The 2019 new Toyota Prius is almost here!

When it comes to keeping the air clean and delivering a stylish ride to its fans, the Toyota Prius pulls it off effortlessly. It’s one of the cleanest hybrids on the market and has claimed that title since 1997. However, for the current model year, the new Toyota Prius kicks things up a notch in capability and style. There’s no doubt you’ve heard of the 2019 Orlando Toyota Prius’ AWD-e feature and other engineering advancements, but to really appreciate how far this vehicle has come, we have to appreciate the journey it took. To celebrate the release of the new Toyota Prius, Toyota of Orlando is here to take you on a walk down memory lane.

A hybrid’s journey

The Orlando 2019 new Toyota Prius is set to arrive at dealerships this year, but the journey of this hybrid began back in 1995 at the Tokyo Motor Show. Debuted as a concept, the new Toyota Prius was called the NHW10. It was tested the following year and then officially went on sale on December 10^th of 1997. At its launch, the new Toyota Prius became the first mass-produced gasoline-electric hybrid car, creating an entirely new genre of vehicle. While it was sold almost exclusively in Japan during its introductory phase, it was integrated into the U.S. market in 2000 with an MSRP of $19,995.

This Orlando Toyota hybrid vehicle was offered with three trim levels, Standard, Base, and Touring. It received one of the lowest air pollution scores of a 3 out of 10, being deemed an Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle. Originally offered as a four-door sedan, the second generation of Orlando new Toyota Prius was completely redesigned as a five-door liftback. The second generation also used an all-electric A/C compressor. This model year took fuel-efficiency to a new level by becoming a Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle.

It wasn’t until the introduction of the fourth generation Orlando new Toyota Prius that we saw some more major improvements and changes in the model. Along the way we also saw the introduction of off-shoot Prius models like the Prius Prime, Prius V, and Prius C.

Check out the new Toyota Prius at Toyota of Orlando

The new model year is bringing with it a new Toyota Prius that sure to wow new drivers and longtime fans. Available AWD-e will take this new Toyota hybrid where it’s never gone before. Extra rear cargo space gives you plenty of room to carry everything you need, wherever you’re going. And if that’s not enough, optional roof cargo racks can carry a little extra. Toyota Safety Sense P comes standard on all trim levels of this vehicle to keep you protected wherever you drive.

On the inside, the Orlando Toyota Prius has an available 11.6-inch multimedia display, optional color Head-Up Display, three USB ports, and Qi-wireless charging. It’ll be available at Toyota of Orlando soon for your test-driving pleasure. Stay up to date on our inventory anytime online or by calling us at (407) 298 – 4500 seven days a week.

We may see Toyota Tacoma and Tundra Hybrids sooner than we think

Technological advances are happening all around us and every day we see new innovations that make life more convenient, more connected, and less harmful for the environment. New recycling, alternate fuel types, and cleaner technology are taking over industries everywhere and the automotive industry is no exception. Orlando Toyota manufacturers have been developing alternate fuel technology like hybrid engines and EVs for years, but mainly in smaller vehicles like sedans and compacts. But Toyota is taking its technology a step further and may soon incorporate its fuel-efficient technology into hybrid pickup trucks. Check out the details right here from Toyota of Orlando!

The road to hybrid pickup trucks

Hybrid technology has been part of Toyota’s mainstay engineering since 1997 with its inception in the Orlando Toyota Prius. Since then, this technology has been incorporated in vehicles like the Toyota Highlander, RAV4, Corolla, and Camry, but there’s never been a hybrid pickup truck. With several other auto manufacturers creating hybrid pickup trucks, it’s only a matter before we get Orlando Toyota Tacomas and Tundras on our lot.

But the term hybrid pickup truck may seem strange to many drivers. Typically, hybrid engines don’t sport as much power as a typical internal combustion or diesel engine and how would that translate to a truck. Surprisingly, it’s not unheard of for an Orlando Toyota vehicle’s hybrid counterpart to sport greater horsepower and capability than their internal combustion engine siblings. For example, the gasoline powered 2019 Toyota RAV4 can muscle out 203 horsepower, but the hybrid version can produce 219. Hybrid vehicles are also being engineered with more capability, like the new 2019 Orlando Toyota Prius that’s equipped with AWD-e.

Unfortunately, details for current hybrid pickup trucks are being kept under wraps by Toyota and we’re unsure when this technology will become available to Orlando Toyota drivers. However, Toyota has made indications in the past that they intend to pursue hybrid pickup trucks, but are developing the technology needed to maintain the Orlando Toyota Tundra and Tacoma’s towing capacities. One past concept that resembles this technology is the Toyota A-BAT concept. This vehicle Orlando Toyota hybrid pickup truck was introduced as a sub-compact truck in 2007. The concept was to use Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system with a four-cylinder engine to create a smaller vehicle with capability and added exterior cargo space. It was the first Toyota to sport a mid-gate that allowed for an extendable cargo bed. It could seat four passengers and used an all-wheel drive train.

Although the concept was claimed to be in production, we haven’t seen any further news since 2008 and it’s likely a concept that won’t come to fruition. But that doesn’t mean Orlando Toyota hybrid pickup truck versions of the Toyota Tundra and Tacoma are too far away from being developed.

Shop fuel-efficient rides at Toyota of Orlando

While it’ll be some time before the arrival of hybrid pickup trucks to Toyota of Orlando, you can still shop our great inventory of hybrid and fuel-efficient vehicles like the Toyota Corolla, Camry, and RAV4. Shop our inventory anytime online and seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road.

Which Toyota Sportscar will be next? The Celica or the MR2?

This year we’re seeing the revival of one of Toyota’s classic sports cars, the Orlando Toyota Supra. However, if you were a die-hard Supra fan back in the day, you’ll know that it’s been about sixteen years since Toyota last had a high-performance sportscar on its production line. While we at Toyota of Orlando have loved seeing commuter vehicles and SUVs continue to evolve, we’ve missed the feeling of speed and adrenaline behind a gas pedal and a sleekly designed Toyota sportscar. With the successful return of the Supra, you’re probably wondering, what’s coming next? For die-hard Toyota fans, the choices seem obvious, it’s either the Celica or the MR2. These vehicles are iconic classics and Toyota of Orlando is going to walk you through their histories. Which do you think Toyota will bring back first?

A brief history of the Toyota Celica

Named after the Latin term coelica, meaning heavenly or celestial, the Orlando Toyota Celica was in production from 1970 to 2006. It was produced with different 4-cylinder engine variations and was the stepping stone for several popular Toyota models (think the Camry and legendary Toyota sportscar, the Supra).

• The Toyota Celica was first introduced in 1970 at the Tokyo Motor Show as the North American response to the Ford Mustang. It used a 1.4-1.6L 4-cylinder engine with either a 4 or 5 speed manual transmission.
• The Toyota sportscar Celica was available as either a two-door coupe or three-door liftback until 1980 with the introduction of the Celica Camry.
• Before 1985, the Orlando Toyota Celica was a rear-wheel drive sportscar. But, 1985 brought with it a Celica designed using a new four-cylinder engine, new platform underpinning, and drivetrain.
• The fifth generation (1989 – 1993) saw the use of more rounded body designs and even a convertible submodel.
• The Celica XX (produced in 1978) was the first introduction of the Toyota Supra and it eventually evolved into its own vehicle.

A brief history of the Toyota MR2

Designed to be a fun-to-drive, sporty, and economical vehicle, the MR2 has been an Orlando Toyota sportscar fan favorite for quite some time. It’s Toyota’s first mid-engined production car. In fact, MR2 stands for either “mid-ship, run-about, 2-seater” or “mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 2-seater.”

• The first Toyota sportscar MR2 was introduced in 1984 with a 1.5 and 1.6L inline-four engine.
• In 1989, the MR2 saw a redesign with a more rounded and elongated body design. The engine was upgraded to a 2.0 or 2.2L inline-four with optional turbo. The cabin was also made more spacious with luxury accessory options.
• The third generation of the MR2 saw a name change in North America to the “Spyder” and the addition of a convertible top.
• In 2004, Toyota announced the end of both the MR2 and Celica due to declining sales. Fortunately, that may not be the end of these popular Toyota sportscars.

Shop Toyota sportscars at Toyota of Orlando

Until the arrival of the Supra and the next great Toyota sportscar, you can still shop sporty new Toyota models, like the Toyota 86, at Toyota of Orlando! Check out our inventory online or in-person at 3575 Vineland Road.

The Toyota off-roading TRD family

Taking vehicles where no vehicles have ever gone before is the name of the game when it comes to Toyota’s TRD division. These specialized trim levels of popular vehicles are engineered to take on the punishing terrain off the pavement and look good doing it. The current TRD off-roading family includes the Toyota Tundra, 4Runner, and Tacoma. But, today, a newcomer has joined the family. The 2020 Orlando Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro Edition is ready to tackle the trails with ample comfort and powerful engineering included. While we introduce you to the newest member of the Toyota off-roading family, Toyota of Orlando is here with a little refresher on the other vehicles that have what it takes to go where no vehicle has gone before.

Say hello to the new Toyota off-roading Sequoia

With the arrival of the new Toyota off-roading Sequoia, the off-roading family is only getting more diverse and capable. This Orlando Toyota SUV is known for its power and spaciously comfortable interior, but now it’s taking things to a different level. The new TRD Toyota Sequoia will pack upgraded engineering features like:

• A TRD-tuned Fox shock absorber suspension fortified chassis.
• A 5.7-liter i-FORCE V8 engine that muscles out 381 horsepower and 401 lb./ft. of torque.
• A towing capacity of 7,100 pounds with an integrated tow hitch.
• Selectable Tow/Haul transmission mode and Trailer Sway Control.
• Multi-Mode 4WD with lockable TORSEN limited-slip differential.

This powerful Orlando Toyota off-roading SUV also employs upgraded technology and comfort features that make this vehicle unique and ready for anything. Experience the strength of the Toyota Sequoia with features like:

• Seating for seven with second row captain’s chair seating and 66.6 – 120.1 cu. ft. of cargo space.
• Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa compatibility accessible from a 7-inch touchscreen.
• JBL Premium audio and integrated navigation.
• Toyota Safety Sense P
• Smart Key with Push Button Start
• Black TRD Pro leather-trimmed seats.
• Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) and Multi Terrain Monitor (MTM) with selectable front, side, or rear view around and under the vehicle to show obstacles on the trails.

While these are just a few of the many upgrades featured on the new Orlando off-roading Toyota Sequoia, we know that it’s ready to take on the trails and chart a new course for capable SUVs. We’re unsure of pricing and release date specifics, but we at Toyota of Orlando will keep you updated on new information regarding this 2020 off-roading Toyota SUV.

Check out other Toyota off-roading vehicles at Toyota of Orlando

While the new Orlando Toyota Sequoia features impressive engineering and style features, there are other TRD equipped vehicles available at our dealership right now! The 2020 Toyota Tacoma has been released and features all new features like a new front grille design, sequential LED/DRL headlamps, and 10-way adjustable driver seat. The Toyota 4Runner is also equipped with a new grille design, and the Toyota Tundra TRD Pro is also available.

Shop these new vehicles and more at Toyota of Orlando! We’re located at 3575 Vineland Road and open seven days a week.