Peoria, IL -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/16/2009 -- Named the best “Small SUV” was the Toyota Rav4. The Rav4 has been rated the top small SUV for the previous two years as well. Sales personnel at the Peoria Toyota Rav4 dealership said the Rav4’s run of consecutive best-car titles is impressive because Toyota has stayed ahead of the competition by continuing to build upon this already successful SUV, adding that the Rav4 has proved very design-forward each model year. Consumer Reports pointed to the Rav4’s unique features. Rav4 offers the more interior space than any other small SUV and is one of a few to offer a third row. Despite its larger size for the category, it actually weighs in as one of the lightest vehicles in the segment, making it one of the most fuel efficient vehicles in its class.

The title for “Green Car” went to the Toyota Prius. Toyota’s Prius has been leading the way for fuel efficient vehicles since it hit the streets. While there are more hybrids in the market now, the Prius’ reign is becoming more contended but not significantly challenged. As the Bloomington Toyota Prius sales managers said, nobody shops for a hybrid auto without test driving a Prius. And the Prius’ advantages in fuel economy, looks, and interior space have made it the most popular choice. As the Bloomington Toyota Prius dealer, as well as Peoria’s locale to buy a new Prius, the Peoria dealer has seen incredible sales of the leading hybrid from Bloomington-Normal customers as well as Peoria shoppers during a time of a slower economy and higher fuel prices.

The Toyota Sienna took the Consumer Reports top “Minivan” honors. One of the biggest advantages the Sienna provides is its all-wheel drive offering. Most minivans do not offer consumers a winter-ready option, but the Sienna, with its AWD, has proved very popular in colder climates. At this Peoria dealer it has been an especially popular pick for families, who know Peoria winters are almost as messy as their children’s bedrooms.

Finally, Toyota took the #1 ranking in the “Midsize SUV” category with its Highlander. The Peoria Toyota Highlander has been lauded for its dependability, and the Peoria Illinois Toyota Highlander Hybrid gets 24 mpg, the best of any SUV. Opting for a Highlander gives car buyers a wide array of options in an SUV with a reasonable price tag for its class.

It seems no matter what stages in life Peoria car shoppers find themselves, Toyota lets consumers in Peoria buy cars from their award-winning lineup. A Peoria Toyota Rav4 offers a fun ride with ample cargo space. The Prius is an excellent option among fuel efficient vehicles for any consumer looking to reduce his or her carbon footprint and save big at the pumps. The Sienna steps in as a safe, weather-ready minivan option for anyone going through family expansion. The Peoria Toyota Highlander fits the bill for Peoria car buyers in the market for something with more rugged capabilities than a minivan but enough space for the family. It seems Toyota has done well in varying its product offering to appeal to many different car buyers and has produced such quality automobiles that it is considered the #1 automaker in a wide range of categories.

About Peoria Toyota:
Peoria Toyota is part of the Pearl Automotive Group which has been in the Central Illinois Automotive industry for over 30 years. Pearl Automotive is a part of the Pearl Companies, a privately held, multifaceted organization located in Peoria Heights, IL, that also includes Pearl Insurance, Pearl Technology, Pearl Benefits, Pearl Carroll & Associates LLC, and W.B. Griffin & Son.