmas be without delicious cookies and hot cocoa? The children enjoyed some snacks while taking lots of pictures using our very own Snapchat geofilter!

After all the fun came Santa Claus and it was time to hand out the presents. We had previously received a ‘wish list’ from the children and made sure Santa brought the gifts they asked for. You could see their faces light up once they opened the presents and saw they got exactly what they asked for!

It was truly a magical evening where we could feel the Christmas spirit and the gratitude coming from the children because they had the Christmas they dreamed of! We are really glad we got the opportunity to host this event once again and hope everyone enjoyed it as much as we did!

On 2011, John and Herman Weinberger decided it would be a great idea to give back to the community by donating eight used cars to those in need. On Thursday, December 8^th, we had the sixth annual Driven to Care event at Continental Toyota where once again, each store from the Continental Motors Group donated a used car to facilitate transportation for those who need it.

Continental Motors Group has partnered with Loaves and Fishes of Naperville and its CARES program to select the eight individuals in need of a vehicle. Recipients have a job and can pay for insurance, gas and maintenance but they can't afford to buy a car or get approved for a loan.

Every year, the event keeps getting better and this year’s was no exception. Andrea, a recipient at last year’s event, is a social worker that submitted a request to have her client receive a car this year. The process, as she tells it herself, was very smooth and quick, and it wasn’t long before she found out her client had been chosen as one of the eight recipients for Drive to Care 2016 event. We were honored that Andrea came back to speak about her experience as a recipient and now as a helper for this event.

It was truly an emotional event, and we are very thankful we get the opportunity to give back to the community and hope others can join us in giving back.

Today, you can essentially do anything with your smartphone. And since you take it everywhere you go, why not take us along with you?

When you download the Continental Toyota app on your smartphone, you can expect the same great service from us, but on the go.

We’re all about convenience!

Access and store all of your services completed on your vehicles at Continental Toyota. Take advantage of our L'oil'ty Rewards program, where you receive a free oil change after every four that you complete. Have difficulty remembering when it’s time to complete routine maintenance? Our new app will send you timely service reminder notifications letting you know when to get your next service completed.

Stay updated on the latest coupons, service scheduling and more. Here are some other great features you can’t miss:

• Receive our current service coupons
• Store rewards points and earn free oil changes
• View our current sales inventory
• Schedule service instantly
• Store important vehicle information
• Access your vehicles’ service records
• Receive instant service reminders
• Contact any department quickly
• Interact with our dealership’s social media
• Learn about our amenities
• And more!

Download our new app here!

Thank you for your loyalty to Continental Toyota, where we have built an automotive service division that our customers consider second-to-none.

We hope that you find our app the most useful for all of your Toyota needs.

The 2017 Toyota C-HR made its debut in March at the Geneva Motor Show. This model is finally coming to the United States and will make its American debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, November 18-27. Even though it is not for sale yet, we thought it would be a good opportunity to tell you more about this new vehicle, ahead of its debut at the LA Auto Show.

The New, Smaller Crossover

C-HR stands for “Coupe – High Rider,” which at first might sound confusing given that the car has four doors and rides a little low for a crossover. However, when looking at the photographs you can tell that at a first glance, it resembles a coupe because the back door handles are strategically placed so they are not noticeable to a passerby. The C-HR is smaller than its corporate sibling, the RAV-4, but bigger than the Nissan Juke to provide an alternative to customers looking for a smaller vehicle with all the perks of an SUV.

Killer Looks

The C-HR was initially introduced in 2014 as a concept model, but it was recently redesigned to fit our customer’s needs. The changes were minimal, since the bulging fenders, tapered glasshouse, falling roofline, and rising beltline were originally sketched at Toyota’s California design studio and survived almost entirely intact through two concept iterations. The C-HR’s creases catch shadows and reflect light in just the right way to make you stand out. The slim LED headlights stretch back over the peak of the wheel arches and the rear door handles are hiked to the roof, which gives it the “coupe” look.

Stylish Interior

The C-HR’s interior is as eye-catching as the exterior. The dashboard consists of multiple horizontal design elements, each highly three-dimensional, and the infotainment screen stands proudly atop the dash in a trapezoidal frame. Perhaps the most interesting item is the ribbon-like blue trim, which appears to have been draped from the middle of one door across the dashboard to the other door. Although the information we have so far comes from the model that has been released in Europe, we are expecting very similar features for the C-HR debuting in Los Angeles.

Stay tuned for the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show, which runs from November 18^th through the 27^th for more information on the debut of Toyota’s new crossover.

The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of the oldest and longest running car lines in the world. Originally introduced in 1951 as a larger military style car, it found itself competing with Jeep and similar vehicles. Toyota continued producing the car as an off-road vehicle until the 1980s when it decided to improve the comfort of the interior.

The 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser is a perfect combination of an off-road vehicle with an on-road comfort ready for any adventure!

An Impressive Design

Just because the Land Cruiser was originally designed as a military style car, doesn’t mean this vehicle isn’t luxurious. A stylish front end, LED lighting and chrome side moldings with the Land Cruiser logo help give this SUV an unmistakable presence. Whether you’re off adventuring in new roads or enjoying a night out, you can rest assured that the Land Cruiser will leave a lasting impression among bystanders.

Stylish Interior

This car’s interior is made to match the impressive exterior. With its heated, leather-trimmed steering wheel, you can control the audio system, Multi-Information Display and place calls with the Bluetooth^® wireless technology. Great for any temperature, the leather-trimmed front row seats feature multi-stage heating and ventilation, and the second row seats also include multi-stage heating so your passengers can enjoy the view while keeping warm. Perfect for any occasion, you can use the third row seats for a family road trip, or you can fold the second and third row seats to reveal a spacious 81.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity.

Advanced Technology

Challenging off-road situations often make you wish you could check your immediate surroundings for potential problems. With the Multi-terrain Monitor, you can. Simply press a button to display front, rear and side camera views on the 9-in. navigation screen. To make your adventures even more enjoyable, the Land Cruiser’s Entune™ Premium JBL^® Audio with Integrated Navigation and App Suite gives you a high-end entertainment experience.

Smart Technology to Keep You Safe

The Land Cruiser comes standard with 10 airbags to keep you and your loved ones safe during any adventure. To help prevent any accidents, the Land Cruiser features a Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) so that when it detects a vehicle, it illuminates a warning indicator on the appropriate side view mirror to help you know when it’s safe to change lanes. And when you slowly back out of a driveway or parking spot, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) provides an audible indicator to warn you of approaching vehicles. As if it couldn’t get any better, the Land Cruiser comes standard with the Star Safety System^™, a suite of six advanced safety features that includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Active Traction Control (A-TRAC), Multi-terrain 4-wheel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and Smart Stop Technology^® (SST).

Now that you know more about the Toyota Land Cruiser, feel free to check out our inventory or stop by for a test drive so you can experience the wonders of the ultimate off-road vehicle.

Whether you’re headed to high school or college (or have already started) you’ve realized it’s time to upgrade your ride. Because hey, repairs on your used car are costly and asking friends for a ride is really cramping your style.

Not to worry, we found the perfect new ride for you – one that fits within your budget and gives you the look you want.

It’s the 2016 Toyota Corolla.

And here are a few reasons why this beauty should qualify for your first new car:

Fits your budget

With a starting MSRP at $17,300, this compact car can fit comfortably within your budget. Throw in some attractive leasing options and you’re good to go!

We know that school can cost a lot of money, so it’s a good bet to choose something that will not only have style, but also give value for your hard-earned dollar.

Has the technology you need

Equipped with technology like the Smart Key System with Push Button Start, a backup camera, Standard Bluetooth^® , voice recognition, USB port and more, you’ll have all of the technology right at your fingertips – just the way you like it. So, turn up the tunes and pick up some friends. It’s time to head back to school!

Will get you more for less

In addition to an appealing MSRP, the 2016 Corolla is efficient, with an EPA-estimated 42 highway mpg and 30 city mpg to be exact. It was designed with a thirst for adventure, not fuel, so go ahead and make a few trips back and forth from school or around campus without spending your whole paycheck on gas.

Can make you stand out

While fuel-efficiency, price and function are important, you also want to look good on the road. With an aggressive grille, standard LED headlights, available 17-in. alloy wheels and a premium interior styling, you’ll be sure to turn heads everywhere you go.

So, what do you think? Does the 2016 Toyota Corolla make the cut to be your first new car? Check out our inventory today and feel free to give us a call. We’d be proud to assist you with this major life milestone!

Good luck and work hard!

We did it! We recently celebrated 50 years of business here at Continental Toyota.

Our store began as a small dealership, joining the Continental Motors Group in 1966, and has now evolved into a successful business with lifelong customers. To top it all off, our store was the first Toyota dealer in Illinois. It was also the second factory-authorized dealer in Chicago.

Today, Continental Motors Group is recognized as the largest dealer groups in Illinois with eight locations employing in excess of 480 people.

We’d like to take this opportunity to thank our hard working employees and loyal customers for making Continental Toyota the successful business that it is today.

Dealer Principal Cheryl Nelson said to reach 50 years in a family business is the ultimate accomplishment.

“Looking back over the years, the hard working employees and guidance from my dad made this all possible,” she said. “I am thankful for the support of business relationships that were established over the years. I can say I still thoroughly enjoy what I do and look forward to the future as our business evolves.”

Watch our video recap!

Have you joined us on Facebook?

This month, we’re hosting an exciting contest on our page for a chance to win a handcrafted Bean Bag Toss set from our very own Li Schiavitti.

This could be the perfect game for a Labor Day Weekend party or a simple outdoors game with a fun way to represent your favorite Chicago baseball team.

Want to get in on the fun?

Head over to our Facebook page and you’ll see the contest post pinned at the top. In order to enter, you have to like our page and share your favorite baseball memory in the comments whether it be with a story or photo. We will select a winner on September 1^st. Our winner must be able to claim this prize at our location.

Check out our contest video!

Make sure you follow us on Twitter and Instagram, too. You never know when another fun giveaway will pop up.

Best of luck – Have some fun with this!

The time has come for you to take that leap and buy a new car.

And while you may have your heart set on a 2016 Toyota Camry, there are a few things to know before you head over to the dealership to purchase.

Have I done the research?

Before you being your car-shopping journey, it’s important that you do your homework first. Have you collected quotes and searched online prices to ensure that you’re getting a good deal? It’s a crucial first step in the car buying process and could end up saving you big in the end. So, grab your smartphone or laptop and get comfortable. The research beforehand is always worth it.

Will this fit my lifestyle?

A two-door sports car might be the car of your dreams, but have you considered if it will fit your lifestyle? If you plan on starting a family soon, you might want to go with a more accommodating vehicle like an SUV or minivan. Plus, if you like traveling, the extra space could do wonders for all of your stuff. If you plan to keep your new vehicle for years to come, consider how your lifestyle could change within that time.

Am I financially stable?

Now that you have a good idea of what kind of car you want, you’ll need to know how much of a loan you’ll need to finance it. Find our your credit score and try getting pre-approved for a car loan so that you can shop with full confidence. Create a budget to make sure that a car payment will fit comfortably with other finances.

Do I know the invoice price?

Once it’s time to hit the lot, you should have in mind the invoice and MSRP (Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price) of the vehicle you’re looking for, so you can properly negotiate. Try to reach an agreement close to that number and remember that the dealer needs to make a profit too.

Am I happy with the test drive?

The test drive is the moment of truth. Don’t rush it. It’s important that you like the features and way it drives so that you’ll be happy in the long run. Will this vehicle fit your belongings in the trunk? Will the backseat be spacious enough for your children? Picture yourself in this car years from now and see if it still fits your lifestyle. Also, don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as you’d like. Your sales consultant will be happy to answer and point out the details.

At Continental Toyota, we want you to feel confident with your purchase and ensure that everything goes smoothly. Of course, if you’re uncertain about what you’re looking for, we’re always more than happy to help out. So, what are you waiting for? Take that first step and begin your research on our website.

Happy car shopping!

The kids are out of school, the weather is hot and there is still a whole lot of summer left!

At Continental Toyota, we want to kick your summer up a notch by hosting our biggest Facebook contest of this year: Summer Family Fun Giveaway.

Once you follow the entry rules, you’ll be entered to win a big summer bundle with goodies that include:

• Beach towels
• A portable charcoal grill
• Beach balls
• A beach bag
• A light-up Frisbee
• And more!

To Enter this contest is simple. There are three ways that you can get a chance to win:

• Like our Facebook page from your personal account.
• Check-in on Facebook whenever you’re at our store. Oil change? Browsing around? Do a Facebook check-in whenever you come by and you’ll be entered.
• Pose for a photo with your sales consultant after you buy a vehicle. In the market for a new ride? Be sure to have a photo snapped with your sales consultant and post on Facebook after your purchase for a chance to win.

That’s all it takes for a chance to win our huge summer family bundle. So, what are you waiting for? Enter our contest today, because we will select a winner on August 1st, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the summer goodies before it’s back to school/work.

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for other fun contests, news, dealership happenings and more.

Good luck to you all!