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Save Big at the Gas Station With the 2021 Toyota Sienna

If you're looking for a car that will fit all of your kids, their friends, and the family dog comfortably, you know that your options are typically gas-guzzling and inefficient. Today, you no longer have to sacrifice efficiency and economy for space. The 2021 Toyota Sienna has it all, with a roomy interior, impressive amenities, and the leading fuel efficiency of its class. At Smart Toyota, we want to show you why the Sienna is the best minivan today. Basics About the 2021 Toyota Sienna The first edition of this minivan was the 1998 Toyota Sienna. Today, the Sienna is one of the United States' most popular minivans. All Siennas are hybrids, which makes the Sienna a fantastic choice for those who want to save big on gas. Pricing There are five different Sienna trims available for you to select from. The most expensive and luxurious Sienna is the Platinum, which has stylish 20-inch wheels and a starting MSRP of $49,900. The Limited also has amazing features, like hands-free dual power sliding doors. It starts at $46,700. The XSE has a sportier look with 20-inch dark wheels and starts at $42,000. The most basic models of the Sienna seat eight while the other trims seat seven. The XLE has a power tilt moon roof and starts at $39,750. The classic model, the Sienna LE is still equipped with impressive features and technologies. It starts at $34,460. Incredible Features of 2021's Best Minivan Class-Leading Gas Mileage for Fuel Efficiency The 2021 Sienna with take you the farthest for the least amount of gas money. No other minivan has better gas mileage than Toyota's Sienna. With an impressive EPA-estimated combined rate of 36 miles per gallon, you are sure to save your money in the long run with this investment. Amazing Amenities to Keep Your Kids Happy! With four distinct climate zones, everyone can find the temperature that's right for them. The driver's seat, front passenger seat, second row, and third-row each have their own controllable microclimate to keep everyone content. To occupy your kids on those long road trips to Grandma's house, we've got your back with the available 1080p HD Rear-Seat Entertainment Center. Instead of flicking Cheerios at your head for entertainment, your kids can watch their favorite movies. Impressive Connectivity You can now download the Toyota App to access Remote Connect. This way, you don't need to fish your keys out of your pocket to lock your doors, start the engine, and more. Inside the Sienna, you can connect your smartphone with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to bring your communication seamlessly into your command center. You even have access to Amazon Alexa for a hands-free experience, and an available Wi-Fi hotspot to get internet access on the road. With innovative technology, the best fuel-efficiency available in a minivan, and much more, the 2021 Sienna is a great family vehicle. Do you want more information about this economical, spacious automobile? Then look no further! Visit us at Smart Toyota today!

How to Jump-Start Your Car This Winter

How to Jump-Start Your Car This Winter

In Madison, WI winter can bring extreme weather conditions, like freezing temperatures, icy roads, and snowstorms. Although this weather can cause road conditions to be bad, something else you need to worry about is your car battery discharging and the issues jump-starting your vehicle can bring. Why Does My Car Need a Jump Start? Car batteries become discharged more often in the winter because the colder temperatures affect your vehicle in a couple of ways. First, when your car battery is cold it doesn't have as much power as a battery that is at normal temperatures. Second, the oil in your car gets colder, and while oil doesn't freeze, it gets thicker the colder it gets, and thick oil makes it harder to turn over in the engine. Both can make starting your car difficult, which can in turn drain your battery. Most of the time a discharged battery can be recharged and work just fine, but you need to recharge the battery in a timely manner. If not done in time, a discharged battery can freeze and you will be unable to recharge it, which will ruin your battery. This issue can occur in traditional cars as well as hybrid cars, but while most people know how to jump-start a traditional vehicle, most people don't realize hybrid cars, like the Toyota Sienna, Camry hybrid, and Prius, for example, require different precautions to jump or receive a jump. How to Jump-Start a Hybrid Vehicle: Don't use your hybrid vehicle to jump-start other vehicles too much, this can damage your vehicle's electrical system. Apply your parking brake and turn off your headlights and interior lights Turn off the hybrid system and remove your key Open your hood, the fuse block cover, and the exclusive jump-starting terminal cover Connect the positive clamp (red) jumper cable to the exclusive jump-starting terminal Connect the negative clamp (black) to a solid, stationary, unpainted, metallic point of the vehicle with the discharged battery If the booster battery is installed in another vehicle, make sure the vehicles aren't touching and all unnecessary lights are off Whenever you are boosting a vehicle, use a battery of matching or higher quality Allow the discharged battery to rest with the jumper cables connected for 5 minutes. Then, run the engine in the vehicle that is boosting at about 2,000 RPM with the gas pedal lightly depressed Start the hybrid system and make sure the "ready" light is on Disconnect the negative cable and then the positive cable How to Jump-Start a Traditional Vehicle: Park the booster vehicle close, but not touching the vehicle that needs to be jumped Begin by clamping one end of the positive jumper cables (red) to the positive battery terminal (labeled +) of the discharged vehicle Connect the other end of the positive cable (red) to the positive battery terminal (labeled +) on the booster vehicle Connect one end of the negative jumper cable (black) to the negative battery terminal on the booster car (marked -). Then take the other end of the negative jumper cable (black) and attach it to an unpainted metal surface on the engine of the discharged vehicle Start the discharged car and let the two vehicles idle for a few minutes Once the discharged vehicle is started and running smoothly, disconnect the cables in the reverse order that you connected them Drive the recharged car to somewhere safe before shutting off the engine in case the battery happens to die again Visit Our Madison, WI Service Center for More Help Knowing how to jump your vehicle correctly can prevent damage to your vehicle and prevents you from harming yourself. While car batteries becoming discharged is one of the problems winter weather conditions can bring, it can also bring other problems to your car. If you have any other vehicle problems or need to winterize your vehicle, come visit our Service Department at Smart Toyota in Madison, WI and our certified-trained technicians can help with all your service needs. We proudly serve customers throughout the greater Madison area, including Middleton, Sun Prairie, WI, and beyond. Image by StockSnap from Pixabay

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5 Tips for Planning Your Trip to the Wisconsin State Capitol

A visit to the Wisconsin State Capitol can now be scheduled. Groups of ten or more can set up a tour of the historic building, and we've listed a few things to keep in mind. 1. Keep up With City Covid-19 Guidelines The highlights are that cloth masks are required indoors, feeling sick is a reliable sign that you should stay home, and public water fountains and restrooms are closed. These city guidelines are subject to change, so check before you head out. In addition to making sure you know the requirements, make sure your group does too. Regardless of personal views, the rules will need to be followed. Don't be the group that's asked to leave for breaking them. 2. Keep an Eye Out for Fossils Several naturally occurring fossils can be found in and around the capitol building. From starfish to gastropods, you won't want to miss these ancient artifacts in the halls. To be exact, there are eight fossils. How many can you find on your tour? You don't need to worry about missing any, because your guide will know exactly where they are. 3. Pictures Are Allowed Art and beauty fill the grounds. A picture lasts forever, so take one! Take as many as you like and show off to your friends and family who miss the trip. You may be tempted to relive your college Intro to Photography class when capturing images of the iconic statues and architecture. Pictures are allowed, but if you don't want to run out of space, you may need to have a spare memory card. There's nothing more frustrating than being halfway through your tour when you get the 'low memory' alert. 4. Ask Questions The guides are trained to answer any and all questions you might have. If you're curious about something it's their job to know. Keeping questions to yourself means you're going to be left unsatisfied with your experience, and your guide underutilized. If you're looking for things to ask about, there are decorative pediments on all four sides of the building. A fire destroyed most of the building, but most of the library was saved. You can ask about the restoration that took 24 years to complete. There's so much history here that an endless supply of questions can be found with minimal research. 5. Show up in Style Nothing says VIP visitor like pulling up in a gorgeous car. The best way to accomplish this is with a brand new one, with that new car sheen. If you are looking for a vehicle that will impress or just need an upgrade, then head down to Smart Motors, the Toyota Dealer of Wisconsin, to pick up your new car. An arrival that will impress is waiting for you!

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Bring It to the Smart Toyota Dealership: 5 Services You Can Count on

Purchasing a Toyota means you're the proud owner of a vehicle that is built to last while delivering the smoothest most enjoyable ride possible. And when it comes time to bring your car in for service, the trained professionals at Smart Toyota are there to make sure you and your car get the VIP treatment you both deserve. Our mission is simple, to ensure your car runs as perfectly as it did the day you drove it off the lot. Courtesy Oil Changes At Smart Toyota, you're more than just a customer, you are a valued member of the Toyota community. And to show our appreciation, Smart Toyota gladly offers complimentary oil changes on new car purchases for the first two years/25,000 miles. Getting your oil changed at the appropriate time reduces harmful friction between your engine's moving parts, allowing your Toyota to run optimally. We only supply your vehicle with high-quality motor oil that helps to remove impurities while it lubricates. Brake Service Your brakes should function flawlessly at all times for obvious reasons, and there is no better place to have your brakes serviced than at Smart Toyota in Madison, WI. Our trained Toyota technicians will help determine how safe your brakes are, as well as the surrounding components such as brake rotors. This level of expertise can help save you money in the long run by spotting and preventing potential wear and tear signs before they occur. Tire Service Your tires are what connect your vehicle to the road and having tires that properly grip the road is monumentally important for the safety of you and your passengers. Our specialized technicians will give you a full analysis of your tires and current tread level and inform you of whether or not it is time to change them. You can also count on tire rotation, pressure, and balancing as part of this very important service. Smart Toyota Certified Parts All cars need a new part once in a while and this also applies to a great car like your Toyota. If you need a part replaced, your first and only destination should be your authorized Smart Toyota dealership. Aftermarket parts are not put through the same rigorous testing and certification process that Toyota's are. This means when things go wrong with an aftermarket part, there is no one to hold accountable. Friendly and Professional Team At Smart Toyota, we pride ourselves on building strong relationships with loyal customers. When you bring your vehicle in for service, you'll be met with a level of courtesy and professionalism that reminds you that you made the right choice by purchasing a Toyota from us. Whether you're meeting with a salesperson, manager, or service technician, you'll be greeted with a smile and a genuine desire to exceed your expectations. There are plenty of reasons why you should trust us with an investment as important as your vehicle. If you want to join this amazing community, visit Smart Motors Toyota today to view our incredible selection of new and certified pre-owned Toyota vehicles!

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Oh Deer! Cost of Deer-Vehicle Collision Repairs Going Up

Winter in Wisconsin It’s mating season, and Wisconsinites know what that means. From now until December, deer and other wild animals will be out in droves, oblivious to their own safety. It’s that time of year when at any given moment, a deer will come bolting out of nowhere and strike your vehicle with full force. It’s an unfortunate experience and one that is getting costlier. According to the State of Wisconsin Department of Transportation, there were 18,414 deer-vehicle collisions reported in 2019. That’s three times as many as alcohol-related crashes. From mid-October through November, nearly 7,000 deer-vehicle accidents occur in the state. Less dense foliage, higher animal activity levels, and an earlier setting sun collectively result in nearly 150 accidents per day during the seasonal peak. With more than 400 personal injuries on an annual basis. A Costly Collision and Who To Trust With Your Vehicle Ask anyone who has hit a deer and they’ll all agree that there's really no such thing as a “minor” deer-vehicle crash. Deer Collision Repair Costs “When a deer smacks into your car, they collide with significant force,” says James Anderberg, manager at Ball Body Shop, 2225 Eagle Drive in Middleton, a division of Smart Motors. He says the average hit can cost between $2,500 and $6,000 with some smash-ups resulting in a total loss. And to make matters worse, these costs are going up. Anderberg says the features that are currently on vehicles to help keep drivers and passengers safe are one of the reasons repair costs are on the rise. Wondering if hitting a deer might total your car? “Deer commonly take out the hood, grille, air conditioning condenser, the radiator, fan assembly, and front inner structure components,” Anderberg says. “But more and more, we’ve had to replace sensors, cameras, and other high-tech safety features.” Anderberg says some auto manufacturers are said to be refining collision-warning systems to help alert drivers to deer. “For now, though, there’s not a front crash prevention system that is calibrated to recognize deer or other animals,” he says. State Farm Insurance says the national reported cost per claim from hitting a deer rose 6 percent to more than $4,100 from about $3,900 in 2014 and then rose to $4,341 in 2018. And while a driver’s comprehensive insurance coverage should absorb these costs. Many drivers elect not to carry comprehensive and therefore have to pay out of pocket. Anderberg acknowledges that the situation is unfortunate. But, he assures Ball Body Shop has the expertise required to fix any deer crash incident. Tips to Avoid Deer-Vehicle Collisions Always use caution when driving - especially at dusk and into the evening hours. When light levels are low animals are more active. Complacency equals negligence. Stay alert, focused, and pay attention – be aware of the landscape and your environment. Deer generally travel in small groups. If one crosses the road, odds are there are others nearby that might attempt crossing. Watch for and recognize deer crossing signs. Sometimes it makes sense to hit the deer. This might sound callous, but if the choice comes down to hitting a deer or swerving over the centerline, hitting the deer will cause less damage. It also reduces mortality rates. Be a speed limit driver, higher speeds reduce reaction times - going the speed limit increases travel safety. Keep your lights, brakes, and tires well maintained for optimal performance. Buckle up, don't tailgate, and remember to slow it down. Prepare for the unexpected. To prevent an accident in the first place, Anderberg recommends avoiding high-density areas where deer congregate after dark. Rural and suburban roads with zig-zagging stretches, long straightaways, uphill corners, sharp curves, dense culverts, and low lighting can all overlap. These can create dangerous choke-points where accidents may occur. About Ball Body Shop Ball Body Shop, the official body shop of Smart Motors, opened its doors in 1950. They provide the Madison area with customized, cost-effective auto-body services to all domestic and imported vehicle makes. Ball Body Shop has been voted “Best Body Shop” by the readers of Madison Magazine over the years. Ball Body Shop is located at 2225 Eagle Drive, Middleton WI. Phone #: 608.831.5944.

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Taking a Closer Look at the 2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid

Toyota has a long-standing reputation for building reliable, fuel-efficient cars, and the 2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid is a perfect example of that. With a wide range of features and backed by Toyota's rock-solid warranty it gets you maximum value out of your dollar. Key Features of the 2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid Value Starting at just $28,430 MSRP, the Camry Hybrid is worth every penny. It is super efficient at the gas pump, getting you 53 miles per gallon on the highway and 51 mpg when driving in the city. It comes with a warranty that is just as valuable, with a battery warranty good for 10 years or 150,000 miles. You also get a limited warranty good for three years or 36,000 miles, and a power train warranty that covers you for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Performance The Camry Hybrid features a 2.5 Liter four-cylinder engine with dual injection, getting you 176 horsepower at 5700 rotations per minute, and 163 foot-pounds of torque at 5200 rpm. It features Mcpherson strut front suspension and Independent rear suspension for a silky-smooth ride. The electric motor gives you 650 volts of pure power, for a net output of 208 horsepower. An electronically controlled continuously variable transmission is included for smooth, efficient gear shifting. Electric power steering means you don't have to muscle through the turns, ensuring an effortless drive. Power-assisted front brakes give you a smooth, quick stop every time. Modern Interior and Stylish Exterior The various trim levels of the Camry give you different levels of luxury. The base model features 16-inch rims, LED taillights and accents, power mirrors, and a dark front grille. Inside, you'll find a dual-zone climate control system and a seven-inch touchscreen for accessing apps and media. The driver's seat is power-adjustable, with cloth upholstery. The SE is the next step up and features dual chrome exhaust tips and a spoiler. The wheels are 18 inches for an extra bit of style. The XLE is the top of the line, featuring a bright metallic grille, and upgraded headlights. The exhaust is chrome-tipped, and the wheels have a silver finish to make them a little flashier. Inside you'll find all leather seating matched with a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Natural wood trim accents are included, as is ambient lighting to get the mood just right. The seats are also heated to keep you nice and cozy on cold winter drives. Tech features include an eight-inch touch screen, wireless charging for your devices, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Safety As you would expect from a modern Toyota vehicle, the Camry Hybrid features a whole host of safety features. These include stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes. Driver-assist features include a pre-collision warning with automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. Give us a call at Smart Motors and test drive the Camry Hybrid today. For ten years we've been Wisconsin's leading Toyota seller, and we'd love to have you stop by and give us a try.

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Connect With Nature at the Beautiful Olbrich Botanical Gardens

Lately, it's been a little hard trying to connect with nature outside of watching a David Attenborough documentary or playing Animal Crossing: New Horizons. With fall weather making the days comfortably cool, perhaps it's time to visit the Olbrich Botanical Gardens and experience nature in person. A Brief History of the Olbrich Botanical Gardens Intended as a way to preserve public access to Lake Monona from increasing residential development, Michael B. Olbrich began purchased the land around Starkweather Creek with plans to build an expansive park and municipal garden center. Sadly, Olbrich did not live to see his idea into action. In 1952, Madison Park Commission began work on creating the Botanical Gardens. Today there are 16 acres filled with multiple outdoor gardens as well as a conservatory that houses a tropical paradise year-round. The Outdoor Gardens The Olbrich Gardens has 16 acres of outdoor garden displays. Each garden area has been designed to showcase the beauty of each plant as well as delight the senses of those who walk through them. Every season hosts a breathtaking display; whether its bulbs in the spring, annuals, and perennials during the summer, mums and swaying grasses in the fall, or evergreens dusted with snow in the winter. Don't forget to visit the Thai Pavillion while you're there: a gorgeous structure that was a gift from the Thai Government and one of only four located outside of Thailand. The Bolz Conservatory Even in the dead of winter, you can still see exotic plants in full bloom and bask in the tropical environment within the conservatory. Free-flying birds and, during certain parts of the year, butterflies flit throughout the glass enclosure. Banana plants, vanilla producing orchids, and coffee bearing shrubs mingle with carnivorous plants and waterfalls. Hours of Operation, Admission Fee, and Other Information During October, the outdoor gardens and the conservatory are open from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm Sunday through Saturday. Starting November 1, both are open from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm Sunday through Saturday. The outdoor gardens are free of charge, though donations are always appreciated. The conservatory charges $6.00 but has free admission for those that are 5 years and younger or if they are Olbrich Botanical Society members. New procedures have been introduced to help keep staff and guests safe and to ensure proper physical distancing in accordance with the CDC and Wisconsin Department of Health. It's never a bad idea to call ahead or visit their website to see the current procedures and guidelines since they are always subject to change. While you're in the area, stop by Smart Motors Toyota and test drive a car. We're happy to help you find a new or used car that will fit your needs. We're also the only official Toyota Rent A Car provider in the Madison, Wisconsin area. Our hours are Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm, Friday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, and Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

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7 Great Madison Cafes Where You Can Get Your Coffee Fix

It's no secret that Madison loves coffee. You can hardly turn a corner without finding a cafe, bakery, restaurant, or coffeehouse that offers you your caffeine fix. We all have our favorites, but if you've been looking for a new spot to try, we've got a few you should check out. Grace Coffee Co. (417 State St) This quaint and comfy shop is a local favorite that's currently serving up seasonal treats like pumpkin cardamom chai latte. The place has a very relaxed vibe and excellent pour-over coffee that is a must-taste-to-believe. The açaí bowls come highly recommended, as well. Finca Coffee (2500 Rimrock Rd, Ste 105) Though its location is kind of off the beaten path, it is most certainly worth the trip. Finca, in Central America, is Spanish for farm--which is where it all begins for Finca Coffee. They use direct fair trade practices to purchase directly from farms in El Salvador and bring it here to share their culture with their customers directly. Ledger Coffee Roasters (3241 Garver Green, Ste 140) Incredible coffee!” “Delicious coffee,” “...extra special...delectable and unique.” “Love, love, love this place!” As a staple of the Garver Feed Mill, Ledger Coffee Roasters specializes in precisely prepared small-batch coffee that is roasted locally in town, and we think the reviews say it all. “Their coffee is SO delicious!” We could go on, or you could just go and try it for yourself. Bradbury's (127 N Hamilton St) An adorable little coffee shop/ breakfast joint, Bradbury's provides great customer service and has amazing coffees that are strong and creamy. They offer a flavor-of-the-day, usually from Ruby roasters, and every blend is simply delicious. Free WiFi and Apple-pay are also available. Crave Coffee & Donuts (604 University Ave) While the gourmet donuts are most famous here, without the high-quality coffee they wouldn't be the same. Created fresh for you with excellent barista service, this place is going to make your day a little brighter, for certain. Fair Trade Coffee House (418 State St) Just a few blocks down from the Capital Square and Overture Center, Fair Trade Coffee House is serving up fair trade certified coffee and espressos. Every barista has been trained to pull perfect shots in your triple espresso and they can steam the milk perfectly for an extra dry cappuccino. They put in extra effort here and you will notice the difference. Rusty Dog Coffee (3244 Progress Rd) Founded in 2013, Rusty Dog Coffee is a small, local craft coffee roaster that is owned and operated by three good friends and their families. Their coffee is always fresh and never artificially flavored. Their coffee can be found all around town at a variety of restaurants, retailers, and other local businesses, but you can swing by and pick up some to bring home while you're out and about during your day. As a premier Wisconsin Toyota dealer, we have a wide selection of both new and used vehicles--all that have great cup holders for your coffee. We're located in Madison, WI and proudly serve drivers throughout the Middleton and Sun Prairie areas. Visit Smart Motors Toyota today to find a great vehicle that can get you to all the coffee spots your heart desires.

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4 Reasons to Test-Drive the 2020 Toyota Sienna Today

The 2020 Toyota Sienna has plenty to offer those searching for a minivan. With a powerful engine and available all-wheel drive, it packs a punch in all seasons, over all terrain. This year features the Nightshade package, which gives black accents to the wheels, grille, spoiler, door handles, and mirrors. Performance The Sienna is one of the very few minivans available with all-wheel drive, in fact, at the time it came out it was the only one. So if you're looking for a minivan that's good in the snow, the Sienna is one of the only options. It also features some serious power in the form of a 3.5 Liter direct-injection engine with 296 horsepower. It's paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Sienna was designed to be fun to drive, with 140 spot welds to reduce movement in the body and give a better driving response with a smoother ride. Air fin stabilizers reduce turbulence to reduce noise and drag. The Sienna SE features sport suspension for a smooth ride even when you're testing out all the power this car has to offer Multiple Trim Levels to Test Drive The Sienna comes in seven different trim levels, so you'll be sure to find the perfect one for your test drive. If you're interested in just the basics, consider the base model L. If you want the latest tech options, you can check out the top of the line XLE. If you're interested in comfort, the SE features leather-trimmed heated front seats that are eight-way power-adjustable. Comfortable Interior The Sienna comes loaded with interior features to make your ride as comfortable and convenient as possible. These include the smart key system, which unlocks the car when it senses your key, and the engine can be started with the push of a button. It features a power liftgate as well for added convenience, and power sliding doors that open at the push of a button. Technology and Entertainment A seven-inch touchscreen is standard on the Sienna, with compatibility for Apple Carplay. It is also compatible with Alexa, so you can play music, get weather updates, make calls, get directions, and more with just the sound of your voice. The Sienna is also available with a 4G LTE wifi hotspot so you can get internet access to all your devices. The Sienna also comes with convenient features you don't see often, like a rear microphone for talking to passengers in the back. No more shouting from the front seat! Safety Of course, everyone wants to be sure they are as safe as possible on their test drive. The Sienna comes equipped with eight standard airbags and got a perfect five-star crash test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Sienna also features a wide range of nifty driver assist abilities. These include the star safety system, which gets you Anti Lock Brakes, Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control, Smart Stop Technology, and more. Automatic Emergency Braking, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Lane Keeping Assist are all there as well to give you peace of mind. So come test drive the Sienna today at Smart Motors, where we've been serving communities in Wisconsin for over 100 years.

Cheering the Home Team: 4 Local Teams to Root for in Madison, WI

Cheering the Home Team: 4 Local Teams to Root for in Madison, WI

In Wisconsin, sports are a way of life. Just think about how many rabid fans there are who cheer on their professional teams like the Green Bay Packers or the Milwaukee Brewers. While Madison does not have many professional teams of its own, that doesn't mean it has nothing to cheer for, especially with these four local teams in town. Forward FC Forward is a professional soccer team and the only professional sports team based in this city. Its first season was in 2019 and it competes in USL League One, the third tier of American soccer. The team finished fourth in 2019 and looks to place even higher in 2020. One of the best parts about home games is the team's mascot, a cow named Lionela Bessi. The popularity of the team is evident as it had the highest attendance in the league during its first year in operation. Mallards The Mallards are a collegiate summer baseball team that offers perfect family entertainment. The Great Dane Duck Blind, located in the ballpark, provides a combination ticket that includes dinner and drinks. It's easily the best entertainment deal in the city. Maynard and Millie, the team's mascots usually make an appearance during the game to the delight of children, and adults can enjoy a beer or two while they watch the boys of summer swing the bat. Just remember if you do decide to drink, do so in moderation and never drink and drive. Roller Derby At the roller derby, there isn't one home team to root for, but you do get to pick the one you like the best and cheer as loudly as you can. The women who play the game are athletic and competitive, making it an exciting and fun activity that the whole family can enjoy. It might even inspire teenagers to grab some inline skates and go outside for a while. What's even better is that part of your ticket goes to charity, which makes paying for entry much easier. Capitols The Capitols are a team in the USHL Hockey League, which is a minor league affiliate of the National Hockey League. While the last two seasons haven't been great for the team, they are still fun to watch, and the players strive to compete at a high level. The season begins in October and runs through early spring, so there are plenty of games to attend. Suites are available for groups and birthday parties at the skating rink are always a blast. Bundle up and head down to the ice for a bit of hockey fun. Whether you're into soccer, baseball, hockey, or even roller derby, there's a team in town for you to support. The best part is that the tickets to these games are never outrageously expensive as they would be for professional teams. You can bring your whole family and still have money left over for food and drinks. If you want to know more about these awesome teams, stop by Smart Toyota and talk to a local! Image via SteadyContent

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. 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

7 Things We Love About State Street

State Street in Madison is an outdoor public space where locals, tourists, and college students mingle and enjoy each other's company on any given day. It's a place where the community can come together for a meal, a drink, or some shopping. Closed to traffic, this area is also excellent for taking a walk or a bike ride. People Watching This little strip of community fun offers some of the best opportunities for watching people that you are likely to find anywhere. You will see families spending time together, couples strolling hand in hand, and people leading their dogs along the sidewalk. You will also find groups of college students connecting between classes and office workers grabbing a bite to eat or some exercise during the day. Capital Building The State Capital building stands on one end of the street and offers a view of its attractive architecture. Take a tour of the building to learn about state government and the history of Madison and Wisconsin. University of Wisconsin-Madison Spend some time walking around on the beautiful campus of the university where many students learn, live, and play each day. You'll find shady places to sit and relax and plenty of history to explore. Maybe you'll even be inspired to go back to school yourself! Madison Museum of Contemporary Art The Madison Museum of Contemporary Art is a space where you will find the work of a number of different artists. Some of the artists showcased are famous people legendary in the art world, while others are relative newcomers. With the wide variety of art available to see, you are sure to find something that speaks to you. Unique Shopping The shopping on State is eclectic, and there's a little something for everyone. Whether you are looking for a new outfit, something for your home, or touristy souvenirs to bring home from your trip, you'll find it here. Supporting small community shops is a great way of giving back to this town. Fun Restaurants From cozy cafes to upscale eateries, there's a restaurant for every taste along this street. Take the family out for burgers, or spend time with adults at a bar. You will find excellent food and a good time no matter what you choose. Farmers Market The Farmers Market near the capital building is famous for its huge display and unique options. Shop one of the many booths for some wonderful locally grown food or for craft items made in the area. You will also find signs teaching you about the area's dairy farming and how cheese is made. You will learn something new about Wisconsin and be able to taste some of what makes this state so wonderful when you visit the market. State Street is an excellent place to gather with friends or family, and it's a perfect spot for locals and tourists alike. Visit Smart Motors Toyota for information on the perfect car that will take you around Madison and on adventures beyond. Image via SteadyContent

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