Welcome to June (and here’s to a better month than May, right?)! Toyota of Orlando is here to give you the latest and greatest news in the automotive world with a roundup of Toyota headlines and the details surrounding them. From new GR models to upcoming hybrids, we’ve got all the info you need. Read on!

The latest new Toyota news updates bring updated AND new models to market

The once-retired Toyota Venza will be making its way back onto the market for 2021! Toyota is reviving this sleek crossover in a hybrid model, offering yet another go-green solution for drivers who want something a little bit more sophisticated than a hatchback.

A brand-new Toyota GR86 may be hitting the streets in the summer of 2021, offering yet another Gazoo Racing option to the world. Similarly to the GR Supra, this new Toyota 86 will have a new platform, Gazoo Racing branding and badging, and will have a Subaru twin. Additionally, it supposedly will offer 255 horsepower (which is 50 more hp than the current model) and offer a turbocharger for extra get-up-and-go.

The new generation of the Orlando Toyota Tundra is coming, and with it bringing some pretty big updates. One notable change is a brand-new twin-turbo V6 hybrid engine option to replace the current V8 engine under the hood, as well as a new chassis built on the TNGA-F platform.

The Orlando Toyota Land Cruiser may be stepping back from the world of luxury in its upcoming iterations. Rumor has it Toyota will be stripping the plush SUV of its creature comforts (within reason, of course) and streamlining it so it reverts back to more of an off-road focus. Remember, the original Toyota Land Cruiser was built for tough terrain and had none of the luxury features it showcases today.

The new Toyota 4Runner and Toyota Sequoia will be part of all-new generations come 2022 – according to rumors, both will be based on the new Toyota Tundra headed our way.

The swagger wagon (new Toyota Sienna, as most people refer to it) is getting an upgrade AND going greener for the next model that’s likely to be at Toyota of Orlando this fall. Not only will it be redesigned, but it’ll also offer new technology AND be a hybrid model only.

We’ve seen the much-loved Toyota Corolla as both a sedan and a hatchback, but if speculation is right, a new Toyota Corolla crossover could be headed our way. It would get here in the latter half of 2021, and we think this rumor might go hand-in-hand with the rumor of a new Toyota Corolla wagon. Supposedly, Toyota recently patented the name “Toyota BZ” and people think it COULD be the name that will be used for the Toyota Corolla Touring, a wagon that currently exists in other countries. We’re leaning toward a crossover, but we’ll keep you posted!

Shop for your new Toyota today

We’ve got lots of options coming our way, but we’ve also got lots of options on our lot at Toyota of Orlando! See them all in person at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall. You can also call us to learn more about our specials and inventory at (407) 298-4500.

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Are you trying to find an easy way to make your day-to-day life a little bit more eco-friendly? While there are lots of small ways to make big changes, one of the biggest could be the car you drive. Enter our Orlando Toyota hybrids – these green cars cut down on emissions, use a lot less gasoline than traditional cars, and look cool while doing it. Introducing a hybrid car into your daily drive time is an easy way to make your life a lot more environmentally friendly, and we’re here to help you do it with the hybrid car that was voted the BEST of 2020 by U.S. & World Report News… the 2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid.

What does the 2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid have to offer?

The 2020 Toyota Camry is basically a hybrid version of its best-selling sibling, the Orlando Toyota Camry. This means you’re getting the best of both worlds, because you’ll get the green performance and still have the classic style, dependability, and top-of-the-line features that drivers of the original model have come to know and love. And not only will you feel good about your drive time, you’ll also save money on gas – this new Toyota hybrid gets an estimated 51/53 mpg. Here are some of the other highlights we love about this Orlando green car!

• It has a starting MSRP of just $28,430, making it an affordable hybrid option
• It comes in 10 different paint colors with hues ranging from Supersonic Red to Wind Chill Pearl
• There are three models available to choose from – the LE, SE, and XLE
• It boasts tech features like Apple Car Play, Android Auto, Toyota + Alexa, and compatibility with Amazon Alexa, as well as Sirius XM Satellite Radio, Dynamic Voice Recognition, Bluetooth, and more
• You’ll get peace of mind thanks to safety tech like the Star Safety System, an Advanced Airbag System, Toyota Safety Sense P, a Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Hill Start Assist Control, and automatic engine shutoff

• It can comfortably seat five and still have 15.1 cubic feet of trunk space for all of your belongings
• The Orlando Toyota Camry Hybrid also showcases an available leather-trimmed interior with plush comfort features like heated front seats and dual zone automatic climate control
• An integrated backup camera with projected path gives you an additional set of eyes
• Full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control makes highway driving a breeze
• 4 different drive modes help you to tailor your drive time to your needs – choose between Sport, Normal, Eco, and EV
• Keep your eyes on the road with a 10″ color head up display

And more. And the best news yet? You can test drive it today, so you can get behind the wheel and see if it suits you.

Test drive this Orlando Toyota hybrid today!

Make it happen – go green in your day-to-day drive time starting today! Visit Toyota of Orlando to see if the 2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid is the right green car for you. We’re conveniently located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road, and you can call to schedule your appointment at (407) 298-4500.

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If you live in Orlando – or even if you’re just visiting – you know exactly how hot it can get in your car in a matter of minutes. Opening the door after a day at work can feel like opening an oven, and the last thing you want to do is sit in the heat during your long drive home. Toyota of Orlando is here to help! We’ve got quick car care tips from our auto service techs to help keep your car’s interior AND you cooler, all season long.

Orlando Toyota car care tips to keep you cool

Tip #1: Crank the windows down

The heat builds up in your car all day, making it oven-like when you finally open it after work. To prevent this unfortunate scenario, you can leave your windows cracked during the day to help let the hot air escape (just be mindful of the forecast – if it rains, you could be in trouble!).  When you finally do get to your car at the end of the day, open all the doors for a minute or two to let the air circulate and push some of the hot air out. It also helps to roll down your windows when you hit the road and turn your A/C up to force the hot air out and get cooler air quickly circulating; once things are more tolerable, roll up your windows to trap the cool air.

Tip #2: Keep your steering wheel cool 

Your steering wheel can actually feel like a hot stove when you get in the car and it’s not pleasant to try and drive while simultaneously blowing on your hands. An easy fix is to use a sunshade in your windshield (this will also help keep your car cooler and protect your entire interior from UV rays that lead to fading and cracking). You can also turn your wheel 180 degrees when you park, so when it’s time to hit the road you flip it back and use the cool part to steer. A final tip? Throw a hand towel over the wheel to protect it from the sun.

Tip #3: Choose your parking spot carefully

Your parking spot can play a big role in how cool your car stays during the day. Obviously, parking in a garage is best, but covered parking like a carport or even a spot that’s shady from trees can help prevent heat from building up inside the cabin.

Tip #4: Cope with a broken A/C 

A broken A/C can make your drive time absolutely miserable. Until you can get your ride to our Orlando auto service center for repairs, there are ways to cope. A battery-powered or solar-powered fan can help circulate air and cool you off, and placing a cold, wet cloth over your A/C vent can blow some cooler air your way (just make sure your car is nice and dry before you park for the day).

Schedule summer car care at Toyota of Orlando

Want more tips, or need car care for your A/C system? Toyota of Orlando can help! We’re open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road. Call us at (407) 298-4500 to schedule your Orlando summer car care and make the season a bearable one!

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The Toyota Sienna is renowned in the automotive industry for being sleek, efficient, and as family-friendly as it can possibly get. It’s also incredibly versatile; this spacious minivan has a comfortable interior decked out with features like reclining rear seats, captain’s chair options, seats that fold flat and stow away, and dual power sliding doors to access it all. However, a company that specializes has taken this Orlando Toyota to an all-new level in terms of versatility.

Hit the highway in a new Toyota Sienna minivan

Camper vans are a great way to explore the country without having to navigate a large, cumbersome RV down the highway. However, even camper vans can be bigger than what you’re used to and also use more fuel than you’d like. Oasis Campervans, a company that specializes in converting minivans into camper vans, recently undertook the challenge to make the Orlando Toyota Sienna even more adaptable by converting it into a camper van capable of taking on the open road comfortably. Check out the details below!

• First things first – let’s talk about the sleeping arrangements because no one likes sleeping crumpled up in the backseat. This camper van actually offers a double memory foam mattress that lies on top of the dining/living area when it’s opened up and put to use. Talk about an upgrade.
• To keep things comfortable when you’re not sleeping, the double bed easily folds up and converts into a seating space; you can relax or use it to eat at a special pop-up swiveling table designed for that very purpose. The interior is also decked out with three storage cabinets and one storage drawer, as well as easy-t0-clean laminate flooring that’s also pleasant to look at. Marine canvas curtains to block out the light and let you get a good night’s sleep round out the cabin.
• Now let’s talk about storage. You’re probably thinking that there can’t possibly be much room for gear with everything this special Toyota Sienna already has going on inside. Think again. We already know that this Orlando Toyota has a spacious cargo area (39.1 cubic feet of space even with all seats up and occupied), but Oasis took it to another level by installing more storage cabinets, as well as a stainless steel sink. There’s enough storage for 1.5 gallons of fresh water, a refrigerator or cooler, a space for a two-burner stove, and even a countertop to work on. And it all fits neatly into the cargo hatch!

And the best news? It costs under $10k to convert your minivan (a lot cheaper than purchasing a camper van or RV for your travels) and additionally, it’s REVERSIBLE. If you decide the nomad life isn’t for you, you can restore your Toyota Sienna back to its original design.

Test drive this Orlando Toyota today

Ready to hit the road? The first step is to get behind the wheel of a 2020 Toyota Sienna. Shop them all at Toyota of Orlando today! We’re open and waiting at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.

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Toyota is renowned on a global scale for its innovation in the world of hybrid cars. The Toyota Prius, after all, is the hybrid that started it all. At Toyota of Orlando, we’re proud to offer multiple hybrid solutions to our customers who want to make the world a greener place every time they get behind the wheel. We have a pretty big lineup spanning both cars and SUVs that embrace a hybrid engineering system designed to cut down on emissions and boost fuel efficiency, but we’ve got news – things are about to get even better.

2021 brings Toyota Hybrid System II to Toyota of Orlando

As we’re sure you’ve heard, 2021 will both bring back the once-retired Toyota Venza and introduce an all-new Toyota Sienna to the market. These cars will be boasting more than just makeovers, though – both of them will also be showcasing a brand-new Toyota hybrid engineering system under the hood. We’ve got the scoop on how it differs from what’s currently in our Toyota hybrid cars so you can start considering whether or not you want to put one of these new and improved vehicles in your driveway.

Before we walk about the future, however, let’s talk about the present. As you know, Toyota of Orlando offers a wide lineup of Toyota hybrid cars. These cars use a full hybrid system; this means that the electric motor and internal combustion work together to power your hybrid car, but can also work independently to power your vehicle (i.e., you can drive on electric motor power alone). Other makes and models don’t always use this full hybrid system, relying on other types like a parallel or series system (neither of which is as efficient as a full hybrid system).

This type of Toyota hybrid engineering system has quite a few benefits. For starters, it greatly improves fuel efficiency, boosting it much higher than that of an Orlando Toyota that solely uses an internal combustion engine. Additionally, these eco-friendly cars cut down on emissions and use fewer natural resources, so you can rest easy that you’re making the world a greener place.

What will this new Toyota hybrid system have to offer?

So, what’s in store for you when the 2021 Toyota Venza and Toyota Sienna arrive at Toyota of Orlando? Here’s how the new Toyota hybrid engineering system will differ from the existing one:

• It’s more efficient and performance-driven than ever before thanks to new high-speed combustion technology
• It’s showcasing new nickel-metal hydride and lithium-ion batteries that are smaller and lighter than ever before, which means they can easily and comfortably be installed under the backseats (giving you more passenger and cargo space)
• It has a new power control unit that’s smaller and lighter, and it’s also been redesigned to lower the electrical loss by up to 10%
• The motor has a new rolling-coil structure with fewer wires and a newly developed magnetic steel; a new multi-axis system reduces the size and weight of the system in itself, which means your car will weigh less overall (and you’ll get even better fuel efficiency).

We can’t wait to see it in action at Toyota of Orlando! If you have questions or want to test drive one of our Orlando Toyota hybrids, call us. We’re open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500!

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Do you like to turn heads when you hit the road? If you’re the type of driver who wants a vehicle that’s anything but ordinary, you’re in luck – Toyota is officially adding two more models to its limited-time Nightshade Edition lineup. As of 2021, both the Orlando Toyota Avalon and Toyota C-HR will be available in this special edition model and will sport a darker, edgier look than any other models in the family.

Brand-new Nightshade Editions coming soon

We don’t have the exact details on these new Nightshade Edition Toyota models yet – it’s still up in the air since 2021 is a little ways off. We do know, however, that blacked-out accessory pieces are definitely in the picture and that the Avalon XSE is going to be retired after next year, so the Nightshade Edition might take its place for a while.

We can assume the general look and feel of these new Toyotas because there are other models up for grabs already. As of right now, you can find these edgy editions of the Toyota Tacoma, Tundra, Sequoia, Corolla, Corolla Hatchback, Highlander, and Camry. Let’s take a closer look at one of them so you can start setting expectations for the up-and-coming 2021 Toyota Avalon and Toyota C-HR.

What’s up with the 2020 Toyota Corolla Nightshade Edition?

If you haven’t had a chance to get your hands on the Orlando Toyota Corolla Nightshade Edition, it’s worth it to keep trying. Here are the main features this special model is showcasing:

• This model is based on the already sporty SE trim of this Orlando Toyota, giving it an automatic edge when compared to other trim-levels.
• It’s available on both the Corolla and Corolla Hatchback, giving you plenty of edgy options.
• It will showcase blacked-out exterior features including the door handles, exterior mirror caps, and lower fascias. Additionally, the Orlando Toyota Corolla Hatchback offers a blacked-out roof for serious contrast to the paint.
• This special edition vehicle will also feature black 18″ alloy wheels.
• It’s available in various special paint colors. The sedan model comes in white, silver, or black, while the hatchback comes in white, bronze, red, blue, or silver.
• Both models will be Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible.

And it’s been reported that Toyota will have 10 Nightshade Edition models on the market (or at least in the works) by the end of this year.

And you can’t go wrong with both the Toyota Avalon and Toyota C-HR.  The Orlando Toyota Avalon is decked out with top technology and offers a sleek and sporty but luxurious way to get around town – no stuffy luxury car vibes here. The Toyota C-HR, on the other hand, is already edgy and exciting with its diamond-inspired looks and sporty handling. Adding the new nightshade elements to these models only takes them to a whole new level in terms of appearance.

Want more details? Call us today – Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500. You can also stop by and see us at 3575 Vineland Road!

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Are you trying to get your ride back into like-new condition but on a budget when it comes to car detailing supplies? We’re here to help! We offer affordable car supplies at our Orlando Toyota parts store, but we’re also here to share budget-friendly car cleaning hacks to get your ride into the best shape possible without having to break the bank. Check it out!

Easy hacks for car cleaning

Washing your car

We know that when you’re on a budget, the last thing you want to spend money on is car cleaning supplies like expensive auto soap. However, resist the temptation to use regular dish soap on your vehicle. The harsh chemicals in it can actually do more harm than good to your paint, so it’s best to instead mix some hair conditioner with water if you’re washing your car on the cheap. It’ll actually help your car repel water and give it a nice, shiny finish. Win-win!

Cleaning the interior

Sprays formulated for the interior of your car are nice, but not absolutely necessary to get things clean. A little bit of olive oil on a soft cloth can work wonders for plastics, vinyl, and SofTex inside the car. If you have fabric seats that you want to freshen up, you can use regular soap, water, and a sponge – just scrub, rinse with clean water, and let dry. If there’s a particularly tough stain in your car’s upholstery or carpet, our Orlando Toyota car care experts recommend using club soda or a baking soda/water mixture (1/4 cup baking soda and one cup warm water) to scrub it out.

Cleaning the windows 

It’s essential to clean your windows and windshield so you have a clear field of vision at all times. However, using ammonia-based cleaners like Windex can damage the glass and your tint job that you shelled out hard-earned bucks for. Instead, use white vinegar mixed with water as a cleaner, and use crumbled newspapers instead of paper towels (newspaper is stronger and doesn’t leave those little weird white things all over the window as you clean).

Removing stuck-on debris from the exterior

Bird poop and sap are notoriously hard to get off of car paint, but it’s an essential part of car cleaning if you want to avoid paint damage in the long run. Our Orlando auto service techs recommend spraying a little WD40 on the spot to remove the offending debris – the grease will help loosen it up so you can wipe it away.

Getting rid of bad smells

Does the interior of your Orlando Toyota smell like it’s seen better days? Get rid of offensive, lingering odors with baking soda. You can sprinkle it on the seats and carper, let it sit for a few hours, and then vacuum out. A small bag of charcoal under one of the seats is also a great odor absorber.

Let Toyota of Orlando help you get your car looking like-new again

Have more questions about budget-friendly car cleaning hacks? Call us today – Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at (407) 298-0001.

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Toyota has quite the heritage when it comes to sports cars with options like the Toyota Celica, Toyota Supra, Toyota 86, and a few other select models. And they’ve been busy offering new options to the market, too, with the introduction of the Toyota 86 (formerly known as the Scion FR-S) and the resurrection of the Toyota Supra. Additionally, the sporty Toyota Corolla hot hatch will also be hitting the market at some point in the near future, giving drivers who want a bit of an edge in their drive time tons of solutions to choose from.

Do you remember the Toyota 2000GT?

However, that’s not all – Toyota is introducing a whole new element to their sports car game by creating new parts for the iconic Toyota 2000GT sports car. Toyota of Orlando has the scoop!

The Toyota 2000GT was a limited-production sports car (only 337 were produced) that came onto the market in 1967 and sadly, left it in 1970. This sleek two-seater sports car was a beauty and boasted rear-wheel drive, a hardtop, and Gran Turismo design elements (think flowing lines, pop-up headlights, and an extremely low stance). It was instantly popular because of its eye-catching design and exciting performance – this fan-favorite had a longitudinally-mounted 2.0L straight 6 engine under the hood and could achieve speeds of up to 135 mph. It was a manual transmission and disc brakes, which made it even more exciting to drive, and actually set several speed and endurance records at the time AND came in third place at the Fuji 100o Kilometres race in 1967. An open-top version was even created for a James Bond movie (You Only Live Twice) – does it get much cooler than that?

You’ll soon be able to buy classic car parts at Toyota of Orlando

However, all good things much come to an end and thus, the Toyota 2000GT was retired in 1970 and unfortunately, never made it back into production. However, Toyota is about to SORT OF make amends for that egregious offense – starting this year, they’ll begin to introduce parts for this classic sports car onto the market.

If you don’t already own a Toyota 2000GT, then you’re kind of out of luck (sorry, but you can come test drive a Toyota Supra or Toyota 86 at Toyota of Orlando anyway!). However, if you’re the proud owner of this iconic Toyota, then good news! A line of new spare parts (parts that are no longer available)  is currently being created and manufactured for this vehicle, with orders opening up on August 1, 2020. You’ll be able to get information about ordering parts on the TGR website and the best news? They’ll be available at Toyota of Orlando and other Toyota dealers for purchase!

Have questions? Want to test drive the new Orlando Toyota 86 or take a peek at the Toyota Supra? Need car parts for any other vehicle? We’ve got you covered on all accounts. Call Toyota of Orlando today at (407) 298-4500 or stop by and see us at 3575 Vineland Road!

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Do you routinely use your car parking brake? This small but essential part plays an important role in your car’s day-to-day life and Toyota of Orlando is here to tell you how and why. Here are 5 things you should know about your parking brake before you hit the road so you can safely and effectively put it to work when you get behind the wheel.

What you should know about your car parking brake

#1: Your car parking brake can be a pedal OR a hand brake, depending on your car’s make and model. Be sure to locate and test it during your test drive. If it’s a hand brake, it’ll be located in between the driver and passenger seats, near your gear shifter. You operate it by pulling it up until it locks into place, and you release it by pushing the button on the end and pushing it back down. If it’s a foot brake, it’ll be on the driver’s side near the accelerator and brakes. You operate it by pushing it down until it sticks, and you release it by pushing down on the pedal and then letting go to release the brake.

#2: You should NEVER drive with the parking brake engaged. If you try it, you’ll immediately notice the resistance and remember to turn it off. However, don’t try to drive with it engaged for any reason – it can cause major issues with your braking system. It can wear down your brake pads quickly AND cause temperatures to rise quickly, resulting in you wearing down the linings in your brakes.

#3: It needs to be maintained. You won’t have to do much for it – really, you can just ask our Orlando auto service techs to check it when you bring your car in for service – but it is necessary to have it routinely checked and cared for, especially if you use it a lot OR if your car has been sitting idle for a while.

#4: You should engage your parking brake BEFORE you put your car in park. Many drivers put their vehicle in park and then engage the parking brake, but this actually causes the car to rock back slightly, putting weight on the transmission. Instead, once you’re in your parking spot you should keep your right foot on the brake pedal (and leave your car running) and engage the parking brake, and THEN shift the car into park.

#5: Your car parking brake will need to be adjusted. Just like you need your car brakes serviced (replacing brake lines, resurfacing rotors, etc.) you’ll need to ensure that your car parking brake routinely serviced to replace bad lines or get rid of any corrosion that accumulates.

Service this important part at Toyota of Orlando today

Have more questions? Want to schedule car parking brake service at Toyota of Orlando? We’ve got you covered. Call Toyota of Orlando’s service center seven days a week at (407) 298-0001. You can also visit us at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall.

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When you climb into the driver’s seat of your car and turn the key in the ignition, you’re probably used to hearing the engine roar to life from the usual spot – in front of you, under the hood. However, did you know that putting the engine in the front is not always the norm? There are actually three different types of engine placements, and our Orlando Toyota engine experts are here to explain each of them and what they mean for your drive time in detail.

How do Toyota engine placements differ?

Type #1: Front-engine 

Front-engine Toyotas are definitely the most popular type of engine placement. In this configuration, you’ll find the engine in front of the front wheels of your Orlando Toyota and accessed by lifting the hood. Here are a few quick facts about this particular type of Toyota engine placement.

• This type of placement is the most common type and offers great traction and excellent control for the typical drive time. You’ll find it on Orlando Toyotas like our Corolla, Camry, Highlander, and more.
• It’s usually paired with front-wheel drive, which helps to enhance the handling aspect. You can, however, find this configuration paired with rear-wheel drive, like in our Orlando Toyota Supra or Tundra. However, because the engine is in the front and the power is coming from the back wheels, this can cause an imbalance that may leave you more likely to spin out.

Type #2: Mid-engine 

A mid-engine car definitely isn’t as popular as a front-engine car – in fact, that last time we saw a mid-engine Toyota in the U.S. was when we had the Toyota MR2 in our lineup at Toyota of Orlando. Here’s the breakdown of this type of placement, which situates the engine in the middle of the car in between the front and rear wheels.

• This type of configuration means that you have excellent balance (all the weight is in the middle) so cornering and handling are greatly improved (that’s why it’s popular for some sports cars). This can, however, mean that spinouts are unpredictable.
• This type of configuration also means you have less interior space in your car because the engine is literally where the cabin would be. These cars are typically just two-seaters with a front driver and passenger seat.

Type #3: Rear-engine 

A rear-engine car is pretty much a rarity at this point in time – you almost never see them. In this instance, the engine is in the back of the car where the trunk is usually located. Here are some quick facts:

• Most vehicles with this type of engine placement use rear-wheel drive. This translates to much higher acceleration than you’d expect.
• This high acceleration can also cause you to oversteer, and these types of vehicles can be difficult to control and drive in general.

Call Toyota of Orlando with engine questions today!

Have questions or want to test drive one of our Orlando Toyotas? Call us today! You can reach us seven days a week at (407) 298-4500.

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