Blog

Crossovers have become the rage on American roadways over the past decade, resulting in an influx of new offerings from several automakers. The latest entry from Toyota is the C-HR, a fun-to-drive crossover that's sure to resonate with younger drivers. However, no buyer can turn their back on the 2018 Toyota Camry, which has been one of the most popular and reliable cars on the road for over 35 years. While both have their perks, choosing between the C-HR and the Camry may just boil down to your own personal tastes. Here's a look at what each has to offer. more Size One of the definitive factors between the C-HR and the Camry is size. Whether you're using these vehicles as a family hauler or for cargo room can make an impact on which one you buy. Both can seat up to five passengers, but the Camry actually takes the edge in comfort with more legroom, hip room, and shoulder room than the C-HR. However, the 2018 Toyota C-HR has an edge on cargo space. Behind the rear seat, it can accommodate up to 19.1 cubic feet, whereas the Camry only has a trunk of 13 cubic feet. For more room, fold down the C-HR's rear seats to unveil a whopping 36.4 cubic feet of space. If cargo space is high on your priority list, the C-HR's room and cargo configurations make it a winner. Engine Power When you want to burst off the line and feed your insatiable need for speed, the 2018 Toyota Camry is your best bet. With new Dynamic Force technology, the sedan gets improved horsepower and torque on both its four-cylinder and V-6 engines. The standard 2.5-liter inline-four offers 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, while the available 3.5-liter V-6 churns out an impressive 301 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. With the larger V-6, the Camry touts a 0 to 60 of just 5.8 seconds and a top speed of 136 mph. The Toyota C-HR doesn't offer as much pace, but it's no slouch. Beneath the hood is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that's good for 144 horsepower and 139 pound-feet of torque. This equates to a top speed of 115 mph and a 0-60 of 11 seconds. When you want that extra pep, the C-HR is just a step behind the 2018 Camry. Fuel Economy Fuel economy is a top priority for many drivers, and with either the Camry or the C-HR, you won't have to go to the pump as often as some of the other options on the market. Regardless of trim, the C-HR boasts 31 mpg on the highway, 27 mpg in the city, and 29 mpg combined. The four-cylinder Camry offers up to 41 mpg on the highway and 29 mpg in the city when equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The V-6 variant provides 32 mpg on the highway and 22 mpg in the city, although the uptick in power is worth it for some drivers. Both the C-HR and the Camry offer a nice selection of options and amenities that other vehicles can't replicate, yet choosing between the two isn't an easy task. The best part is that no matter which one you choose, you'll have a vehicle that does everything you want and more.   " Toyota C-HR Hybrid (5) " via Flickr by hero4262321. Used with permission via Public Domain Mark 1.0 / cropped from original

With warmer temperatures, seemingly limitless hours of sunshine, and a bit of planning, a summer road trip is one of the most exciting adventures you'll ever take. However, you can't have the best journey possible without a worthy ally: your vehicle. Fortunately, Toyota has several vehicles that are ideal for a summer excursion. If you're in the market for a new vehicle or you want to upgrade before you hit the open road, check out these Toyota models. more Prius Prime Debuting in 2017, the Prius Prime is Toyota's first plug-in hybrid. Like the original Prius, the Prime has a fastback rear hatch that allows for instant access to the rear, making it easy to pack the vehicle for your trip. The cabin comfortably seats up to five passengers with exceptional headroom, legroom, and hiproom, providing a journey free from cramps and fatigue. Perhaps the best benefit of the Prius Prime is that it can run solely off electric power for short distances. Using a regular household plug, you can charge the Prime in just five hours and 40 minutes. At a charging station with 240-volt power, this time shortens to two hours and 10 minutes. This enables you to go up to 25 miles on a charge, which is a nice boon in cities. Aside from electric power, the Prius Prime gets an astounding 54 mpg, putting it in the upper echelon of hybrid vehicles. 4Runner If you're a true adventurer, you won't find a better vehicle than the 2018 Toyota 4Runner. The four-wheel drive version of the 4Runner is expertly designed to go anywhere you want to go, regardless of terrain. The key to the 4Runner's off-road prowess is a 4.0-liter V-6 engine that churns out a whopping 270 horsepower and up to 278 pound-feet of torque. Paired with the intuitive four-wheel drive system, it can tear up the pavement or the gravel without much difficulty. When you're looking to get off the grid completely, the TRD Pro takes your trip to another level. Featuring high-performance shocks, a sports-tuned suspension, a higher clearance, and quarter-inch-thick aluminum skid plates, the 4Runner TRD Pro is the wildest of the wild. 86 While fuel efficiency and off-road capabilities are spectacular amenities for any road trip, a sports car might be the best and most stylish way to enjoy your excursion. That's why you need the 2018 Toyota 86. The heart and soul of the 86 is a 2.0-liter flat-four engine that provides up to 200 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque with an automatic transmission, but that's not the best way to enjoy the trip. Opt for the manual transmission to get 205 horsepower and a driving experience that's far more enjoyable. During the journey, you'll love the 7-inch, high-definition touch screen which puts you within a touch of navigation, apps, and your favorite tunes. When you put down the windows, crank the music, and take a hold of the 86, you'll wonder why you considered any other road trip vehicle. From a super-efficient hybrid vehicle to a go-anywhere SUV to a sports car, Toyota has just the vehicle you need to turn your summer adventure into one you'll never forget, and you can find these at Smart Motors Toyota in Madison, WI. " Prius Prime " via Flickr by chumlee10. Used with permission via CC BY-SA 2.0 / cropped from original

Located in the heart of the state capital, the University of Wisconsin (UW) is the state's largest university, home to nearly 44,000 students. While football and basketball games are certainly the biggest draws during the year, summer offers a number of events that are open to both students and the public. If you're searching for something exciting to do on your next trip to Madison, make sure to put these UW events and activities on your radar. more Little Shop of Horrors From July 12 through July 29, see the university's best and brightest musical theater stars in " Little Shop of Horrors." This comedy-sci-fi-horror-musical classic features the story of a struggling plant store employee who finds that one of the plants in the store can talk and think, albeit with a taste for humans. Sponsored by the Department of Theatre and Drama, this musical is one you shouldn't miss. The show takes place at the Mitchell Theatre on the campus of UW. Tickets are $40 for the opening night gala on July 13, but admission on other dates is $30 for adults (19 to 61), $25 for seniors (62+), $20 for UW students, $15 for children (5 to 18), and free for children under 5. Show times vary by day. Print in Protest From now until Sept. 16, the Chazen Museum of art on the campus of UW invites you to explore the printmaking history of the university at Print in Protest. During the 1960s and 1970s, this department of the university printed many intriguing posters that protested poverty, war, and other social issues. At this event, you can see the finest examples of art and anti-government propaganda from the time. Admission is free, and you can find the prints on the second-floor hallway or the Object Study Room of the Chazen Building. Terrace After Dark From May through September each year, the UW Student Union invites both students, their guests, and Wisconsin Union members to enjoy the Terrace After Dark event. (If you want to become a member, it's easy). Over the course of 20 weeks, Terrace After Dark offers free movies and concerts, including upcoming new bands and new releases. There are also special nights that include DJs, open mic nights, talent shows, and more. Instead of dropping $30 for a show or $10 at a movie, hop over here to get it all for free. YALI Tuesdays On July 10, 17, and 24, join some of the Mandela Washington fellows at UW for discussions about global health at YALI Tuesdays. Standing for Young African Leaders, this group addresses health concerns domestically, as well as in Africa. Each of these sessions outlines topics such as universal health care in Nigeria, malaria, and health care equality in the United States. These fellows hope to earn an education in the United States and apply their skills back home, giving them a unique insight into the global health care crisis. With art, music, culture, and entertainment, the events coming up at UW are sure to please. All you need to do is find your way over to the campus.   " University of Wisconsin-Madison " via Flickr by Phil Roeder. Used with permission via CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original

Don't be afraid to live outside the lines. Toyota's distinctive, precision-cut Coupe High Rider is a fresh spin on your classic subcompact SUV. Designed for passionate drivers like you, discover your rebellious spirit in the first-ever C-HR.  Explore these six stand-out features of the uniquely expressive 2018 Toyota C-HR. more Signature Diamond Interior The C-HR's futuristic styling and intuitive interior space features piano-black glossy finishes and sports fabric-trimmed front bucket seats with well-made, supportive bolsters. A six- or eight-way adjustable driver's seat, leather-trimmed steering wheel, satin plated shift knob, standard dual-zone climate control, and available heated seats add a surprisingly luxurious feel to the C-HR. Explore the high-resolution seven inch centrally-mounted touch screen display with voice recognition, HD radio with a six-speaker audio system, Bluetooth wireless technology, and a 4.2 inch multi-information driver's display. Delight in the C-HR's auto-dimming rearview mirror, power heated side mirrors, and the welcome dual-zone automatic climate control on Wisconsin's freezing winter mornings. Not-So Compact Storage The C-HR's rear hatch opens to reveal 36.4 cubic feet of cargo room with a standard 60/40 split fold-flat second-row back seat. That's more than most small SUVs in its class, and because of its wide opening, the space is easy to load up. Find even more storage room under the cargo floor and throughout the cabin to conveniently stash small items. Edgy Design Arrive in style on Vortex style 18-inch sport alloy wheels and take center stage with available puddle lights. Aerodynamic rear lower diffuser, rear fins, and lip spoiler complement the C-HR's ultra-modern design, while its low stance makes a powerfully striking profile. Lively Powerhouse Press your foot on the gas and you're treated to 144 horsepower from the lively Dynamic Force 2 liter naturally aspirated, inline four-cylinder engine. Take control with the C-HR's sequential shiftmatic mode that dares you to manually shift through seven virtual gears, while still earning impressive fuel economy ratings of 31 mpg highway. Suspension Comfortable handling provided by a responsive and agile MacPherson, sport-tuned suspension lets you zip around turns like a pro. Add double-wishbone style multi-link rear suspension that utilizes hydraulic shock absorbers with SACHS dampers — a Toyota first, and you'll notice the tight steering offered by the new C-HR. Toyota Safety Sense P The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration bestowed the new CH-R with its best five-star overall rating, and with Toyota's innovative safety package, most of its rivals can't match it. The C-HR offers standard technology including a pre-collision system and pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, automatic high beams, hill start assist control, and dynamic radar cruise control. Move up to the Premium trim for even more safety technology including blind spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert. From Toyota's tradition of exceptional predicted reliability ratings to a generous list of safety features, discover the 2018 Toyota C-HR, starting at $22,500 for the XLE trim or upgrade to the XLE Premium with a base sticker of $24,350. Either way, schedule a test drive the new C-HR at Smart Motors Toyota before this hot new crossover is all gone.     “ Image” used with permission via Toyota.com / cropped from original

Looking to get your blood pumping this weekend in Madison? Check out some of these adrenaline-filled activities. more Zip Lining Over Wisconsin Dells Want to get up above the treeline and see how beautiful the lush valleys of Wisconsin Dells really are? Consider taking a Chimney Rock Park Zip Line tour. Wisconsin Dells is a short drive from downtown Madison, but far enough away that you feel like you're out in the wilderness. The tour takes you on 18 different zip lines. You'll be able to see up to 100 miles away on a clear summer's day. You should have a moderate level of fitness as you'll be hiking for 25 minutes before you get to the zip line course. Once you're on the course, you'll be required to do a little bit of uphill climbing and will need to be able to get onto the platforms easily. Log Rolling Test your balance at Madison Log Rolling. During the summer months, head down to Lake Wingra and join one of the many log rolling classes offered throughout the day. It's a great activity for kids as well as adults who want to do something unique to get fit and get your heart rate up. They also offer something for those that are even more confident with their balancing skills, boom running. The logs are chained to one another and you have to attempt to run across all of them as they balance on the water. The fastest person across the logs without falling into the lake is the winner. Skydiving There's nothing that'll get your blood pumping more than strapping yourself to a stranger and jumping out of an airplane. The Wisconsin Skydiving Center has an office in Madison where you can dive over the stunning lakes that surround Madison. If you love it that much, you can sign up with the skydiving center to take lessons and become a certified skydiver yourself. They offer lessons that are certified by the United States Parachute Association. The lessons will help you get your skydiving license in as few as 25 jumps. Scuba Diving Think you can't go scuba diving in land-locked Madison? Think again! There are several options available depending on your skill level and what you want to see. Head to Madison Scuba Center to learn how to dive or to head out into the nearby lakes. They are the only scuba center in all of Wisconsin that offers both SSI and PADI dive certifications. For a truly heart-pumping experience, check out one of the night dives at different sites around the city's dive sites. Nearby Pearl Lake is one of the best dive sites in the city where you can swim through different shipwrecks and it has spectacular visibility. Whether you want to find an adrenaline activity that you can do with the whole family like zip lining or log rolling, or you want to do something solo like jump out of a plane, there are plenty of activities to get your heart racing in the Madison area.     “ skydive” via Flickr by joebaz. Used with permission via CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original

The thought leaders at Toyota recognize that greenhouse gases lead to climate change, and exhaust is polluting our air. They're a genuine threat to our happy, healthy lives on planet Earth. Toyota recently released a plan for sustainable energy, and they're entering exciting new territory in the world of auto manufacturing. Keep reading to explore Toyota's innovative ideas for developing an environmentally friendly brand. more A Sustainable Future Toyota is engaged in extensive research to advance its approach and help work toward resolving the pressing environmental issues we face today. Through its Global Environmental Challenge 2050, these ideas were unveiled at Toyota's 2015 Thought Leadership Summit in California and recently reconfirmed. Can you believe Toyota introduced the hybrid Prius to America almost 20 years ago? We've all learned a ton since then, and we know traditional fuel reserves won't last forever. Consumers demand strategies to ensure eco-friendly cars lead the way to a greener tomorrow — and Toyota is listening. With modern technology, Toyota is committed to engineering a wide range of eco-friendly cars like the conceptual iQ EV. Environmental Strategies Toyota's plan addresses how this automaker will minimize environmental impact. The company set itself upon six challenging tasks in four areas: carbon, water, materials, and biodiversity. These challenges are designed to push the company far beyond cleaner emissions to embrace the overall goal of net positive change by 2050. Carbon The first order of business for Toyota is climate change. Engineers aspire to completely remove greenhouse gas emissions from its operations by 2050. Toyota also pledges to reduce vehicle emissions to an incredible 90 percent from a 2010 baseline within the same timeframe. To achieve this lofty goal, Toyota will build vehicles with alternative powertrains and help expand EV charging infrastructure. Biodiversity Toyota recognizes that not only is air quality important, but the diversity of living organisms and their habitats are also essential to our ecosystem. Toyota's major facilities will recognize the highest standards of conservation, and it promises to spearhead projects that protect threatened and endangered species. Materials Toyota's material strategy focuses on eliminating waste, conserving natural resources, and reducing packaging material 5 percent by 2021. By sharing these tactics with other manufacturers, Toyota hopes to achieve these goals worldwide. Water Just as clean air and a healthy ecosystem are essential to our biodynamic world, so is fresh water. The final part of Toyota's challenge is to reduce water withdrawals by incorporating waterless manufacturing technologies and utilizing only closed-loop systems for a revolutionary 100 percent recycled water system. Looking Ahead to a Green Future Toyota intends to jump right in and promote the widespread accessibility of its eco-friendly cars. Looking ahead to 2050, Toyota has set itself to the challenge of building new cars with zero CO 2 emissions. Today, Toyota wears the green crown when it comes to the illustrious Prius Prime, the most advanced hybrid currently on the market. Don't forget Toyota's full lineup of hybrids including Camry, Highland, RAV4, and Avalon. Toyota's contribution to the environment is clear. As we work toward the realization of a sustainable society, its programs are leading the way.     " Electric Car start ignition button " via Flickr by piviso. Used with permission via CC0 1.0 / cropped from original.

Monona Terrace is located along the shores of Lake Monona in downtown Madison, Wisconsin. The convention center has huge, floor-to-ceiling glass windows that face the lake, which means any events that take place have one of the most stunning backdrops in the entire city. As summer begins, you can bet that Monona Terrace is planning some exciting upcoming events to keep you busy. more Festival Foods Shake the Lake The Festival Foods Shake the Lake is a party that will take place on June 23 at Monona Terrace. It's the perfect way to start the summer and, weather-permitting will actually be on the rooftop of the convention center. Tickets are on sale now and are $17 until June 22. If you purchase after June 22, the tickets will be $20. There will be music and entertainment by iHeart Radio and local restaurants will set up stalls selling their top menu items alongside craft beer, wine, and soft drinks. Mindful Movement Mindful Movement is an ongoing, bi-weekly yoga event that takes place on the rooftop at Monona Terrace. There's nothing more relaxing than practicing yoga while you face Lake Monona and feel the cool breeze off the water. This stand-up yoga class takes place every Tuesday and Thursday from 12 to 12:45 p.m. The class integrates classic yoga moves with tai chi, stretching, and simple twists, and finishes with helpful meditation techniques. Concerts on the Rooftop This June and July, enjoy weekly concerts on the rooftop of Monona Terrace. The upcoming dates for the concerts are June 28, July 5, July 12, and July 19. Admission to the event is completely free, but you do need to get your tickets reserved in advance. Some of the acts you can expect to see are BritBeat, a Beatles tribute band, The Jimmy's, a Chicago blues band, and Totally Neon, an 80's cover band. The concerts run from 7-9 p.m., but doors and bars open at 5:30, so you can come and enjoy the atmosphere and watch the sunset with your friends before all of the music begins. Unfortunately, if it rains, the concerts will not take place. BrickUnivserse Lego Fan Experience The BrickUniverse Lego Fan Experience is a two-day event that will take place on June 30 and July 1 at the Monona Terrace convention center. The event is open to the public. Tickets are sold on a half-day basis. You can either opt for the morning or afternoon session for each of the days. The morning sessions run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the afternoon sessions run from 2-5 p.m. Half-day tickets cost $15. The event will be fun for both children and adults. There are special guests and character meet and greets, there are Lego zones where you can attempt to build various landmarks. There are also model galleries where you can see what the professionals are capable of building. Whether you're interested in music, food, games, or even yoga and meditation, you'll find something to keep you busy this summer at Monona Terrace.     " Monona Terrace Sign and Walkway " via Flickr by Eric Kilby. Used with permission via CC BY-SA 2.0 / cropped from original

Spacious and gutsy, some groups — like U.S. News and World Report — rank the Avalon number one among large sedans, and with a plethora of positive reviews from professional automotive writers, we agree. Well-equipped with all the latest safety and technology features, Toyota's flagship four-door sedan oozes quality and reliability with a touch of luxury. Read on to discover five reasons why you'll fall in love with the 2018 Toyota Avalon. more Premium, Spacious Cabin The Avalon seats five, and its ample interior includes loads of premium touches, such as standard leather upholstery, woodgrain inlays, heated and ventilated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and an eight-way power adjustable driver's seat. A spacious back seat is big enough to accommodate large adults comfortably, even on a road trip. While a large, 16-cubic-foot trunk with power lid offers drivers plenty of convenient storage space. Top Safety Specs The Avalon comes standard with Toyota's Safety Sense (TSS-P) suite of advanced features designed to protect your passengers, including 10 airbags, a rearview camera, vehicle and pedestrian detection, forward collision warnings, lane departure alerts, steering assist, and dynamic cruise control. Upper-level trims add blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and rain-sensing windshield wipers to the Avalon's impressive safety package. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) bestowed the 2018 Avalon with their top score of Good in all five of their crash tests and even named the Avalon a 2018 IIHS Top Safety Pick. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the Avalon a perfect five-star rating in overall safety. A Robust Engine The 2018 Avalon is competent and smooth, and with Sport Mode engage — it's surprisingly quick off the line. Toyota outfitted this big car with a stock V-6 that puts out a gutsy 268 horsepower that accelerates to 60 mph in just 6.5 seconds. This engine is paired with an eager six-speed automatic transmission and still earns good fuel economy estimates, too. The new Avalon's EPA rating of 30 mpg highway is among the most environmentally responsible in its class. For such a large car, those are some impressive numbers. Buttery Smooth Suspension The Avalon was designed to cruise the road with its well-tuned, fully independent suspension. The silky smooth, plush ride lacks those awkward body rolls with its stabilizer bar. Stiff, responsive steering makes it easy to zip this big sedan in and out of urban traffic while offering drivers a dynamic experience behind the wheel. Toyota's Entune Technology Toyota's intuitive Entune system incorporates a 7.0-inch touch screen with available navigation. Take advantage of the stock Scout GPS Link app that works with Bluetooth to seamlessly broadcast directions from your smart device. Get real-time traffic and weather reports through Entune, as well as voice command technology. Experience the 2018 Toyota Avalon in five available trim levels from the introductory XLE to the XLE Plus, XLE Premium, Touring, and the top of the lineup: the Limited, at a showroom near you. Enjoy a bit of luxury that's within reach of many drivers, with the 2018 Toyota Avalon from Smart Motors Toyota in Madison, WI.   " AVA_MY19_0016_V001 " used with permission from Toyota.com / cropped from original

Summer in Wisconsin's capital city can really bring the heat, with temperatures regularly reaching the 80s and occasionally climbing into the 90s. Use this short list of water activities in and around Madison to find a way to stay cool this summer. more Walter R. Bauman Outdoor Aquatic Center Visit this outdoor water park with your kids in tow for a truly memorable way to beat the heat. Children will be thrilled with the interactive play equipment and sand playground, and there is even a zero-depth pool entrance for the youngest children to ease their way into the water. Adults can test themselves in an eight-lane competition pool or play a game of volleyball on one of two sand courts. The main attraction of the Walter R. Bauman Outdoor Aquatic Center, though, is the two waterslides. Both of the slides are 134 feet long. The park is open from June through August. Madison Log Rolling This is one fun activity you probably haven't tried before. You'll meet up with instructors at local Lake Wingra, where the company places synthetic “logs” in the water. Your challenge is to stand on these logs and roll them, maintaining your precarious balance for as long as possible. You'll almost definitely end up in the water, but that's just part of the fun. This unique sport pays tribute to the lumberjack history of Wisconsin, and it's also become a bona fide athletic event in its own right. Serious competitors now roll logs on ESPN. Bring the whole family for maximum laughs. Stand Up Paddleboarding Hop onto a board and use a paddle to propel yourself through the water when you take part in one of Madison's most popular up-and-coming activities. You can take your first lessons in stand up paddleboarding (or SUP, to those in the know) by booking a private lesson with organizations like Paddleboard Specialists. This is a great way to see if the activity is right for you without investing too much money into your own equipment. If you find out that you do have a knack for SUP, consider joining one of Madison's local SUP yoga or SUP polo groups for an added challenge. Madcity Flyboards Strap on a pair of specialized boots and fly nearly 30 feet into the air above Lake Mendota. The boots are connected to your instructor's personal watercraft by a long hose, and he or she will control the thrust that allows you to shoot straight up into the air as water rockets from your feet. You can even use the thrust to dive several feet under the water — before you know it, you'll be flipping in and out of the water like a dolphin. You'll have to tilt the flyboard with your feet to control your balance and direction, but most people get the hang of it in a few minutes. There are plenty of opportunities to swim or kayak on Madison's lakes, but these specialized water activities in our region offer an even more unique way to stay cool during the upcoming summer.     " Midwest Log-Rolling Championship 06-29-2013 060-1 " via Flickr by Richard Hurd. Used with permission via CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original

When you're in the market for a reliable, mid-sized SUV with an upscale cabin, excellent gas mileage estimates, and plenty of family-friendly safety features, then the 2018 Toyota Highlander Hybrid might be the perfect choice for you. Toyota's new hybrid offers drivers everything that matters most in an SUV from comfortable, three-row seating for up to eight passengers to a spacious cargo area, and a long list of convenient, standard features. Let's explore a few things you didn't know about Toyota's new 2018 Highlander Hybrid. more Well-Appointed Trims Toyota beats out its automaker rivals as the only crossover hybrid on the lot. After a complete refresh last year, the Highlander's four hybrid trims are just as versatile as you are. The lineup includes the LE, XLE, the Limited, and the Limited Platinum package. The XLE comes equipped with a sunroof, heated, power front seats upholstered in leather, second-row sunshades, 120-volt power outlet and flip-up rear windows, an adjustable, power liftgate, satellite and HD radio, and a navigation system. When you want a little more for the kiddos, the Limited is just the right size for most families and comes well-equipped with an optional rear-seat entertainment system. The second-row captain's chairs are perfect for teens; plus, you'll appreciate the handy rear cargo cover and snazzy 19-inch wheels. At the top of Toyota's hybrid trims is the Limited Platinum package with a glorious panoramic sunroof, automatic windshield wipers, and a heated steering wheel with heated rear seats. Acceleration and Power Every Highlander Hybrid comes standard with a powertrain that combines a 3.5-liter V-6 engine with three electric motors, and a continuously variable automatic transmission. This eco-friendly family-hauler offers a surprising 280 hybrid system net horsepower, while still earning the celebrated super ultra low emissions vehicle (SULEV) badge. SULEVs like the Highland Hybrid run 90-percent cleaner than your average SUV. Of course, fuel economy is where the hybrid SUV really shines. Toyota's fuel-sipping crossover gets up to 30 mpg city, compared to its cousin, the gas-only Highlander's 21. Unlike many hybrids, the Highlander offers strong acceleration from a stop and while at cruising speeds, and smoothly transitions between electric and gas power sources.  All-wheel drive comes standard with the hybrid, which is another nice perk. Advanced Driver Assist Features Drive confidently with the latest in advanced driver accident-avoidance tools from Toyota Safety Sense P — the pre-collision system. This suite of innovative new technology offers families the added peace of mind with standard features, such as a bird's eye camera, brake assist, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warnings, and lane keeping assist, to name a few. As reported by U.S. World News, the new Highlander Hybrid also earned the coveted Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash test rating of good and an overall five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The 2018 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has a base sticker price of $36,670, while the loaded Highlander Hybrid Limited tops out with a retail price starting at $45,160. Test drive your favorite trim today at Smart Motors Toyota. ' Image ' used with permission via Toyota.com / cropped from original

Ah, the allure of fine dining, where you're served grandiose dishes by tuxedoed waitstaff on white tablecloths, with a wine list any sommelier would be proud of. Who doesn't love to indulge the palate with bite-sized morsels of exotic cuisine artfully arranged by a first-rate chef? Whether it's a special occasion or a romantic meal for two, splurge on dinner at these top four upscale restaurants in Madison. more Samba Brazilian Grill Samba's is an upscale Brazilian eatery with a twist, where authentic Brazilian cowboys called gauchos slice churrasco-style meat right at your table. Sample the highly acclaimed sugar-and-cinnamon pineapple skewers, then visit the capacious salad and appetizer bar with more than 30 delectable items. Have a Caipirinha or Mojito while you wait for the first course of house-made salads, roasted vegetables, and artisan cheeses. Using a pillar with red and green lights, signal the gauchos that you're ready to start on the next course — rodizio meat. Located at 240 W. Gilman St., Samba's Grill is open Monday through Saturday from 5–10 p.m. and Sunday from 9:30 a.m.–9 p.m. Tornado Steak House Experience your premier downtown steakhouse, Tornado's at 116 S. Hamilton St., where white-linen dining meets a timeless supper-club vibe. Try one of Tornado's award-winning house specialties, including the locally sourced, grass-fed steaks such as the peppercorn encrusted Filet au Poivre or a naturally raised, pan-fried breaded rabbit. Tornado serves their dinner menu from 5–10 p.m., and their late night menu until 1 a.m. in the Corral Room bar. A Pig in a Fur Coat You're in for a sumptuous treat when you dine at A Pig in a Fur Coat on 940 Williamson St. Start your meal with a delicious appetizer, such as duck fat fries, then move on to a small plate of lamb carpaccio with Parmigiano. If you're hungry for more, venture on to a large plate instead, featuring a wagyu ribeye with bone marrow. Cleanse your palate with a sugary treat from their trendy dessert menu. Our favorite is the chocolate and orange Sicilian sfingi. A Pig focuses on communal seating, which offers unique appeal, and likely means you'll sit with new friends at a shared table. They're open Monday through Thursday from 4–10 p.m., Friday and Saturday until 11 p.m., and closed Sundays. L'Etoile Restaurant A phenomenal experience awaits you at L'Etoile Restaurant on 1 S. Pinckney St. with Owner/Chef Tory Miller, winner of the Iron Chef Showdown this January. L'Etoile offers an elegant atmosphere that's perfect for a romantic rendezvous. Pamper yourself with the seven-course Chef's tasting menu, including excellent farm to table choices such as veal sweetbreads, aged lamb, and Alaskan halibut in a bacon broth. Chef Miller is serious about his cheeses, and sources only the fresh chèvres, and cave-aged cheeses from artisan cheesemakers. L'Etoile Restaurant is open Monday through Friday from 5:30–9 p.m., and Saturday from 5–10 p.m., but closed on Sundays. No matter what you're celebrating, splurge on dinner at these top three upscale Madison, WI restaurants, sure to please even the most finicky gourmand. " Samba Grill Brazilian Churrascaria Food Sampling " via Flickr by Prayitno. Used with permission via CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original

Toyota started the year off right with the 2018 Chicago Auto Show, where they unveiled their new line of off-road trucks. Once you see what all of these additions bring to the table, you'll be setting aside the funds for a brand-new truck. Here's everything you need to know about Toyota's brand-new off-road trucks. more Tacoma TRD Pro The Tacoma TRD Pro can tear up any road with its top-of-the-line additions. Toyota put a 278-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine under the hood that's capable of powering the truck up virtually any grade. To give the engine the care it needs while preserving the rest of the vehicle, drivers will be able to add an available Desert Air Intake system that moves the engine air intake away from the wheel well — an area that normally gets clogged with dust and dirt during adventures. Toyota has also upgraded the Tacoma's performance with Fox shocks that have 46-millimeter pistons, as well as 2.5-inch rear shocks. To protect the vehicle, the TRD Pro also has an extra inch of front lift and a large front anti-roll bar. Tundra TRD Pro In addition to the 46 millimeter Fox shocks, the Tundra TRD Pro brings even more to the table. The Tundra's suspension gains an extra 2 inches of lift, as opposed to the Tacoma's 1 inch. Toyota also improved wheel travel by adding an inch and a half in the front and 2 inches in the rear. With the Tundra TRD Pro, nothing will keep you from fun, not even the darkness. This full-size pickup uses Rigid Industries LED fog lights and headlights that will light up the night. To enjoy the outdoors even more, drivers will be able to add an available moonroof. And to top it all off, the Tundra also features 18-inch aluminum wheels with all-terrain tires. 4Runner TRD Pro The 4Runner brings more comfort, luxury, and space to the off-road game. In addition to a front spring improved with an extra inch of lift and wheel travel, this off-road SUV protects its upgrades with dust boots around the shocks, a TRD roost shield guarding the inverted rear shocks, and a skid plate in the front that covers the suspension. For extra cargo capacity, the 2019 4Runner also adds a brand-new roof rack. Every good adventure needs your favorite music. Since Toyota understands this about their drivers, they included the Entune Premium infotainment system that will allow drivers to connect straight to their smartphone applications. The 4Runner TRD Pro, in addition to the Tundra and Tacoma TRD Pro models, comes equipped with Toyota's Star Safety System. That system includes features that will protect its drivers, such as stability and traction control, smart stop technology, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and much more. The 4Runner, Tundra, and Tacoma TRD Pro models all work to craft the greatest adventures for off-road drivers. Toyota has provided more than a vehicle; they've provided a fresh, unique experience. Keep it here on Smart Toyota for more on the release of these 2019 models. ' Image ' used with permission from Toyota / cropped from original