Here at Toyota of Orlando, we always get excited about the SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) show. It takes place in Las Vegas at the convention center every year and allows automotive manufacturers to showcase not only exciting up-and-coming models but also concepts that they have tucked in their back pockets for possible production later. Every single year brings something new, and car enthusiasts get hyped about the possibilities. 2022 was no exception – see what Toyota rolled out for SEMA this year below!

Before we get into the individual new Toyota models and concepts, here are some highlights from the show:

• Toyota announced the world debut of an all-new model on their trucks and SUVs – Trailhunter. This special new grade will be outfitted with overlanding components, reinforcements, and functionality, all from the Toyota factory.
• Toyota also announced its Associated Accessory Program (AAP), which is a new program designed to give customers a more seamless way to accessorize their Toyotas. AAP will offer parts, components, and accessories not only from Toyota but also from its trusted partners to ensure there’s a large selection of options. Even better, customers will be able to roll the cost of the accessories into the overall payment plan for the vehicle.

Now let’s talk about the new Toyotas featured at the show. Here’s the rundown of the 13 special builds that were introduced:

The GR Corolla Rally Concept: This Toyota Motorsports Garage concept is a sports car designed for a rally race – it’s a six-speed manual turbocharged hot hatch with all-wheel drive and a sporty new exterior that also offers functionality via rally car body work.

The GR86 Daily Drifter: If you want a daily driver that can also hit the track, this new Toyota is your dream come true. It was designed to offer the best of both worlds and bring a race vehicle within reach of the average motorsports enthusiast (aka not break the bank). With a supercharger, cat-back performance exhaust, a StopTech Big Brake kit, and a roll cage, it does just that.

The 10-Second Twins: This pair of GR Supra sports cars were designed to hit a quarter-mile in ten seconds… and they do, thanks to a Pure Turbo single turbo and two CSF high-performance intercoolers. Those features combined with a few other tweaks resulted in 620 horsepower and 590 lb-ft torque.

The 2023 Simba Sequoia and Orion Tundra by X Overland: If you’ve never seen the TV series Expedition Overland, watch it. Rachelle and Clay Croft – who established the company in 2010 – designed two special new Toyotas that are perfect for overlanding.

• The Simba Sequoia boasts a compression damping electronic valve suspension system, as well as a 12,000 lb winch, a custom rear steel bumper with dual swing outs, rock climbers, skid plates, and Rigid rock lights.
• The Orion Tundra showcases upgraded front and rear shocks, MaxTrax recovery boards, a heavy-duty winch, Rigid rock lights/fog lights/light kits, skid plates, side steps, and rock sliders.

The Ultimate Overlanding Sequoia TRD Off-Road: Looking for the best way to get off the beaten path? Pray this new Toyota makes it into production. This upgraded Sequoia offers a three-inch lift, increased departure/approach angles, new Bead Grip Method Race Wheels with Open Country tires, skid plates, rock sliders, front and rear bumpers with swingouts, traction boards, a Warn VR Evo 12-S winch, an onboard air tank, and a digital inflator (just to name a few things).

The Sequoia TRD Pro Adventurer: Westcott Designs helped design this off-road-ready version of the new Toyota Sequoia, adding features like a three-inch lift kit, Camburg Racing upper control and trailing arms, Nitto Recon Grapplers A/T tires, Rigid industries light bar/fog lights/ditch light/ADAPT lights, rock sliders, a rear hatch ladder, a hitch-mounted rack, and low-profile roof racks.

The GR86 Cup Car and GR Corolla Official NASA Pace Car: The GR86 Cup Car will serve as the vehicle for the GR Cup racing series, and the GR Corolla Official NASA Pace Car is fresh off its pacing duties at the 2022 NASA National Championships.

• The GR86 Cup Car features track-inspired engineering and elements like Bosch engine management, a custom Borla exhaust, a SADEV 6-speed sequential transmission, adjustable JRI shocks, a roll cage, and Stratasys custom bodywork.
• The GR Corolla Official NASA Pace Car is turbocharged, all-wheel drive, and sports red, white, and black graphics inspired by Toyota motorsports and endurance racing.

The FJ49, Megatourer, and Supertourer (aka the Black Truck): Patriot Campers did three separate builds for SEMA 2022, and designed them to be suitable for off-roading and overlanding in Australia.

• The FJ49 is a 1977 FJ45 with modern tech and components like custom coil spring suspension, custom flares/bars/tow bar, a Warn winch, LED driving lights and light bars, and an exo cage. The interior was kept retro to match the vibe.
• The Supertourer is a Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series GLX that’s had its frame extended 11.8″. It showcases engine, suspension, tire, and wheel upgrades, as well as a full camper suite that includes a kitchenette, a slide-out fridge, air compressor, water tank, pop-up tent with platform, and nav/communications system.
• The Megatourer uses a 1979 Land Cruiser 79 Series chassis with an extra axle and wheels to accommodate a camper suite; it offers features like an Airbag Man custom air ride system, 8″ of lift, an upgraded turbocharger for the 4.2L inline 6 engine, and an air snorkel kit.

Have more questions about what went on at SEMA 2022 or any of the new Toyotas featured? Call us today! Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500 and we’re conveniently located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road.

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The holidays are here once again and that means it’s time to pack up the car with suitcases, presents, and snacks to hit the road. Whether you’re heading into colder weather for some winter sports, visiting family for the holidays, or heading home from school for break, there’s a 2023 Toyota waiting for you that’s perfect for the job. Which of these Orlando Toyotas will you take on your next road trip?

These 2023 Toyotas are perfect for the holiday season

Family road trips: Hitting the highway to visit the family WITH your family this holiday season? You want something safe, efficient, and spacious – and we’ve got plenty of 2023 Toyotas that fit the bill. The 2023 Toyota Highlander, Sienna, and Sequoia are all great options for long road trips with the kids – not only can they all seat up to 8, but they also have family-friendly features like the LATCH system for car seats, Toyota Safety Sense, and Bluetooth streaming and Apple CarPlay for streaming. Plus, the 2023 Toyota Sienna offers a 1080p entertainment center with wireless headphones AND Driver Easy Speak to amplify your voice throughout the cabin.

Coming home from college: Heading home from college for winter break? If you’re a parent, you want something safe for your student to make their way home for the holidays. A student, on the other hand, wants something fuel-efficient with great technology that also looks cool. We can accommodate everyone – head to Toyota of Orlando to check out the 2023 Toyota Corolla and Toyota Corolla Cross. They have affordable starting MSRPs, to begin with, and are also fuel-efficient (the Corolla gets 32/41 mpg while the Corolla Cross gets 31/33 mpg, and both come in hybrid options). Additionally, they offer tech like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Qi wireless charging for devices, navigation, Sirius XM Satellite Radio, and more. (And have you seen them? What college kid wouldn’t want one?)

Winter sports adventures: If you’re getting out of civilization this winter for some off-road adventure or heading to an area that sees a lot of snow and ice, you want something equipped for the trip. Both the 2023 Toyota Tundra and Toyota Tacoma have plenty of space in the bed for skis and snowboards and will have no trouble towing a snowmobile behind. Additionally, both of these capable Orlando Toyota trucks offer four-wheel drive for enhanced traction, as well as features like CRAWL control and multi-terrain select for getting off the pavement to find the best snowboarding spots.

Friendsgiving road trip: Taking a road trip for Friendsgiving? Even if you’re all splitting the fuel bill, you still want an Orlando Toyota that’s as fuel-efficient as possible. Check out our selection of 2023 Toyota hybrids! The new Toyota Venza, Camry, and RAV4 are all great for hitting the road with your second family this holiday season. You’ll get enhanced fuel efficiency – the Toyota Venza, for example, gets 40/37 mpg – plus comfort and entertainment features like dual-zone automatic climate control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated front seats, and dynamic navigation to help you avoid bad weather and holiday traffic.

Black Friday shopping spree: Black Friday is just about a week away, which means it’s time to start prepping the most efficient way to get those deals. If you’re staying offline and shopping in person, we recommend 2023 Toyotas like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Sequoia, or Sienna to get the job done. All of them offer plenty of cargo space for your Black Friday haul, as well as great fuel efficiency (they’re all hybrids). You’ll also get dynamic navigation to wend your way around holiday traffic, as well as Qi charging for charging on the go and Bluetooth to stream all of your favorite Christmas carols.

Find a holiday-ready Toyota today at Toyota of Orlando

Ready to get behind the wheel of a 2023 Toyota for the holiday season? Toyota of Orlando is open and waiting! Come see us at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall. You can call ahead of time to schedule your test drive at (407) 298-4500. Here’s to an amazing holiday season!

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Here in the US – and at Toyota of Orlando – we know which new Toyotas are our best-sellers. The cars we see the highest demand for include the Toyota Camry, Toyota Corolla, Toyota RAV4, Toyota Tacoma, and Toyota Highlander. However, not all of these models are available in other countries across the world, and even if they are they may not be the most popular option. Today we’re skipping around the globe to see which are the best Toyota cars in other countries – buckle up!

The best Toyota cars across the world

Europe: OK, we know Europe isn’t a country, it’s a continent. However, although it’s made up of numerous individual countries, they all have at least one thing in common (besides really good cheese and chocolate) – they all like the Toyota Yaris. This sporty hatchback is a fan favorite and has been for all four generations of its life in Europe. It’s Toyota’s most successful and best-selling vehicle in Europe, and with the addition of the new GR hot hatch a few years ago it’s only surged in popularity.

Mexico: In Mexico, the best Toyota cars boil down to just one: the Toyota Hilux. This versatile truck is super similar to the current Toyota Tacoma that you’ll see at Toyota of Orlando but offers an even higher degree of durability (just ask the guys from Top Gear). The Toyota Hilux used to be for sale in the U.S. but was retired and is currently not in production stateside; however, it continues to be a much-loved favorite in other countries. In fact, it’s considered to be one of the most popular and best Toyota cars in Latin America as a whole, especially in Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina.

Japan: Japan is where Toyota – quite literally – comes from, so it’s pretty much expected that it has a whole list of the best Toyota cars to buy. The top contenders? The Toyota Yaris, Toyota Roomy, Toyota Corolla, and Toyota Alphard. The Yaris, as we know, is a sporty hatchback, while the Toyota Roomy is a seven-seater that’s technically an SUV but looks more like a cross between an SUV and a van. The Corolla is a sleek sedan, and the Toyota Alphard is a futuristic-looking minivan. Toyota holds four of the top ten spots of the best cars in Japan… we’re not surprised.

Australia: If you head down (under) to Australia, you’ll find that Toyotas are pretty popular. The best Toyota cars in this Oceanic country are the Toyota Hilux (which is perfect for taking on the rugged outback), the Toyota Corolla, and the Toyota RAV4. As Australia is a mix of unexplored wilderness and highly populated urban areas, it needs a solid mix of vehicles, and Toyota delivers on all accounts.

Africa: Again, a continent and not a country, but despite being made of different individual countries, Africa as a whole prefers the Toyota Hilux (are you seeing a trend here?). This versatile and capable truck is perfect for taking on any type of terrain, which makes it perfect for the versatile landscapes on this continent. Additionally, the Toyota Corolla, Toyota Fortuner (a luxury SUV that reminds us of the Orlando Toyota Highlander), and the Toyota Hiace (a utilitarian van) are all popular options and are high up there on the best Toyota cars list in Africa.

Canada: Head north and you’ll see that Toyota still has a strong foothold amongst our Canadian neighbors. Their first choice? The Toyota Corolla, followed by the Toyota Camry and Toyota Prius. All three offer efficient, safe, and reliable performances to our friends up north and further, the Corolla is only 333 units behind the #1 best-selling car in Canada, the Honda Civic. Sounds like it’s time to close the gap!

See the best Toyota cars in the U.S. at Toyota of Orlando

Have questions or want to explore the best Toyota cars in America? We’ve got you. Visit Toyota of Orlando today at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall. You can also see all of our inventory online or call us at (407) 298-4500. We’re open until 10pm!

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The all-new 2023 Toyota Prius has been revealed, and it’s rocking a sleek redesigned style with enhanced performance AND fuel efficiency. Even further, the 2023 Toyota Prius Prime was also redesigned and for its new model year is showcasing not just an all-new exterior, but also a cleaner performance and incredible new technology. Toyota of Orlando is here with details on both so you can decide which to put in your driveway when they arrive!

The 2023 Toyota Prius: What’s changed?

Let’s start with the frontrunner of hybrid cars: The Orlando Toyota Prius. The 2023 model is redesigned on the exterior, for starters. It has a sleeker and more streamlined silhouette to boast, as well as a lower roofline (by 2″), a wider rear (by 1″), and larger wheels on the XLE and Limited models. Here are a few other  details we think you’ll love:

• A lower center of gravity thanks to a new battery placement
• Second-generation TNGA-C platform for reduced weight and increased rigidity
• More cargo space
• The 5th generation hybrid powertrain with a larger 2.0L engine and a newly developed lithium-ion battery (which results in a 15% increase in output)

• An electronic on-demand AWD system for better handling on slippery surfaces
• 194 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of just 7.2 seconds on the FWD models and 7.0 seconds on the AWD model
• LE, XLE, or Limited grades to choose from
• Paint colors like Reservoir Blue, Guardian Gray, Cutting Edge, Supersonic Red, Black, or Wind Chill Pearl
• A 12.3″ audio multimedia system  with over-the-air updates, as well as features like Connected Service Service Drive Connect, Intelligent Assistant, Destination Assist with Points of Interest, Cloud-based Navigation, and more
• Wifi Connect, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, and HD Radio
• Enhanced fuel efficiency – this new Toyota hybrid now gets 57 mpg combined, which makes it the most fuel-efficient Toyota Prius ever

How about the 2023 Toyota Prius Prime?

The Orlando Toyota Prius Prime is a plug-in hybrid, which sets it apart from its regular hybrid sibling. On this Toyota, you can plug it in to charge it and run on electric power alone OR fall back on hybrid power, which uses both electric and gasoline power. Here’s what’s new on the 2023 Toyota Prius Prime:

• A larger lithium-ion battery that increases the EV (electric vehicle) range by 50%
• A redesigned exterior that’s sleeker and more aerodynamic than ever before
• The new TNGA-C platform for a lower center of gravity, lighter curb weight, and more rigidity (all of which amount to much-improved handling)
• A wider stance and lower driving position for the driver
• An all-new solar roof – this one is awesome. It’s an onboard charging system that uses roof-mounted panels to recharge the battery when the car is in park. The solar roof can deliver supplementary power to accessory functions (like A/C), and is concealed so you don’t even see them on the roof of the car.
• 220 horsepower thanks to a new 2.0L engine coupled with the 5th generation hybrid powertrain (this is a 100 horsepower increase so we’re impressed)

• 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds
• SE, XSE, and XSE Premium grades
• The same incredible technology updates as the 2023 Toyota Prius
• The option of a JBL Premium Audio System with eight speakers
• Advanced Park, which allows you to hands-free parallel park or back into a parking spot

Which one will you put in the driveway?

Have questions about the 2023 Toyota Prius or Toyota Prius Prime? Call us at Toyota of Orlando today. We’re open until 10 pm at (407) 298-4500 and we’re conveniently located just off I-4 near the MIllenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road.

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Christmas is on its way and it’s definitely time to trim the tree… so have you gotten yours yet? If not, Toyota of Orlando is here with tips on how to choose the best live Christmas tree and where to find it. Check out this quick guide and don’t forget, we’ve also got tips on how to safely transport your Christmas tree home.

Tips for choosing the best live Christmas tree

There’s nothing quite like a live Christmas tree – the smell and feel of it are pretty much unmatchable. However, if you’re going to shell out the money you should definitely get the most bang for your buck. Here are some tips on how to choose the best live Christmas tree.

Tip #1: Know which type of tree you want. There are three main types: Spruce, Fir, and Pine.

• Spruce are dense trees that have a natural cone shape and strong branches (so you can fill them up with ornaments).
• Fir trees have flat, waxy needles and long, dense branches. These are also the trees that have that notorious Christmas fragrance.
• Pine trees are a bit different looking; they have long, thin needles with strong branches; these trees also retain their needles pretty well, so less cleanup for you.

Tip #2: Know what to look for when shopping for your Christmas tree. Here are a few pointers:

• Look for a tree that has a full, symmetrical shape without any bald patches – spin the tree so you can see all the way around it. You shouldn’t be able to see the trunk of the tree through the branches.
• Also make sure the color is uniform throughout, and that the tree smells good.
• Try bending a few branches. They should have a natural springiness to them; if they snap, the tree is dry.
• Give the Christmas tree a shake – a few needles falling off here and there is no big deal, but if you see a shower of needles it’s a sign the tree is dried out and not going to last long.

Tip #3: Cut a disc off the bottom. When a Christmas tree is cut down, it forms a layer of sap across the bottom of the trunk. You’ll need to cut (or have someone cut) a sliver off the bottom of the tree trunk, about 1/2″ thick, so water can be pulled into the tree once you put it in the stand. If your tree can’t pull water into its vascular system, it will quickly dry out and become a fire hazard.

Tip #4: Know how you’re going to get it home. If you have a truck bed, awesome. Otherwise, you’ll need bungee cords or ties to strap the tree to the top of the car, as well as a blanket or pad to protect the roof of your car from the tree.

A few more tips: when you get home, immediately give your tree water so it doesn’t dry out. Additionally, make sure it always has water until you’re ready to take it out of the house to give it a longer life.

Where to find the best Christmas trees in Orlando

So where can you find the best Christmas trees in Orlando? Here are a few places we recommend:

• Kelly’s Christmas Trees
• Happ’s Christmas Trees
• Home Depot
• Severts Christmas Tree Farm
• Long and Scott Farms
• Lowe’s
• Razzanis Fresh Cut Christmas Trees

Happy hunting, and merry Christmas from our Orlando Toyota dealership family to yours!

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If you follow the automotive world at all, you probably know that Toyota recently released their all-electric 2023 Toyota bz4X crossover. We haven’t seen one at Toyota of Orlando yet but we’re eagerly awaiting its arrival. In the interim, we’ve got more exciting electric news – an all-new Toyota concept SUV has been unveiled in the U.S. Here are the details!

What is the new Toyota bZ SUV concept?

The new Toyota bZ SUV concept was recently revealed and we’re honestly ready for it to go into production now. Here’s what you can expect when it arrives at Toyota of Orlando:

• It’ll sit under the new “bZ” umbrella – bZ stands for Beyond Zero and applies to their battery electric vehicles.
• It has a distinctive look – it rocks an aerodynamic design with wheels pushed out to its four corners for a low, aggressive stance. It also has short overhands and sweepback angles, as well as a narrowed cabin design.
• It also has premium finishes that do double duty by also being eco-friendly. Interior seating is made from plant-based and recycled materials.
• This new Toyota bZ SUV concept also has incredible technology woven into its design. One particular piece of tech that we love is “Yui” – an in-car personal agent that connects the driver and passengers with the vehicle via audio and visual lighting cues around the cabin, and responds to their requests.

• The whole point of expanding the bZ line and adding a bZ SUV concept to the mix is to help create a feature where carbon neutrality is finally achieved by offering a portfolio of alternative-fuel and zero-emission options to its customers. On the global scale, Toyota will offer close to 30 electric vehicle options, including a total of five under the bZ umbrella. Hopefully, this will push Toyota toward its carbon neutrality goal by 2050.

Still not sure if an electric car is the right choice for you? Toyota of Orlando is here to help you make the decision with as much knowledge as possible. Here are some of the points to consider when shopping for your next new Toyota:

• All-electric cars run solely on electric power – because of that, they have to be charged by plugging them in. You can always charge at a public charger or have a charger installed at your home, but charging them by plugging them into the wall can take days, so you need to have a charging plan in place. If you’re worried about being able to keep your car charged up, then an Orlando Toyota hybrid or plug-in hybrid might be a better bet for you.
• Electric cars are definitely zero-emissions on a local level, but they might not be on a non-local level. Do your research to find out where your electricity comes from. If the electricity in your area is fueled by fossil fuels, you’re still creating emissions (technically). That may affect your decision when it comes to buying an EV.
• You don’t have to pay for gas. You do need to pay for electricity to charge your car, but it can be significantly cheaper than paying for gas (especially right now).

Get more info on electric cars at Toyota of Orlando

Have questions about the new Toyota bZ SUV concept or electric cars in general? We’ve got the answers. Call Toyota of Orlando today at (407) 298-4500 or stop by. We’re open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.

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Are you thinking about starting a new side (or even full-time) gig in 2023 and becoming an Uber driver? It’s a great way to make money, meet people, and explore your town. However, you need to ensure you have the right ride for the job if you’re going to do it wholeheartedly – check out this list of new Orlando Toyotas are think are perfect for Uber drivers in 2023.

Four Toyotas we recommend for Uber drivers

2023 Toyota Sienna: If you want to maximize passengers, you need an Orlando Toyota that’s got plenty of interior space. The new Toyota Sienna seats up to 8 and still has 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space in the back (so getting people + their gear to and from the airport is no big deal). This new Toyota is also a hybrid that gets 36/36 mpg to help you save money on fuel, and it boats passenger-friendly features like dual power sliding doors and a power rear liftgate, reclining captain’s chairs that slide and stow, four-zone automatic climate control, and Driver Easy Speak. As a driver, you’ll love convenience features like Qi wireless charging and an integrated backup camera.

2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid: Did you know that the Toyota Camry is one of the most popular options for taxicabs? In that respect, it only makes sense that it would be a great option for an Uber driver, too, especially if you opt for the hybrid model. The 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid gets an incredible 51/53 mpg and has seating for five inside, with a spacious trunk that offers 15.1 cubic feet of cargo room. Additionally, this Orlando Toyota offers features like all-wheel drive, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to have a clear view of Waze or navigation, and eight cupholders (gotta have the cupholders).

2023 Toyota RAV4: The Orlando Toyota RAV4 is known for its versatility and even more so in recent years as TRD and AWD options have been added to the lineup. We think it’s an exceptional option for an Uber driver – it seats up to five with more than 34 cubic feet of cargo space in the back. This new Toyota also comes in a hybrid model, which means you can maximize your fuel efficiency to an incredible 41/38 mpg. It’s also packed with versatile convenience and comfort features like navigation, heated seating, five USB ports, and the Smart Key System with push button start.

2023 Toyota Prius: If you want to max out your fuel efficiency while getting your riders around town, you should look into the new 2023 Toyota Prius. It has electronic on-demand AWD for superior safety and handling, as well as a large 12.3″ multimedia display so you can easily see your navigation. This redesigned hybrid gets 57 mpg combined and can still seat up to five people including the driver, so you’ll save money every time you hit the road. Other cool features include Advanced Park (autonomous parking) and a fixed glass roof for sunny vibes inside the cabin.

Kick off your Uber driver career today in a new Toyota

Ready to make your move and start your Uber driver experience? Check out all of the 2023 Toyotas we have in person at Toyota of Orlando. We’re open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall. Call us at (407) 298-4500!

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It’s the most wonderful time of the year… to hit the highway and see the sights. The holiday season is the perfect time of year to take a beautiful scenic drive and make the most of the winter season. But where to go? Toyota of Orlando has suggestions. Check out these U.S. five road trips we think are worthy of a Hallmark movie.

Five road trips to take this holiday season

#1: Burlington, Vermont to Jackson, New Hampshire

Head north to Vermont if you want to have a white Christmas road trip – you’re sure to see snow in this winter wonderland. The drive is through the White Mountains, which means picturesque landscapes and red-covered bridges. If you want to stretch your legs, stop in Bretton Woods to take a sleigh ride, ice skate, or go snow tubing; you can also break out your winter sports gear and take on one of their downhill runs. Get back on the road to finish the drive in Jackson – it’s one of America’s most inherently “Christmas” towns. You can break out the skis again or if you want to relax, take the Annual Journey to the North Pole (and the kids can see Santa and his elves).

#2: Seattle to Leavenworth, Washington 

If you’re on the West Coast, check out this scenic drive for your next holiday road trip. You’ll head across the Cascade Mountains and stunning winter scenery and end up in the Bavarian village of Leavenworth. It has a Christmas Lighting Festival with millions of dazzling lights, old-fashioned caroling, appearances by St. Nikolas, and a Christkindlmarkt where you can purchase all sorts of handmade goods and delicious holiday treats. There are even handbell concerts to get you into the holiday spirit.

#3: Asheville and the Blue Ridge Parkway 

Start your trip in the quirky, beautiful city of Asheville to enjoy incredible holiday light displays and decorations, as well as the unbelievable Biltmore Estate – it’s the largest privately-owned home in the U.S. and has an evening candlelight tour with more than 50 Christmas trees. Then you can take a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway north or south and see beautiful winter mountain scenery for the road trip portion of your holiday adventure.

#4: Phoenix to the Grand Canyon, Arizona 

Ready to get some hiking in? You may scoff at the thought of the desert giving Christmas vibes, but Phoenix does it right with its Tumbleweed Tree tradition, a Christmas parade, and a special lighting ceremony. Once you’re done soaking in all things Christmas, head north to the Grand Canyon (and trust us, Sedona is worth a stop on the way) to get your fill of winter weather, a bit of snow, and some incredible views. As a bonus, it’s not high tourist season so you won’t have too much company. If you’re into hiking, there are plenty of places both at the Grand Canyon and along the way to explore.

#5: Key Largo to Key West, Florida 

You didn’t think we’d leave Florida off the list, did you? We may not have snow, but some people want to get AWAY from winter weather to make the most of the holidays. Soak up the sunshine and mild warm weather as you make your way to America’s southernmost point, Key West. You’ll see palm trees decked in Christmas lights, a harbor full of decorated boats along the historic waterfront, and historic inns and bed-and-breakfasts trimmed in holiday cheer. Plus, there are a ton of holiday events to check out to get into the spirit. You may not see snow or ice, but you can feast your eyes upon an ocean sunset from a sailboat.

Prep for your holiday road trip at Toyota of Orlando

Need tips for your road trip or need help prepping your car? Toyota of Orlando can help – call us today at (407) 298-4500 or stop by 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall. Happy Holidays!

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If you’re looking for a new car that has all-wheel drive but you also feel unsure as to whether or not you can afford one, our Orlando Toyota dealership has good news – the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross and Toyota Corolla Hybrid have both officially made Autotrader’s list of the most affordable new cars with all-wheel drive. They took spots #8 and #9, respectively, and we’re here to tell you why these new Toyotas should be your top picks when you’re looking for an affordable new car with all-wheel drive.

Why did these Orlando Toyotas make the list?

AutoTrader lists are notorious for their helpfulness in wading through an endless sea of makes and models. Sometimes your new car choices can be overwhelming, and these lists can help you narrow things down based on the characteristics you want your car to have. This particular list details the most affordable new cars on the market that also offer you the all-wheel drive feature – all cars on the list are under $25,000, making them extremely viable options for drivers on a budget.

As noted, the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross and Toyota Corolla Hybrid are both on the list. Both of these sporty new Toyotas are at Toyota of Orlando if you want to test them out, and here are a few things to keep in mind when you do:

• The Orlando Toyota Corolla is one of the most popular sedans out there. It’s efficient, super affordable, and stylish with incredible tech features woven into the cabin. Additionally, it’s now available in multiple hybrid models that get 47/41 mpg. Plus, more than 80% of all Toyota Corolla models sold in the past 20 years are still out on the roads.
• The Toyota Corolla Cross, on the other hand, is a sporty crossover that’s larger than its sedan sibling but still offers amazing fuel efficiency (31/33) and affordability. It comes in three grades and offers seating for five plus a spacious rear cargo area for gear. It’s new to the lineup, but has quickly claimed a spot as one of the fan favorites.

What is all-wheel drive and why does it matter?

Now let’s talk more about all-wheel drive. If you’re still not totally clear about what this feature is (but still think you might need it on your next Orlando Toyota), here’s a quick explanation: all-wheel drive is when your vehicle has the ability to send torque to all four wheels simultaneously, making all of them spin at once. It’s different than your typical front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive vehicle where only two wheels are powering the car at once.

All-wheel drive is a great safety feature to have on your vehicle because by letting all four wheels spin, you’re gaining better traction. And better traction means your car will grip the road better when it’s slippery, like in snow, rain, or ice. This reduces your chances of getting into an accident in bad weather conditions and thus, keeps you and your passengers safer.

Here are a few other Orlando Toyotas with all-wheel drive to consider if the Toyota Corolla or Corolla Cross won’t work for you:

• Toyota Highlander
• Toyota Sienna
• Toyota RAV4
• Toyota Prius
• Toyota Camry

Have more questions about all-wheel drive and what it can do for your drive time, or looking for a new Toyota with this great feature? Call Toyota of Orlando today at (407) 298-4500. You can also stop by in person at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.

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It’s a new year and a new you – so why not make it a new drive time? January is the perfect time to clean up your driving habits, get back on track with defensive driving, and make your commute as pleasant as possible, especially after the mad dash and insane traffic of the holidays. Toyota of Orlando is here with six new year’s resolutions to make for your drive time!

Make these new year’s resolutions to improve your commute

#1: Check traffic before you leave the house. Get into the habit of checking traffic BEFORE you leave the house (rather than just running into it while you’re out on the road). Use Waze or similar apps to see your estimated drive time and if necessary, which other routes are available. This can save you stress and time; you can leave a little bit earlier or take a different route to get where you’re going. This can help you arrive on time AND safely.

#2: Stop speeding, tailgating, and driving aggressively.  This new year’s resolution ties right into what we mentioned above – don’t give into the temptation to speed, tailgate, and drive aggressively because you’re running late or impatient. All of these behaviors drastically increase your chances of getting into a car accident and if that happens, not only will you have a collision on your hands, but you still won’t make it on time.

#3: Address those dashboard lights that have been on for a while. Have you had dashboard lights on for a while that you’ve been steadfastly ignoring? We get it… but stop. Bring your car into our Orlando Toyota auto service center and let our techs get to the bottom of why the lights have turned on. Ignoring those lights will only lead to bigger, more expensive issues in the future. You’re welcome!

#4: Do a weekly walkaround of your vehicle to troubleshoot. Make a new year’s resolution to walk around your vehicle every week to look for issues. It won’t take more than a minute or two – literally, just walk around your car and check things over to make sure there aren’t any issues. Do the same on the interior and stay mindful of odd smells and noises, too. This can save you time and money because you can nip small problems in the bud before they become big, expensive issues.

#5: Buckle up every single time you get in the car. You should also make it a habit to buckle your seatbelt every single time you climb into the car, regardless of where you’re sitting or whether or not you’re driving. Not only will this keep you infinitely safer on the road, but it also sets a good example and teaches good habits to younger passengers in your Orlando Toyota.

#6: Use a sunshade and tint to protect your car’s interior all summer. Orlando summers can be brutal, and we don’t just mean on you. Heat and bright sunlight can take a real toll on your vehicle, too. Tint your car’s windows to protect the interior from UV rays and keep things cooler so you can avoid damage, and put a sunshade up on your windshield every day to further protect your Orlando Toyota.

Let Toyota of Orlando help you start the new year right

Need some help making your new year’s resolutions happen? We’ve got you covered. Visit Toyota of Orlando today at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the MIllenia Mall.

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