Disclosure: I received a 2021 Toyota Corolla Hybrid for a week to facilitate this review. All opinions are 100 my own.
I love Florida, and proud to say I live where others vacation! Driving a 2021 Corolla Hybrid in Barcelona Red Metallic (this color though!!) to visit some of my Central Florida favorite places, was a perfect idea! The Corolla Hybrid is a small car big on Florida adventures!
The sunshine state has so much to offer that it’s always a blast. There are so many great destinations in Florida, just so many fun things to see and do that it’s impossible to ever get bored.
Not to mention the ocean views and the beaches that are just waiting to be explored!
After living in Michigan for over six months and after my daughter finished up her Master’s degree there, what better way to celebrate than to plan some little adventures to check out everything new and fun in Central Florida! Who doesn’t love checking out Florida even if we live here?
Not only did I have the best adventures with my family but we were able to make the trips in the brand new 2021 Toyota Corolla Hybrid. Being able to travel in comfort and class, is priceless and that’s exactly what the Toyota Corolla Hybrid delivers! I instantly fell in love with the car and was so sad to have to give it back!
If you’re all about road trips and need some comfy wheels, here is why I HIGHLY recommend the 2021 Toyota Corolla Hybrid!
Toyota Corolla Hybrid – Small Car Big on Florida Adventures
First off, driving a Toyota Hybrid….. hands down! That’s a big deal! Not only that but it won the 2020 Green Car of the Year. Toyota knows what they’re doing and they’re doing it well.
Here are my top reasons why I fell in love with Corolla and why I think you just might also:
What can a hybrid vehicle do?
Hybrid technology? Confused about what a hybrid vehicle can do? Yes, I was confused too! You don’t need to charge hybrid cars, everything is done automatically.
You also can’t really drive it using electric propulsion alone. While the Corolla Hybrid offers what Toyota calls EV Mode, this feature can only be activated at low speeds (below 45 km) and during a short period of time.
The small electric motor located between the gasoline engine and the automatic transmission helps the gasoline engine burn less fuel and emit fewer emissions. AND this is great for the environment!
The gas mileage is incredible
Gas mileage!! With an EPA-estimated 52 combined mpg, 59 the highest ever for Corolla, you can go farther in everything you do, and we did! I was floored when I found out that this car got an average of 52 PMG. This is crazy!
I hardly had to stop and fill up, ever! I couldn’t believe that I was able to drive for so long. I kept waiting to run out of gas.
The Suspension! It drives like a dream
Its sporty stance and impressive road handling give the Corolla Hybrid a more controlled felt. Every turn will awaken your inner drive! I’m not one to put the peddle to the metal but I do like a car that can handle well around curves.
This car has a strong and sturdy feel. One amazing control, no matter what type of road I was on.
The interior was comfortable and spacious
I don’t require a ton of room since I’m not super tall but if I can have the room, I’m going to take it. We’ve all been in cramped cars, right? Well, this is nothing like that. We had so much room and it was so comfy I didn’t once have to pull over to stretch or walk during the trip at all.
Lots of trunk space
Don’t mistake the slim dimensions of the Corolla for being short on storage, it’s not! We were able to carry our luggage very comfortably. For oddly-shaped items, all five trim grades of the Toyota Corolla have a 60/40 folding rear seat which helps.
Technology
In this digital era, plenty of things compete for our attention behind the wheel. We need to keep an eye on our speed, a safe distance from the vehicle ahead of us, pay attention to the signs, and then there are sometimes those instances where we need to respond to a text message or even answer a call.
The Corolla comes fully loaded with features from the bottom of the lineup up to the top. With technologies like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Toyota has equipped car owners to safely receive and respond to text messages.
A navigation system that also lets you see the time, weather, and music all at the same time. The infotainment system is outa of this world!
Apple Carplay and Android Auto
Both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are highly-desired features in a car. From some perspective consumers whether a car has smartphone compatibility can make or break a deal. Toyota offers both. Linking up to Apple CarPlay and Android is as easy as it gets, believe me!
The dual compatibility of this Apple-Android feature is found more and more in Toyota’s unique product offerings.
Go Places and Stay Connected!
Let’s Talk about Safety Sense
The Toyota Corolla Hybrid comes equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense ™ 2.0. A bundle of active safety features 91 standard on every new Corolla at no additional cost. It comes standard on many new Toyotas.
Toyota calls it TSS (for short) or the suite of safety technology in its cars. It’s no surprise that they really care about their customers’ safety. It can be seen with all of the thought put into the safety features.
For me, when buying a car, safety is a major concern especially if the Corolla will be a young driver’s first car, with obviously less experience. Toyota prides itself in its safety features.
Toyota Safety Sense ™ 2.0. includes the following features:
Pedestrian detection and a pre-collision system
Pedestrian detection and a pre-collision system help avoid contact with a vehicle or pedestrian in certain situations. Provides both audio and visual alerts and if you don’t react, the system is designed to brake automatically.
THIS is peace of mind and as though I had another set of eyes helping me.
Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Crusie Control
Let’s you drive at a preset speed. It also uses a vehicle to vehicle distance control to help you maintain a preset speed distance from the vehicle in front of you.
Lane Departure Alert
A camera on your windshield may help you avoid the consequences of unintended lane departure by alerting you when it senses that you’ve veered from your lane.
Automatic High Beams
The automatic high beams safety system is also a great feature. Designed to let you see more clearly at night at speeds above 25 mph. It beams so I didn’t have to think about that portion of the trip!
A camera on the windshield aids nighttime driving by using a camera to detect headlights and taillights of preceding vehicles and toggling accordingly between high and low beams.
Lane Tracing Assist
Enabling the Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) or Full-Speed Range DRCC (DRCC) 27 41and lane markers are visible, Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) 33 41 uses the lines on the road and preceding vehicles to help keep the vehicle centered and in its lane.
Road Sign Assist
The other really cool feature was that it had a road sign assist which saw the road signs and then put them on the display to make certain that I saw them, too. This was super helpful when the speed limit changed in an area that I wasn’t familiar with.
When the Road Sign Assist feature is activated, actively scans the sides of the road to detect select road signs including stop signs, speed limit signs, yield signs, do not enter signs, and more.
As soon as a new sign is detected, it will automatically be displayed on the dashboard for easy reference. This is genius! It helped so much I didn’t have to be second-guessing the current speed or wondering what was ahead.
I’m all about safety when it comes to traveling, I’m all about safety and Toyota definitely delivers. I loved that this car offered safety features that kept us and those around us safe.
How much is this Small Car Big on Florida Adventures?
Glad you asked! Pricing for the Toyota Corolla starts at:
- 2021 Toyota Corolla L – $20,025
- 2021 Toyota Corolla LE – $20,475
- 2021 Toyota Corolla Hybrid LE – $23,600
Of course, the price may vary depending on and if you do any add-ons.
Who would Drive a Corolla?
Driving this Corolla Hybrid was a pleasure. It’s compact, adorable, and very comfortable to drive. It definitely would make a great first car or for a second car (or third or fourth). Honestly, for anyone who needs to save on gas and needs something economical, this is for you!
I had a good time test driving the Corolla Hybrid throughout Florida! Make sure to keep these features in mind when buying this amazing car:
Highlighted Features
- Toyota Safety Sense ™ 2.0
- Up to an EPA-Estimated 53 City MPG2
- Smart Key System4 on front doors and trunk with push-button start
- 8-in. Touch-Screen with Apple CarPlay®5 and Android Autio ™ 6 Compatibility
- Amazon Alexa Connectivity7
I had a blast driving the 2021 Toyota Corolla Hybrid. It’s easy to drive, easy to park, and filled with great features that will spoil you immediately when you touch the wheel! And a place like Florida, where everything is fun and beautiful, this sporty. the compact car fits right in.
Now that you know a few of the reasons why I love the Toyota Corolla Hybrid, let’s talk about where you need to plan a visit to in Central Florida!
Best things to see and do in Central Florida
Even though we are fully vaccinated, we took the recommended travel recommendations from the CDC. We were impressed with how quickly lines still move even when the rides have to be stopped to be cleaned!
These are just a few of the fun places that you can visit and go see while in Florida. My daughter loved them and it had been YEARS since we’d been in this area. It was seriously like a blast from the past!
Seaworld
You can’t visit Florida without planning a stop to Seaworld! This fun outing for the family is full of animals and a ton of really cool learning experiences as well. If you have little ones, Sesame Street Land is your place to go!
You and your family will be able to walk down Sesame Street, connecting to all of the fun, laughter, and learning of the world-famous street. Take a stroll down Sesame Street and play with Elmo, Cookie Monster, Abby, and all the gang, and stop by the famous stoop at 123.
Explore the inside of Hooper’s Store, then head for big fun at Big Bird’s Nest. It’s more fun than you could ever dream.
Fun spot
Who wouldn’t want to spend the day at Fun Spot? With rides and food, there was never a dull moment. There are options here for all ages so kids and parents are certain to have a blast!
With a variety of rides and games for kids and adults alike. From the classics, like Bumper Kars, Ferris Wheel, Screamer, Headrush 360 or the thrills of the ONLY wooden coaster in Orlando, and if you love heights, get a bird’s eye view of the park on the 90-foot tall Sky Hawk!
Take a break and stop by their 10,000 square foot arcade! Use your tickets stored on your Season Pass or Fun-E Card to cash in for some HUGE prizes at our redemption counter!
Photo Credit – Orlando Sentinel
Universal Studios Orlando
If you’re a movie buff or someone who likes popular shows and books and theme parks, Universal Studios is the place to be. You’ll get the chance to experience some of the coolest movie rides and games!
New this year is the Jurassic World VelociCoaster! More than 4,700 feet of track, it is now Florida’s fastest and tallest launch coaster, featuring a story that expands what you’ve seen on the big screen.
It also boasts a series of intense maneuvers that will catapult you up to 70 mph and 155 feet in the air with the swiftest of prehistoric predators. YIKES!
Photo credit: Visit Orlando
Disney World
Disney World 2021 is now the time to travel to Disney? Absolutely! Disney World is open and ready for guests! It literally is the most magical place on Earth and is always waiting with open arms for people of all ages!
With so many new rides, restaurants, hotels, and more opening up at Walt Disney World now in 2021 and 2022, there are even more reasons to visit!
One of the huge things on the horizon is their 50th Anniversary “The World’s Most Magical Celebration!”, happening on October 1, 2021.
Epcot
At EPCOT, the entrance project is finished and the front of the park is looking gorgeous. New landscaping, new flags, topiaries, and an iconic prismatic pylon fountain in front of Spaceship Earth have all been installed. Visiting the different pavilions and eating the food is our favorite thing to do! You should too!
Magic Kingdom
The Magic Kingdom is always my favorite park to visit! We were happy to see that the Cinderella Castle was repainted with a new color scheme last spring and summer, and given ornamentation for Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary in Spring 2021.
A small project is underway is the Hall of Presidents that is adding President Joe Biden. It was expected to be done by July 4, but no new updates, so it is expected that the project will take until October.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway the new trackless dark ride inside Grauman’s Chinese Theater was fun! Right before you enter the cinema, you get to experience a special exhibit created by the Toontown Hysterical Society featuring costumes and props from the toon world. Oh boy, talk about details!
Star War fans make sure to catch all the fun at Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge! Check out the far-away planet of Batuu Chewbacca, the Millennium Falcon, Rise of the Resistance, Rey, a cantina, blue milk, a hideout where you can construct a lightsaber and a ton more!
Icon Park
Are you brave enough to ride the giant Ferris wheel? A jaw-dropping observation wheel that stands 400 feet – 40 stories – in the air! If you are brave enough, take a selfie and share it will me! I wasn’t quite there yet … maybe next time!
ICON Park is a 20-acre, in the heart of International Drive, open-air, gate-free entertainment must-see in Orlando. The perfect place to ride, dine with over 40 restaurants, drink, take strolls, shop, and overall explore.
More Fun Activities to do in Florida
Go boating
There are so many places to visit Florida and ways to get out and enjoy the water while here. You can do what we did and rent a boat! This is the perfect way to explore the water for a few hours of time. You can just Toodle around the water and take in the views.
St. Augustine, FL
There’s a reason that people love to visit St. Augustine while in Florida. It has been home to natives and foreigners, colonials and pilgrims, soldiers and prisoners, slaves and free blacks, merchants and industrialists.
It’s a beautiful city with history. It’s quaint and cute and just offers shopping and so many outings and activities. Spend the day strolling the streets or exploring what the area has to offer.
Daytona beach
Last but not least, take the time to go to Daytona Beach a destination very close to my home! It’s a fun place for race fans, home of the Daytona International Speedway and the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America. Visit during the Daytona 500 or spring family beach break.
Don’t forget the Daytona Beach Pier, a historic attraction filled with fun activities, food, and priceless view.
This beach is super popular and for good reason! Pack up your sunscreen and some snacks and just spend the day hanging out on the beach. Is there anything more relaxing than a beach day?!
If you are planning a Florida road trip, make sure to add these fun places!
As you can see, our time traveling to Florida was AMAZING because of the cool and sleek ride of the Toyota Corolla Hybrid. I loved being able to take the trip with this car and literally almost never had to stop for gas. It was the BEST!
If you’re in the market for a car, have your sights on this one. It’s an affordable way to upgrade your car and your travels!
The 2021 Toyota Corolla is a small car big on Florida adventures, don’t you agree? Let’s discuss it in the comments.
Toyota is about quality any time. The suspension is so smooth, and the new electronic interior is super delightful.
It is a car that has it all!
We are about to trade in our car. I will definitely check this one out! Seems like a great option
Yes! Please do!
That looks like such a great car. The adventures you took look amazing as well. Having the right vehicle can really make a difference.
It sure does!
A carolla was my second care growing up. I loved that little thing. Loving this one!
It is a very versatile car!
I don’t know much about cars but this was quite an interesting and informative read. Thanks for the share and that looks like a great car with amazing features.
You are welcome!