Pricing: 2010 Toyota Avalon, FJ Cruiser, Highlander, RAV4, Tacoma, Yaris

Toyota has announced pricing on a number of 2010 vehicles and the good news is most prices go relatively unchanged from the 2009 model year.

For 2010, the Avalon adds rear-passenger automatic windows for a $100 increase. The base MSRP ranges from $27,945 for the XL to $35,285 for the Limited.

The 2010 FJ Cruiser will start at $23,680 for the 2WD automatic and $25,270 for the 4WD automatic, which is an increase of $360. Upgrades include new dual VVT-i and roller rocker arms on the 4.0-liter V6, which increases horsepower by 19 and fuel economy by one mpg.

The RAV4 MSRP remains unchanged for 2010 with the 2WD 4-cylinder set to start at $21,500 and the 4WD V6 at $27,810.

MSRP for the 2010 Highlander gas and hybrid models also goes unchanged at $25,704 for the base 4-cylinder and $41,020 for the Hybrid Limited 4WD model.

The Tacoma prices will also be unchanged for the 2010 model year. The base MSRP will start at $15,170 for the Regular Cab with a five-speed manual transmission. The V6 4x4 Double Cab Long Bed with five-speed automatic transmission will start at $27,075.

Yaris will receive standard stability and traction control for 2010. With this desirable safety upgrade, the base MSRP will increase by $150. The prices will range from $12,355 for the three-door model with manual transmission, to $13,915 for the automatic four-door sedan.

All base MSRPs do not include the destination fees of $750 for passenger cars and $800 for light trucks. These 2010 models will arrive at dealerships in August, except the Highlander, which will be on sale in September.

As year-end clearance prices are heavily advertised, Toyota has created a tough decision for buyers. If you’re a high mileage driver or hold on to cars for a long time, buying a 2009 might save you money today and in the long run. On the other hand, if you don’t hold on to cars for more than four years, the 2010s would be the better deal.

—Liza Barth 

Comments

[CyCarConsulting]

Great cars. One suggestion, don't buy a 4 cylinder Rav4, you will be an unhappy camper.

[George F]

Why is the 4.0L engine in the FJ requiring premium fuel when the same engine in the Tacoma requires regular? For me this is a huge selling point and I wouldn't consider any vehicle requiring premium. There is alot of talk on-line about many people using regular in thier FJs and having no issues.

[coolcar]

I will have to disagree with the first comment.

I tried out a RAV4 4 cyl. at a local Toyota dealer a couple of months back and the only faults I could find with it would be an akward seat position and a cheap-looking interior.

And, if you look at CR's ratings, the 4 cyl. RAV4 is their top pick for small SUVs. Meanwhile, the Yaris and FJ cruiser score near the bottom. In my opinion, you would be far better off buying the RAV4 versus the FJ cruiser

[Chris]

Completely different market for the FJ and Rav4. Hard to compare a city SUV to an off road beast.