The 2020 Toyota Corolla sports a bold new look — and better performance features than ever before to go along with it. Continue reading to learn about the impressive upgrades to one of the most popular cars of all time.

This Is the All-New 2020 Toyota Corolla

Design

The new Corolla comes in vibrant, urban colors, such as Barcelona Red, Blizzard, Blue Crush, and Blueprint. Its lowered, honeycomb mesh grille and available 18” machined alloy wheels give it a wide, aggressive stance. LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) and LED taillights provide maximum visibility and a sharp, clean edge to its design. Available Dark Grey Metallic sport accents can be applied to the side rocker panels, rear spoiler, and diffuser. 

The interior is spacious and uncluttered. The available moonroof floods the interior with natural light, giving passengers a skyline view of their morning commute. Available sport seats with SofTex™ bolsters and a leather-wrapped steering wheel give you a more dynamic feel and a touch of luxury. 

Performance

The 2.0L Dynamic Force Engine delivers an impressive 169 horsepower. Pair it with Dynamic Shift-CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) to maximize both power and efficiency. Available Sport Mode, mounted paddle shifters, and 6-speed Intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT) provide you with ultimate control and a sportier driving experience.

Safety and Tech

Your top priority is the safety of you and your passengers, and with Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.0 (TSS 2.0), you can navigate rush-hour traffic with ease and respond to potential hazards around you. 

Some of the Corolla’s available driver-assistance features include:

• Automatic High Beams
• Lane Tracing Assist
• Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
• Road Sign Assist

The 8” in-dash display with Apple CarPlay®️ compatibility lets you enjoy your favorite playlists or media through an 800W JBL®️ 9-speaker system. With the Toyota+Alexa app, you can control your media, calls, and navigation with your natural voice instead of robotic commands.  

Experience the 2020 Corolla in Hodgkins, IL

If you’re ready to test drive the new Corolla, come to Continental Toyota. We have a variety of new Toyota cars for sale in Hodgkins, Illinois. Our team will help you drive home in the exact make and model you’re looking for. Give us a call or visit our dealership today. 

The 2019 RAV4 recently made its debut at the New York International Auto Show and saying it turned heads is an understatement. This popular SUV has been completely redesigned for the upcoming year and some say this change was brought about by Toyota seeking to expand its RAV4 customer base.

Exterior Style

Perhaps the most noticeable difference is the redesigned exterior style of the 2019 RAV4. With a much bolder and aggressive look, this SUV rapidly got
everyone’s attention. It features more pronounced wheel-arch covers and a big, upright grille. Once again, Toyota will be offering an Adventure trim, which will look slightly different and appeal to outdoorsy types as opposed to a more urban look and feel with the other trims.

As for size, the RAV4 is based on the Toyota New Global Architecture platform which is a more space-efficient design. Despite being slightly shorter overall, the wheelbase is longer and the car is a little wider, meaning more interior space.

Connectivity and Transmission

The standard equipment levels will include the latest Entune 3.0 infotainment system as well as Amazon Alexa. It will also include Toyota Safety 2.0 which will further enhance safety levels with pedestrian warning, lane departure warning, and pre-collision systems.

In terms of the drivetrain, the previous 6-speed automatic transmission has been replaced by a new 8-speed unit on the gasoline powered models while the hybrid version will keep a CVT transmission.

Engine and Drivetrain

The base engine will remain a 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder unit and although we do not have information on horsepower, the previous model produced 176 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque. We heard that the new model will produce slightly more power while offering better fuel economy.

As for the drivetrain, AWD is an option in the 2019 RAV4 which will appeal to customers who plan to do more than commute to work and back. To make it even better, the AWD system now features torque vectoring for the first time and to keep the efficiency levels as high as possible, rear-axle disconnect is also a brand new feature.

Modern Interior

The RAV4 remains a 5-seater but the rear row and cargo space have benefited from the new Toyota New Global Architecture platform. Its interior features have been redesigned to include rectangular air vents as opposed to the rotary vents. A large infotainment screen sits atop the center of the dashboard, replacing the smaller integrate unit. Higher trim levels will offer some upgrades but the overall feel from behind the wheel is of a small SUV that is functional yet luxurious.

We’re very excited about the new 2019 Toyota RAV4, and cannot wait to have it at our dealership, but in the meantime feel free to check out our 2018 RAV4 inventory!

As more and more information is released, our staff is getting so excited to see the new 2019 Toyota Avalon. The all-new redesigned vehicle will be premiering in March, and is packed with features to excite car enthusiasts and drivers alike.

The 2019 Avalon will be lower and wider than previous models, transforming it into an eye-catching shape. The Avalon is already known for its spacious interior, but the 2019 model will bring that to a whole new level. Rear-seat legroom and shoulder room have grown, and the interior now has available Yamaha-sourced wood trim and aluminum accents.

The Entune 3.0 infotainment system features a 9.0-inch touchscreen, Wi-Fi connectivity, and integration with smartwatches and Amazon Alexa to enable exciting features like remote starting, door locking and unlocking, and checking the fuel level. A color head-up display is standard on the two upper trim levels, and all models come with wireless device charging and a total of five USB ports, three in front and two in the back. Great news for those with apple devices, this vehicle will come standard with Apple Car-Play. You can count on quality sound when the vehicle comes standard with 14 speakers throughout.

We know that Toyota drivers value safety as a top priority. Toyota did not forget this during the 2019 Avalon remodel, standard features include pedestrian detection, radar cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, automatic high-beams, 10 airbags, stability control, traction control, ABS with brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution, and a standard backup camera.

We will be taking orders for the 2019 Toyota Avalon. Don’t forget to stop by the 2018 Chicago Auto Show (Feb. 10-19) at McCormick Place to get a closer look and this game-changing vehicle!

Last Friday January 5th, we had the Girl Scouts Troop #51-856 stop by our dealership to earn their Energy Badge by learning about a hybrid vehicle: the Toyota Prius!

Our Sales Consultant, Nick Guerrero, talked to them about all the features of the Toyota Prius as well as the importance of driving an environmentally friendly vehicle. After that, we were able to present them with the Certificate of Achievement for this learning workshop, as well as gave them some snacks to enjoy!

It was a pleasure hosting the Girl Scouts and teaching them about the Toyota Prius. We are so happy that they can now take this knowledge and share it with all their friends so we can raise awareness of how important it is to take care of the environment!

On Thursday, November 16th, we had the honor of presenting the 12 car seats we will be giving away to expecting moms through our partnership with Community Nurse.
Although we have been a proud sponsor of Community Nurse for decades, this is the first year of the Car Seat Partnership Program, where our goal is to assist low-income expecting mothers with car seats to ensure their baby is safe. Community Nurse works with these expecting mothers by providing them with all the necessary care during and after the pregnancy. While we were chatting with them, they told us they have about 50 births every year, and they care for each of those mothers by ensuring they attend all necessary appointments and are ready for what is to come.
We are very happy to contribute to our community’s wellbeing by donating these car seats. While safety is of utmost importance, Officer April from the Countryside Police Department will be assisting these moms by showing them how to securely place the car seat in their vehicle.
We look forward to helping both mom and baby stay safe and secure during their car rides!

The SEMA show in Las Vegas is always full of amazing cars that we can only dream about! The Toyota booth this year is featuring a modified C-HR with a lot more power! The production Toyota C-HR became available for sale earlier this year as the perfect compact car for those looking for the qualities of a SUV in a car that can fit practically everywhere!

The production C-HR is offered with 144 horsepower, front-wheel drive, and a continuously variable transmission, which doesn’t exactly equal a speedy combination. This year for SEMA, Toyota partnered with DG Spec to produce a very quick crossover. The 2.4-liter massively turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers 600 horsepower, enough for the C-HR to go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 2.9 seconds. This revamped C-HR also includes a five-speed manual transmission to get the power down to the front wheels and in terms of suspension, it’s got triple adjustable shocks and a three-way adjustable rear sway bar.

If all of this doesn’t make sense, just know that this C-HR turned in quicker lap times at the 2.5-mile "Big Track" at Willow Springs than a Porsche 911 GT3 RS, GT-R and McLaren 650S Spyder. Now that’s impressive!

Now until Labor Day, Continental Motors Group is running a Treat Yourself Sales Event! We believe in ‘ME’ days and taking the time to make your mind and body feel happy and at peace. As a part of the Continental family, Continental Toyota is giving you the opportunity to treat yourself to a new or used car! Our friendly staff is here to assist you with all your needs and make sure you drive off in the car of your dreams.

PLUS, not only can you drive off in an amazing car, you can also drive off with a $250 Spa Day gift certificate! We are currently running a Facebook contest to give one lucky winner a spa day at Mario Tricoci!

A car and a spa day? We think that’s a great way to treat yourself!

Check out our inventory and start thinking about that dream car!

Continental Toyota is very happy to announce that we are now partnering with the Hinsdale Humane Society to feature a ‘Pet of the Month’ in the hopes that we can raise awareness about adopting loving pets. These loving animals have arrived to the shelter from different locations and all under different circumstances, but what is certain, is that they are full of love and ready to find a forever home!

Our first official pet of the month was Porkchop, a friendly Pitbull/Catahoula Leopard Dog, but he’s not the only one hoping to find a home!

If you’re interested in submitting an application for any of these loving pets, click here, or if you’d like to check out their Facebook page for more information, click here.

In observance of the holiday, we wanted to let you know that our hours will be changing for Monday, May 29^th.

Our Sales Department will be open 9AM – 5PM

Our Parts and Service Departments will be open 7AM – 3PM

We remember those who have bravely served our country.

When the weather starts warming up, we usually enjoy planting some flowers, cleaning our closets, and vacuuming our whole place to welcome spring. It’s very refreshing and some even say it ‘cleans the soul’ when you say bye to the old and welcome the new with the changing season. Well, at Continental Toyota, we would like you to know that your spring cleaning efforts are not ignored, and we would even like to help you take it one step further and give your car the spring cleaning treatment it deserves!

Our Continental Toyota Detail Center helps bring back that new car glow you fell in love with when you purchased your vehicle. Here at Continental Toyota we detail all makes and models so we can handle all your detailing needs. From quality full service washes to deluxe exterior waxes, our attention to detail guarantees that your vehicle will not just be turning corners - but turning heads.

For the specific details of our cleaning packages, click here. You can also call us at 708-589-7653 at any time if you have any questions or need to schedule a service!

Today we wanted to take a moment to let you know we are a pet friendly dealership! We know how important our furry friends are, and we don’t want you to have to leave them home alone when you bring your car in for a service appointment, or even when you’re stopping by to look at your future car!
In order to showcase this, we did a photo shoot and a commercial with Jühas, our pet model! Everyone loved him and he had a great time testing different Toyotas and getting a lot of attention from our customers! So feel free to bring your furry best friend next time you stop by Continental Toyota. We’d love to meet them!

Not too long ago we told you about the new Toyota C-HR and what we knew about it so far. Well we know have some more details about what this compact SUV has to offer that you can check out here.

This new model will be available for sale by the end of this year, as a 2018 model, but you can pre-order it or contact us for more information. The Toyota C-HR made its debut at the 2016 LA Auto Show, where it received great feedback and built up the excitement about the upcoming release.

It was designed keeping in mind customers interested in a smaller vehicle with all of the perks of an SUV. From a performance standpoint, the new C-HR is not meant to be a speed demon, but it certainly looks like it will prove to be comfortable and responsive, thanks to the combination of a 2.0-liter four cylinder engine with 144 horsepower and 140 pound-feet of torque and a continuously variable transmission with a seven-speed sport mode. It is also getting all of the latest safety technology, from a rearview camera and blind spot monitors to lane-change assist and a forward collision warning with automated braking and pedestrian detection.

The Toyota C-HR joins the Nissan Juke and Honda HR-V as vehicles fit for families that are not looking for a big SUV, or individuals that wish to drive a larger vehicle than a sedan or coupe. Its design is very modern and athletic, with sharp lines, bold fenders and even a rear lip spoiler that Toyota claims is functional as well as stylish.

Stay tuned for more information on this new Toyota, or contact us if you have any questions!

We know our customers enjoy great deals, so why not make Black Friday even more special? We have deals in our Parts, Sales and Service departments that you won’t want to miss.

Stop by our store on Friday, November 25^th to check out our inventory and the great deals we are offering. To make the shopping experience even more enjoyable, we are offering coffee and doughnuts from Dunkin’ Donuts in the morning, and White Castle sliders, soda and Gatorade in the afternoon. How about that for a relaxing and fun shopping day?

 Go Home With More Freebies!

Our Parts department is offering a FREE Toyota cap, beanie hat, OR coffee  mug with a $20.00 purchase over the parts retail counter.^* This is your  chance to show off your Toyota pride and stay warm during the winter days.

Service Special!

To top it off, we are offering a genuine Toyota TrueStart^TM battery for ONLY $99.95.^** It comes with an exceptional 84-month warranty, 24-month free replacement, and 60-month proration. We will install it for free and provide you with a complimentary express battery check. How about that for a great service experience?
But wait, there's more! We want you to have new tires for the upcoming winter! Buy three tires and get the fourth one for just $1!^*** Yes, just $1. You didn't think we would let you leave without offering safe, new tires for your car, did you?

So what are you waiting for? We look forward to seeing you on Friday, November 25^th with free doughnuts, sliders and lots of offers!

^*While supplies last. Available only on November 25^th.
^**Toyotas only. Scions excluded. Excludes Prius. Excludes Hybrid battery. Plus tax and shop supplies. Not valid with any other offer. Prior sales excluded. Valid only at Continental Toyota.
^***Restrictions apply. See participating Toyota dealer for details. OEM, OEA and WIN replacement tires only. Tires must be dealer-installed. Three tiers at regular price, fourth tire for one dollar. Fourth tire must be of equal or lesser value. Excludes mounting and balancing, sales tax, shop supplies, tire disposal, & other applicable taxes. Cannot be combined with any other coupon offer or advertised special. Excludes previous purchases. Toyota & Scion vehicles only. Valid in Illinois, Minnesota, and parts of Indiana and Wisconsin. Offer only available at participating Toyota dealers. 11/25/16 – 11/30/16

You may have heard the news that after being established as a separate brand in 2003, the Scion brand has transitioned back to the Toyota brand.

So what exactly does this mean for your favorite Scion models? Don’t worry; they’re not going anywhere!

The Scion iA, iM, and FR-S have officially joined the Toyota family as the 2017 Toyota Yaris iA, Corolla iM and Toyota 86.

Want to learn more about these new models? Read below for more information on each.

Toyota Yaris iA

This vehicle’s 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine makes 106 hp and is paired to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. It has been designed for maximum style and optimal performance. The Yaris iA comes standard with unique 16-in. split 5-spoke alloy wheels, LED turn signal indicators on the outside mirrors, and a standard chrome-tipped exhaust that enhances its sporty nature.

On the interior, you’ll find that the Yaris iA comes standard with remote keyless entry with Push Button Start, and includes a Sport Mode button on the center console to enable Sport Mode, a feature that adjusts the engine control unit and shift points to give a sportier feel to your drive. To add to its sporty feel, this vehicle features sport-contoured seats for the driver and front passenger, as well as a unique manual shift mode when equipped with an automatic transmission.

While the Yaris iA has a sporty feel to it, safety was still a priority when manufacturing this car. Its Low-Speed Pre-Collision System scans the road ahead for potential vehicle collisions, and if the system detects a potential frontal collision, an audio/visual alert and braking assistance are automatically activated.

Toyota Corolla iM

A 137-hp 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine powers the new Corolla iM. This hatchback’s exterior includes a spoiler and chrome-tipped exhaust to add to its sporty appearance. It comes with standard 17-in. alloy wheels with a vortex-inspired design, a sportier suspension, and power folding and heated outside mirrors.

On the inside, you’ll find that the Corolla iM is nothing but stylish. The upscale dashboard features flowing lines, premium materials and attractive accent stitching. Piano-black accents surround the 7-in. touch-screen, and the dual zone climate control allows you to stay cool while your passenger chooses the temperature of their preference.

To top it all off, the Corolla iM comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense^™ C (TSS-C) —an active safety package that combines a Pre-Collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Alert (LDA) and Automatic High Beams (AHB) to assist you and keep you safe.

Toyota 86

If you thought it couldn’t get any sportier, you were wrong. This vehicle’s 2.0-liter flat-four cylinder engine makes 205 hp when paired to the six-speed manual transmission. The automatic transmission features a manual shift mode that allows you to select the gear you want via the gear-select lever or steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

The interior includes deeply bolstered front seats with a silver-like accent stitching. Granlux suede-like trim accents cover key touch-points on the door panels, upper-seat bolsters and dashboard. To add an extra bit of style, you will find an embossed “86” logo above the passenger-side glove box.

In true Toyota fashion, safety plays a key role in the manufacturing of the vehicle. Every 86 comes standard with six airbags and Hill Start Assist Control (HAC). This convenient technology helps to keep the vehicle from rolling backward when switching from brake to accelerator on an incline.

So what do you think of these new models? Check out our inventory or stop by our store to experience the how the Scion spirit lives on in our new Toyota vehicles.

Ladies and gentlemen, start your (pinewood) engines because you’re invited!

In a week from tomorrow, we’re hosting a Pinewood Derby Fundraiser for the Boy Scouts of America on June 9 from 6 – 8:30pm. This event is open to the community, so come and join us!

It’s only $10 to attend and $25 if you’d like to attend AND enter a car for racing. The top 3 winners of the race will receive prizes. There will also be raffles, beverages -soft drinks and alcohol (21+) and the Chicago Bus Food truck with food available for you to purchase. It’ll be an all-around good time.

Looking to get started? You can pick up Pinewood Derby kits at the La Grange Service Center (see Manny) or at our cashier’s desk.

Last day to register is June 5^th, so hurry to claim your spot! Also, make note that all cars must check in by 5:45 p.m. with a weight capacity of 5 oz.

All proceeds will support Friends of Scouting.

Register online Here.

Questions? Please contact Manuel Carrera: Manuel.Carrera@Scouting.org or (312) 421-8800 Ext. 229

See you at the finish line!

Spring is already here and as the weather heats up and the rain pours down, it’s the perfect time to start your garden (if you haven’t already).

Starting a garden has many benefits for you and your family. Not to mention, it’s a great way to relax and spend more time outdoors while the warm sun is shining.

Still not convinced? We came up with a few ways that growing a garden can benefit you this season.

Teach your kids

Want your kids to develop healthier habits? What better way to introduce them to new fruits and vegetables than getting them involved with your garden? Plus, they’ll be more likely to try new things if they grow it themselves. Set aside some quality time with your kids to help get it started. It’s the perfect opportunity to teach them about nature and healthy living.

Be healthier

You already know that eating more fruits and vegetables can improve your health and prevent disease. But what you should also know is that your homegrown fruits and veggies will contain the maximum amount of flavor and nutrients! That’s the beauty of growing them on your own. In addition, a little Vitamin D paired with the moderate exercise of gardening could do wonders for your mental and physical health.

Build community

Feel like you don’t know your neighbors very well? Well believe it or not, spending more time outside in your garden opens up the opportunity to chat with neighbors who are also outdoors. Your garden could spark up a conversation, allowing you to get to know the community better.

Save money

Shopping for fruits and veggies can be expensive, especially if you shop organic. Growing a garden can provide you with all of the fruits and veggies you need for the season. For example, if you start a few tomato plants, you might have so many fresh tomatoes you won’t know what to do with them! Consider growing a garden for the fruits and veggies you eat most, to save more money on your shopping trips. Plus, you’ll always get much more for less at home.

Our contest

If you’re still unsure about starting a garden, then we have just the thing. This month, we’re hosting a May Flowers contest on our Facebook page for a chance to win a $25 gift card to The Home Depot! We want to help get you started on gardening to make this world a little greener. Visit our page and enter today – we will select a winner on Monday (5/23).

Happy Gardening! #GoGreen

5/8 Mother’s Day Detail Special

Your mom makes a lot of trips in her vehicle. Whether it’s picking everyone up from school, driving everyone to soccer practice, or simply giving you a ride whenever in need, her vehicle requires some extra attention. That’s why at Continental Toyota we’re celebrating moms all month long with an offer to make her vehicle feel like new again! Claim our Mother’s Day Detail Special Offer on our Facebook page to surprise mom with $50 off for a full detail. Who doesn’t love the look and feel of a new car (for less)?

5/28 & 5/30 Memorial Day Grillin' and Chillin' Sales Event 

The weather is warming up which means grilling season is near. And this can mean only one thing at Continental Toyota: Our semiannual Grillin’ and Chillin’ Sales Event! Come on by throughout Memorial Day Weekend for incredible deals and enjoy free hotdogs on Saturday and Monday. Our specials include 0% APR for 72 months on select models and free tote bags with every paid service with no charge on wiper installation. Our parts department will offer 15% off wiper blades as well!

6/4 La Grange Pet Parade

It’s the 70^th Annual La Grange Pet Parade, and we’re taking part! There will be everything from children showcasing their pets to marching bands, floats and clowns. This event provides wholesome fun and entertainment for the entire family. It'll take place from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. Spot us in our Toyota Tacoma passing out fruit snacks and share your photos with us on our Facebook page. This is sure to be a fun event. Hope to see you there!

6/9 Pinewood Derby Fundraiser

Want to race? We’re hosting the Pinewood Derby Fundraiser for the Boy Scouts of America! This event is only $10 to attend and $25 if you’d like to attend AND enter a car for racing! There will be prizes for the top 3 winners, a raffle, drinks, the Chicago Pizza Boss truck and Taco Chapultepec with food available for purchase! You can pick up pinewood derby kits at the La Grange Service Center (See Manny) or the Continental Toyota cashier’s desk. See our flyer for full details. This is a fun event for a great cause, so be sure to leave your schedule open for June 9th!

Have you heard the news?

We are proud to announce that we have recently been awarded the President’s Award here at Continental Toyota.

This award is the highest honor that a dealership can receive from Toyota and is only awarded to dealerships that have demonstrated a commitment to maintaining Toyota’s high standards for customer satisfaction. It honors Toyota dealerships that excel in all facets of operations and continue to go above and beyond at each customer touch point and represent the best of the best.

In order to qualify for this award, a Toyota dealership must meet certain standards of which include being in operation for all 12 months of a calendar year, achieving Sales Efficiency at or above 105 percent, maintaining Service Customer Retention (SCR) at or above Region/Private Distributor average (Metro or Single Point) at year-end (based on service retention reports released by mid-January) and more.

We’re excited to have won this high honor and would like to take this opportunity to thank our customers that have helped us to achieve and maintain such high levels of customer satisfaction.

It is always our goal to offer quality vehicles and continue to improve our customer experience whether it’s for sales or service. And as a President’s Award-winning dealership, we want to be your go-to dealer for any of your Toyota needs!

Thank you.

You cooked. You baked. You enjoyed.

Now it's time to vote for your favorite.

From mouth-watering pasties to sweet and delicious pistachio cake, our service valet Elysian "Li" Shiavitti has outdone himself with all of his delectable recipes found exclusively in our monthly newsletter. We've really enjoyed sharing these recipes with our readers, as Li's Corner has grown to such success.

And whether you've tried one or tried them all, we want to hear your opinion. That's why in this month's newsletter, we're asking you to vote for your favorite recipe of Li's in our "year in review" survey! (We know that it's a tough choice).

Here are some of the famous recipes you can choose to vote for:

• Pistachio Cake
• Banana bread in a jar
• Carmelitas
• Tunnel of fudge cake
• Omelette muffins
• Banana nut muffin tops
• Pasties
• 6 week bran muffin
• The ultimate banana bread recipe

Cast your vote here!

When you're done casting your vote, feel free to share more of your experiences on cooking recipes from Li on our social pages like Facebook and Twitter (bonus points for photos). We'd love to hear from you and see the delicious recipes you try.