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Fuel efficiency has become a big sector in the automotive industry. Buyers are looking to save a bit of money for better things and overall concerns for the environment and fluctuating availability of oil are also driving factors. This makes hybrid and electric vehicles much more attractive options than less efficient cars, trucks, and SUVs. The electric vehicle charging infrastructure is growing but falls short in many rural areas, making hybrids a great choice. The Toyota Highlander is answering the call with the inclusion of a hybrid version in the 2020 release. Here's a quick look under the hood. Here's What Makes The 2020 Highlander Hybrid So Exciting The comfort and convenience of an SUV or compact SUV are hard to argue. However, the fuel economy has been a thorn in the side of many owners who have had to put up with sub-optimal numbers for years. The new hybrid Highlander, however, will apparently boast numbers close to or above 34 MPG, a massive step forward in SUV efficiency. Toyota had some help in this department outside of pure engineering. A smaller engine is included in the new Highlander, but it shouldn't lose too much oomph. With regard to the powertrain, previous year's releases included a hybrid option for an all-wheel-drive option. To create more pricing flexibility, the 2020 Highlander Hybrid has configurations for both front-wheel and all-wheel drive. The move to a four-cylinder engine from a six-cylinder may make you think that there will be less capability, however, an added battery beneath the seats helps ensure it has the same performance specs as its 2019 counterpart. Entertainment Additions On the 2020 Highlander Toyota is adding entertainment features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to the new Highlander. Lately, these media connectivity features have worked their way into being standard inclusions, so making sure they found their way onto the Highlander was a great choice by the designers. You can access these great features and more on an intuitive 8-inch touch screen display. This Platinum trim has an upgraded 12.5-inch display, making it one of the largest available. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 Toyota has been committed to adding excellent driver assistance features as standard inclusions for a couple of years now. The 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid will include Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, or TSS 2.0. This premium set of driver assistance safety features adds an entire umbrella of great technology which makes the roads a much safer place to drive. TSS 2.0 includes a pre-collision warning system with added pedestrian detection. Dynamic cruise control automatically adjusts the cruising speed if you are gaining on the car in front of you too quickly, and maintains a safe distance. Lane departure assistance with added lane tracing features help you keep the Highlander in the correct lane. Automatic high-beams are a nice, convenient touch for nighttime driving. The 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is creating a lot of buzz and for good reason. The added efficiency and extra safety and tech features make the full-size SUV a very attractive option to car buyers. Image via DealerOn

As summer gets closer and the temperatures continue to climb, you might decide to head outside to enjoy the beautiful weather. Fortunately, Kingsport, Tennessee, has a variety of parks in the area that offer something for everyone to enjoy. When you're ready to have some fun this summer, check out a few of these top options. Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium The 3,550-acre Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium offers the ideal place to explore nature. Head to the nature center and animal habitat area to get a closer look at some of the animals that live in the area. If you need to stretch your legs, the park has over 39-miles of hiking trails. You can also check out a show at the planetarium, take a barge ride on the Kingsport Reservoir, or have some fun on the adventure course. Preston Forest Park The three-acre Preston Forest Park provides several recreational opportunities to enjoy. If you're looking to play some sports, the park has soccer goals, a basketball court, a backstop for baseball or softball, and open green space. Children will also have a good time at the playground and multi-station swing set. You can also bring a lunch to enjoy at the pavilion or picnic tables. Centennial Park The beautiful Centennial Park in the heart of Kingsport provides a unique destination to learn more about the city and spend some time outside. The park was created to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the city. You can take a stroll along the walkway to read about the history of the city. The interactive water fountain at the center of the park is a popular spot on hot days and it even illuminates at night. Riverview Park When you're looking to have some fun, plan a trip to Riverview Park. This eight-acre park has a basketball court, two lighted tennis courts, lighted open green space, and a children's playground. When it's hot outside, you can cool down with the surface water jets, rotating water cannons, and dumping buckets at the Riverview Splash Pad. Cloud Park Cloud Park makes it easy to have fun on wheels. The seven-acre park is home to Scott Adams Skate Park, it's open to bikers and skateboarders. The park also provides access to the Kingsport Greenbelt, which is a nine-mile path that meanders through the city and offers an excellent opportunity for walking and bicycling. Edinburgh Park Edinburgh Park is a 4.5-acre neighborhood park that's a nice place to relax. The walking paths wind around two ponds and feature ornamental landscaping and decorative lighting. If you want to enjoy the view of the birds swimming in the water or the fountain in one pond, you can take a seat on one of the park benches. The ponds are also stocked with fish. If you have your fishing license, you can drop a line and see what's biting. Whether you want to get out and hike or find some relief from the summer heat, you'll have a great time when you check out these Kingsport parks. Image via Pixabay

Toyota debuted the new 2020 Highlander at this year's New York Auto Show and the redesigned SUV had a lot of people talking. Learn more about what Toyota showcased at the auto show and what you can expect when the updated Highlander hits the market later this year. New Style on the Outside While the overall silhouette of the 2020 Toyota Highlander is similar to the 2019 version, the SUV will be about two-inches longer. It also showcases a new appearance that's a little more streamlined. In the front, the Highlander has a smaller grille and thinner headlights. As you go along the side of the vehicle, you'll notice a new accent line that sweeps from the front fender to the rear wheel arch. Once you get to the back of the SUV, you'll see the taillights have also been thinned to match the headlights. New Engine Options Toyota made some excellent changes to the engine options in the 2020 Highlander. The 2.7-liter engine that came standard on the 2019 models is gone. In its place, the 2020 Highlander will have a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that works with an eight-speed automatic transmission to generate 295 horsepower and deliver a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. Additionally, if you're looking for an SUV that combines plenty of room with top-notch efficiency, you'll be pleased to know the 2020 Highlander will also have a hybrid model. Spacious Interior If you're searching for a new Toyota that offers plenty of interior space, you'll love what you find in the 2020 Highlander. The Highlander will come standard with seating for up to eight people. It's also available with second-row captain's chairs for seating for up to seven. Additionally, the Highlander will offer plenty of luxurious features, such as genuine leather seats, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row seats. For your convenience, the Highlander will now come standard with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat. Updated Technology If you're interested in some of the latest technology features, the new Toyota Highlander has you covered. The 6-inch display that came standard with the infotainment system in the 2019 model has been replaced. The SUV will now come standard with an 8-inch touch screen display. It's also available with a 12.3-inch touch screen display. Additionally, for the first time ever, the Highlander will now come standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Waze, and Amazon Alexa. Impressive Safety Features The 2020 Toyota Highlander will still come standard with automatic high beams, lane keeping assist, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. New safety features for the SUV include a road sign reading system and lane tracing assist which helps you stay centered on the highway. Additionally, the Highlander will be available with a blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, and parking distance monitors that include automatic braking. These are just a few of the great new features Toyota unveiled when it debuted the new 2020 Highlander. To discover even more, visit your Toyota dealer when the Highlander arrives later this year. Image via DealerOn

Kingsport, Tennessee, offers plenty of lovely natural scenery and exciting attractions to explore. If you're interested in getting out to enjoy the great outdoors around Kingsport, consider staying at one of these top campgrounds in the area. Woodsmoke Campground Located south of Kingsport, in Unicoi, Tennessee, and nestled in the Cherokee National Forest, Woodsmoke Campground offers a peaceful and relaxing escape. The campground has both tent sites and RV sites that provide plenty of shade and privacy. It also provides a variety of amenities to make your stay even better, such as full-hookups, level sites, free Wi-Fi, and a large bathhouse. Additionally, every site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Rocky Top Campground & RV Park Located about 12 miles southeast of Kingsport, Rocky Top Campground & RV Park offers convenient access to some of the top attractions in the area. The campground is situated a mile from the interstate, so you can easily take a trip to Kingsport, Boone Lake, or Bristol Motor Speedway. While you're staying in the campground, you can enjoy all of your favorite amenities from home thanks to the full-hookup RV sites, cable television, and Wi-Fi access. David Crockett Birthplace State Park David Crockett Birthplace State Park is another great place for camping that's located south of Kingsport. Of the 88 sites in the park, 54 have full-hookups, 17 have water and electricity hookups, and 17 are primitive tent sites with no hookups. During your stay, you can take advantage of everything the park offers, including a public swimming pool, miles of hiking trails, and numerous opportunities for fishing and kayaking on the Nolichucky River. You can also view the replica of Crockett's birthplace cabin. Warriors' Path State Park Warriors' Path State Park is situated about six miles outside of Kingsport. The park has a total of 134 campsites. Of that total, 94 sites have water and electric hookups, and 40 sites are located in the overflow campground. Every site comes with a picnic table and grill. While you're staying in the park, you can play a few games at the challenging 22-hole disc golf course. The park also has an 18-hole golf course, 12 miles of hiking trails, an Olympic-size pool and children's wading pool and canoe, kayak, paddleboard, and pedal boat rentals at the marina. Natural Tunnel State Park If you travel a few miles north of Kingsport to Duffield, Virginia, you'll discover Natural Tunnel State Park. The park has a number of unique options for camping, including cabins, yurts, and two campgrounds. Cove View Campground has 16 sites with water and electricity hookups, and Lover's Leap Campground has 18 sites with water and electricity hookups. When you stay at the park's campground, you'll be able to view the massive naturally formed cave that's so large it's used as a railroad tunnel. Whether you're interested in a campground that provides easy access to attractions or one that lets you escape from the hustle and bustle, you'll find the perfect destination at these great campgrounds near Kingsport. Image via Pixabay

When the Toyota Corolla hits dealerships this spring, it will feature an updated design and some excellent new features. If you're thinking about upgrading to the Corolla, learn more about some of the changes you'll see so you can discover why it's the ideal vehicle to suit your needs. Sharp Exterior Design The outside of the new Corolla features a striking design that's sure to turn heads when you drive down the street. To make an impression coming and going, the Corolla comes standard with LED headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights. As you go up in trim levels, the available exterior features you'll enjoy on the Corolla include a power tilt and slide moonroof and power-adjustable and heated side mirrors with turn signal and blind spot warning indicators. Fun and Exciting Power When you're ready to hit the road, the Toyota Corolla offers several engine options to give you a thrilling drive. The sedan comes standard with a 1.8-liter engine that offers up 139 horsepower and 126 pound-feet of torque. If you're interested in adding a little more excitement to your drive, you can go with the available 2.0-liter engine that delivers 169 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. Plus, when you push the available Sport button to enable Sport Mode, the shift points and engine control unit are adjusted for even more fun. Terrific Interior Comfort When you're searching for a new Toyota that offers a comfortable interior, climb inside the Corolla. To help you breathe easy and enjoy the perfect temperature, the Corolla is available with automatic climate control that has a dust and pollen filter. If you're driving around on a chilly day, you'll stay nice and warm inside your Corolla, thanks to the available heated SofTex-trimmed front seats. You'll also appreciate the extra comfort that the standard soft-touch center console and available leather-wrapped steering wheel bring to the vehicle. Advanced Connectivity Technology You can easily stay connected when you hit the road in your Toyota Corolla. The infotainment system in the Corolla comes standard with Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, a six-speaker audio system, 7-inch touch screen display, USB media port, and Bluetooth technology for voice recognition, hands-free calling, and music streaming. If you decide to go with one of the higher trim levels, you can enjoy an upgraded system that includes an 8-inch touch screen display and one USB charge port. Impressive Safety Features You'll discover some of the latest safety features when you take the Toyota Corolla for a spin. Every Corolla comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which includes road sign assist, pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, lane departure alert with steering assist, lane tracing assist, and full-speed dynamic radar cruise control. The Corolla also comes standard with a rearview camera and tire pressure monitor system. These are just some of the great changes you'll discover in the Toyota Corolla this year. Take one for a spin today to learn about even more updates that make this an excellent option for your next new vehicle. Image via DealerOn

Spring is here, and it's time to get outside, and in the Kingsport area there is plenty to do whether you like adventure or something more relaxed. From hiking and biking trails to historic sites worth exploring, you can gather the whole family for a day outside in the sunshine and fresh air. Here are some fun outdoor activities to enjoy in Kingsport. Explore Exchange Place Exchange Place is a living history museum with 62 acres of farmland to explore. Visitors can take a walk through the farm to see what life was like for farmers and early settlers during the 1850s. There are buildings to tour including an old schoolhouse, blacksmith forge, and the granary. The main house is also open to the public, along with barns which are home to some unique breeds of chickens, sheep, horses, and cattle. The Exchange Place opens up in May and stays open until October, leaving you plenty of time to get there and check it out. Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium If you love the outdoors, Bays Mountain Park is a must see. The city of Kingsport owns the over 3500-acre park which includes over 38 miles of trails for hiking, walking, and biking, and a 44-acre lake. Animal habitats at the park offer visitors a place where they can see bobcats and other native wildlife up close, and if you are really up for an adventure, try the Adventure Course ropes course. This has a 300-foot zip line and lots of climbing features to challenge you whether you've attempted a ropes course before or it's your first time. GRIP Outdoors Take advantage of the Holsten River and rent a kayak or inner tube and spend the day floating on the water. GRIP Outdoor offers all-day river tube rentals, or you can take a kayak rental tour for one, two, three, or four hours. If you want to try your luck fishing, GRIP also offers fishing kayak rentals. You can use the shuttle services to and from their location, and they even have floating coolers so you can bring refreshments while you're out on the river. Take A Walk Along the Kingsport Greenbelt The Kingsport Greenbelt is an 8-mile trail that takes you through the city of Kingsport and to the surrounding forest. The whole trail is completely covered in pavement making it easy to navigate and everyone can use it whether you want to walk, run, ride a bike, or even Rollerblade. The trail stays open all year round and if you head here in the spring, you can see all the scenery start to come to life as the weather warms up. Make sure to check out the wetland preservation area along the trail, two historic sites, and even a natural spring. Bring a lunch and stop for a picnic, or bring the kids to the skate park that you'll find along the way. There are many outdoor activities in the Kingsport area no matter what you like to do. Image by Kristen from Pixabay

The 2019 Toyota RAV4 has received some significant updates. Along with a new platform and more aggressive off-road styling elements, it also has upgrades to the interior and improved performance. Toyota designed this new generation of RAV4 for drivers who want to tackle all kinds of terrain with just one vehicle. Here are some of the features that allow this SUV to conquer almost anything. The Adventure Model The Adventure trim raises up the RAV4 to give it extra ground clearance to help get up and over rough terrain. This trim also has a more advanced all-wheel-drive system that adds extra traction. The Adventure model adds taller roof rails along with hill-descent control and an upgraded backup camera system. The Technology Package is an available option which adds parking sensors, rear cross-traffic automatic braking, and tech features including wireless smartphone charging and an upgraded JBL stereo system. The RAV4 Hybrid If you want to conquer the highway and make your drive as fuel-efficient as possible, the 2019 RAV4 Hybrid is your best option. This RAV4 model has a four-cylinder gas engine and two electric motors that together produce 219 horsepower. It offers quick acceleration and a smooth, efficient ride down the highway. This model, like other Toyotas, comes standard with the Toyota Safety Sense suite of advanced safety systems. The bundle combines adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, lane tracing assist, automatic high beams, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Drive Modes The three different drive modes in the RAV4 allow it to conquer different types of terrain. Choose Sport Mode for sharper acceleration, ECO mode when you want to maximize your fuel efficiency or Normal mode which combines both fuel efficiency and performance to provide a smooth and comfortable ride. Multi-Terrain Select Along with the different drive modes, you can also choose the type of terrain you're driving on with just a twist of a knob. The four modes include mud & sand, rock & dirt, snow, and normal. When you activate the system, it will sense when the RAV4 slips and regulate the wheel spin. It does this by adjusting the throttle response and adjusting the brakes and drive-force distribution to help the SUV perform its best no matter what type of terrain you're on. Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive with Rear Driveline Disconnect The Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel drive system that comes with the Adventure model gives the RAV4 more stability by sending up to half of the power to the rear wheels and then distributing even more power to the wheel that needs it more. The Rear Driveline Disconnect system works with this to stop sending power to the rear wheels when the terrain smooths out and it's no longer necessary. The 2019 Toyota RAV4 has models, equipment, and features designed to help it conquer all types of terrain. Whether you need a smooth ride down the highway or an off-road adventure vehicle this SUV has you covered. Image via DealerOn

The area that is now Kingsport, Tennessee, sits where the North and South Forks of the Holston River join. First settled in the 1700s, early settlers used the area as a staging ground for pioneers who were traveling over the Wilderness Road to Kentucky. It is the home of the Battle of Kingsport during the Civil War, and later, was one of the first municipalities to use a city-manager form of government. Because it has such an interesting history, there are many historic sights to see in the area. Here are some that shouldn't be missed. Exchange Place Exchange Place is a living history farm in Kingsport. It was once a self-supporting plantation, along with a Post Office for Eden's Ridge, and the Old State Road relay station. This farm recaptures life in the 1800s when people exchanged horses instead of money. Buildings on site include The School House, the Cooks Cabin, the Blacksmith Forge, and the Gaine's Store. The animals on the farm represent what was on a farm in 1850. You can see milking shorthorn cattle, Suffolk horses, pigs, and Dominique chicken. All of the animals played a part in providing the farm and the people with what they needed from food to shelter and clothing. Christopher Taylor House The Christopher Taylor House is a home built in 1778. It is a log home that shows how the early settlers lived. It purposely contains no glass windows so the Indians couldn't see in or get in. Christopher Taylor, who fought in both the French-Indian War and in the American Revolution built the home in 1777, and Andrew Jackson also lived here for some time while he practiced law in Jonesborough. Fort Watauga Fort Watauga in nearby Elizabethton, Tennessee, was a fort in the American Revolutionary War, and initially stood at the Sycamore Shoals of the Watauga River. Originally built in 1775 by the frontier government, the Watauga settlers used it to defend themselves from Cherokee Indian attacks. It was initially called Fort Caswall after the North Carolina Governor Richard Caswell. It now sits in Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park. Admission is free to view and visit the fort, and you can also tour the visitors center. The Appalachian Caverns Just a few miles away in Blountville, Tennessee, the Appalachian Taverns are well worth a visit. In 2006, archeologists released information about the caves showing that Early Woodland Native Americans used them over 1300 years ago. Some discoveries include burned firewood in a fire pit from 675 A.D., along with pottery, and arrowheads. The log cabin on the site is from 1777, and documents show that this cabin along with the caverns was a stopover point for travelers making their way west. You can take a guided tour of the caverns, and also go prospecting in the Gem Mine. These are a few of the historic sites worth seeing in and around the Kingsport area. Make a day of it or even pack up for a weekend of discovering the history of Tennessee. Image by Tentes from Pixabay

The Toyota Tacoma is a rugged-looking and acting midsize pickup truck designed to handle all kinds of on and off-road situations. The 2019 model has an upgraded TRD Pro trim level with even more off-road equipment, and all the trims now come with two extra USB charging ports. Here are some of the reasons why the 2019 Tacoma is perfect for both work and play. The Power The base engine in the Tacoma is a 2.7-liter four cylinder that develops 159 horsepower and 189 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain works along with a six-speed automatic transmission, and it provides plenty of power for the everyday driver. The TRD Sport gets a more powerful 3.5-liter V-6 engine with 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. Rear-wheel drive versions with this engine get a six-speed automatic and all-wheel drive models get the option for a performance six-speed manual. Add the tow package to the 3.5-liter engine and the Tacoma can tow up to 6800 pounds and carry up to a 1,440-pound payload. Toyota even makes trailer-sway control a standard feature so you can safely tow even if the wind picks up or you head around a corner and the load shifts. The TRD Off-Road The TRD Off-Road model steps up the off-road performance features. It adds a chrome rear bumper and black fender flares. Some of the additions to increase off-road utility include a lockable rear differential, an advanced off-road traction control system that includes several different terrain settings along with crawl control, extra skid plates, and Bilstein monotube shocks. The Safety Features Whether you need the Tacoma for work or for play, it will keep you safe. Standard safety features in this pickup include a rearview camera, forward collision warning with an automatic emergency braking system, automatic high beams, lane departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. The TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road offer the option to add blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and rear parking sensors, while the higher-end Limited makes these standard. The TRD Pro The TRD Pro Tacoma has everything you need for playing on rough terrain along with styling elements to make it stand out. It comes with all of the TRD Off-Road features but adds a black grille, and some performance upgrades including Fox internal bypass shocks, a thicker skid plate up front, all-terrain tires, and it increases the ride height by an inch. Entertainment Technology You can stay connected and entertained in the Tacoma no matter what you use it for with the 7-inch touch screen display that comes in the TRD Sport and above. These also come with navigation and wireless smartphone charging. Toyota adds the option for an upgraded JBL speaker in the higher-end models. In the bed, you can get a 120-volt 400-watt power outlet for plugging in tools or lights, and all models come with the Entune infotainment system, Bluetooth, and Siri Eyes Free. The 2019 Toyota Tacoma is the perfect pickup for work or play. It has all the power you need, advanced safety systems, off-road capabilities, and the latest entertainment technology. Image via DealerOn

Whether your interests are in education, archeology, or getting an up-close view of the past, a visit to one of Kingsport's museums is an enlightening experience. Here are four to consider that will give you something for everyone. Exchange Place/Gaines-Preston Farm You'll find plenty to see and do at the 62-acre Exchange Place, once known as the Gaines-Preston farm. The farm served as a post office and a relay station back in the day. Learn what was involved in the day-to-day life of farmers and the many chores they had to do by watching live performances by actors and actresses dressed in period costumes. You'll see a blacksmith at work, sheep being shorn, animals being fed, and more. You'll also have the opportunity to step back in time and explore the granary, smokehouse, schoolroom, cook's cabin, springhouse, and kitchen. The museum has scheduled events such as the Spring Garden Fair, Hamlett-Dobson Farm Fest, Fall Folk Arts Festival, Heritage Day, Witches Wynd, and Christmas in the Country. The museum is open from May through mid-October. Hours are 2-4:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium is an all-in-one destination where nature meets the stars on over 3,500 acres. On the nature side of things, you'll find a 44-acre lake with a barge ride, outdoor classrooms where naturalists talk about the park's many animals, and resident wildlife such as bobcats, wolves, turtles, raptors, otters, deer, and reptiles.  Visit the Nature Center to see the natural exhibits on display. You can also take a hike or bike ride along 40 miles of scenic trails. With a visit to the Planetarium Theater, you can take a look at the stars and the mysteries of the night sky and learn about what makes the universe stick together. Check before going, as the park and planetarium have seasonal operating hours. Hands On! Discovery Center Less than 30 minutes from Kingsport in Gray, the Hands On! Discovery Center offers kids a day of fun and excitement. The center is for all ages and provides interesting exhibits, interactive programs, and a look at ancient fossils found at the 5-million-year-old prehistoric site at Miocene Exhibit Hall. Get an up-close-and-personal view of specimens using the Wentzscope, try your hand at an experiment at the Eastman Discovery Lab, have an eye-opening experience at the Archaeology Hall, and then head to the array of interactive projects. The center offers a variety of workshops, projects, and at-home programs. Plan to spend at least two hours to experience all the center has to offer. Mountain Music Museum For the country music lover, the Mountain Music Museum in downtown Kingsport is a destination you won't want to miss. The museum is filled with exhibits including pictures, memorabilia, costumes, and more. On Thursday night, after a day of exploring the museum, enjoy the Pickin' Porch Show and live music from bluegrass to country. Whether you're digging for fossils, taking part in a scientific experiment, reliving the day in the life of a farmer, or tapping your toes to live tunes honoring mountain music, museums offer something for everyone of all ages. Image via Pixabay

With the 2019 models out and about, it's not too soon for a few 2020 models to be making their debut. For Toyota, it's all about the new 2020 Corolla and the latest updates and features it has to offer to consumers. Redesigned, refreshed, and ready to roll, the Corolla is making its presence known as a quality ride in a car with an impressive reputation. Design The Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) is the latest innovative platform from the company that is designed to reduce vehicle weight, increase safety, enhance driving maneuverability, and improve fuel economy. Several models are part of the platform, including the Corolla. Exterior Trims and Enhancements The 2020 Corolla is available in five trims plus a hybrid — L, LE, LE Hybrid, XLE, SE, and XSE. The exterior is streamlined with a sculpted front and back and a smooth-gliding hood. The take on the new design is that it looks better than the old design with a more lean, clean, and sophisticated attitude. The front grille is imposing yet subtle, emoting a friendly grin enhanced by standard LED lights on all models. Depending on the trim, available features include alloy wheels, dual chrome exhaust tips, 16-inch wheels, 18-inch wheels, and a sunroof. Under the Hood The 2020 Corolla is available as a sedan or hatchback. The L, LE, and XLE models are equipped with a 1.8-liter inline-four DOHC 16-valve engine producing 139 horsepower and 126 pound-feet of torque. The Hybrid comes with a 1.8-liter inline-four DOHC 16-valve Atkinson-cycle engine coupled with an electric motor and electronic continuously variable transmission, and battery pack producing 121 horsepower and 105 pound-feet of torque. The SE and XSE trims come with a 2.0-liter inline-four DOHC 16-valve engine producing 169 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. Transmissions include a continuously variable automatic, continuously variable automatic/manual shifting mode, or a six-speed. Performance The new 2020 version maintains its original wheelbase of 106.3 inches but the TNGA platform changes the torsion-beam suspension to a more refined multi-link suspension setup. The fine-tuning results in a more comfortable ride for passengers and enhanced steering, precision maneuverability, and light and easy handling for the driver. The average rating for the Corolla is zero to 60 miles per hour (mpg) in 7.5 seconds. The top speed ranges from 100-115 mph. Interior Features The 5-passenger, 4-door 2020 Corolla remains competitive in interior space providing comfortable seating for adults. The layout is open providing a more spacious feel for passengers. The bucket seats are cloth with thick padding and back support. Synthetic-leather material is available for the SE. The layout of the leather-like dashboard is driver-friendly and features a 7.0-inch easy-to-use touch screen infotainment system with standard Apple CarPlay capability. For driver-assisted technology, available features include adaptive cruise control, active lane control, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. If you're in the market for quality combined with performance, consider the long-standing Corolla with its newly designed exterior, enhanced power, precision handling, and a "look at me" attitude for 2020. Image via DealerOn

With the full bloom of the spring season fast approaching, one colorful thing to look forward to are the buds, blossoms, and blooms at botanical gardens near Kingsport. Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum The Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum is a beautiful destination about an hour and a half from Kingsport. The 47-acre gardens provide walking trails winding past stone walls and terraces, vintage buildings, and historic horticulture and through diverse display gardens with colorful hybrid witch hazel and Lenten roses in bloom. The gardens are open daily until dusk. Admission is free. Roan Mountain State Park Rhododendron Gardens At Roan Mountain State Park, you'll be surrounded by its magnificent natural gardens filled with brilliantly colored purple-magenta Catawba rhododendron. During peak blooming season in June, soak up the scenic beauty and panoramic views with a scenic hike along the Appalachian Trail. If you plan your visit in June, you can enjoy the Rhododendron Festival from Friday, June 21, to Sunday, June 23. Ardinna Woods Arboretum and Butterfly Garden A beautiful respite in Jonesborough, the Ardinna Woods Arboretum provides an oasis of beauty and butterflies. Opened in 2011, the arboretum is filled with over 70 species of trees. The assortment of wildflowers and plants serve as a buffet for birds, butterflies, and wildlife. Enjoy a relaxing stroll through the arboretum. You can also take a scheduled guided butterfly tour and watch the colorful beauties flit from flower to flower. Ardinna Woods is open year-round and is free to the public. Ivan Racheff Park and Gardens In Knoxville, you can take a nice day-trip drive to enjoy 3 acres of natural beauty at the Ivan Racheff Park and Gardens. While visiting, you'll have access to the Japanese tea house, the children's garden, the relaxing koi pond, wildflower garden, gazebo, and more as you make your way to the historic home. There are events scheduled during the year, such as a plant sale in April, a profusion of blossoms during the Dogwood Festival, an October bulb sale for spring plants, and a Greens Tea with a variety of fresh arrangements and wreaths for the holidays plus refreshments. Daniel Boone Greenway Arboretum About an hour's drive away in Harrogate is the Daniel Boone Greenway, which has 4 miles of trail for hikers and bikers. Along the Greenway, you'll find the arboretum, with more than 60 species of native trees. While making your way along the trail, you'll pass through Harrogate City Park, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, a vintage railroad tunnel, and the Lincoln Memorial University Campus. The Greenway is accessible year-round; no pets are allowed. Burchfiel Grove and Arboretum Stroll along the path bordering the Little Pigeon River in Sevierville and be impressed by the majesty of the more than 70 trees at Burchfiel Grove and Arboretum. Each tree has an information plaque beside it describing its attributes. The path is an ideal opportunity to walk, run, or jog among the statuesque natural pillars. Get into the spirit of the season with a visit to area botanical gardens. Be immersed in natural beauty and serenity while savoring the beauty that abounds in nature. Image via Pixabay