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Affordable and luxurious are often mutually exclusive descriptions in the auto industry, as very few vehicles can offer top-notch amenities at a price that won't break the bank. However, the Toyota Avalon is the sedan that just may bridge the gap. With stellar looks and an impressive array of opulent features, the Avalon proves that you don't have to spend a small fortune to get all the amenities you want. Here's a look at everything the Avalon has to offer in 2017. Models for All Budgets Perhaps the best aspect of the Avalon is that it offers a trim level for every budget and taste. When you include the three hybrid versions, the Avalon has eight trims in all, giving you access to the features you want at a price you can afford. Some amenities include leather, heated and cooled seats, a sunroof, backup camera, and wireless phone charger. Two Powertrain Options The 2017 Avalon has two powertrain options to fit your need for speed or efficiency. The sole gasoline-powered engine is a 3.5-liter V6 that sports 268 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. With this at the helm, the Avalon gets up to 30 miles per gallon (mpg) while going from zero-to-60 in just 6.1 seconds. If you want to go green, the Avalon also offers a hybrid powertrain. With a 2.5-liter four-cylinder powering two electric motors, the Avalon gets 200 horsepower, as well as up to 40 mpg in the city. With the 2017 Toyota Avalon, you get all the amenities you could ever want in a luxury vehicle. Don't hesitate to take one on a test drive today. Image via Flickr by Arturo Hurtado

For over 20 years, the Toyota RAV4 has been the class of the compact SUV market. However, it wasn't until last year that Toyota decided to up the ante with a hybrid powertrain. In 2017, the RAV4 Hybrid comes back to the forefront, and it looks better than ever. If you're searching for a vehicle to save money at the pump, as well as a number of excellent features, than the RAV4 is the car you've always wanted. Here's a look at all it has to offer in 2017. The Powertrain Under the hood, the 2017 RAV4 Hybrid boasts an innovative powertrain that combines both performance and efficiency. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder pairs with two electric motors and a 1.6-kWh nickel-metal-hydride battery to provide an impressive 194 horsepower and up to 152 pound-feet of torque. Not only will you get a fantastic driving experience, but you'll also revel in the fact that you get up to 34 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. With that type of fuel economy, you'll spend far more time on the road and less at the fuel station. Extra Amenities Although the powertrain is perhaps the best aspect of the RAV4 Hybrid, it doesn't skimp on the interior extras. It has a roomy cabin that accommodates up to five passengers, while also offering up to 70.6 cubic feet of cargo space. Tech and convenience features include heated front seats, integrated navigation, a power moonroof, and a push-button start. With so many hybrids on the market, it's tough to find one that meets all your needs. Hopefully, the RAV4 Hybrid will check all the boxes off your list. Image via Flickr by mariordo59

When springtime rolls around in Allentown, Pennsylvania, it's always fun to spend time outdoors and enjoy the nicer weather. If you're looking for something fun to do with your friends and family, check out the IronPigs, an AAA baseball team that plays at Coca-Cola Field. Affordable Tickets Unlike many professional sporting events, tickets to the IronPigs games are surprisingly reasonable. You can get general admission tickets for $7 apiece. But if you want to sit closer, you'll only have to spend about $10-25. Watch for specialty pricing to pack the house, since you may score even cheaper tickets on these special dates. Exciting Atmosphere There's nothing quite like being in the stands when the batter knocks one out of the park. You can cheer along with other baseball fans who are also participating in America's favorite pastime. Your family and friends will also enjoy munching on tasty and classic menu options, such as hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, and cold drinks. Fun Events and Giveaways You can also have fun at exciting events the IronPigs host. These include Fourth of July on the Field, which involves fireworks and other patriotic celebrations and giveaways; the Color Fun Fest, which includes a day and night 5K color-themed fun run, live music, and vendors; and the PBS Brewfest. If you're coming to a game with young kids, make sure to stop by the Red Robin KidZone and pick up souvenirs at the Majestic Clubhouse Store. There are various reasons to check out an IronPigs baseball game this spring, so grab tickets for your loved ones this season and enjoy a day out. Image via Flickr by micah.d

Cheering on the local Pennsylvania teams in the upcoming March Madness basketball tournament is always fun for locals. You can root for the teams at sports bars or watch them at home with friends and family, but the teams to watch this year include Villanova and Pitt. Villanova The Villanova Wildcats are having an exciting season with only a handful of losses. The team has also ranked in the top five in both the AP Poll and USA Today Coaches Poll, so they're certainly one to watch for the tournament. Josh Hart is a player to watch, with a scoring average of about 18 points per game and about 6.6 rebounds per game. The team also includes a couple of fantastic free throw shooters who have averages of over 90 percent. Pitt The Pittsburgh Panthers, generally referred to as just Pitt, are also generating some excitement, although they don't rank as highly as Villanova. The team's record also isn't quite as good, but you can watch for Jamel Artis and Michael Young, who each average over 20 points a game. Both of these players also grab many rebounds in every game, so it's thrilling to watch them play together. The official NCAA seeding and bracket will come out in the evening of March 12th. Keep an eye out for this information so you can make your picks and get ready to cheer your heart out for Villanova or Pitt, perhaps both if each team makes it into the Big Dance. Image via Flickr by ChadCooperPhotos

When you visit Lancaster County in Pennsylvania, you'll see many unique Amish activities and attractions. Many Amish people live in the area, so if you're looking to experience a true atmosphere, check out some of these destinations. Buggy Ride Many Amish people don't watch TV, use much electricity, or even drive cars. Instead, they use buggies for transportation and carrying their goods. You can ride like an Amish person in a buggy ride, which various companies throughout Lancaster County offer. One option is Bird-in-Hand Buggy Rides at The Hardware Store, provided in Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania. Shop for Amish Gifts Many of the items you'll find in the small shops are handmade with recipes and styles that have been in families for years. Check out the quilts, which feature intricate details and high-quality skill. Many visitors to Amish country enjoy using these special blankets on their beds or as decorations in their homes. The Central Market in Lancaster is a great place to shop, since it's one of the oldest farmers' markets in the country. Sample the Sweets Amish baked goods are out of this world, so make sure to pay a visit to at least one bakery while you're in the area. Bird-in-Hand Bakery & Café is a great one, serving regional treats such as shoofly pie, made with molasses and topped with buttermilk; fresh-baked bread; apple fritters; and whoopie pies. With so many interesting things to see and taste, a visit to Amish country in Lancaster County is definitely worth the trip. Image via Flickr by Wild Salmon Kitchen

ToyotaCare is a free maintenance plan that compliments the factory warranty that comes with the purchase or lease of every brand-new Toyota vehicle. For the first two years or 25,000 miles of ownership, you get to enjoy these benefits. No-Cost Maintenance Every 5,000 miles, assuming you visit a licensed Toyota garage, you get a free tire rotation, a multi-point inspection, and a fluid inspection with extra fluids added at no cost if needed. Every 10,000 miles, you get all the same benefits plus a free oil change. You might also want some other routine maintenance or repairs done during these stops. 24-Hour Roadside Assistance Unlike the maintenance plan, you get to enjoy 24/7 roadside assistance for two years no matter how many miles you drive. With this plan in place, Toyota provides no-cost battery jumping, emergency fuel deliveries, spare tire replacements, and more. So long as your car is near a roadway in the continental United States or Alaska, Toyota will pay to tow your vehicle to the nearest Toyota dealership. In addition to this basic coverage, most dealerships also offer extended warranties and maintenance coverage that kicks in as soon as the factory-standard plans expire and assuming you keep up with the maintenance schedule Toyota recommends for all its vehicles, you can save a surprising amount of money by buying such a plan. Make sure you learn the details of any such program when you go in to buy a new car so you can find out if it's right for you.

While it's still possible to drive without using any mobile apps at all, why would you bother when you can get one of the amazing apps on this list to make your trip a little smoother? Google Maps Available free on both Android and Apple products, the Google Maps app is more than the user-friendly map you can use from your computer's browser. Ever since the company ate Waze, Google Maps has included user-updated traffic information and the ability to automatically update your route to avoid the worst of it. GasBuddy Another free app for Apple and Android, GasBuddy allows you to see the closest and cheapest gas stations near your current location. You can even search other cities and zip codes nearby if you're on the road, and you can win prizes for posting prices. RepairPal More than just an app, RepairPal is a service that certifies mechanics across the country based on the quality and value of their work. The app itself can keep a log of your car's repair and service history, show you how much you should pay for a given service based on your car's model, and find the top-quality car shops in your area. Other helpful smartphone apps include ones that turn your phone into a dashboard cam and ones that let you know about traffic lights and speed cameras. Still, when it comes to the driving apps you should always get, navigation, gas, and repairs deserve the top of the list.

Located just east of the Pennsylvania Appalachians, Allentown residents have no shortage of skiing destinations to choose from. If you're looking to test your downhill skills this winter, make sure you visit one of the following slopes. Bear Creek Mountain Resort Just southwest of Allentown on State Street, Bear Creek Mountain Resort is an all-season hotel and spa destination that opens up a few slopes in winter for skiing, snowboarding, and snowtubing. The slopes are mostly easy with a few intermediate and advanced trails mixed in, along with three parks filled with jumps, boxes, and rails for practicing tricks. Blue Mountain Resort Half an hour north of Allentown on Blue Mountain Drive is the Blue Mountain Resort. Blue Mountain offers visitors 39 slopes, including plenty of beginner and expert trails, several parks, 30 snowtube lanes, and the tallest skiing hill in Pennsylvania at over 1,000 feet. The high-difficulty trails, in particular, make the Blue Mountain a favorite of experienced skiers. Camelback Mountain Resort Up north along PA-33 and I-80, Camelback Mountain has an even mix of trail difficulties along with the largest snowtubing park in America. Visitors can also eat at one of ten restaurants, rent a room, and even enjoy an indoor waterpark in the middle of winter. The resort also has a pair of zip lines for visitors looking for a different kind of downhill experience. With so many great ski resorts within an hour's drive of Allentown, you don't have to be a kid to look forward to a snow day.

You can have plenty of fun outdoors during winter, even in Pennsylvania, but sometimes it's best to stay where it's warm and enjoy the indoor activities a city like Allentown has to offer. The Crayola Experience Located up in Easton, the Crayola Experience is a bit of a drive from Allentown, but it's a great destination for kids with a big creative streak. Attractions include the obvious crayon and construction paper projects, but children can really explore new possibilities by painting with melted wax, melting crayons into molds to create keepsakes, drawing in the dark, and bringing digital drawings to life. BounceU BounceU is an inflatable indoor playground that's a lot of fun for kids ages two and up. The chain has locations in both Allentown and Easton, and it's always available for special occasions like birthday parties and school field trips. It also hosts two kinds of open bounce sessions: preschool play and all ages, although you'll need to check the times and days they're open. America on Wheels If you prefer something that adults can enjoy just as much as kids, you should visit the America on Wheels museum along the Leigh River. This museum features all kinds of wheeled vehicles from every part of America's history, including some exotic enough to fascinate children 12 and under who get in free on Sundays. No matter how cold it gets outside, you can always find plenty of ways to have fun when you live in Allentown.

Anyone who wants to drive the latest exciting sports car should take a look at the brand new Toyota 86. As a sporty coupe, this new vehicle offers responsive handling and an overall fun driving experience. In addition, you get a comfortable cabin with generous standard features with a starting MSRP of $26,255. Check out how the 2017 Toyota 86 will help you step up your game. 1. The Cool Factor Tricked out with LED headlights and taillights, the Toyota 86 has an impressive exterior. Riding on 17-inch alloy wheels, you'll be in style wherever the road takes you. Choose a hip exterior color such as ablaze (red), hot lava (dark orange), or oceanic (blue). When you drive the Toyota 86, expect to get nods of appreciation and a few jealous looks. 2. The Powerful Engine Equipped with a 2-liter horizontally opposed engine with four cylinders, the Toyota 86 has a six-speed manual transmission that lets you access up to 205 horsepower. The power level drops slightly to 200 if you opt for an automatic transmission. Either way, the engine cranks out plenty of horses for strong acceleration. 3. The Safety Equipment Safety is a priority for the Toyota 86. It comes with air bags, a rearview camera, stability and traction control, and antilock brakes. Following government crash tests, the Toyota 86 received four of five stars for protection in a forward collision. There's one other perk with the Toyota 86: a modern, attractive interior. The automaker says the vehicle will have a modern infotainment center and new dashboard compared to its predecessor, the FR-S. Image via Flickr by Moto@Club4AG

When driving in inclement weather, you have to stay on guard as you navigate compromised roadways. Not only do you have to watch for ice and snow, but you also have to avoid other motorists who may slide into your lane. Here are some tips to help you drive safely when winter weather intensifies. Slow Down When ice and snow cover the roads, you want to gear down and go slower than the posted speed limit. One reason it's important to slow down is because you want to avoid having to suddenly or harshly apply the brake. If you move ahead at a slow, even pace, you can usually avoid the kind of braking that could cause you to skid off the road. For the same reason, you should not use cruise control when the roads have snow or ice on them. Keep Your Car in Tip-top Shape Before the winter weather hits, take your vehicle to your local dealership to have the oil changed, fluids checked, and winter tires installed. A single visit with your dealer's technician can make your vehicle safer to drive in the winter weather. Clear Away, Fill Up, and Turn On These three tips will help keep you safe when you navigate streets during winter weather: Clear away the snow and ice from all windshields to improve your visibility; fill up with gas; and turn on your headlights, even during the day. With these driving tips, you can enhance the chances of traveling safely on roads covered in winter precipitation. But when winter weather is at its worst, it's best to avoid driving altogether until conditions improve. Image via Flickr by JeepersMedia

Drivers and industry analysts alike are anticipating the release of the 2017 Toyota Corolla iM, a rebranding and refreshed version of the Scion iM. As a hatchback, the vehicle offers ample cargo room and a comfortable interior. Shoppers will have many reasons to consider this new addition to the Toyota lineup. Exceptional Ride Quality If you're looking for a sporty hatchback that knows how to smooth out the bumps, the 2017 Toyota Corolla iM is worth a test drive. Even though it irons out the uneven parts of the road, the ride remains controlled and calm. As a result, the car offers the kind of ride that makes long trips enjoyable. Contemporary Cabin Design and Features Expect a modern, fluid dashboard and a piano-black cabin consisting of high-quality materials with soft surfaces. Equipped with a standard 7-inch display, the Corolla iM has touch screen technology that lets you access a wide range of audio and navigational features. The interface has an intuitive layout and a responsiveness that's faster than many touch screens. For added comfort, the Corolla iM has dual-zone climate control. Finally, the cabin is roomy enough to make even tall drivers feel comfortable. Fresh Exterior Styling With a standard aerodynamic exterior, the Corolla iM hatchback boasts an aggressive look to complement its sporty attitude. A black honeycomb grille draws attention to the front fascia while the chrome-tipped exhaust and spoiler create flair in back. From the inside out, the 2017 Toyota Corolla iM hatchback provides eye-catching features. But it's not just about the iM's appearance. Its smooth ride puts it in a class by itself. Image via Flickr by nox-AM-ruit