Totyota raises price of 2008 models

Toyota announced manufacturer's suggested retail prices today for the 2008 Avalon full-size sedan, Prius gas-electric hybrid, Yaris subcompact, RAV4 compact sport utility vehicle FJ Cruiser off-road SUV (pictured), 4Runner mid-size SUV, Tacoma pickup and Sienna.

Avalon, the flagship of the Toyota passenger car lineup, continues to set the standard for performance, luxury, and value in its class. For 2008, Avalon receives a new six-speed automatic transmission and a braking system upgrade for improved stopping distance, reduced fade and pedal firmness.

Exterior changes - include a new aggressive design for the headlamps, front bumper and radiator grille, in-key remote keyless entry and tinted tail lamps. New 17-inch alloy wheels are offered on the Touring and XLS models. The Limited model also receives chrome door handles.

Interior changes - include a new dark wood grain trim and eight-way power front passenger's seat with power lumbar support on XLS and Limited models. The Touring model features a new aluminum-style interior trim.

The 2008 Avalon also has an updated AM/FM/CD changer with nine speakers, MP3 playback capability and auxiliary audio input jack as a standard feature.

The base manufacturer's suggested retail for the 2008 Avalon ranges from $27,075 for the XL model to $34,415 for the Limited model. The total Avalon average manufacturer's suggested retail increases $201 or 0.6 percent.

The fuel-efficient 2008 Prius is a better value this year with an expanded lineup to include a lower-priced, new standard model. The base manufacturer's suggested retail for Prius ranges from $20,950 for the newly introduced standard model to $23,220 for the Touring model. The total Prius average manufacturer's suggested retail increases $150 or 0.7 percent.

The Yaris subcompact carries over unchanged for 2008 except for the addition of a standard tire pressure monitoring system for all models. The 2008 Yaris also gains the all-new Liftback Sport model. The Yaris Liftback Sport features several exterior enhancements, including color-keyed front and rear under-bumper spoilers and side rocker panels, and is equipped with standard features such as driver and front passenger sport seats, leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob, tachometer with amber illumination, 15-inch wheels, rear window defroster, rear window wiper, AM/FM/CD player with MP3/WMA capability and auxiliary audio input jack.

The five-speed manual transmission Liftback carries a base manufacturer's suggested retail of $11,300 and the Sedan with automatic transmission carries a base manufacturer's suggested retail of $12,900. The Yaris Sport Liftback with five-speed manual transmission will carry a base manufacturer's suggested retail of $12,975. All Yaris vehicles arrive in August and the total Yaris average manufacturer's suggested retail increases $150 or 1.2 percent.

The RAV4 maintains all interior and safety enhancements for 2008. All models now feature driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags and first- and second-row side-curtain airbags with roll-over sensor as standard equipment. RAV4 models carry a base manufacturer's suggested retail that ranges from $21,100 for the base model 2WD four-cylinder to $26,670 for the 4WD Limited V6. Total RAV4 average MSRP increases $150 or 0.6 percent.

The FJ Cruiser, the most capable off-road SUV in the Toyota line-up, will feature a number of key upgrades, including an anti-theft system, an illuminated entry system, side-curtain airbags for both rows and sun visors with vanity mirrors. The FJ's base manufacturer's suggested retail ranges from $22,545 for the 2WD automatic to $24,13

4Runner will improve its numerous standard safety features on all models with the addition of driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags and first- and second-row side-curtain airbags with roll-over sensor. For 2008 the manufacturer's suggested retail will increase $380 for SR5 and Sport Edition models and $350 for Limited models. The 4Runner manufacturer's suggested retail ranges from $28,015 for the 2WD SR5 V6 to $38,735 for the 4WD Limited V8. The total 4Runner average MSRP increases $376 or 1.2 percent.

For 2008, the Tacoma pickup truck will receive a price increase of $100 or 0.5 percent for all models. The base manufacturer's suggested retail ranges from $14,280 for the 2WD four-cylinder with a manual transmission to $26,115 for the Double Cab 4WD V6 automatic long bed. The total Tacoma average manufacturer's suggested retail increases 0.5 percent.

Sienna offers new product enhancements and Extra Value Packages. New standard features include Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control and rear disc brakes on all models. Also, Bluetooth? is now on all models featuring standard or available JBL audio. The Sienna manufacturer's suggested retail ranges from $24,340 for the 2WD CE to $37,665 for the AWD Limited model. The total Sienna average manufacturer's suggested retail increases $35