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Is your morning commute slowly becoming the worst part of your day? Whether it's because of the bad traffic, the long distance you have to drive, or just simply the fact that you're not a morning person to begin with, morning drive time can be less than ideal. However, your time on the road defines how the rest of your day is going to go so you want it to be as enjoyable and stress-free as possible. Toyota of Orlando is here with tips! Six tips for making your commute more enjoyable #1. Leave earlier so you can slow things down. Morning commutes can be stressful enough without the added pressure of racing the clock. Leave 10-15 minutes earlier and give yourself extra time to get where you need to go so you're not speeding or driving recklessly. If nothing else, it's 10 extra minutes to hang out in the parking lot and scroll. #2: Bring snacks and a drink. We don't recommend eating a full breakfast in the car (hello, distracted driving), but it might make you feel better to have a hot coffee in a travel mug and a pop tart to keep you company during your commute. Bringing snacks and a drink can make your drive time a little more pleasant, giving you something to look forward to. #3: Get into a new podcast or audiobook. What better way to pass the time in the car than to find a new podcast or audiobook to listen to? Music is great, but it can get old if you have an extra-long commute. You can also take the time to learn a new language or just listen to the news and catch up with what's going on in the world (although a caveat - the news can be stressful). #4: Catch up on phone calls. When's the last time you called your mom? If she's an early bird, use your commute time to give her a ring. This time is perfect for catching up with people you may not have time to talk to during the day. But remember - use the hands-free tech in your Orlando Toyota so you can keep your attention on the road. #5: Change up your route. It can get stale taking the same route day in and day out. Why not alter your route to give yourself a change of scenery? This is also a great way to discover new restaurants, shops, etc. in your city. #6: Keep your car clean. There's nothing worse than driving in a dirty car, especially when you have a long commute ahead of you. Keep your car detailed and free of dirt, dust, and trash. Trust us, this can make all the difference when you get behind the driver's seat in the morning! And if you don't have the time (or inclination) to keep your vehicle clean, you can always bring it in for detailing at Toyota of Orlando. Let Toyota of Orlando help you make the most of your drive time Have questions or want to shop for car detailing supplies? Call us! Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at (407) 298-0001.

Is your morning commute slowly becoming the worst part of your day? Whether it's because of the bad traffic, the long distance you have to drive, or just simply the fact that you're not a morning person to begin with, morning drive time can be less than ideal. However, your time on the road defines how the rest of your day is going to go so you want it to be as enjoyable and stress-free as possible. Toyota of Orlando is here with tips! Six tips for making your commute more enjoyable #1. Leave earlier so you can slow things down. Morning commutes can be stressful enough without the added pressure of racing the clock. Leave 10-15 minutes earlier and give yourself extra time to get where you need to go so you're not speeding or driving recklessly. If nothing else, it's 10 extra minutes to hang out in the parking lot and scroll. #2: Bring snacks and a drink. We don't recommend eating a full breakfast in the car (hello, distracted driving), but it might make you feel better to have a hot coffee in a travel mug and a pop tart to keep you company during your commute. Bringing snacks and a drink can make your drive time a little more pleasant, giving you something to look forward to. #3: Get into a new podcast or audiobook. What better way to pass the time in the car than to find a new podcast or audiobook to listen to? Music is great, but it can get old if you have an extra-long commute. You can also take the time to learn a new language or just listen to the news and catch up with what's going on in the world (although a caveat - the news can be stressful). #4: Catch up on phone calls. When's the last time you called your mom? If she's an early bird, use your commute time to give her a ring. This time is perfect for catching up with people you may not have time to talk to during the day. But remember - use the hands-free tech in your Orlando Toyota so you can keep your attention on the road. #5: Change up your route. It can get stale taking the same route day in and day out. Why not alter your route to give yourself a change of scenery? This is also a great way to discover new restaurants, shops, etc. in your city. #6: Keep your car clean. There's nothing worse than driving in a dirty car, especially when you have a long commute ahead of you. Keep your car detailed and free of dirt, dust, and trash. Trust us, this can make all the difference when you get behind the driver's seat in the morning! And if you don't have the time (or inclination) to keep your vehicle clean, you can always bring it in for detailing at Toyota of Orlando. Let Toyota of Orlando help you make the most of your drive time Have questions or want to shop for car detailing supplies? Call us! Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at (407) 298-0001.

The Toyota 4Runner has long been a fan favorite of off-road aficionados for its durability and its ability to handle tricky terrains without batting an eye. However, it's also a popular option for drivers who just want something sporty and spacious to get around town. Toyota of Orlando is here to explain why this popular SUV is a great option for your next drive time solution - check out these five reasons why you should put it in your driveway today. Five reasons to put the Toyota 4Runner in your garage 1. Versatility is a part of your daily drive time. When you get behind the wheel of the Orlando Toyota 4Runner, versatility is always a part of your driving experience. This comfortable and teched-out SUV is great for tackling city streets or suburban neighborhoods, but it's also primed for off-road adventure. No matter where life takes you, if you're in this new Toyota then you've got the tools you need to handle it with ease and efficiency. 2. Off-road adventure is never out of reach. We said the Toyota 4Runner is ready for anything and we meant it. It comes with off-road-ready features like four-wheel drive, locking rear differential, limited-slip differential, Active Traction Control, Multi-Terrain Select, CRAWL Control, body-on-frame construction, and options like a Kinetic Dynamic or X-REAS Sport Enhancement Suspension System. No matter the terrain, this Orlando Toyota can take it on. 3. Top technology is right at your fingertips. Just because you're in an off-road-ready vehicle doesn't mean you have to sacrifice technology. This SUV comes decked out with features like a Premium Audio System with JBL speakers, Bluetooth streaming, Sirius XM Satellite Radio, navigation, Amazon Alexa, and Apple CarPlay. On top of that, it boasts top safety features like Safety Connect Services, Toyota Safety Sense, front and rear parking assist sonar, and an anti-theft system. 4. A spacious and safe interior will be your new normal. Get comfortable whether you're behind the wheel or just along for the ride - the Orlando Toyota 4Runner can easily seat up to eight with an optional third row (that can also be folded down for extra storage in the cargo area. You'll also love plush elements like a leather-trimmed interior, heated front seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control. And did we mention the rear sliding cargo deck with under-floor storage? 5. It's easy to find a model molded around your drive time needs. When you decide the Toyota 4Runner is right for you, you'll still have plenty of options to choose from (and we're not even talking parts and accessories - those take things to ANOTHER new level). The 2021 model is available in NINE different trim-levels. You'll be able to drive home options like the sleek Nightshade Special Edition, the Trail and Venture Special Editions, and three different TRD models (Off-Road, Off-Road Premium, and Pro), just to name a few. Shop this SUV today at Toyota of Orlando Ready to put this sleek SUV in your driveway? Call Toyota of Orlando today at (407) 298-4500 to get more info on our Toyota 4Runner deals and schedule a test drive. We're open seven days a week and conveniently located just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall.

The Toyota 4Runner has long been a fan favorite of off-road aficionados for its durability and its ability to handle tricky terrains without batting an eye. However, it's also a popular option for drivers who just want something sporty and spacious to get around town. Toyota of Orlando is here to explain why this popular SUV is a great option for your next drive time solution - check out these five reasons why you should put it in your driveway today. Five reasons to put the Toyota 4Runner in your garage 1. Versatility is a part of your daily drive time. When you get behind the wheel of the Orlando Toyota 4Runner, versatility is always a part of your driving experience. This comfortable and teched-out SUV is great for tackling city streets or suburban neighborhoods, but it's also primed for off-road adventure. No matter where life takes you, if you're in this new Toyota then you've got the tools you need to handle it with ease and efficiency. 2. Off-road adventure is never out of reach. We said the Toyota 4Runner is ready for anything and we meant it. It comes with off-road-ready features like four-wheel drive, locking rear differential, limited-slip differential, Active Traction Control, Multi-Terrain Select, CRAWL Control, body-on-frame construction, and options like a Kinetic Dynamic or X-REAS Sport Enhancement Suspension System. No matter the terrain, this Orlando Toyota can take it on. 3. Top technology is right at your fingertips. Just because you're in an off-road-ready vehicle doesn't mean you have to sacrifice technology. This SUV comes decked out with features like a Premium Audio System with JBL speakers, Bluetooth streaming, Sirius XM Satellite Radio, navigation, Amazon Alexa, and Apple CarPlay. On top of that, it boasts top safety features like Safety Connect Services, Toyota Safety Sense, front and rear parking assist sonar, and an anti-theft system. 4. A spacious and safe interior will be your new normal. Get comfortable whether you're behind the wheel or just along for the ride - the Orlando Toyota 4Runner can easily seat up to eight with an optional third row (that can also be folded down for extra storage in the cargo area. You'll also love plush elements like a leather-trimmed interior, heated front seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control. And did we mention the rear sliding cargo deck with under-floor storage? 5. It's easy to find a model molded around your drive time needs. When you decide the Toyota 4Runner is right for you, you'll still have plenty of options to choose from (and we're not even talking parts and accessories - those take things to ANOTHER new level). The 2021 model is available in NINE different trim-levels. You'll be able to drive home options like the sleek Nightshade Special Edition, the Trail and Venture Special Editions, and three different TRD models (Off-Road, Off-Road Premium, and Pro), just to name a few. Shop this SUV today at Toyota of Orlando Ready to put this sleek SUV in your driveway? Call Toyota of Orlando today at (407) 298-4500 to get more info on our Toyota 4Runner deals and schedule a test drive. We're open seven days a week and conveniently located just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall.

If you drive a new Toyota, you probably are at least familiar with the Smart Key System. This ingenious system makes locking, unlocking, and starting your car easier than ever before. However, what do you do if your Smart Key stops working? Toyota of Orlando's auto service and parts center is here with advice. What is a Smart Key? As noted, the Smart Key System is an extremely convenient feature found in many of our new Toyota cars here at Toyota of Orlando. It utilizes a key fob, touch sensors, and a push button start to add an element of efficiency to your drive time that you just don't get with a hard mechanical key. Basically, if you have your Smart Key on your person - even if it's in your pocket or purse - you can simply touch the sensor on your door handle to lock or unlock your vehicle. And once you're in the car, as long as the key is still on your person you can just press the Push Button Start, and voila - off you go. There is, however, one small issue - what if your Smart Key stops working? Smart Keys are battery-operated, much like any other key fob that you'd use to lock and unlock your vehicle. They have a hard mechanical key inside of them that you can pull out and use to unlock your door to access the interior of your car. The problem arises, however, when you have a vehicle that uses the Push Button Start system to get the engine up and running. You don't have a physical ignition where you can put a hard mechanical key in, twist it, and get things going. So what do you do? The good news is that as long as you have the Smart Key in your possession - even if it's dead or the battery is low - you should be able to still start your new Toyota. If you hold the key next to the Push Button Start and press the button, your car engine should fire up without a problem. If it doesn't, then it's very likely that your problem lies with your actual car battery, not your car key battery. Remember, if the car battery is dead then you may not be able to use your power door locks. Replace your missing Smart Key at Toyota of Orlando What if you lose your new Toyota's Smart Key? If your key is missing, you're going nowhere fast. However, we can replace it for you here at Toyota of Orlando. You'll need to bring in a photo I.D. and proof of ownership of the car, as well as your VIN number. This will allow our Orlando Toyota specialists to access your Smart Key code number and then we can take steps to get you a new key and reprogram your new Toyota so that the new key works (and the old one doesn't, in case it was stolen). Have questions or need to replace your Smart Key? Call us! Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at (407) 298-0001.

If you drive a new Toyota, you probably are at least familiar with the Smart Key System. This ingenious system makes locking, unlocking, and starting your car easier than ever before. However, what do you do if your Smart Key stops working? Toyota of Orlando's auto service and parts center is here with advice. What is a Smart Key? As noted, the Smart Key System is an extremely convenient feature found in many of our new Toyota cars here at Toyota of Orlando. It utilizes a key fob, touch sensors, and a push button start to add an element of efficiency to your drive time that you just don't get with a hard mechanical key. Basically, if you have your Smart Key on your person - even if it's in your pocket or purse - you can simply touch the sensor on your door handle to lock or unlock your vehicle. And once you're in the car, as long as the key is still on your person you can just press the Push Button Start, and voila - off you go. There is, however, one small issue - what if your Smart Key stops working? Smart Keys are battery-operated, much like any other key fob that you'd use to lock and unlock your vehicle. They have a hard mechanical key inside of them that you can pull out and use to unlock your door to access the interior of your car. The problem arises, however, when you have a vehicle that uses the Push Button Start system to get the engine up and running. You don't have a physical ignition where you can put a hard mechanical key in, twist it, and get things going. So what do you do? The good news is that as long as you have the Smart Key in your possession - even if it's dead or the battery is low - you should be able to still start your new Toyota. If you hold the key next to the Push Button Start and press the button, your car engine should fire up without a problem. If it doesn't, then it's very likely that your problem lies with your actual car battery, not your car key battery. Remember, if the car battery is dead then you may not be able to use your power door locks. Replace your missing Smart Key at Toyota of Orlando What if you lose your new Toyota's Smart Key? If your key is missing, you're going nowhere fast. However, we can replace it for you here at Toyota of Orlando. You'll need to bring in a photo I.D. and proof of ownership of the car, as well as your VIN number. This will allow our Orlando Toyota specialists to access your Smart Key code number and then we can take steps to get you a new key and reprogram your new Toyota so that the new key works (and the old one doesn't, in case it was stolen). Have questions or need to replace your Smart Key? Call us! Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at (407) 298-0001.

Plenty of people have cars that aren't meant for everyday driving. Maybe you have a new Toyota Supra sitting in your garage that's meant for the track only, or maybe you have a vintage Toyota that you're restoring slowly as you collect parts. Maybe you have a vehicle like a Toyota truck that's for work only and when you're not on the job, sits in the driveway. However, regardless of whether or not you have a "for-fun" or "for-work" vehicle, you're going to need a daily driver to get you where you need to go on a routine basis. Toyota of Orlando is here with tips on how to choose the right new Toyota for your everyday driving needs. Four things to consider when shopping for a daily driver Tip #1: Think about fuel efficiency. Is fuel efficiency going to be a factor for you, or are you OK with getting lower MPGs? Make sure you consider this before you decide on a new Toyota. If you have a long commute or don't want to pay a ton for fuel, you may want to consider a hybrid as your daily driver, or at least an Orlando Toyota that gets better fuel efficiency. Tip #2: Consider your interior space and comfort needs. How big of an interior do you need for your daily driver? Will you be part of a carpool or carting kids to school? Do you need a backseat big enough to accommodate more than one car seat? And what about cargo space - do you need an enclosed cargo area for your everyday gear or will an open truck bed suffice for what you're hauling around town? Choose a new Toyota that's big enough (or compact enough, conversely) for all of your interior space requirements. You also want to ensure that the interior of the car is comfortable and ergonomically laid out - you're going to be spending a lot of time behind the wheel. Tip #3: Always take performance into consideration. Which performance capabilities do you need on a daily basis? If you only tow, haul or go off-road here and there, your daily driver may not need these particular performance capabilities. You could probably get by having a "special" vehicle for these requirements. However, if you're someone who has to tow or haul every day for work or finds yourself going off the pavement daily to get to your rural destination, make sure you factor that into your final purchasing decision. Tip #4: Take into account how long you plan on keeping the car. How long are you going to keep your vehicle? Make sure you do your research on reliability and resale value if you're going to keep it for a long time and possibly sell or trade it down the road. You'll also want to take into consideration whether you should purchase or lease the vehicle based on your daily mileage and how long you want to have it in your possession. Which Orlando Toyota will you use to hit the road every day? Are you ready to shop our new Toyotas and find your daily driver? Call Toyota of Orlando today at (407) 298-4500 or stop by and see us at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall.

Plenty of people have cars that aren't meant for everyday driving. Maybe you have a new Toyota Supra sitting in your garage that's meant for the track only, or maybe you have a vintage Toyota that you're restoring slowly as you collect parts. Maybe you have a vehicle like a Toyota truck that's for work only and when you're not on the job, sits in the driveway. However, regardless of whether or not you have a "for-fun" or "for-work" vehicle, you're going to need a daily driver to get you where you need to go on a routine basis. Toyota of Orlando is here with tips on how to choose the right new Toyota for your everyday driving needs. Four things to consider when shopping for a daily driver Tip #1: Think about fuel efficiency. Is fuel efficiency going to be a factor for you, or are you OK with getting lower MPGs? Make sure you consider this before you decide on a new Toyota. If you have a long commute or don't want to pay a ton for fuel, you may want to consider a hybrid as your daily driver, or at least an Orlando Toyota that gets better fuel efficiency. Tip #2: Consider your interior space and comfort needs. How big of an interior do you need for your daily driver? Will you be part of a carpool or carting kids to school? Do you need a backseat big enough to accommodate more than one car seat? And what about cargo space - do you need an enclosed cargo area for your everyday gear or will an open truck bed suffice for what you're hauling around town? Choose a new Toyota that's big enough (or compact enough, conversely) for all of your interior space requirements. You also want to ensure that the interior of the car is comfortable and ergonomically laid out - you're going to be spending a lot of time behind the wheel. Tip #3: Always take performance into consideration. Which performance capabilities do you need on a daily basis? If you only tow, haul or go off-road here and there, your daily driver may not need these particular performance capabilities. You could probably get by having a "special" vehicle for these requirements. However, if you're someone who has to tow or haul every day for work or finds yourself going off the pavement daily to get to your rural destination, make sure you factor that into your final purchasing decision. Tip #4: Take into account how long you plan on keeping the car. How long are you going to keep your vehicle? Make sure you do your research on reliability and resale value if you're going to keep it for a long time and possibly sell or trade it down the road. You'll also want to take into consideration whether you should purchase or lease the vehicle based on your daily mileage and how long you want to have it in your possession. Which Orlando Toyota will you use to hit the road every day? Are you ready to shop our new Toyotas and find your daily driver? Call Toyota of Orlando today at (407) 298-4500 or stop by and see us at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall.

When you finally take the plunge and put a down payment on a vehicle, you want it to last a long time. This is especially true if you buy the car instead of leasing it; when you buy it, it's yours until the wheels fall off (or until you sell it down the road, in which case you want the resale value to remain high). But just how long will a new Toyota last, and what steps can you take as the owner to ensure it has a long and fruitful life? Check out these top tips from our Orlando auto service experts on how to keep your new Toyota in the best shape possible for as long as you can. New Toyotas offer major longevity If you bought a new Toyota, congrats - you've officially become the owner of a vehicle that's renowned throughout the automotive world for its long and reliable lifespan. Here's a quick fact - 80% of all Toyotas bought in the past 20 years are still out on the road. This is especially true of famed SUVs like the Toyota Land Cruiser and Toyota FJ Cruiser, both cult classics that drivers will restore and drive for decades. And many new Toyotas are perfectly capable of going more than 300,000 miles before they need any major part replacements, which means less money out of your pocket. However, there are always things you can do to ensure that your car has a long life regardless of whether or not you bought a new Toyota. Check out these quick tips from our Orlando Toyota service techs. Tip #1: Buy quality and look at it as an investment. Look at your car as an investment - after all, you want it to last many miles and years. This means you should pick something that's quality over something that's just a good deal. Buying a new car means you'll get even more longevity out of it, but plenty of used cars offer reliability and have the capability to get to high mileage without a problem. We highly recommend doing your research, looking at reviews, and talking to other drivers before you settle on a make and model (although we can tell you right now, a new Toyota is a VERY solid bet). Tip #2: Remember that less is more. Less is more when it comes to car longevity in terms of parts. The less you swap out parts and install new ones (especially if you're using aftermarket parts), the fewer problems you're likely to have in the future. Also, cars with fewer, more sophisticated parts tend to be cheaper to maintain, repair, and keep in excellent condition, like EVs (electric vehicles). This is another instance where buying a new car works in your favor. Tip #3: Consider advanced safety technology. If you can find a new Toyota that you like with advanced safety technology, you're helping to increase your car's lifespan. This safety tech will do an awesome job protecting you and your passengers, but it'll also help reduce your chances of getting into an accident and damaging your vehicle, which can reduce its lifespan and result in expensive repair bills... not to mention, lower its resale value. The more safety tech on board, the better. Tip #4: Pay attention to what your Toyota is telling you. It's tempting to ignore those pesky dashboard lights, but don't do it. They light up for a reason - to warn you that there's an issue that you need to address. The sooner you address it, the cheaper and less stressful it'll be. Keep your car like-new at Toyota of Orlando Have questions or want to shop our new Toyotas? Call Toyota of Orlando at (407) 298-4500 or stop by 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall.

When you finally take the plunge and put a down payment on a vehicle, you want it to last a long time. This is especially true if you buy the car instead of leasing it; when you buy it, it's yours until the wheels fall off (or until you sell it down the road, in which case you want the resale value to remain high). But just how long will a new Toyota last, and what steps can you take as the owner to ensure it has a long and fruitful life? Check out these top tips from our Orlando auto service experts on how to keep your new Toyota in the best shape possible for as long as you can. New Toyotas offer major longevity If you bought a new Toyota, congrats - you've officially become the owner of a vehicle that's renowned throughout the automotive world for its long and reliable lifespan. Here's a quick fact - 80% of all Toyotas bought in the past 20 years are still out on the road. This is especially true of famed SUVs like the Toyota Land Cruiser and Toyota FJ Cruiser, both cult classics that drivers will restore and drive for decades. And many new Toyotas are perfectly capable of going more than 300,000 miles before they need any major part replacements, which means less money out of your pocket. However, there are always things you can do to ensure that your car has a long life regardless of whether or not you bought a new Toyota. Check out these quick tips from our Orlando Toyota service techs. Tip #1: Buy quality and look at it as an investment. Look at your car as an investment - after all, you want it to last many miles and years. This means you should pick something that's quality over something that's just a good deal. Buying a new car means you'll get even more longevity out of it, but plenty of used cars offer reliability and have the capability to get to high mileage without a problem. We highly recommend doing your research, looking at reviews, and talking to other drivers before you settle on a make and model (although we can tell you right now, a new Toyota is a VERY solid bet). Tip #2: Remember that less is more. Less is more when it comes to car longevity in terms of parts. The less you swap out parts and install new ones (especially if you're using aftermarket parts), the fewer problems you're likely to have in the future. Also, cars with fewer, more sophisticated parts tend to be cheaper to maintain, repair, and keep in excellent condition, like EVs (electric vehicles). This is another instance where buying a new car works in your favor. Tip #3: Consider advanced safety technology. If you can find a new Toyota that you like with advanced safety technology, you're helping to increase your car's lifespan. This safety tech will do an awesome job protecting you and your passengers, but it'll also help reduce your chances of getting into an accident and damaging your vehicle, which can reduce its lifespan and result in expensive repair bills... not to mention, lower its resale value. The more safety tech on board, the better. Tip #4: Pay attention to what your Toyota is telling you. It's tempting to ignore those pesky dashboard lights, but don't do it. They light up for a reason - to warn you that there's an issue that you need to address. The sooner you address it, the cheaper and less stressful it'll be. Keep your car like-new at Toyota of Orlando Have questions or want to shop our new Toyotas? Call Toyota of Orlando at (407) 298-4500 or stop by 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall.

When you think of a new Toyota, you likely think of how it looks and all of the features it includes. We're talking features like engine, off-roading elements, entertainment technology, safety technology, convenience elements... the list could go on, but we're willing to bet that one thing you've never thought about is the platform that your new Toyota (or the Toyota you currently drive) was built on. Toyota of Orlando is here to explain the ins and outs of car platforms so next time you're shopping, you can do the best research possible before signing the dotted line. What is a car platform and why does it matter? Essentially, a car platform is a structure upon which the vehicle is built. Think of it sort of like the foundation of a house - it's what the rest of your Orlando Toyota rests on and builds up from. It can translate to the chassis design, engineering points, and aesthetic features of the car, but typically refers to the technical aspects of the design of the car. For example, a car platform will usually define elements like: The types of suspension used both in the front and back of the car The power steering parts and other steering mechanisms The engine placement, powertrain parts, and type of engine to be installed Both the front and rear axles, as well as the wheelbase, which is the distance between the two axles To name a few. Why are car platforms shared? Another cool thing about car platforms is that they can actually be shared. This is when the platform or at least the platform specs are shared among models within a make, or even to other makes (like the Orlando Toyota 86 and the Subaru BRZ). Automakers do this because designing a new vehicle is expensive and time-consuming. It requires drawing up the design, assembling the vehicle, and then testing it thoroughly to ensure it performs the way it should and also is safe. By sharing car platforms, automakers can cut out a lot of these steps. This also means perks like: Tons of testing - even if a car platform is shared with another make or model, it's still tested for quality and safety (which gives you extra peace of mind). Production is cheaper since no design is required and in turn, this means it's cheaper for you to buy the vehicle. Familiarity emerges. When two models share a car platform, a driver can feel more comfortable behind the wheel and it can make switching between models easier for them. Here's an example for you. Since 2015, Toyota has been using the TNGA platform for nearly 50% of its vehicles. This Orlando Toyota car platform encompasses the steering system, airbags, seat frames, shifters, and pedals. This standardizes some elements to make it easy when it comes to production and design. Ready to get shopping? Call us! Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500.

When you think of a new Toyota, you likely think of how it looks and all of the features it includes. We're talking features like engine, off-roading elements, entertainment technology, safety technology, convenience elements... the list could go on, but we're willing to bet that one thing you've never thought about is the platform that your new Toyota (or the Toyota you currently drive) was built on. Toyota of Orlando is here to explain the ins and outs of car platforms so next time you're shopping, you can do the best research possible before signing the dotted line. What is a car platform and why does it matter? Essentially, a car platform is a structure upon which the vehicle is built. Think of it sort of like the foundation of a house - it's what the rest of your Orlando Toyota rests on and builds up from. It can translate to the chassis design, engineering points, and aesthetic features of the car, but typically refers to the technical aspects of the design of the car. For example, a car platform will usually define elements like: The types of suspension used both in the front and back of the car The power steering parts and other steering mechanisms The engine placement, powertrain parts, and type of engine to be installed Both the front and rear axles, as well as the wheelbase, which is the distance between the two axles To name a few. Why are car platforms shared? Another cool thing about car platforms is that they can actually be shared. This is when the platform or at least the platform specs are shared among models within a make, or even to other makes (like the Orlando Toyota 86 and the Subaru BRZ). Automakers do this because designing a new vehicle is expensive and time-consuming. It requires drawing up the design, assembling the vehicle, and then testing it thoroughly to ensure it performs the way it should and also is safe. By sharing car platforms, automakers can cut out a lot of these steps. This also means perks like: Tons of testing - even if a car platform is shared with another make or model, it's still tested for quality and safety (which gives you extra peace of mind). Production is cheaper since no design is required and in turn, this means it's cheaper for you to buy the vehicle. Familiarity emerges. When two models share a car platform, a driver can feel more comfortable behind the wheel and it can make switching between models easier for them. Here's an example for you. Since 2015, Toyota has been using the TNGA platform for nearly 50% of its vehicles. This Orlando Toyota car platform encompasses the steering system, airbags, seat frames, shifters, and pedals. This standardizes some elements to make it easy when it comes to production and design. Ready to get shopping? Call us! Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500.