Celebrate Easter Weekend 2021 in Orlando
Easter is here! Do you have plans to make the most of the beautiful weather and holiday weekend? Check out these fun events going on in the City Beautiful and surrounding areas this Saturday and Sunday and from our family to yours, hoppy Easter!

Central Florida Zoo will be hosting an Easter event from 9 am to 3 pm tomorrow, April 3. “Hippity Hoppity Adventure” will include an egg trail, crafts, games, music at the splash pad, and an inflatable obstacle course! The Easter Bunny will also be making an appearance to round out the celebration. This event is free with zoo admission.
Gaylord Palms Resort will be hosting indoor scavenger hunts, a springtime pool party, a cookie decorating experience, and even encounters with animals from Wild Florida throughout Easter Weekend! Guests can also have breakfast with Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny to kick off the day.
ICON Park is offering a chance to have your photos taken with the Easter Bunny as well as complimentary rides on The Wheel for visitors who do so!
City of Ocoee is holding a Glow in the Dark Easter Egg Hunt at the Jim Beech Recreation Center! Attendees will also get to experience a glow zone and live music from a DJ. You have to reserve your spot ahead of time for this free event on April 2 from 6-9 pm.
CrossLife Church in Oviedo is hosting an “EGGstravagant” event filled with games, inflatable bouncers, scavenger hunts, live entertainment, sno-cones, and more! The event is free and takes place from 11 am to 2 pm tomorrow, April 3.
Mall at Millenia will offer Easter Bunny photos and while you’re there, stop by Capital Grille for Easter brunch! They’re serving lobster frittata, NY strip and eggs, pan-seared sea bass, filet mignon, shrimp and grits, and more.
The Tea Room Experience is hosting an Easter-themed afternoon tea in honor of the weekend! Enjoy finger sandwiches, scones, fresh clotted cream, mimosas, and all the tea you can drink. Seating is limited and tickets are $35 a person.
The Hammered Lamb is hosting an adult easter egg hunt. The egg hunt starts at noon and there will be live music and entertainment plus great food throughout the afternoon.
Have a wonderful Easter weekend!
Meet the all-new 2022 Toyota GR 86
It’s finally here – the 2022 Toyota GR 86 has officially been unveiled. It’s set to arrive at dealerships across the nation late this year, but our Orlando Toyota dealership has the scoop NOW on what it’s going to offer when you can finally slide into the driver’s seat.

If you noticed, the name is slightly different. Toyota added “GR” to this sports car’s moniker, which stands for Gazoo Racing (and it’s obvious that this car will be track-ready). However, that’s not all that’s changed. This Orlando Toyota was completely redesigned for its second generation. Much like the first gen, it was co-designed and developed with Subaru (check out the BRZ – twinsies) and the two automotive powerhouses didn’t disappoint when it comes to design, performance, and technology. Here are the basics of what the all-new Toyota GR 86 will offer.
- A larger engine – the original has been replaced with a 2.4L flat-four. This means increased horsepower (232 hp) and torque (184 lb-ft) for a more exciting performance. (The old model got 205 hp and 156 lb-ft).
- It’s still rear-wheel drive for quick acceleration and is available in both six-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmissions.
- It gets from 0-62 mph in 6.3 seconds, an improvement from the 7.4 seconds that the prior generation boasted.
- Dimensions will stay generally the same; the new 2022 Toyota GR 86 will showcase the same low stance that it achieves through its flat-four engine. The wheelbase is slightly longer and the center of gravity is a little lower.
- The roof and fender panels are now made of aluminum for lower overall weight (and more speed).
- Torsion rigidity has been increased by about 50%, according to Toyota – this means enhanced handling as well as a more comfortable experience for the driver and passengers.
- The interior will showcase a 7″ digital display in the instrument cluster, as well as an 8″ touchscreen interface for the entertainment system.
- Some models of the new Toyota GR 86 will showcase the new Subaru EyeSight driver-assist technology. (Likely the automatic models.)
We can’t wait for it to arrive at Toyota of Orlando. For more information about the 2022 Toyota GR 86, call us! We’re open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500 and conveniently located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road.
The best five features to have for your road trips
Spring and summer are the prime times to hit the open road in your new Toyota, especially if plane travel just isn’t your thing. However, even though road trips are a great way to get out and explore the U.S., they can get tedious if you don’t have the right tech and tools at your disposal. Check out the top five features you’ll want to have in your next Orlando Toyota to make your road trips easy, efficient, and stress-free!

Don’t take that summer road trip without these five features
1. Adaptive cruise control: Cruise control is a great feature for any road trip; it allows you to stretch out and relax a little bit while you’re on the open road. Adaptive cruise control, however, is an upgrade from this convenient feature. With adaptive cruise control, your Orlando Toyota will actually slow and accelerate your vehicle according to the car in front of you. If they brake or slow, this ingenious feature will slow your vehicle and then return you to your cruising speed when it’s safe. It takes highway travel to an all-new level.
2. Bluetooth wireless streaming: It’s all about the hands-free, cords-free life when you’re out on the highway, especially if you’re solo. Bluetooth allows you to stream phone calls and music in your vehicle without an adaptor cord, and it’s usually paired with hands-free controls so you don’t even have to pick up your phone – you can use the controls mounted on the steering wheel so your focus is on the road ahead at all times.
3. Rear-seat entertainment system: There’s nothing worse than the constant chorus of “are we there yet?” ringing out from the backseat. Allay your backseat riders’ boredom with a rear-seat entertainment system. Vehicles like the Orlando Toyota Sienna offer this life-saving feature along with wireless headphones so you can still listen to your favorite podcast in the front while the kids stay entertained with their favorite Disney + show in the backseat.
4. Apple CarPlay: Apple CarPlay is newer tech that basically allows you to view and operate your phone’s home screen right in the touchscreen panel of your vehicle. It makes accessing and using apps easier than ever; you can view your navigation, operate your Apple Music, and even view and respond to text messages with ease. It also works with all of your car’s control buttons for major convenience.
5. Wireless charging: Again, it’s all about going cords-free when you’re on a road trip. Many of our Orlando Toyotas have Qi wireless charging in them, meaning you can simply lay your device on the pad, and voila – it charges up while you navigate the open road.
Find a road-trip-ready ride today at Toyota of Orlando!
And the best part of all of this is that you can see and test every single one of these features right here at Toyota of Orlando when you shop for your next road-trip-ready ride. We’re conveniently located just off the I-4 – stop by and see us at 3575 Vineland Road, near the Millenia Mall. You can also call ahead of time at (407) 298-4500 to schedule a test drive or get more info on the cars and features available.
Tips for driving a stick shift Toyota
Do you own – or are you planning to buy – a stick shift car? Otherwise known as a manual transmission, this type of Orlando Toyota comes with a clutch pedal, a shifter, and a need for know-how. Driving a stick shift car isn’t difficult, but it does require a certain amount of finesse if you want to avoid doing damage to your ride. Toyota of Orlando is here to give you some quick tips on owning and operating a manual transmission vehicle.

A lot of people choose automatic transmissions nowadays; they’re a lot more common than they used to be and they offer a degree of convenience that’s hard to beat. You just sit back and let the car do all the work for you. Manual transmissions, on the other hand, require that you manually shift the vehicle’s gears as you accelerate and decelerate. And while that can seem like it would get tedious after a while, it actually has its perks. Stick shift cars tend to be more fuel-efficient, cheaper to buy, and believe it or not, more exciting to operate as you have major control over your acceleration, speed, and RPMs.
Five tips for driving a stick shift
However, as noted, manual transmission cars do have more parts and more parts mean more potential for repairs. Check out these quick Orlando Toyota tips for driving a stick shift as efficiently as possible.
Tip #1: Don’t forget about the clutch. When driving a stick shift, you HAVE to use your foot to engage the clutch before you try to shift gears. If you don’t, you could do serious damage to your car’s gears and engine over time, resulting in expensive repairs. Always remember to push the clutch in, then shift. Same goes for braking – as you slow down, your car will lower its RPMs and if you don’t push the clutch in, you’ll stall out.
Tip #2: Put it in neutral when you stop. When you’re sitting at a light it’s tempting to leave your Orlando Toyota in first gear so you’re ready to move the instant the light turns green. Some drivers even rock back and forth, using the clutch to go forward and backward… but don’t. Leaving your car in gear and rocking and rolling can damage the gears and engine over time, so put your ride in neutral and sit tight until it’s time to hit the gas again.
Tip #3: Don’t forget to pull the parking brake. When you park your car, you’ll shift it into neutral before you turn it off. This means, however, that if you’re not on a flat surface (or even if you are in some instances), your car can easily roll away. Be sure to pull the parking brake every time you park before you exit your car.
Tip #4: Take your hand off the shifter when you’re not shifting. Some stick shift drivers rest their hand on the shifter when they’re in between shifts or sitting at lights. This actually puts unnecessary weight and stress on the shifter and can do damage over time.
Tip #5: Make sure you’re always in the right gear. For example, you should never floor the gas pedal to get acceleration when you’re in a high gear – this can cause the engine to overheat. Instead, shift to a lower gear and you’ll get instant get-up-and-go.
Get answers to your questions about manual transmissions at Toyota of Orlando
Have questions about stick shift cars or want to check out the ones we have in person? Call Toyota of Orlando at (407) 298-4500. We’re open seven days a week and you can visit us at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall.
Ok, ok – before you get all excited about our headline, we want to clarify. The Orlando Toyota Land Cruiser is still discontinued after the 2021 model year… in America. In other parts of the world, the new 300 Series model will be introduced to the market. And rumor has it that with this new 300 Series Land Cruiser comes a special edition model – a Gazoo Racing model that’s tuned and outfitted with everything you need to get off the pavement.

What could this new Toyota SUV have to offer?
But wait – isn’t the Orlando Toyota Land Cruiser already off-road-ready? It is, very much so, but this new GR model will up the ante when it comes to tackling tough terrain and exploring the unknown. We’ve got the details – check it out.
- Supposedly, the new Toyota Land Cruiser will drop its V8 engine (which it’s had for years and years) and replace it with a 3.5L twin-turbo V6 engine. It’s estimated that this new engine could churn out an impressive 420 horsepower and 434 lb-ft of torque (it’s the same engine that’s in the current Lexus LS500).
- However, the engine could also be a diesel 3.3L turbo V6 that offers 309 horsepower and 507 lb-ft of torque. It’s rumored that both options will be available in the Gazoo Racing model, but the diesel engine will only offer room for five passengers while the twin-turbo will offer room for seven.
- This off-road-ready model will also include front and rear locking differential as well as a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, so you have automatic adjustment and deactivation of the sway bars. This allows for more precise handling when you’re off the pavement, but less body roll when you’re on the road.
- The wheels will also be smaller – 18″ versus the prior 20″ size.
That’s all we know for right now and like we said, this off-road-ready Toyota Land Cruiser won’t be up for grabs here in America. However, we’ve got good news – you can get your hands on the Toyota Land Cruiser Heritage Edition right here at Toyota of Orlando NOW. Here are some of the highlights of this capable SUV:
- Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System
- Yakima MegaWarrior roof rack
- A 5.7L V8 engine that offers 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque
- An 8-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with sequential shift mode and uphill/downhill shift logic
- A full-time four-wheel-drive system with Active Traction Control, and Torsen limited-slip differential with locking feature
- A towing capacity of 8,100 lbs
- Mud and snow rated steel belted radial tires
And so much more. And best of all, it’s available right now in the U.S.
Shop Toyota Land Cruisers at Toyota of Orlando
Want to get your hands on the Toyota Land Cruiser or any of our other off-road-ready Toyota SUVs? Call Toyota of Orlando today. We’re open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500 and located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road.
New electric Toyota concept unveiled
Big news in the world of green cars – Toyota has officially introduced an all-new electric car concept and it’s slated to begin production in Japan and China in the coming year, and *fingers crossed* be up for sale on a worldwide scale by the middle to end of 2022. Meet the all-new Toyota bz4X SUV; Toyota of Orlando has the details!

See what the new Toyota bz4X SUV has to offer
Toyota has always been committed to clean, green performance. After all, they were the frontrunners for hybrid cars with the introduction of the Toyota Prius back in the early 2000s; they also have introduced numerous other green options to the market, including electric and fuel cell vehicles. Their goal is to expand their lineup to include more than 70 electrified vehicle options (on a global basis) by the end of 2025 and have carbon neutrality by 2050. (This basically means that the amount of carbon emitted in vehicle emissions is balanced with the absorption of carbon from the atmosphere.)
Introducing the Toyota bz4X SUV. This new Toyota was developed in a joint endeavor with Subaru (much like the Toyota GR 86) and will be produced under the new Toyota bZ umbrella – bZ stands for beyond zero, as this lineup will include a series of battery-electric vehicles. Even more exciting news has been announced, too – Toyota will be adding trucks to the new lineup of electrified vehicles with both hybrid and BEV options up for grabs.
The Toyota bz4X SUV was built on the e-TNGA BEV-dedicated platform. It has a long wheelbase with short overhangs and has a style that’s pretty distinctive; it reminds us of an Orlando Toyota RAV4 mixed with a Toyota C-HR with its sharp, diamond-inspired styling. It’s featuring a spacious interior with a comfortable, open-concept design; for example, the instrument panel is set low over the steering wheel for better visibility and handling.
The touchscreen is large and extends up from the center console, and the steering wheel features a hub for all of your hands-free buttons. All-wheel drive (courtesy of Subaru) will be standard, and it’s been speculated that there could be dual motors to power said feature.

Shop all of our green cars today at Toyota of Orlando
We can’t wait for it to arrive, but if you really can’t wait – like, you need to get behind the wheel of a green car now – call us. After all, 40% of all alternatively powered vehicles in the U.S. are Toyotas, so you’ve got plenty of options. At our dealership, you’ll find green cars like the:
- Toyota Prius
- Toyota Camry Hybrid
- Toyota Avalon Hybrid
- Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
- Toyota RAV4 Prime
- Toyota Highlander Hybrid
- Toyota Corolla Hybrid
- Toyota Prius Prime
We’ve got solutions for your drive time needs, so what are you waiting for? Shop Toyota of Orlando today. We’re conveniently located just off I-4 across from Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road. You can visit us OR call ahead of time to learn more about your options, our deals, and schedule a test drive – reach us seven days a week at (407) 298-4500.
How to tow your own car safely
Have you ever had to tow your Orlando Toyota? We mean actually tow your own car, not use your car to tow something else like a boat or a trailer. We’ve given you plenty of tips on how to safely tow with your vehicle, but pulling your own car behind you is a different story. Whether you’re moving cross-country and bringing your Orlando Toyota along for the ride or towing it in for repairs at an auto repair shop, use these tips to do it safely and efficiently!

What you should know before you tow
To get started, here are some basic points to take into consideration before you tow your Orlando Toyota with another car or truck.
- The car or truck that’s doing the towing should be larger and heavier than the car being towed. You’ll need more acceleration power AND braking power to safely get both vehicles to their final destination.
- NO ONE – not even your four-legged friends – should be in the vehicle that’s being towed at any point during the journey. It’s illegal and also extremely dangerous.
- It’s best to tow your car on a flatbed trailer or at least a dolly, which is a small trailer that lifts your car’s front tires off the ground. If you’re using a chain or tow rope, it should only be for a very short distance and at very low speeds. Using a chain or rope is dangerous – the vehicle being towed doesn’t have active brakes and could rear-end the vehicle towing it, the rope could break, etc. It’s best to use a trailer whenever possible.
Tips for towing your Toyota
Once you’ve safely hooked up your car to the car you’ll be towing with (and make sure you check with our Orlando auto service experts for specifications if you’re unsure as to how you should hook things up), you can hit the road. Here are a few tips for doing so safely.
Tip #1: Go easy on your braking. You’ll want to take it easy when it comes to braking while towing your car – any sudden or sharp braking can result in damage to the brakes of the vehicle that’s towing. Pulling a car means a lot of weight is behind you, so you should slow your vehicle gradually and give your brakes a fighting chance.
Tip #2: Slow down. Slow down when towing your Orlando Toyota behind you. It’s even acceptable to go under the speed limit in this particular situation – remember, you’ll need more distance to bring both vehicles to a stop and the slower you go, the easier this is to achieve.
Tip #3: Make sure all lighting works and that you use your turn signals and mirrors. Make sure your brake lights and turn signals work, and turn on the hazard lights of the vehicle that you’re towing. Also, be sure to signal well ahead of any movements you make to let other drivers know your intentions, and use your mirrors to check and ensure you have the space to move around.
Tip #4: Be especially careful when turning. Be very careful when turning and avoid making sharp turns when towing a car behind your car. Sharp or sudden turns could result in damage to both vehicles.
Tip #5: Change lanes with caution. Be sure to change lanes with caution – you have to account for enough space for BOTH vehicles.
Have questions or want to see if your Orlando Toyota is up for the job of towing another vehicle? Call us to schedule an appointment! Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at (407) 298-0001.
Toyota News Roundup: April 29
It’s been a busy week in the world of Toyota and our Orlando Toyota dealership is here with the latest roundup of Toyota news to keep you in the loop. Check it out!

Two new SUVs coming: Big news for all your SUV drivers – two new models will be hitting the market before you know it. Rumor has it that Toyota will be retiring the Toyota Sequoia (similarly to how it put the Toyota Land Cruiser out to pasture this year) and introducing two new 8-seater, 3-row SUVs designed for Millenial families that are always on the go. One will be badged as a Lexus, but both will likely be fuel-efficient hybrids and include cool and convenient features like hands-free driving systems and a remote parking feature. Additionally, both will be built right here in the US at the Indiana plant.
Spy photos of the new Toyota Land Cruiser emerge: The Toyota Land Cruiser 200 Series may have been retired in the US, but an all-new 300 series is coming to the rest of the world. Spy shots have been taken and reveal that the new interaction of this much-loved classic will a longer and wider front bumper, a rear end that looks similar to the popular Prado model, and a completely redesigned interior cabin that focuses on easy access to infotainment and the instrument cluster. We’ll keep you posted as new photos and more information are dropped.
Toyota to race combustible hydrogen car: When it comes to going green, Toyota is definitely a front-runner. And now they’re taking their technology to the track – reportedly, they’ll be racing in the 4-hour Super Taikyu race in Fuji in a vehicle powered by combustible hydrogen. It sounds weird – how do you combust hydrogen like you do gas? We’re no engineers, but it is possible and can lend a lot of speed to your car. However, it cuts way back on your fuel efficiency and also emits nitrous oxide, which is a greenhouse gas that hydrogen cars try to cut out of the equation, so we don’t see this technology coming to a dealership near you anytime soon.
Toyota Sienna Woodland introduced: The Toyota Sienna has always been cooler than the average minivan (hence the Swagger Wagon moniker). However, it’s taking cool to an all-new level with a new special edition model that’s coming to market in the fall. The Toyota Sienna Woodland special edition comes with standard all-wheel drive and more ground clearance for a more versatile performance. Additionally, it’ll still pack a hybrid drivetrain and offer features like 18″ wheels, roof racks with crossbars, a 1,500 watt outlet, and two cool new paint colors. Plus, it’ll be able to tow up to 3,500 lbs without batting an eye.
Stay tuned for more Toyota news and in the meantime, shop our inventory in person! Toyota of Orlando is located just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road. You can call to get more info or schedule your test drive at (407) 298-4500.
When it comes to choosing your next Toyota SUV, it can be challenging. How can you possibly wade through all the options to find the perfect fit for your drive time needs? We get it, and we want to not only make your shopping experience as easy as it can get but also to find you the perfect new SUV. Today we’re talking two of our most popular options that shoppers often have a hard time choosing between – the Toyota Highlander and the Toyota 4Runner.
At first glance, they might not seem that different – after all, they’re both pretty spacious SUVs. However, when you look more closely, you’ll see that they’re each pretty unique drive time solutions – neither one is one-size-fits-all. We’re breaking down the basics to help you better decide.
The Family-Friendly Toyota Highlander

If you’re looking for a family-friendly vehicle that still offers a high degree of style and the best tech, take the Orlando Toyota Highlander for a test drive. This much-loved Toyota SUV pretty much has it all when it comes to comfort, safety, and efficiency. It can seat up to eight inside and has a roomy cargo area (16 cubic feet, to be exact!). Here are some other highlights it has to offer when you climb behind the wheel:
- It’s available in both hybrid and gasoline-powered models so you can opt for that extra fuel efficiency and green performance if you choose.
- It comes with top safety tech including the pre-collision system, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, safety connect services, all-wheel drive, lane keep assist, and more. It also has the LATCH system to make car seat installation as easy as possible, as well as 3-point seatbelts for all seating positions.
- This Orlando Toyota SUV additionally offers major convenience features for families, including Qi wireless charging for devices, hands-free phone capabilities, HomeLink Universal Transceiver, an integrated backup camera and Bird’s Eye View camera, and Driver Easy Speak.
The Rugged and Versatile Toyota 4Runner

The Orlando Toyota 4Runner, on the other hand, is all about versatility. It’s great for getting around town and is suitable for a family, but its real forte lies in the off-road arena. It’s decked out with features designed to make it as capable as possible when you take things off the pavement, including:
- A 4.0L V6 engine that offers 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque
- Full-time four-wheel drive with limited-slip differential and active traction control, as well as CRAWL Control and Multi-Terrain Select
- Reinforced body-on-frame construction and an optional Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System
- A multi-terrain ABS system
- Towing capabilities of up to 5,000 lbs
Plus, it can seat up to eight (based on the model you choose) and offers tons of great entertainment and safety tech, including a backup camera, a HomeLink universal transceiver, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Bluetooth hands-free streaming.
Which will you choose? The best way to decide is to get behind the wheel of both, and you can do just that at Toyota of Orlando. Call (407) 298-4500 to schedule your test drive – we’re open seven days a week until 10 pm at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.
6 quick ways to prepare your car for summer
Have you stepped outside lately? Things are definitely heating up in Central Florida and summer is upon us. That means NOW is the best time to prepare your car for the impending heat, and we’ve got Orlando Toyota tips from our auto service experts to help make it happen.
Summer can take a serious toll on your ride. The warmer temps mean your car has to work harder to stay cool, especially if you’re traveling at high speeds or over long distances. The pavement is also hot, which means your tires can take more of a beating this time of year.
However, if you prep your car before the heat rolls in, it shouldn’t be too difficult to take on summer. Here are six quick ways to do it.
Prep your car for the heat with summer auto service

#1: Have a tire inspection done. When was the last time you had an auto service pro take a look at your tires? As noted, hot pavement can do a number on them so you want to ensure they’re in the best shape possible and also inflated to the right PSI. This will not only keep your fuel efficiency where it should be, but also make them last longer.
#2: Check your A/C system. There’s no worse time of year to have your A/C conk out than summer. Check it out – have our Toyota of Orlando techs do a quick inspection to ensure it’s working properly and doesn’t need maintenance or repairs and can keep you cool all summer long.
#3: Make sure all fluids are full and clean. Take a peek under the hood to ensure all fluids are clean and full. This especially applies to oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and wiper fluid. You want your car to stay cool while it’s working hard, and it needs all of the above to do so.
#4: Wax your car. Now is also a great time to wax your Orlando Toyota. A coat or two of quality wax will help protect it from fading and damage that comes from being out in intense sunlight. Ask our auto service experts which one works best for you.
#5: Invest in a few accessories. Now might also be a great time to invest in a few accessories to keep your car cool and protect it from the sun. A sunshade for your windshield will protect the interior and keep your cabin cooler, and a steering wheel cover can prevent you from burning your hands. Additionally, if you haven’t tinted your windows yet, consider doing so at our Orlando auto service center for added protection.
#6: Check your windshield wipers. We all know that with scorching summer temps also comes thunderstorm weather, particularly in the afternoons. Make sure your wipers can handle wet weather and if they’re looking worse for the wear, replace the blades.
Beat the heat this summer – Toyota of Orlando can help!
Need our help with your summer auto service? Call Toyota of Orlando today at (407) 298-0001 or stop by. We’re conveniently located at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from Millenia Mall.

