Well, it’s official – the Orlando Toyota Land Cruiser is officially headed for retirement. Rumors have been swirling for a few months now that this classic SUV was about to be put out to pasture but many were holding out hope that they were just that: rumors. However, Toyota just confirmed that this off-roading icon will be put into retirement after the 2021 model year. Toyota of Orlando has the details.

Orlando Toyota SUV

Say goodbye to this iconic Toyota SUV

The current model of the Toyota Land Cruiser – the 200 Series – has been on the market since 2008. This luxury SUV is renowned throughout the world for its off-roading capabilities but as it is a luxury vehicle, it doesn’t sell in high numbers and is the sort of SUV a niche buyer would be looking for. Thus, Toyota’s decision to retire it for the foreseeable future. The 200 Series model will be retired after 2021 in the United States but there’s good news if you live overseas; the 300 Series will be introduced to markets in other countries. And while you may not be able to take it home with you here in the states, Toyota has stated that they’re going to remain committed to the large SUV segment of the market. Whether this means introducing a new SUV to the lineup, we’re not sure, but they did say they were going to explore future options that continue to honor the Toyota Land Cruiser’s heritage and history.

There’s more good news to soften the blow, too. For 2021, the new Toyota Land Cruiser Heritage Edition will offer three rows of seats for the first time (all previous iterations only had two rows). Additionally, it’ll likely lose the V8 engine and you can put the pedal to the metal with a new turbocharged V6 option instead. On top of that, if you’re interested in a similar product, you can always check out the Lexus LX. This luxury SUV won’t be retiring anytime soon and will also be getting the aforementioned turbocharged V6 engine under the hood.

Toyota features

Get off the pavement in an Orlando Toyota

We’re sad to see the Orlando Toyota Land Cruiser go, but we’re also eager to see what’s coming down the road to replace it. In the meantime, we’ve still got plenty of off-road options ready and waiting for you at our dealership PLUS a large selection of quality used Toyotas that will likely include a Toyota Land Cruiser or two in the future. If you’re looking to take things off the pavement now, consider options like:

  • Current Toyota Land Cruiser: This iconic Toyota SUV is well known for both its off-road capabilities and its luxurious interior. Recline in leather seats, access the latest and greatest tech, and take on any terrain thrown at you with features like CRAWL Conrol and Multi-terrain Select.
  • Toyota 4Runner: The Orlando Toyota 4Runner is a bit smaller than its larger sibling, but still packs a punch when it comes to off-road abilities thanks to features like limited-slip differential and active traction control.
  • Toyota Tacoma: Skip the SUV and head straight for the trucks – the Toyota Tacoma is well-adapted for off-roading adventures with features like four-wheel drive, CRAWL Control, and TRD sport-tuned suspension.

See them all – shop Toyota of Orlando today and take home the iconic Toyota Land Cruiser before it’s gone!

 

Here at Toyota of Orlando, we like to stay on top of all the rumors in the automotive world (even if there’s really nothing substantial backing them), and there’s one rumor floating around right now that we’re living for. Toyota recently trademarked the name “Grand Highlander”, and people are speculating that a larger and more decked-out version of the much-loved Orlando Toyota Highlander may be making its way to the market in the future. We’re digging into this interesting rumor further!

Orlando Toyota SUV

What will Toyota do with their new trademark?

First things first: Toyota did, in fact, trademark the name “Grand Highlander” which makes it theirs to use exclusively. To us, this signals that they’ll be making moves to introduce a new vehicle into their lineup, and going off of the name itself, it’ll be a larger version of the Toyota Highlander. But why?

If you remember, we recently (sadly) announced that the Toyota Land Cruiser is going to be retired after the 2021 model year. We’ll get one more year of production out of it and to mix things up a bit before it’s put out to pasture, Toyota is removing the V8 engine from under the hood and integrated a new V6 engine into the works. Additionally, the limited Heritage Edition will still be available and this go around, will offer three rows of seating. However, when all is said and done, this iconic Toyota SUV will be removed from the lineup after 2021, leaving an empty slot.

Will the Grand Highlander make its way to Toyota of Orlando?

That’s why we’re all about the Grand Highlander being introduced as a larger sibling to the original Toyota Highlander. Don’t get us wrong – we’re huge fans of the current model of this popular SUV. It’s sleek, stylish, and family-friendly (and additionally comes in a hybrid model, too). However, if you’re in the market for a large SUV, the Toyota Highlander may not tick all your boxes. Sure, it has three rows of seats… but the third row can be a bit cramped and if you utilize it, you lose a good chunk of storage space in the cargo area.

So what would the Grand Highlander have to offer? If we had to wager a guess, we’d say it’ll be a larger and more spacious version of the current model. It’ll likely rest on the same TNGA-K platform and have a V6 or turbocharged V6 engine under the hood and offer three rows of seating for passengers. It’ll also probably have a larger cargo area, which means the back end of the vehicle would need to be redesigned and updated. We’re conjecturing that it’ll be similar to the Lexus LX, which is Lexus’ solution to the large SUV.

We’ll keep you posted, but if you want a large SUV in the meantime, come down to Toyota of Orlando! The Toyota Land Cruiser is still hanging around and the Toyota Highlander isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. You can get behind the wheel of both at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall. Call us at (407) 298-4500 to schedule your test drive!

 

 

If you find yourself behind the wheel in the dark quite a bit, you know just how much of an adjustment it can be from driving during the day. Driving at night requires you to switch up your drive time habits to ensure the safety of both you and other drivers, and Toyota of Orlando is here to help you make the change with ease. Check out these quick additional tips for driving at night from our experts.

safe driving tips

Seven tips for driving at night

Tip #1: Clean your windshield with a piece of newspaper. Before you drive in the dark, take a minute to clean your mirrors and your windshield with a piece of newspaper (that junk mail will finally come in handy) or microfiber cloth to remove any streaks. Smears and streaks may not be a big deal during the day, but when you’re driving at night they can actually reflect light and cause a glare, making it difficult for you to see where you’re headed.

Tip #2: Make sure your headlights are aimed correctly. Sometimes your vehicle’s headlights become misaligned and can point unevenly. Park your car so you’re facing a wall and look at the beams – if they’re not even, get out and adjust the bulbs until they are.

Tip #3: Dim your instrument panel and dash lights. It’s always a good idea to dim your instrument panel and dash lights when driving at night. Lights that are too bright can be distracting and actually diminish your view of the road ahead.

Tip #4: Look for eyes. When you’re driving at night, look for eyes on the road. We know it sounds like something out of a horror movie, but we’re serious – light from headlights will reflect off of the retinas of animals in the road. If you see tiny spots of greenish light ahead, you know an animal is in the road and can slow or stop accordingly.

Tip #5: Don’t look at oncoming lights. If a car is passing you and they have their brights on, don’t look at them. If you have to, shield your eyes with your hand to avoid it. Looking at bright lights can leave you momentarily blinded after you pass them.

Tip #6: Use your rearview mirror correctly. Contrarily, if someone behind you has their brights on, you can avoid being blinded every time you look in the rearview mirror by using the tab on the bottom of the mirror. Flip the tab and your mirror will adjust so you can see clearly once again.

Tip #7: Be careful if you wear glasses. It can be challenging driving at night with glasses on, as light reflects off the glass and distorts your vision. Make sure your glasses have an anti-reflective coating on them or consider putting nighttime lenses over them for safety.

Toyota of Orlando can make you an expert nighttime driver

Want more tips or need help with your headlights? Toyota of Orlando is conveniently located just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road. You can reach us at (407) 298-4500 – we’re open seven days a week!

Have you ever taken a close look at the new Toyota models in our inventory? If you have, then you’ve probably noticed that the names of the models are pretty unique. It’s not like the Lexus lineup where each vehicle is a series of letters (RX, LX, GX) or the Mazda lineup, where nearly every vehicle is “Mazda” with a number and maybe a few letters after it to denote the model. No, Toyota definitely put some thought into their new Toyota names, and today we’re breaking down the meaning of each so you can better understand them!

Toyota of Orlando

Camry: Camry means “crown”, so it makes sense that one of the cornerstones of the Toyota lineup would carry this moniker. After all, the Toyota Camry pretty much is kind when it comes to performance, reliability, and style.

Highlander: The Orlando Toyota Highlander is named such because of the people who live in the Scottish Highlands. This particular region of Scotland is noted for its ruggedness, and its people are associated with energy and power. Makes sense in our eyes that this durable and reliable SUV would sport this name!

Tacoma: The Toyota Tacoma is named after Mt. Tacoma (now Mt. Ranier) in Washington State. This versatile and rugged truck is also associated with strength and power, just like the mountain.

Sequoia: The Toyota Sequoia is named after the Sequoia trees in California’s Redwood forests. These trees are renowned for their huge size and beauty, as well as their longevity. Sounds like the Sequoia to us!

Prius: Prius is actually Latin for “prior” or “to go before”. The Orlando Toyota Prius was the first mass-produced hybrid vehicle in the world, so this name is definitely fitting.

Tundra: The Toyota Tundra truck is well-known for its power, ruggedness, and toughness. That’s why it’s been named after the rugged region of the Arctic Tundra.

Avalon: The Toyota Avalon is all about sophistication, mystery, and comfort. It’s named after the mythical Celtic island paradise of Avalon, where King Arthur went to heal his wounds after his final battle.

Yaris: The new Toyota Yaris is a unique blend of etymology. It’s pulled from “Charis”; she’s the Greek goddess of beauty and creativity. Toyota blended “Charis” with the German word “ja”, which means “yes” and is pronounced “ya”. Put the two together and what do you get? Ya-ris.

Sienna: The new Toyota Sienna, known for its sophistication and sleek beauty despite the fact that it’s a family vehicle, is named after the Italian city of Siena, also renowned for its beauty.

RAV4: RAV4 is actually an acronym – it stands for “Recreational Active Vehicle with 4Wheel Drive”.

Corolla: Corolla is another word for the ring of petals around the center of a flower; Toyota chose this moniker because the Orlando Toyota Corolla is known for being compact, but still beautiful.

4Runner: 4Runner is a mashup of “off-road runner” and “4WD”.

86: The Toyota 86 is named as such because of the legendary Toyota AE86 sports car that preceded it.

Land Cruiser: Land Cruiser is derived from a vehicle that can literally go anywhere – as long as it’s on land.

Venza: Venza is a combination of the words “venture” and “Monza”. Monza is a city in Italy that has an outdoor racecourse, and Toyota chose to mix it with venture to represent outdoor adventure, driving performance, and leisure.

Supra: Supra means “above” or “to surpass” in Latin; it’s pretty fitting for this powerful sports car known for its speed.

C-HR: C-HR is an acronym for both “Compact High Rider” and “Cross Hatch Run-About”.

Mirai: Mirai means “future” in Japanese – fitting for a vehicle that’s bringing the latest and greatest technology to your drive time.

You can test drive any and all of these new Toyotas today to see if they really fit their name – contact Toyota of Orlando at (407) 298-4500!

 

When you think of a new Toyota, you likely think of how it looks and all of the features it includes. We’re talking features like engine, off-roading elements, entertainment technology, safety technology, convenience elements… the list could go on, but we’re willing to bet that one thing you’ve never thought about is the platform that your new Toyota (or the Toyota you currently drive) was built on. Toyota of Orlando is here to explain the ins and outs of car platforms so next time you’re shopping, you can do the best research possible before signing the dotted line.

designing a new Toyota

What is a car platform and why does it matter?

Essentially, a car platform is a structure upon which the vehicle is built. Think of it sort of like the foundation of a house – it’s what the rest of your Orlando Toyota rests on and builds up from. It can translate to the chassis design, engineering points, and aesthetic features of the car, but typically refers to the technical aspects of the design of the car. For example, a car platform will usually define elements like:

  • The types of suspension used both in the front and back of the car
  • The power steering parts and other steering mechanisms
  • The engine placement, powertrain parts, and type of engine to be installed
  • Both the front and rear axles, as well as the wheelbase, which is the distance between the two axles

To name a few.

Why are car platforms shared?

Another cool thing about car platforms is that they can actually be shared. This is when the platform or at least the platform specs are shared among models within a make, or even to other makes (like the Orlando Toyota 86 and the Subaru BRZ). Automakers do this because designing a new vehicle is expensive and time-consuming. It requires drawing up the design, assembling the vehicle, and then testing it thoroughly to ensure it performs the way it should and also is safe. By sharing car platforms, automakers can cut out a lot of these steps. This also means perks like:

  • Tons of testing – even if a car platform is shared with another make or model, it’s still tested for quality and safety (which gives you extra peace of mind).
  • Production is cheaper since no design is required and in turn, this means it’s cheaper for you to buy the vehicle.
  • Familiarity emerges. When two models share a car platform, a driver can feel more comfortable behind the wheel and it can make switching between models easier for them.

Here’s an example for you. Since 2015, Toyota has been using the TNGA platform for nearly 50% of its vehicles. This Orlando Toyota car platform encompasses the steering system, airbags, seat frames, shifters, and pedals. This standardizes some elements to make it easy when it comes to production and design.

Ready to get shopping? Call us! Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500.

Plenty of people have cars that aren’t meant for everyday driving. Maybe you have a new Toyota Supra sitting in your garage that’s meant for the track only, or maybe you have a vintage Toyota that you’re restoring slowly as you collect parts. Maybe you have a vehicle like a Toyota truck that’s for work only and when you’re not on the job, sits in the driveway. However, regardless of whether or not you have a “for-fun” or “for-work” vehicle, you’re going to need a daily driver to get you where you need to go on a routine basis. Toyota of Orlando is here with tips on how to choose the right new Toyota for your everyday driving needs.

choosing a new Toyota

Four things to consider when shopping for a daily driver

Tip #1: Think about fuel efficiency. Is fuel efficiency going to be a factor for you, or are you OK with getting lower MPGs? Make sure you consider this before you decide on a new Toyota. If you have a long commute or don’t want to pay a ton for fuel, you may want to consider a hybrid as your daily driver, or at least an Orlando Toyota that gets better fuel efficiency.

Tip #2: Consider your interior space and comfort needs. How big of an interior do you need for your daily driver? Will you be part of a carpool or carting kids to school? Do you need a backseat big enough to accommodate more than one car seat? And what about cargo space – do you need an enclosed cargo area for your everyday gear or will an open truck bed suffice for what you’re hauling around town? Choose a new Toyota that’s big enough (or compact enough, conversely) for all of your interior space requirements. You also want to ensure that the interior of the car is comfortable and ergonomically laid out – you’re going to be spending a lot of time behind the wheel.

Tip #3: Always take performance into consideration. Which performance capabilities do you need on a daily basis? If you only tow, haul or go off-road here and there, your daily driver may not need these particular performance capabilities. You could probably get by having a “special” vehicle for these requirements. However, if you’re someone who has to tow or haul every day for work or finds yourself going off the pavement daily to get to your rural destination, make sure you factor that into your final purchasing decision.

Tip #4: Take into account how long you plan on keeping the car.  How long are you going to keep your vehicle? Make sure you do your research on reliability and resale value if you’re going to keep it for a long time and possibly sell or trade it down the road. You’ll also want to take into consideration whether you should purchase or lease the vehicle based on your daily mileage and how long you want to have it in your possession.

Which Orlando Toyota will you use to hit the road every day?

Are you ready to shop our new Toyotas and find your daily driver? Call Toyota of Orlando today at (407) 298-4500 or stop by and see us at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall.

 

Is your morning commute slowly becoming the worst part of your day? Whether it’s because of the bad traffic, the long distance you have to drive, or just simply the fact that you’re not a morning person to begin with, morning drive time can be less than ideal. However, your time on the road defines how the rest of your day is going to go so you want it to be as enjoyable and stress-free as possible. Toyota of Orlando is here with tips!

Toyota of Orlando tips

Six tips for making your commute more enjoyable

#1. Leave earlier so you can slow things down. Morning commutes can be stressful enough without the added pressure of racing the clock. Leave 10-15 minutes earlier and give yourself extra time to get where you need to go so you’re not speeding or driving recklessly. If nothing else, it’s 10 extra minutes to hang out in the parking lot and scroll.

#2: Bring snacks and a drink. We don’t recommend eating a full breakfast in the car (hello, distracted driving), but it might make you feel better to have a hot coffee in a travel mug and a pop tart to keep you company during your commute. Bringing snacks and a drink can make your drive time a little more pleasant, giving you something to look forward to.

#3: Get into a new podcast or audiobook. What better way to pass the time in the car than to find a new podcast or audiobook to listen to? Music is great, but it can get old if you have an extra-long commute. You can also take the time to learn a new language or just listen to the news and catch up with what’s going on in the world (although a caveat – the news can be stressful).

#4: Catch up on phone calls. When’s the last time you called your mom? If she’s an early bird, use your commute time to give her a ring. This time is perfect for catching up with people you may not have time to talk to during the day. But remember – use the hands-free tech in your Orlando Toyota so you can keep your attention on the road.

#5: Change up your route. It can get stale taking the same route day in and day out. Why not alter your route to give yourself a change of scenery? This is also a great way to discover new restaurants, shops, etc. in your city.

#6: Keep your car clean. There’s nothing worse than driving in a dirty car, especially when you have a long commute ahead of you. Keep your car detailed and free of dirt, dust, and trash. Trust us, this can make all the difference when you get behind the driver’s seat in the morning! And if you don’t have the time (or inclination) to keep your vehicle clean, you can always bring it in for detailing at Toyota of Orlando.

Let Toyota of Orlando help you make the most of your drive time

Have questions or want to shop for car detailing supplies? Call us! Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at (407) 298-0001.

 

Off-roaders, this one’s for you – Toyota has officially created a new Toyota Hilux truck that can tackle any terrain, including the Arctic tundra. Toyota of Orlando has the scoop on this all-new off-road solution and we’re here to share.

Meet the newest model of the Toyota Hilux – the AT35

The AT35 – as this new Toyota Hilux has been dubbed – is a result of Toyota’s collaboration with Arctic Trucks to create a vehicle that explorers, scientists, and adventurists alike could use to go farther than ever before when exploring the Arctic. Obviously, the Arctic contains some pretty tough terrain – it’s rocky, uneven, full of water, mud, and ice, and has a polar climate (temps go well into the negatives on a regular basis). Plus, it can be dark quite a bit of the time, making terrain even more challenging to handle.

Tackle Arctic terrain in this incredible new Toyota truck

Thus, Toyota and Arctic Trucks had to make some significant changes to the existing Toyota Hilux to make it adaptable and comfortable enough to handle such tough terrain. They started with the X model of the Toyota Hilux in a double cab. It’s a very user-friendly vehicle that’s actually sold on the European market. Here are some of the upgrades and edits they made:

  • A re-engineered frame with new suspension that was jointly developed with Bilstein
  • New 35″ all-terrain tires and high, punched-out wheel arches – these bigger tires make the truck more capable of tackling tough terrain and maintaining high speeds while doing it (and it makes it more comfortable for passengers, too).
  •  More height – this truck will be 2.5″ taller than its predecessor and have approach and departure angles of 38 and 29 degrees (these angles were increased by nine and three degrees)
  • A 2.8L four-cylinder turbodiesel engine (which is actually standard in the regular model) that allows for 204 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque
  • Re-geared front and rear differentials for added torque when necessary
  • A six-speed automatic transmission
  • A payload capacity of 2.321 lbs and a towing capacity of 7,716 lbs

Plus, you can add options like mud-terrain tires, an air compressor for filling up low tires, skid plates, and more.

And the best news? This Toyota truck will actually be FOR SALE. You can buy it in England starting this year and it starts at about $25,800 before taxes. It also comes with a five-year/100,000 mile warranty as it’s a factory-authorized vehicle, not just a concept car.

Want to get your hands on it? You’ll need to head overseas but trust us – if you want a new Toyota truck that can handle almost anything – including intense Arctic terrain – this is the ride for you.

However, if you’d rather shop stateside, check out our new Toyota trucks at Toyota of Orlando. Both the Toyota Tundra and Toyota Tacoma are capable of taking on some pretty tough terrain if you like to get off the pavement. Come see what your options are and get behind the wheel to see if you like how they handle!

Call us today to schedule your test drive – we’re open and waiting at (407) 298-4500. Toyota of Orlando is conveniently located at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall.

When you buy a car – whether new or used – you’re going to have to sign a bunch of paperwork. Just like any other large purchase, you’ve got a lot of ground to cover in terms of legally transferring ownership of the item to yourself! One of the most important things you’ll sign when you buy an Orlando Toyota is the car title, and Toyota of Orlando is here to explain exactly what it is, the different types of titles, and what to look for in a title when you’re buying a preowned vehicle.

Toyota of Orlando tips

What is a car title?

A car title comes from the state in which you buy the car. It contains information like:

  • The identifying information for your car. This means elements like the make, model, year, VIN number, etc.
  • The license plate number now attached to your car.
  • Technical specifications, like the weight of the car.
  • The owner’s information, including name and address.

And if you’re financing your car, the car title will include the lienholder’s (who you borrowed the money from) information. This is so the state can ensure that before you officially sell the car to someone else, the debt will be paid to the lienholder.

The four types of car titles

There are four types of car titles that you should be aware of, especially if you’re buying a used vehicle in Orlando. Here are the basics:

Type 1: Clean

If the car is clean, it means that it’s in excellent shape structurally and there are no issues with the title or the vehicle itself. You’ll always find this type of title attached to a new car, and it’s a good thing to look for when you shop for something preowned.

Type 2: Clear 

A clear car title means there’s no debt against the car – the person who owns it owns it outright and doesn’t have a lienholder.

Type 3: Salvage 

If the car title is a salvage title, it means that the car has been wrecked – and badly – in the past. Basically, the car was deemed totaled by the insurance company. The damage to these cars was so extensive that they’re typically not safe to drive, and you’ll have a hard time getting insurance coverage for it, so buyer, beware.

Type 4: Rebuilt or reconstructed

If a salvage car has been repaired and rebuilt so it’s safe to drive again, the salvage title will be upgraded to rebuilt or reconstructed. However, you should check with your insurance company to ensure they’ll cover rebuilt cars and also keep in mind that it can be difficult to resell these cars.

car paperwork

Your car title will also indicate if your car was branded a lemon in the past according to the “Lemon Law”, which means the buyer was actually able to return it to the dealer because the car doesn’t meet standards for quality and safety.

What if you lose your paper title? It happens, but it’s not the end of the world. Gather up info like the make, model, VIN, your driver’s license, any lienholder information, and some receipt of how you paid for the car and you can get a duplicate title sent to you. And remember, if you finance a car, you won’t get the title right away because you don’t own it outright. Instead, it’ll be mailed to you when the car is paid off completely.

Have questions about car titles, or want to shop for a new Toyota or used vehicle? Toyota of Orlando is your go-to. Call us at (407) 298-4500 or stop by and see us at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall.

 

 

We all know that Toyota is dedicated to keeping their vehicle lineup wide and varied, as well as full of green options. They’ve introduced hybrid versions of many of their popular models, ranging from the compact Toyota Corolla Hybrid to the spacious and stylish Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Long gone are the days where the Toyota Prius family was the only eco-friendly option up for grabs. And the automaker just announced that they’re taking things up another level – they’ll introduce three more EV options in the year 2021 alone.

Orlando Toyota plug-in

Will we see new electric vehicles at Toyota of Orlando?

So far, our Orlando Toyota dealership doesn’t have much in the way of details. We know that one of the vehicles will be a plug-in (PHEV) and two of them will be all-electric cars (BEV). That’s pretty much it, though – we don’t know if these new electric options will be variants of current models or if Toyota will be introducing never-before-seen models into the lineup (or reviving old favorites, as they did with the Toyota Venza this year). If we had to speculate, we’d say that at least one of these electric vehicles will be an SUV (and the Toyota RAV4 Prime already exists, so we think all-electric is likely). It’s also quite possible that Toyota will make an electric version of their best-selling Toyota Camry. Not to mention, the 2022 Toyota Tundra has been kept under wraps pretty firmly, so there’s a chance that it might go green when finally unveiled. As we said, it’s all speculation. But we’ll keep you posted as more details unfold!

Should you drive an all-electric vehicle or a plug-in vehicle?

Thinking about changing up your drive time and going green? To get you prepped and ready to get behind the wheel of an electric car, let’s talk about how plug-ins differ from all-electric vehicles. Here are the basics:

  • Plug-in cars, like the Orlando Toyota Prius Prime, can literally be plugged in to charge up. These vehicles can run on electric power alone, but the range is typically pretty short (anywhere from 15-50 miles at a go). Luckily, when the electric charge runs out they can swap over to a gasoline-powered engine under the hood – plug-ins actually have two different drivetrains.
  • All-electric cars, on the other hand, run solely on electric charge and don’t have a gasoline-powered engine under the hood. These vehicles have longer ranges than plug-ins – they can usually go several hundred miles on one charge so you won’t be left in a lurch as long as you keep an eye on things.

Which is better? Well, they both have their perks and drawbacks. All-electric vehicles have zero emissions and are extremely green, clean, and also cheap to operate since you don’t have to pay for any gasoline. They also offer tax credits in some states, and are usually cheaper to maintain since there are fewer parts involved than in a gasoline-power car. Plug-ins, however, have a greater range and you can go much farther without having to worry about charging your car. Additionally, it can take anywhere from 25 minutes to a few hours to charge an electric car, which means it’s not as quick and efficient as pulling into a gas station and fueling up.

See which of these green cars better suits your lifestyle – stop by Toyota of Orlando to get more information and get behind the wheel of one of our plug-ins. We’re conveniently located at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall. You can also call our Orlando Toyota dealership for more info at (407) 298-4500.