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The Toyota Avalon went through a major change in its 2013 models, providing better interior space and a more sleek design. In 2016, the Avalon Hybrid XLE added features to rival competitor sedans. Here are five reasons you should consider this car. Improved Engine The Hybrid XLE has an engine that improves upon the Avalon. A standard Avalon has a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that gets 268 horsepower and goes from zero to 60 in 6.7 seconds. The Hybrid uses a 2.5-liter Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine. This combines with the transmission setup to give 200 horsepower and goes from zero to 60 in 8.2 seconds. While the speed seems lower, the Hybrid offers three different driving modes. For example, the EV mode runs on just battery and goes up to 25 mph, saving you gas when speeds are slower. more Safety Features The Hybrid XLE takes safety a step further to protect the ones you care about. There are rear-side thorax air bags and front knee bags that received high crash-test safety ratings. The Hybrid XLE also has a Rear Cross Traffic Alert System, featuring sensors on the rear quarter panels to let you know when vehicles are approaching on the side or from behind. This safety feature prevents accidents as you're backing out the driveway or getting around tight spaces. The tire pressure monitoring system prevents underinflation, which leads to flat or blown tires. Low Price Compared to other luxury sedans on the market, the Hybrid XLE gives you more features for less money. The base MSRP price of $32,650 is lower than the competitor's $34,000. There is better back room than other sedans, providing comfort for up to four adults. The Hybrid's 14 cubic-feet trunk is a little smaller than Avalon's 16 cubic feet, but there is more than enough room for grocery bags or sports equipment. Fuel Economy The Hybrid XLE is great on fuel efficiency. It weighs about 3,600 pounds, less than other cars with heavier battery packs. The structure is lighter, stronger, and stiffer, providing the Hybrid with more fuel savings. You get 39 mpg in the city and 40 on the highway, and the Sport Mode provides a power boost around corners without sacrificing gas. Features That Satisfy Everyone The Hybrid XLE has features that excite drivers and passengers alike. Drivers get a heated steering wheel, heated seats, and heated mirrors for the colder months. The premium package also includes wireless charging so you don't fumble with cords. Passengers will love the leather seats, as well as the Mp3 player and CD player. Acoustic glass for the windshield and side windows make the ride quiet. These five features on the Toyota Avalon Hybrid XLE are just a small description of what this car offers. Toyota upgraded the car and received high safety ratings, better fuel efficiency, and comfort for everyone inside, and

Forty-three thousand energetic Toyota team members prove their efficiency efforts are no carbon copy. With a renewed focus on energy efficiency and greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction projects, Toyota has achieved a feat no other automaker can claim: 11 consecutive ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year

When we drive our car, we are mindful of other vehicles and follow the rules of the road. However, there are times when we find ourselves in an accident, no matter how cautious we are. How many people Photo by StockSnap | Licensed under CC0

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D.C. is a prime destination for those who love museums. Whether you Photo by skeeze |Licensed under cc0

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As the maker of one of the first SUVs in the world, Toyota knows a thing or two about creating the best SUVs on the market. Since the unveiling of the Landcruiser in 1957, however, Toyota has increased its SUV output to include five different models, ranging from compact to absolute behemoth. So, which one is right for you? Check out a few of the features of these vehicles, and you'll find the decision a little easier. Landcruiser This is the mother of them all. Still regarded as one of the most ingenious and innovative SUVs of all time, the Landcruiser is now a luxury vehicle that's as practical as it is fancy. For an outdoorsman, the Landcruiser can kick it into high gear and outperform many other SUVs on the market. Inside, you'll find heated seats, a heated steering wheel, navigation system, and an optional rear entertainment system. If you can foot the starting price of $83,000, the Landcruiser might be the perfect SUV for you. more Rav4 The smallest offering from Toyota on the SUV side isn't necessarily void of features. Its attractive exterior mixes with a loaded interior to create an SUV for just about anyone. Available in both a front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive option, the Rav4 has a peppy four-cylinder engine that provides power, as well as great gas mileage of up to 30 mpg. Standard features also include a 6.1-inch touchscreen audio system, rearview camera, and USB port. With all these features, this compact SUV is worth a look. Highlander If the Landcruiser is too big and the Rav4 is too small, then the Highlander might be just right. This mid-sized SUV was recently voted as one of the best SUVs for families thanks to a spacious interior, alluring exterior, and a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It also has increased cargo space in 2015 compared to previous models, and has many other amenities for families, such as a power-lift tailgate, foldable third-row seats, and seating for up to eight people. Sequoia This monster, full-sized SUV is definitely the vehicle if your philosophy is "bigger is better." With room for eight and a whopping 120.1 cubic feet of cargo space, you can take the crew wherever you want to go in both style and comfort. In addition, optional features include heated leather seats, rear entertainment system, and climate control. Plus, you can add a tow package to haul a boat or trailer. 4Runner The 4Runner is on the same level as the Landcruiser, with a tough body and slick handling to tackle even the toughest off-road obstacles. The SUV also includes many of the best amenities Toyota offers such as a 6.1-inch touchscreen audio system, power moonroof, and heated front seats to get you to the top of the mountain in comfort. You really can't go wrong no matter which of these SUVs you choose. Depending on your needs and cash reserves, you'll definitely find the one that caters to your every whim. Without a doubt, Toyota's offerings trump all the competition. Image via Toyota

Like other inevitabilites such as death and taxes, winter looms, and with it comes potential problems for the unprepared. However, your car doesn't have to fall victim this year. By prepping your car for winter well ahead of the inclement weather, you can avoid the headaches of an unreliable vehicle. Here's a few ways to prep your car for the harsh Washington, D.C., weather. Do a Routine Maintenance Check If you're taking a car in for an oil change or a tire rotation, have the mechanic make sure all of your car's systems are running efficiently and properly. This includes a check of the battery, antifreeze, brakes, heater, and defroster. All of these are integral to ensuring your comfort and safety during the winter, and many places do it for little or no cost to you. more Get New Tires Another problem that arises during winter is traction in snowy or icy conditions. That's why it's important to make sure your tires are up to the challenge. If you have an SUV or all-wheel drive vehicle, this is less of a concern, but it's still important to check. The best way to do this is the penny test. Turn a penny upside down so Lincoln's head is facing you. If his head disappears when you put the penny in your tire treads, you're probably all right. However, if you see his whole head, your tires are bald and it's time for a replacement. Pack an Emergency Kit In many places during the winter, road conditions get bad enough that the Department of Transportation opts to close roads. Often it's late on this judgement call, causing motorists to become stranded on the interstate. In case of the worst scenario, it's a necessity to have an emergency kit. In this kit include batteries, a flashlight, nonperishable food, bottled water, extra clothes, and a blanket. With these items, you'll enable yourself to stave off a long night when stranded. Plan Ahead Whether you're headed to work or taking a 500-mile road trip for the holidays, you need to plan ahead. Listening to weather reports is a surefire way to avoid massive storms. If this is the case, check a map or GPS to find alternate routes to and from your destination. Although it may take a little longer, it's certainly better than hitting a storm or having to stay a night somewhere out of your way. Keep Your Fuel Tank Filled The reason to keep your tank filled is twofold. First of all, in an emergency, you don't want to run out of gas. If you do, you may not have heat to keep yourself warm. Secondly, a low gas level allows condensation to form inside the gas tank. If this water leaks into your fuel line, it can freeze and cause the line to burst. When in doubt, it's best to top it off. Winter driving doesn't have to become a fiasco. With some planning during the fall, you'll find that it's as easy as ever to navigate the roads, even when conditions are far from stellar.   image via Toyota

Happy Thanksgiving! We hope that you enjoy your Thanksgiving Day with friends and family and give thanks for all that you have.

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When you're in the mood to tempt Lady Luck with an evening of slots or blackjack, you don't have to look far. The Maryland area is home to some of the most exciting casinos, which means you never have to drive far to have a good time and (hopefully) win a few bucks. 1. Rocky Gap Casino Resort Located in Cumberland, Maryland, Rocky Gap Casino Resort is a pleasant day trip from the Suitland area via I-70. The first destination casino resort in the state, Rocky Gap offers high-energy game tables, video poker, and the latest slot machines. You can even buy and redeem Maryland Lottery tickets at the casino cashier. With so many gaming options, you'll have a blast and boost your chances of winning at the same time! more 2. Sugar House Casino This 24-hour casino in Philadelphia boasts more than 40 table games and 1,600 gaming machines. Sugar House Casino offers the city's only 24/7 state-of-the-art Poker Room, so you can take advantage of regular showdowns, promotions, and giveaways that make your trip worthwhile. This waterfront casino also boasts live events and delectable dining options, so be sure to spend at least an entire day there. The best part? Sugar House is only a two-and-a-half-hour drive via I-95 from Suitland. 3. Hollywood Casino Perryville Less than two hours from Suitland just off I-95, this recently opened casino in Perryville offers everything from penny slots to high-limit machines. Hollywood Casino is the first casino in Maryland to have live Table Games, including poker, blackjack, craps, roulette, and Ultimate Texas Hold'em. The casino is also conveniently located near the popular Perryville Outlet Center, making it a great weekend getaway destination. 4. Harrington Raceway With more than 1,800 gaming machines, Harrington Raceway in Harrington, Delaware, is a gambler's paradise. Not only can you enjoy all the traditional gaming machines and tables, but you can also bet on the horse races! The adjoining racetrack is a big reason people from surrounding areas make the trip to Harrington (just east of Suitland on US-50), but newcomers to the casino can also enjoy registration bonuses and sports betting opportunities. This casino is, quite simply, one of the most diverse in the Northeast. 5. Dover Downs Dover Downs has received the "Best of Gaming" award for nearly a decade. The casino recently added Keno to its growing list of games, which is an easy, fast-paced bingo-style game. Dover Downs is a great choice for day-trippers on a budget, since the casino offers military discounts and regular promotions such as drink specials on certain nights. Dover Downs also features horse racing, live entertainment, plenty of dining options, hotel accommodations, and a relaxing spa, making it a good choice for an extended getaway. Just take US-50 east to US-301 N and you'll be there in under two-and-a-half hours. Planning a road trip in the Maryland area is a cinch thanks to an abundance of attractions and relaxing destinations, but when you feel like trying your luck at the casino, keep these exciting options in mind. Photo by dprevite | Licensed unde cc BY 2.0

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