The 2021 Toyota 4Runner has been unveiled
If versatility is the name of your game when it comes to your drive time, then you should definitely consider the Orlando Toyota 4Runner next time you’re ready to shop. This rugged but comfortable SUV is ready for anything – whether you’re getting around town or out of town, you’ll be able to do it in style with the latest technology and safety features. The 2021 model was just officially revealed, and Toyota of Orlando has the details on what you can expect when you get behind the wheel.
What can you expect on the latest model of the Toyota 4Runner?
First, let’s talk the base model. If you’re going to shop the Orlando Toyota 4Runner in 2021, you can expect the same incredible performance capabilities, body-on-frame construction, comfortable and spacious interior, and top technology for both safety and entertainment. Additionally, new LED lighting schemes will be standard on all models, including LED fog lights for an edgy look.
Next, let’s take a look at the upcoming 2021 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro model. It’s got several enhancements on deck, including:
- A new paint color called Lunar Rock (it’s replacing Army Green)
- New black alloy TRD flow form wheels and Nitto Terra Grappler tires that are more rigid and stronger than ever before. The wheels also showcase a deeper dish and more aggressive design.
- Flow form design of the wheel that allows for better handling and performance and re-tuned 2.5″ Fox Internal Bypass Shocks
- New TRD-tuned coil springs on the front shocks for an inch of lift (which means you can tackle off-road terrain more efficiently) and piggyback-style remote reservoirs for enhanced damping

Introducing the all-new Trail Edition
And finally, the 2021 Trail Special Edition. This is a brand-new model never featured before in the lineup and we can’t wait for it to arrive at Toyota of Orlando. Here’s what it will feature when it does:
- Both 2WD and 4WD options (the trim is based on the SR5 model)
- Dark gray TRD off-road wheels
- Paint hues like Army Green, Midnight Black, Cement, and Super White
- Black exterior badging
- An interior decked out in black seating with tan stitching accents
- All-weather floormats
- A Yakima LoadWarrior rooftop cargo basket
- A sliding cargo tray and custom 40 quart cooler. This cooler boasts a freezer-grade gasket that ensures an air-tight seal and will keep ice frozen for up to seven days, as well as a flat top that allows it to also serve as a seat or a table. It also has tie-down straps and special brackets located in the sliding cargo deck to keep it secure when you hit the road.

The model was designed with those who love the outdoors in mind – it truly is ready for anything whether you want to spend your weekend camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, or just exploring off the beaten path.
We can’t wait for the 2021 Toyota 4Runner to arrive at Toyota of Orlando and we’ll be sure to keep you posted about its ETA. In the interim, come check out the current models on the lot and take a test drive! We’re open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall. Call Toyota of Orlando today at (407) 298-4500.
Central Florida got lucky this weekend – the forecasters were predicting a Saturday night and Sunday full of nothing but wet weather. Isaias, however, had other things in mind and decided to skirt the coast, which means we did get some rain but also saw our fair share of sunshine. Even if you did hit the road, the rain wasn’t heavy enough to warrant bad driving conditions.

What is hydroplaning?
However, hurricane season is far from over (we’ve got until the end of November!) and we do live in Central Florida, which means daily afternoon thunderstorms with downpours, lightning, and wind gusts are pretty much par for the course. And one of the big risks of driving in the rain is hydroplaning, or when your car starts to slide because it can’t grip the road anymore due to water. Toyota of Orlando is here to explain hydroplaning and what to do if you find yourself in this hazardous situation.

To be more technical, hydroplaning is when your Orlando Toyota loses its traction when you’re driving in the rain. Your tire treads displace water so your tires can properly grip the road and get you where you need to go. However, sometimes when you’re traveling at higher speeds and there’s a lot of water on the road (or it’s just freshly rained and the water is mixing with oil on the road), the water actually starts to push your front tires up a bit, off the ground. This causes a thin film of water to form in between the road and your tires and subsequently, you hydroplane, and your car starts to slide because it can no longer grip the road.
How to deal if you hydroplane while driving in the rain
So how should you react if you find yourself in this dangerous situation while driving in the rain? Here are some tips from our Orlando Toyota experts:
- Avoid the urge to slam on the brakes (because that will be your natural reaction). Instead, take your foot off the gas pedal to let your car slow on its own.
- If you’re still moving fast with no slowing in sight, you can gently push on the brakes (if you have anti-lock brakes – otherwise, you’ll want to slowly pump the brakes to avoid them locking up and you spinning out more).
- Turn your steering wheel in the direction of your slide. It seems weird, we know, but turning it in the opposite direction can actually cause overcorrection and cause you to spin. Steer into the slide (the direction that your back wheels are going) with small adjustments – don’t jerk the wheel.
And take a moment to collect yourself when you’ve finally come to a stop. Hydroplaning can be extremely scary and nerve-wracking and you should give yourself a change to calm down before you hit the road again.
And don’t forget, an easy way to avoid hydroplaning while driving in the rain is to keep your tires in great shape. Schedule service at our Orlando Toyota auto service center today! Call us at (407) 298-0001 or stop by and see us at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall.
What’s new on the 2021 Toyota Tundra
Are you thinking about putting yourself in the driver’s seat of a new truck in the next few months? If so, we’ve got great news – the 2021 Toyota Tundra will soon be arriving at dealerships across the nation and bringing with it new special editions, new features, and new colors… but the same incredible performance. Toyota of Orlando has the info you need surrounding these updates, and we can’t wait to set you up for a test drive.
When the 2021 Toyota Tundra arrives at Toyota of Orlando, it’ll be showcasing a 5.7L i-FORCE V8 under the hood. This means you can easily tow up to 10,200 lbs and have a maximum payload of 1,730 lbs; it also means you’ll get the same powerful performance you’ve become accustomed to in prior models. On top of that, the new Orlando Toyota Tundra will be available in Double Cab or CrewMax trim-levels, both of which are four-door models.
2021 Toyota Tundra will offer two new special edition models
The 2021 Toyota Tundra will bring two new special edition models to the lineup – the Trail Special Edition and the Nightshade Special Edition. Here’s the breakdown.
Trail Special Edition: This new model is designed for drivers who love the great outdoors – it’s built with camping, fishing, hiking, biking, and more in mind. It’s based on the SR5 CrewMax model and comes in both 2WD and 4WD, but offers a larger fuel tank, an anti-theft system with alarm and engine immobilizer, and front bucket seats. Here are a few more details:
- It’s available in Army Green, Super White, Cement, and Midnight Black and has all-black exterior badging, as well as black seating on the interior with tan stitching accents.
- All-weather floor-liners are standard.
- The exterior boasts a chrome grille and special edition wheels.
- It also offers lockable bed storage that has insulation and a drain plug so you can use it as a cooler when you hit the open road.

Nightshade Special Edition: This new special edition model will be based on the Limited trim-level and showcases a black leather interior, as well as an exterior with a darkened chrome grille, black mirror caps, black door handles, black wheels, and even a black exhaust tip. It comes in Midnight Black Metallic, Winchill Pearl, Super White, or Magnetic Gray Metallic paint, and offers the choice of 2WD or 4WD.

And on top of those two special edition models, you can take the Orlando Toyota Tundra TRD Pro home in a brand-new color – Lunar Rock.
Test drive a new Toyota truck today at Toyota of Orlando
This new Toyota hasn’t officially hit the market yet, but we’ll be sure to inform you when it does. In the meantime, why don’t you test drive the 2020 Toyota Tundra at Toyota of Orlando? Our store is open and ready to help, and you can either visit us in person OR explore our truck selection online. Thanks to our digital retailing tools, you can explore your options, ask questions, build your custom deal, and even find out how much you can get for your current car if you trade in!
Shop today – or call us with questions. Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500 and we’re conveniently located at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall.
Gasoline and diesel engines, explained
If you’re in the market for a new truck, you’ve probably encountered the decision of a gasoline or diesel engine. It can be confusing to decide which is better for your drivetime needs, so our Orlando Toyota dealership is here to break down the main differences and explain both gasoline and diesel engines for you so you can make an educated decision when it comes time to sign the dotted line. Check it out!

Gasoline engines vs diesel engines
First, let’s talk about how things work under the hood.
- Gasoline engines use spark plugs to create a spark and start an internal combustion process that ignites the fuel to get your car up and running. Diesel engines, on the other hand, use extreme compression to generate enough heat to cause the necessary spark for combustion – these types of engines actually don’t even have spark plugs.
- Diesel engines also have fewer parts in them, which means they’re usually a bit more reliable and don’t require as many repairs as a gasoline engine, which has a lot of moving parts in it to keep things running.
- Diesel engines have the capacity to be a bit more fuel-efficient than gasoline engines because of their higher compression rates and different parts. This is good because diesel fuel tends to be more expensive than regular gasoline, and you’ll only have one grade to choose from (where if you’re pumping gasoline, you’ll typically find 3-4 grades to choose from that vary in price). So you may pay a bit more for diesel, but the engine uses it more efficiently than you’re used to.
- If you’re worried about how green your drive time won’t be when you drive a diesel truck, don’t. True, these trucks were traditionally seen as loud and bad for the environment because of all of the emissions they released. However, as technology keeps evolving, they get cleaner and quieter with every passing iteration. They’re also a lot lighter in weight than they used to be, which means even better fuel efficiency.
- You’ll also have access to more power when you drive a diesel vehicle. These engines can generate more horsepower and torque than traditional gasoline engines, and they don’t have to be huge to do so because of their high compression rates.

Which of these engine options is better for you?
So how do you decide between the two? Here are some pointers to help guide your decision.
- If fuel costs concern you, diesel engines may cost a bit more to fill (as diesel fuel can be more expensive) but they’re extremely efficient and in the long run, will likely cost less to run.
- If repair and maintenance costs are a concern, remember that diesel engines tend to be a bit more durable because they have fewer parts that need care.
- Diesel vehicles are especially efficient on the highway, so if you put a lot of highway miles on your ride this may be the way to go.
- Gasoline-powered vehicles are usually a bit less expensive than diesel vehicles when you shop.
Have questions or want to shop our Orlando Toyota trucks and SUVs? Call us! Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500.
5 of the weirdest Toyotas ever dreamed up
Here at Toyota of Orlando, we’re all about innovation. We love it when Toyota announces a new model or even a new concept because we know even if it doesn’t necessarily make it to our dealership, it’ll influence the vehicles in upcoming generations in a big way. However, sometimes the models and concepts released by Toyota can be a little… weird, to put it bluntly. Today we’re talking five of the weirdest models and concepts we’ve seen in the past few decades – check it out.
5 of the weirdest Toyota models ever debuted
Toyota Mega Cruiser: The Toyota Mega Cruiser – believe it or not – actually made it into production and was on the market from 1996 to 2002 in Japan only. It was designed to mirror the (once) popular Hummer vehicles and ended up being used primarily by the military in Japan as a transport vehicle, as well as by police, firefighters, and other first responders. This Toyota model was a 4-door SUV with a 4.1L turbo diesel inline-4 engine and an automatic transmission with a two-speed transfer case that sent power to all four wheels. It was also huge and weird and while well-suited for military purposes, looked seriously off on suburban streets.
Toyota Tundrasine: This one is as weird as it gets. Back in 2015, Toyota thought – for whatever reason – that it would be a cool idea to introduce a new Toyota Tundra concept model at SEMA known as the Tundrasine. (We’re cringing.) It’s a mix of a 1794 Edition Toyota Tundra truck and a limousine (cringing even harder), was 26 feet long, and offered eight doors that led to an interior inspired by Lear jets – it was bedecked in brown leather and luxury features. And it still had a bed for cargo. Weird.
Toyota Previa: The Toyota Previa was another Toyota model that made it to production; this minivan was actually a popular option back in the 1990’s. It was produced in America from 1990-1997 and was then discontinued, but continued to be produced on a worldwide basis until 2019 (why? We don’t know.). This minivan was actually a mid-engine model and important components could only be accessed by basically disassembling the interior. The first gen was also available in manual transmission, which is pretty odd for a minivan.
Toyota Sera: When we think of this three-door hatchback coupe, we think of Back to the Future. Why? The doors say it all – instead of opening out like a normal Toyota model, they actually open up a la Delorian. It was manufactured from 1990-1995 and sold exclusively in Japan, and offered features like three models, a 1.5L inline-4 engine, automatic and manual transmissions, and oddly enough, a pretty spacious trunk area under the hatchback door.
Toyota FC-V: The Toyota FC-V Plus was a concept car developed and debuted in 2015 and its vibe is extremely futuristic. It’s a fuel cell vehicle that also produced its own electricity that you could tap into. Other than that… well, just look at it.
Find a normal Toyota today at Toyota of Orlando
Ready to get your hands on a more normal new Toyota model? Call us today – Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500.
Practice safe driving around school buses
Back to school is just around the corner and while things definitely aren’t typical, there are still some students heading back to campus. This means traffic may be a bit heavier during your daily commute and school buses will be out and about once more. Now is the perfect time to brush up on your safe driving skills for back to school driving, specifically for when it comes to school buses.

Do you know which safe driving habits to use around school buses?
There are specific laws you have to follow when you’re driving around a school bus, even when you’re not inside of a school zone. Plus, there are certain safe driving practices that you’ll want to put into play to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you. Toyota of Orlando has all the tips you need – read on!
Tip #1: Don’t follow a school bus too closely. You want to ensure you have plenty of space to bring your car to a stop since school buses make frequent stops to pick up and unload passengers. You should follow the two-second rule – once the bus passes a landmark (like a street sign or tree) you should pass it no sooner than two seconds later. Additionally, when the bus stops you should leave about 10 feet of space in between the front of your car and the back of the bus. That way kids have space to pass between if they need to.
Tip #2: Be ready to stop. School buses make frequent stops so you should keep your eyes on the road and be ready to come to a stop at a moment’s notice. This means doing away with all distractions and focusing on safe driving and your surroundings.
Tip #3: Stay out of their blind spot. Stay out of the driver’s blind spot – buses are big and in turn, have big blind spots. If you can’t see their mirrors, they can’t see you and you should wait to pass. Always pass on the left and never try to pass when the yellow lights are flashing, indicating a stop.
Tip #4: Know when you have to stop for the bus. Did you know it’s against the law to pass the school bus when it’s stopped? If you see the lights flashing, it’s about to stop and you should also bring your Orlando Toyota to a stop even if you’re not in the same lane as the bus. The only time you don’t have to stop is if you’re driving in the opposite direction and there’s a double line in the middle of the road. If you’re driving in the opposite direction and there’s a raised barrier OR a paved median at least 5 feet wide in the middle of the road, you still have to stop when the bus stops.
Tip #5: Never pass on the right. You shouldn’t pass on the right – this is where passengers load and unload. Always pass the bus on the left.
Toyota of Orlando has all the safe driving tips you need for back to school
Want more safe driving tips for back to school? Call Toyota of Orlando today at (407) 298-4500!
Your car transmission: What you should know
When you hit the road, a lot of moving parts make it happen. Your car’s engine and the inner workings are more complicated than you might think and it’s good to have a basic understanding of how it all comes together so you can better prepare for and comprehend your auto repair and maintenance needs. Today we’re talking about your car’s transmission and giving you the basics on what it does so you can understand why it’s important to performance.

Your car transmission, explained
Did you know there are two main types of car transmissions? Here’s the breakdown.
Manual transmissions are the OG – back in the day, most cars had this type of transmission. In this configuration, shifting is done manually by the driver with a clutch and a shifter. The driver has to move up and down between gears as the vehicle accelerates and slows, which means you have to be paying close attention while you’re behind the wheel.
Automatic transmissions are newer and nowadays, the more common of the two types. Shifting is done automatically by your Orlando Toyota, requiring no shifting from you as the driver. This type of transmission usually allows for smoother shifting but at the same time, decreases fuel efficiency a bit due to a slight lag in gear shifting.

What types of automatic transmissions are there?
To break it down even further, there are actually 4 different types of automatic transmissions. Here are the basics:
- Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT): This type of transmission is one you’ll find used a lot in our Orlando Toyotas. It sounds odd, but this one actually doesn’t shift. CVTs use pulleys instead of gears to make your transition between speeds and RPMs as smooth as possible. They don’t have the typical shifting “feel” of other vehicles, but they can be louder and usually can’t produce a ton of power for your performance.
- Conventional automatic: This type of transmission uses a torque converter and electronically-controlled clutch pack to do all the shifting for you – all you have to do as a driver is accelerate with the gas pedal and hit the brakes to slow.
- Automated Manual: This type of transmission is a mix of automatic and manual. It doesn’t use a manual clutch, instead using a computer-automated clutch. If you buy an Orlando Toyota with this type of car transmission, you’ll usually find that it comes with paddle shifters or a manual sport mode.
- Dual-clutch automated manual: This is a particularly unique type of car transmission and you won’t find it on too many vehicles. It uses two different gear shafts with one numbered for odd gears and one numbered for even gears, all in all numbering 1-7. Your car’s computer pre-selects the gears and automatically shifts, disengaging the first gear to move to the next and taking care of all of the shifting for you as the car speeds up and slows.
Have questions about your car transmission? Give us a call – Toyota of Orlando’s auto service center is open seven days a week at (407) 298-0001!
The 2022 Toyota Tundra: What you should know
When you actually take a look back at the last time the Orlando Toyota Tundra was completely redesigned, you may be surprised – this popular truck has been a much-loved option for a long time, but it hasn’t seen a complete overhaul since 2008. That’s 12 years and while things have been updated and improved since then, the Toyota Tundra is still… well, the same.

What will the 2022 Toyota Tundra feature?
However, that’s about to change. In 2022 this Orlando Toyota truck will be getting a full makeover from top to bottom, inside and out, bumper to bumper and Toyota of Orlando is here with the scoop on what you can expect when it arrives. Here are the highlights.
- The 2022 Toyota Tundra will no longer feature a V8 engine option… like, at all. From now on, this best-selling truck will be sporting a V6 engine. Higher-end models will likely offer a 3.4L option that gets 416 horsepower, while lower models will most likely offer a 3.5L that gets 278 horsepower. It’s rumored that both will offer much-improved horsepower.
- We may even see a hybrid option up for grabs in the 2022 model year as other makes make their way into the electric segment alongside it and Toyota continued to expand its hybrid lineup.
- A new chassis is in play – the new Toyota Tundra will showcase body-on-frame construction with new high-strength steel that also lowers the overall weight of the truck. The chassis will reflect the TNGA-F design (Toyota New Global Architecture-F) which was recently introduced to the make.
- Gone are the leaf springs once found in the rear – the remodeled version of this Orlando Toyota truck will have coil springs as well as a live rear axle. We expect that due to the new design and chassic, the new elements, and the new engine, this popular truck will see big improvements in terms of towing, hauling, and performance in general (right now it maxes out at hauling 1,730 lbs and towing 10,200 lbs).
- The newest Entune infotainment system will be inside the cab, featuring a massive 12″ touchscreen interface and a head-up display option.
- This new Toyota truck will also boast a full Safety Sense suite with the latest and greatest safety technology, including automatic lane centering, advanced radar cruise control, and more.
- The interior and exterior of this much-loved Toyota truck will boast a complete redesign, including a larger grille and taller hood, as well as an evolution reflecting the current design trends of this decade.
When will it arrive? We expect to see this remodeled Toyota Tundra until mid-to-end 2021 and we haven’t gotten details just yet about price, trim-levels available, or additional features and accessories. But we’ll be sure to keep you posted!
Call us with questions about this Orlando Toyota today
Have questions or want to check out our current lineup of Toyota trucks? 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.
Driving in the snow: What you should know
Ok, we know, we know – this is Orlando and our chances of seeing ANY snow this year are basically zero. However, we also know that the holidays are coming up and with them bringing holiday road travel to see friends and family. Even if we won’t see snow here in Central Florida, there’s a chance you may encounter it on your holiday road trip (it’s snowing in Denver today, already!). That’s why we’ve compiled this quick guide to driving in the snow so you’re ready for whatever Mother Nature may throw your way.

Tip #1: Slow down. A lot.
When driving in the snow, you should significantly reduce your speed. Even in the best of conditions, the roads will be slippery and slick and your chances of losing traction are high. The slower you’re going, the more control you’ll have over your vehicle. Just remember to stay in the right lane so other drivers can get around you.
Tip #2: Leave more distance.
You should always leave more distance between your Orlando Toyota and the car in front of you when driving in the snow. Conditions are very likely to be slippery and if the car in front of you brakes suddenly or loses control, you want to ensure you have plenty of space to bring your car to a stop without slamming on your brakes or having to swerve out of the way.
Tip #3: Take turns slowly and carefully.
When you’re turning in the snow, you want to make sure you take your turns slowly and carefully, avoiding jerking the wheel. Why? Because if the road is slippery and you power through a turn, it’s likely that your back wheels will slide out from under you and you’ll lose traction. Slow down well before your turn and move the wheel gently.

Tip #4: Don’t make sudden movements.
Don’t slam on your brakes or gas, and don’t jerk the steering wheel when driving in the snow. These sudden movements can cause your car to skid and lose traction, which puts you in danger of getting into an accident.
Tip #5: Don’t get too confident.
Just because you have a car with all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive doesn’t mean you’re impervious to the dangers of driving in the snow. Yes, you’ll likely have better traction, but you can still lose control and should still take steps to drive as carefully as you can to avoid an accident.
Tip #6: If you skid, don’t slam on the brakes (even though that’ll likely be your first reaction).
Instead, take your foot off the gas. If your front wheels are sliding, removing your foot from the gas should let the tires regain traction in a moment or two. If your rear wheels are sliding, turn your steering wheel in the same direction that your wheels are sliding. As you regain traction, slowly and deliberately start to steer in the opposite direction.
Have questions or think you need to make an appointment to get your car road-ready before you travel? Call Toyota of Orlando any time at (407) 298-0001.
The 5 main types of car tires
Are you in the market for new car tires? It can be confusing trying to wade through the options and choose the right one for your car and your drive time needs. That’s where our Orlando Toyota service center comes in! Not only do we have a great selection of all types of tires at affordable prices (and deals on top of deals), we also have knowledgeable techs on board. We sat down with them to learn more about the main types of car tires, and here’s the quick guide we compiled from their input.

The five main types of car tires
Type 1: All Season
All season tires are good for… well, all seasons. But this is only true if your seasons aren’t crazily intense – if you live in an area with heavy snow and ice, these tires may not cut it. All season tires can handle wet and dry roads as well as light snow and they come in two types (Touring and Passenger). Touring tires are quieter and have better handling, while passenger tires provide a smoother ride and tend to last longer.
Type 2: Summer
Summer tires are similar to all season tires; they’re great for wet and dry conditions in climates that usually don’t go below 45 degrees every year (i.e. they’re a good bet for Orlando). Summer tires tend to have detailed tread patterns with orbital grooves, which allows for great handling in dry summer conditions.
Type 3: Winter or Snow
If you live in an area of the country that gets heavy snow and often has icy conditions, winter or snow tires may be a good investment for your Orlando Toyota. They’re made of a special rubber that stays pliable and soft even when it’s below freezing, which means you have better handling capabilities. They’re also more durable than all-season car tires and their tread is designed with deep grooves and lots of small fissures and channels to help move through slush and snow and still provide superior traction.
Type 4: Performance
Do you like to hit the track? Performance tires are a great option if you love the feel of driving fast and want something with excellent handling and cornering capabilities, even if it’s just for your sedan. These tires are usually wider than normal for more contact with the road and have shallow treads and a low profile look. They typically come in four subtypes – performance, high performance, ultra-high performance, and competition.

Type 5: Truck
If you drive a truck and like to make the most of its performance capabilities, you may want to look into specially crafted truck tires for your next ride. There are several main types. Highway truck tires are great for a smooth ride no matter the road, while performance truck tires are designed to withstand higher speeds and more aggressive driving. All-terrain truck tires are good for driving in sand, light mud, and gravel, while off-road tires are perfect for taking on challenging off-road conditions like deep sand, heavy mud, and snow.
Toyota of Orlando can get you the tires you need
Have questions about your car tires? Let Toyota of Orlando help. We’re open seven days a week at (407) 298-0001 and you can stop by and see us at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall.

