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Kibble 4 A Cause

In partnership with MidWest Family Broadcasting's Solid Rock WJJO, The Resistance 106.7 and our friends at EarthWise Pet Madison we were able to raise over $4,000, 130 bags of dog food and we filled our 2021 Toyota Highlander to the brim with toys & goodies for our furry friends. A huge thank you to everyone who came out to support our inaugural fundraising event for the Dane County Humane Society, Czar's Promise, Fetch Wisconsin Rescue, Underdog Pet Rescue of Wisconsin and many more local organizations. A special thank you to the Levy Giving Fund and of course Karben4 for hosting a very special Yappy Hour ~ drinks for humans! Fi Fi had a great time and says "Thanks!"

2020 Toyota Highlander in Madison WI

A Closer Look at the 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Whether you're going out with your friends or picking your kids up from their piano lessons, the 2020 Toyota Highlander is the perfect vehicle for all your driving needs. It features the latest 2.5-liter, four-cylinder hybrid engine that delivers the optimum mix of mileage and horsepower in one of the best looking SUVs of the year. Bold New Design of the 2020 Toyota Highlander The 2020 Highlander improves upon the excellent style of the previous generations with its unique bold design featuring a stunning front black grille with chrome trim, premium headlights, and a beautiful silver bumper on the Platinum model. The powerful SUV form factor has been completely reimagined for the 2020 iteration, keeping the same standards of safety, comfort, and sophistication in mind, with the modern Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA-K). The Highlander XLE features the first-ever 20-inch aero venting alloy wheels, aerodynamically designed to reduce wind noise and improve the ventilation of the heat from the brakes. more Plenty of Room The Highlander Hybrid features a three-row design with multi-purpose cargo space that can be expanded with folding seats in the second and third rows, up to 73.3 cu ft of free space for all your storage needs. The side facets and spaces around this spacious design have been crafted to maximize the storage space with several extra shelves and compartments. The adaptable seat design offers a great range of flexibility in movement and folding, which can come in handy especially if you want to install a rear-facing child seat. More Powerful Than Ever The 2020 Highlander outranks its competitors when it comes to fuel efficiency and maximizing power. The 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque provide unmatched performance and up to 5000 pounds of towing capacity. This raw power is translated into a safe and reliable Stop & Start Engine System, which shuts the engine off when the car is completely stopped and instantly reboots it as you press the accelerator. A Smarter Ride The 2020 Highlander features an extensive suite of smart safety features designed to keep you safe on and off the roads. The Hill Assist, Trailer Sway, and Downhill Assist Controls maximize the off-road safety, while the intuitive driving modes including Normal, Eco, and Sports make sure you get the optimized driving experience every time. The Highlander Hybrid gets an edge over the contemporary vehicles with its rear-wheel electric motor that can power the rear wheels when required to deliver excellent performance on slippery terrains. Please note that the smart features of the Highlander cannot replace the driver's attention. Tech Savvy The 2020 Highlander Hybrid features the largest Toyota SUV touch screen ever, with a 12.3-inch screen that is reliable and responsive in all light conditions and features an HD 360-degree camera view around the entire car. It comes with an optional Wireless Charger and up to five USB charging ports to keep you powered up through the entire journey. The 2020 Highlander has been coupled with a Remote Starter that you can control from your smartphone to lock/unlock and check the status of your car, including whether or not the windows are closed, so you don't have to run back to your car every time you forget to do it! These subtle quality-of-life improvements make the 2020 Highlander Hybrid the best value-for-money SUV you can get on the market today. For more information, contact Smart Toyota today! Image via SteadyContent

2020 Toyota Highalnder in Madison Wisconsin

Discover the Versatility of the 2020 Toyota Highlander

Whether you're looking for a new SUV to take on long family vacations, make trips back and forth to school, or use as a new everyday driver, the Highlander has everything you need. A powerful, fuel-efficient engine is paired with high-end technology for the distinct ability to perform in any way you need it. We're here to help you discover the versatility of the 2020 Toyota Highlander. Intelligent Technology One of our favorites features of the 2020 Toyota Highlander is the intelligent built-in technology. Enjoy options such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for the ability to listen to your favorite playlist, send and receive text messages, and even set up your map route. Available Wi-Fi connectivity will enable the kids, with up to five devices, to stay connected and entertained while on any road trip. You also get the ability to add the Dynamic Navigation system for up-to-date data, routes, and even places to stop for fuel or food. The best just got better. more Always-Ready Performance The engine in the Highlander is the epitome of power. It's a 3.5-liter V-6 that delivers up to 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. The multi-terrain selection enables you to drive in a variety of road and weather conditions. Choose from Mud and Sand, Rock and Dirt, Snow, and Normal modes. Built-in performance modes — Sport, ECO, and Normal — match your driving situation for improved handling and efficiency. The Highlander is able to haul up to 5,000 pounds, so you can easily pull a trailer, boat, or even an RV. Drive With Confidence With the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 system, you're able to drive down any road with confidence. Features such as the pre-collision system with low-light pedestrian detection, full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control, and lane departure alert with steering assist are all included. Systems such as lane tracing assist, automatic high beams, and road sign assist help you stay protected while on the road. Impressive Design Both inside and out, the Highlander is full of advanced design features. Enjoy the Smart Key System on the front doors and liftgate, which is accessible with Push Button Start so you can lock, unlock, and use the liftgate functions. An available power panoramic moonroof with sunshade enables you to let the sunshine and fresh air in. The power liftgate with jam protection enables you to easily load the rear cargo area with groceries, sports gear, or work equipment. The interior boasts high-end comfort features to ensure you and your family enjoy every ride. Three-zone automatic climate control enables everyone to enjoy a perfect temperature setting in all weather conditions. Fabric seating is standard, with leather seats available. The XLE comes with heated front seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel for even more comfort. If you want to check out the 2020 Highlander for yourself, come check us out at Smart Toyota. Our knowledgeable sales staff would be more than happy to schedule you for a test drive or find answers to any of your questions.

The stunning 2020 Toyota Higlander Hybrid parked on a downtown street.

3 Reasons Why You Should Test Drive the 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

If you're shopping for a new SUV, add the 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid to your list of models to test drive. This crossover checks all the boxes — it's stylish, eco-friendly, and reasonably priced. Take a look at a few of the reasons you should consider this vehicle for your needs. more 1. Incredible Efficiency When looking into SUVs, you may soon find that many of the models in the crossover segment aren't very efficient. But you don't have to sacrifice efficiency for the convenience and functionality of a crossover SUV. Instead, you can get a hybrid model like the 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. This vehicle features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that works with two or three electric motors, depending on whether you opt for front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The combined output is 243 horsepower and the powertrain works with a continuously variable transmission. According to estimates, the 2020 Highlander Hybrid returns an average of 35 miles per gallon combined. The Limited trim level gets slightly lower efficiency, with the highway estimate coming in at 34 mpg. However, those numbers are quite impressive for a three-row crossover. The non-hybrid version of the Highlander comes in at 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway for a combined estimate of 34 mpg. 2. Upscale Interior Within the cabin of the 2020 Highlander Hybrid, you'll find a spacious seating area with room for up to eight, although all models but the base come standard with captain's chairs that takes the seating capacity to seven. Standard cabin features include cloth upholstery, tri-zone automatic climate control, soft-touch materials, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and six cargo hooks. On the tech side, the base model comes with a six-speaker sound system with an 8-inch touch screen, satellite and HD radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, and four USB ports. For a more luxurious ride, check out the higher trim levels. You can get features like leather upholstery, faux wood trim, ambient interior lighting, heated front-row and second-row seats, power-adjustable seats with adjustable lumbar support, a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Additional options include wireless device charging, a premium audio system, navigation, and a 12.3-inch touch screen. 3. High-End Safety Features All trim levels of the 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid come standard with Toyota's Safety Sense 2.0 suite, which includes active safety features to protect you and those around you on the road. The suite includes a pre-collision warning system with automatic braking and pedestrian detection, full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control with road sign assist, a rearview camera, cyclist detection, automatic high beams, lane tracing assist, and lane departure warning with steering assist. Additionally, the Highlander Hybrid comes with blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert as standard. Options include front and rear parking assist with automatic braking and a bird's eye view camera system. If you're interested in this crossover SUV, visit Smart Toyota to get behind the wheel. We have a selection of Highlander Hybrid models available for you to test drive, and we can answer any questions you may have about the vehicle. Image used with permission via toyota.com / cropped from original

A man driving the all new 2020 Toyota Highlander.

Take Driving to A New Level Behind the Wheel of a 2020 Highlander

Whether you're looking to take your family on your next great adventure or down the street to soccer practice, the 2020 Toyota Highlander will get you there. Read on to learn more about why U.S. News & World Report says the 2020 Toyota Highlander "offers a great predicted reliability rating, a sizable cargo hold, and a gentle ride." Fun-Filled Interior The 2020 Toyota Highlander's premium interior offers features that are fun for drivers and passengers alike. An available 12.3-inch touchscreen display has Apple CarPlay compatibility, Android Auto, and an all-access three-month trial Sirius XM subscription. The available JBL with Clari-fi audio system delivers phenomenal surround-sound with 11 speakers with high-quality engineering. A center console with Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging capabilities allows you to charge your devices with ease on the go. Roomy third-row seating provides seating in the vehicle for up to eight with plenty of legroom for everyone. more High-Design Exterior Contoured lines and a chiseled shape give the 2020 Highlander's exterior a unique, eye-catching design. The Highlander's all-new design in 2020 includes 20-inch wheels available on the Limited and Platinum models, and stylish LED headlights come standard. Families will love the convenience of the available hands-free power rear liftgate; with the Smart Key fob in your pocket, simply wave your foot under the rear bumper when your hands are free to load up groceries or sports gear and hit the road. Safety Features The 2020 Toyota Highlander's safety features are designed to give you and your family peace of mind. Toyota Safety Sense is a set of safety features designed to protest you and your passengers, including the pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, dynamic radar cruise control, and lane departure alert. Also included is the new road sign assist, which is designed to detect signs such as stop and speed limits, and display them on the MID. The available digital rearview mirror takes advantage of a rear camera to offer a wider field of vision with the flip of a switch. The 2020 Highlander also features available dynamic navigation, providing you with up-to-date mapping data and routes to get to your destination on time. Seamless Everyday Performance The 2020 Toyota Highlander offers performance that makes it fun to drive while delivering a consistently exceptional driving experience. The Highlander's advanced 3.5-liter V-6 engine gets an impressive 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, and has a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. The available Highlander Hybrid all-wheel drive offers an estimated best-in-class EPA estimated 35 miles per gallon combined. The Toyota New Global Architecture Platform creates smooth handling and a comfortable, confident drive. Available Dynamic Torque Vectoring all-wheel drive improves stability and responsiveness. All-wheel drive models also feature multi-terrain select, with four modes to improve traction in a wide variety of environments: normal, snow, rock & dirt, and mud & sand. Ready to check it out in person? Stop by and visit us at Smart Motors, Wisconsin's Toyota Dealer, to give the 2020 Highlander a test drive today. Image used with permission via toyota.com / cropped from original

A red 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid.

Explore the All-New 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Toyota has redesigned the 2020 Highlander Hybrid, making bold statements in look, power, and performance. Perhaps most impressive is how the new hybrid has improved mileage significantly. Here's a look at what's new and improved on one of the most popular SUVs on the market. more Style and Comfort The 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid will come in four trim levels: LE, XLE, Limited, and Platinum. The differences in the exterior from the previous year are subtle, but a close inspection reveals a sleeker, trimmer design. The result is a sportier, more sophisticated shape. The 2020 is also 2.36 inches longer, allowing for more cargo space and legroom for the third-row passengers. The 2020 Highlander Hybrid is now on the Toyota New Global Architecture platform as well, allowing greater safety, capability, and comfort. This platform also road noise and, combined with new soundproofing materials, makes for an exceptionally quiet ride. The cabin is functional yet luxurious, sporting softer materials and sleeker interior design. Ambient LED lighting and perforated leather upholstery options are available on the Limited and Platinum models. The LE comes standard with second-row captain's chairs, but the bench seat configuration is available to gain the extra seat. Cargo space has improved by over two cubic feet when all three rows are in use. That means you can haul everyone and everything you need. No more sacrificing one for the other. The Highlander comes standard with an 8-inch touch-screen interface with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Waze navigation, and a built-in Wi-Fi hot spot. The Platinum trim upgrades to a 12.3-inch touch screen with Dynamic Navigation and an 11-speaker JBL audio surround sound system. Performance The 2020 Highlander Hybrid comes standard with a 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engine that works in conjunction with the two electric motors mounted under the third-row seating. Testing results are not published yet, but Toyota claims the miles per gallon could be as high as 34 while still putting out 240 horsepower. The new Highlander comes standard with all-wheel drive, but a front-wheel-drive configuration is available for the first time this year. It also has four drive modes: Normal, Eco, Sport, and EV. Use the Eco mode for better fuel efficiency, Sport mode for acceleration, and EV mode for short distance, electric-only driving. Safety The 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid comes standard with Toyota's suite of safety features. Adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, pedestrian detection, automatic braking, and forward collision warning are some of the safety features that have received upgrades from the 2019 model. Two new additions are Lane Tracing Assist and Road Sign Assist. The Limited and Platinum trims come standard with the new Rear Cross Traffic Braking system and Rear Cross Traffic Alert system. Platinum models also come standard with a 360-degree camera giving you a bird's-eye view of your vehicle. The 360-degree camera is available on the Limited trim but not on the LE and XLE trims. There's a lot to like about the new 2020 Highlander Hybrid. If you want to learn more, schedule a test drive at Smart Motors Toyota today. Image used with permission form toyota.com / cropped from original

The 2020 Toyota Highlander

Everything We Know About the 2020 Toyota Highlander

There's a lot of buzz circling regarding the release of 2020 vehicles. One particularly bright spot is the 2020 Toyota Highlander. There's been a lot of smoke and mirrors regarding information, however, the picture is becoming clearer. Here is a quick overview of everything we know about the all-new Highlander. more Speculation Regarding A Revamp The Highlander has been an excellent full-size SUV. The three rows of seating make it easy and convenient to carry lots of passengers or haul plenty of cargo. An abstract sketch recently released may indicate that the 2020 Highlander is getting a refreshed look for 2020. The marketing department has gone out of its way to give the Highlander an increased presence around where the New York Auto Show will be taking place. That kind of ad spending can only mean one thing. Invasion. Invasion of a whole new look that is. Why It's Time To Upgrade The 2019 Highlander had tons of excellent features, trims, and engine configurations. It has seven unique trim levels and two engine options. Pair that with the wide range of entertainment features incredible safety specifications and you have a very attractive full-size SUV. One reason Toyota may be looking to re-imagine the Highlander is the rise of competition. Several new full-size SUVs have hit the road since the last Highlander redesign. The Atlas by Volkswagen and Ascent by Suburu have disrupted the market quite a bit. Hyundai and Kia also have new third row SUVs and Ford just released a redesigned Explorer. There's too much going on in the three tow SUV world to not make a move. Everything We Know About the 2020 Toyota Highlander Now that we've looked at why it's time for a new Highlander, it's time to unveil everything we know about the all-new 2020 Toyota Highlander. At the end of April, Toyota officially pulled back the curtain on what the new Highlander will bring to the table and the changes are modern, drastic, and far-reaching. The Front of the new Highlander features a sleek and modern honeycomb grille design with thin headlights. The model shown included fog lamps, but we don't know if they'll be available on all trims, or just higher levels. Chrome accents complete the front of the SUV. Along the side, a chiseled body helps bring the Highlander to a more modern point from a design perspective. The rear profile reveals an upper spoiler lip and a smooth overall design. There aren't any hard edges, but the new Highlander doesn't appear to be too soft either. The framework is moving to Toyota's new global system, as many expected it to. Black bodyside cladding and a silver or chrome rock guard help keep the salt and gravel away from vehicles' most vulnerable areas and mechanical components. The 2019 Highlander had 19-inch wheels across the board, while the new release has options for both 18 and 20-inch varieties. At least one engine configuration will offer up 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. It will be able to tow up to 5,000 pounds. There's a lot to be excited about in regards to the 2020 Highlander. Connect with Smart Motors Toyota in Madison, WI. for more updates and information regarding its model year release. Image used with permission via toyota.com / cropped from original

Toyota Highlander driving along a coastline road.

How Far Will You Go With the 2018 Toyota Highlander?

Traveling long distances often requires a vehicle that can handle different situations effectively. You can take your family on some fun and exciting adventures if your car can get you there without problems. The Toyota Highlander is designed to get you to where you want to go comfortably and efficiently, which will make you want to travel further and more often. If the Highlander appeals to you, then the only question left is, “how far will you go with the 2018 Toyota Highlander?” more To the Beach Spring is here and summer is not far off, which means it will only keep getting hotter. A trip to the beach is a great way to spend the hottest summer days. In a Toyota Highlander, you could make the trip to the beach with your kids and their friends since the Highlander can fit up to eight people. If you are into surfing or water sports, the Highland can be equipped with roof rails so that you can carry paddleboards or surfboards on top. If you end up driving in the sand, the Highlander can handle that too with its improved reaction controls. Camping Deep in the Woods It is also the time of year for camping, and the Highlander can help with that too. You'll need to take a lot of equipment with you on a camping trip, especially with your whole family. The Toyota Highlander has a variable seating system that lets you fold individual seats to customize your trunk space. With up to 84 cubic feet of storage, you can fit all of the supplies that you need. The Toyota Highlander is also capable of driving in many off-road situations. Dirt or uneven pavement are not a problem since the Highlander gives you better control over your power outputs and traction. That means that you can travel to your favorite spot deep in the woods without having to get out and hike the whole way from the nearest parking spot. Road Tripping Sometimes, not having a destination in mind can be the most exciting trip that you can take. Every summer, people hop into their cars and hit the road with the only plan being to drive until they find someplace new. You can do that in the Toyota Highlander and get very far, especially if you take advantage of the hybrid version. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid combines an unusual inline 4-cylinder engine with three electric motors to provide more horsepower and to be able to run in an all-electric mode. It has an estimated efficiency of 30 mpg (city) and 28 mpg (highway) making it the most efficient version of the Highlander that you can get. You can go far and do a lot of different things in a Toyota Highlander. With summer on the way, it is time to start planning your vacation. Part of those plans should be to figure out how you will get where you are going and making sure that your car can handle the trip. You can switch to a new Toyota Highlander today to make your summer trips more comfortable and enjoyable than last years. Plus, you'll get all of the benefits all year long. Image used with permission via Toyota.com

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