The New All-New 2023 Toyota GR Corolla Overview
Recently introduced in March 2022, the 2023 GR Corolla is a high-performance, hot-hatchback version of the ever-popular Corolla. Just one of the many Toyota models available at Longo Toyota, El Monte, the new 2023 GR Corolla is a careful tweaking of an already-successful model manufactured by Toyota with racing specs designed by Gazoo Racing (GR).
Read the rest of this entry »
New Year’s Eve is the perfect time to party, and there’s no better place than the El Monte area. You’ll find everything from casual bar crawls to elaborate and elegant parties where you can put on your best ball gowns and tuxedos and look right at home. We’ve rounded up a wide selection of choices so you can find the right New Year’s Eve option for your style. Here are our top suggestions.
Read the rest of this entry »The All-New 2023 Toyota Prius Overview
The Toyota Prius was the world’s first mass-produced hybrid car, and it has only improved since 2000. The 2023 version of the Toyota Prius is the best yet, with a breathtaking array of features and options you’re sure to adore. Keep in mind that details about this new model are currently limited and subject to change. Let’s see what makes this 2023 hybrid so special below.
Read the rest of this entry »Meet the 2023 Toyota Crown
The 2023 Toyota Crown combines sedan style with the cut of a sports car yet appears to hold SUV ancestry, as shown in its grand, imposing appearance and elevated seating. From all outward appearances, the Crown is a new addition to Toyota’s lineup, at least in North America. Although the Crown line of automobiles was initially available in 1972, it has been conspicuously absent for several decades.
Read the rest of this entry »Great Places to Eat in El Monte, CA
If there’s one thing El Monte, California, has, it’s a wide range of options when it comes to diners, restaurants, and pubs. Here at Longo Toyota, we’ve curated a list of great places to eat in our city, so you don’t have to. Please note that it’s almost impossible to list all the places serving delicious and mouth-watering dishes, so we encourage you to keep trying new places.
Read the rest of this entry »Toyota Certified Benefits
A certification from Toyota itself can be a big selling point when buying a used Toyota. Toyota puts its certified stamp of approval on used vehicles that meet certain age, mileage, and inspection requirements. Whether you’re looking for a late-model used Toyota or a certified pre-owned Toyota, Longo Toyota has the selection and the pricing to fit your needs. A certification helps you get the peace of mind that comes with knowing your vehicle has been through a rigorous inspection process and comes with an extended warranty.
Read the rest of this entry »Christmas Events in El Monte, CA
Christmas is a time of celebrating and gathering with family and friends to enjoy the simple things in life and share in the joy of connection. Whether you want to have some fun shopping while creating memories with your family or are excited about partying the night away with friends, El Monte has numerous festivities for you to attend. Read on to learn about Longo Toyota’s suggestions for the top local Christmas events in El Monte, California.
Read the rest of this entry »Meet the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
Toyota is expanding its lineup with the addition of a 2023 Corolla Cross Hybrid, bringing high performance and fuel efficiency to an already excellent crossover SUV option. The gas model of the 2022 Corolla Cross was introduced in 2021 and is modeled after the highly popular Corolla sedan. The 2023 Corolla Cross Hybrid will use the fifth-generation Toyota hybrid system with increased efficiency and performance capabilities. If you’ve been waiting for your favorite Toyota to become a hybrid, check out the Corolla Cross Hybrid. Here are the much-anticipated details of the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid.
Trims Available

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is available in five trims: LE, XLE, S, SE, and XSE. The LE features 17-inch alloy wheels and roof rails, while you get 18-inch alloy wheels and fog lights on the XLE. The S also features 17-inch alloy wheels but adds privacy glass plus LED headlights and taillights. On the SE, you get privacy glass and roof rails. The XSE has 18-inch alloy wheels with premium LED lighting, including headlights, taillights, and fog lights.
You can get the 2023 Corolla Cross Hybrid in four two-tone color combinations featuring a black roof, including Barcelona Red, Sonic Silver, Acidic Blast, and Blue Crush Metallic. Other color options include Wind Chill Pearl, Sonic Silver Metallic, Cypress, Barcelona Red Metallic, Jet Black Mica, and Blue Crush Metallic.
Powerful Performance
You can expect more power than the standard Corolla Cross, along with higher fuel efficiency with the hybrid engine. The 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a hybrid system that has three electric motors to deliver 194 horsepower. You can expect to go from zero to 60 mph in just eight seconds with the hybrid powertrain. The Corolla Cross Hybrid has not yet received an EPA estimate for fuel economy, but Toyota estimates that it will feature a combined rating of 37 mpg for all trims.
All-wheel drive is standard on this hybrid, giving you better traction and control over various road surfaces and weather conditions. The four-wheel anti-lock braking system with power-assisted brakes helps you stop on a dime when needed.
Impressive Interior Design
Not much has been shared about the interior design of the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, but similar features to the Corolla Cross can be expected. The lower trims will offer keyless entry, a six-speaker audio system, satellite radio, and an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities. You may also see a leather-wrapped steering wheel, push-button start, automatic climate control, multiple USB and USB-C ports, and a wireless charging pad. The XLE is rumored to feature faux-leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped shift knob, heated front seats, and a rear seat center armrest.
Interior color and upholstery options include fabric-trimmed seats in light gray and black on the LE or SofTex-trimmed seats in black or Macadamia/Mocha on the XLE. The S features fabric-trimmed seats in black and gray, while the SE offers the same option with the addition of black and blue. On the XSE, you get SofTex-trimmed seats in either black or black and blue.
The 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid features the new Toyota Audio Multimedia system with dual Bluetooth phone connectivity. With a subscription, you’ll be able to get a Wi-Fi hotspot and SiriusXM. The system also features an HD radio and USB data, with the ability to stream music via Apple Music or Amazon Music.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid has the standard Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite of safety and driver-assistance features to help keep you and your passengers safer on the road. The pre-collision system with pedestrian detection can detect bicyclists and motorcyclists in some situations. It can also detect oncoming vehicles when turning or approaching an intersection, providing you with visual and audio alerts and sometimes applying the brakes to avoid a collision. You also get improved lane recognition for the lane tracing assist, which helps keep you in between the lines of your lane.
The Corolla Cross also features dynamic radar cruise control to maintain a specified following distance between the Corolla Cross and the vehicle in front of you. Lane departure alert with steering assist not only alerts you using visual and audio alerts but also gently guides you back into your lane. Rear seat reminder, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, and hill-start assist control are all standard features of the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 system. Drive more confidently, knowing that Toyota has your safety in mind.
Limited Warranty
You get a limited 36-month/36,000-mile new vehicle warranty that covers everything except normal wear and tear on your 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid. An additional 60-month/60,000-mile powertrain warranty also covers against perforation from corrosion with no mileage limit for 60 months. An 8-year/100,000-mile warranty covers all hybrid-related components needing repair due to defects in workmanship or materials. Your Corolla Cross Hybrid battery is covered by a 10-year/150,000-mile warranty, which is transferable to a new owner.
You also get the ToyotaCare plan for factory-scheduled maintenance on your 2023 Corolla Cross for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. This is in addition to two years of Roadside Assistance from Toyota with no mileage limit.
Visit Longo Toyota Today
When you’re ready to check out the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, contact the team at Longo Toyota. We’d love to answer any questions you may have, give you a tour of our dealership, and get you set up for a test drive in the Corolla Cross Hybrid or any other Toyota on our lot.
You can find us at 3534 N. Peck Road in El Monte, California. Our sales team is available from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week, for your convenience. We also offer financing and service to help get you into a Toyota and keep it running for years to come. Fill out our secure online contact form or call us at 626-377-9743 to get started.
How to Improve Your Toyota’s MPG
Longo Toyota is dedicated to helping you get the most from your Toyota. One way to save money on operations and repairs for your Toyota is to make sure you take action to improve your mpg. Fuel efficiency is a top concern with today’s vehicles, but you can make your fuel go further with these tips on increasing your mpg.
What Is MPG?

Image by Michaela Pereckas is licensed with CC BY 2.0
Miles per gallon (mpg) is a measurement of the distance a vehicle can travel per gallon of fuel. Manufacturers also use mpg to determine the fuel efficiency of a vehicle, which is a measurement of how it uses its fuel. A higher mpg means better fuel efficiency. Drivers may prioritize fuel efficiency when shopping for a vehicle because it means few fill-ups at the pump and can be more cost-efficient.
Understanding the fuel efficiency of your vehicle is important when determining which vehicle is best to buy, creating a travel budget, and for the daily use of your vehicle. Longo Toyota can help find a great car for you with excellent fuel efficiency.
Ways To Improve Your MPG
Regardless of your vehicle’s mpg, there are ways to improve it and get the most out of your fuel. Following tips to boost the fuel efficiency of your Toyota can help you save money and maintain your vehicle.
Maintain a Constant Speed
When driving, try to keep a consistent speed if possible. This means that you don’t speed up or slow down. Following the speed limit exactly will help you maintain a constant speed. This helps improve mpg because acceleration uses more fuel, so if you drive at a consistent speed on highways and throughout cities without having to accelerate constantly, you can preserve your fuel.
It’s easier to get better fuel efficiency on highways because there are not as many stops as there may be within city limits. When possible, it can help to travel by highway rather than through a city. Also, when driving on highways, use your Toyota’s cruise control feature to help you maintain a consistent speed.
Accelerate Slowly
When starting your car or transitioning to a zone with a higher speed limit, accelerate your vehicle to the new speed slowly. Pressing the gas pedal hard and pushing it all the way down uses more fuel. Slow acceleration is also easier on your engine and can prolong its life because it takes less work to get up to the tire rotations per minute that a new speed requires.
Increasing your vehicle speed slowly is also safe and can help you avoid accidents. The sensitivity of your gas pedal can change depending on your vehicle, so it’s useful to become familiar with the amount of pressure your vehicle requires to accelerate.
Be a Conscious Driver
For safety, it’s important to be alert and pay attention to your surroundings while driving, but being a more conscious driver can also improve your gas mileage. Being aware of what’s in front and around your vehicle can help you prepare for stops and changes in the speed limit. It’s also useful to be familiar with the area in which you’re driving so you can anticipate periods of heavy traffic that may require you to stop frequently.
Check Your Tire Pressure Regularly
Tire pressure is the pounds per square inch (psi) of air pressure inside your tires. This determines how inflated your tires are. Proper inflation helps you get the fuel efficiency your vehicle is capable of because then your tires can rotate evenly and propel the vehicle forward with minimal effort. Low tire pressure can affect the miles per gallon you get and the smoothness of your ride. With a low tire, you may also experience more bumps and risk getting a flat tire.
You can check your tire pressure with a gauge that presses on the air valve on each tire and provides a measurement of how much pressure is in the tire. The recommended tire pressure for your vehicle can be found on the inside of the driver’s door. When it gets colder outside, you may check your tire pressure more regularly because the cold air may lower the air pressure. If the gauge says your tires have low pressure, add air using an air compressor, which you can purchase or use an air compressor, which are often located at gas stations.
Combine Errands
When you expect to make trips to different locations, try to plan accordingly so you can complete your errands in one trip. You can use a map app to plan the best route to take in order to make all your stops. This helps you to use less fuel and be efficient with your mileage.
Reduce the Use of Your Air Conditioning
Running the air conditioning in your vehicle uses fuel, as it causes the engine to work harder. By running the air less frequently, you can improve your mpg. This is especially true for shorter trips in your vehicle. In warmer weather, you may do this by rolling your windows down rather than using air conditioning. You can also park your car in the shade so that you can use less fan power to cool down the interior when you begin to drive again.
Park in Covered Areas During Colder Months
In the winter, try to park your car in warmer areas, such as a garage or another covered area. Doing this can allow your vehicle’s engine oil and other fluids to remain thin, which is optimal for your engine, instead of the fluids thickening in the cold. Having thinner fluids to lubricate your vehicle’s engine quickly allows for a more efficient start-up when you turn on your vehicle. This helps warm your vehicle’s interior for your comfort, too.
If you’re looking for a vehicle that has top-rated mpg, stop into Longo Toyota and discuss your options. We have many vehicles that are optimized for saving you money on fuel and helping you to get on the road more often.
Hope House Holiday in El Monte, CA
As the weather cools down and the holiday season approaches, Longo Toyota in El Monte, California, loves to work with various organizations in our area. Our goal through these partnerships is to highlight the unsung heroes of our community. One of our partners is Hope House. This wonderful organization works with community members who have autism, intellectual disabilities, and mental health concerns. It supports its clients and their families through various programs and services.
For its clients, Hope House offers targeted behavior training, life skills training, and person-centered planning, among other services. The person-centered planning allows clients to create a personal picture of current and future goals. It also takes clients on life-skills training and other trips into the community to get them comfortable. The organization provides support for adults and children. Medical treatment is addressed as needed, and to ensure this support, residents receive annual exams, lab work, and dental work. These services are provided within 45 days of a new resident moving in. They are also provided within 45 days of a resident’s annual due date. Proper COVID-19 protocols are followed by all staff members to ensure the health and safety of the residents.
An equal amount of attention and resources is provided to the family members of clients. Hope House offers therapy and respite care services, so loved ones can spend time on themselves. It can also help with writing individualized education program goals and working with families to make sure there is an equal amount of participation with their loved ones.

Image by Viscious-Speed is licensed with Pixabay license
Advocating for someone with special needs plays a vital role for family members, caregivers, and friends. There are opportunities to support at the local level through the school system. You can also advocate for the disabled community as a whole by keeping an eye on various bills and providing writing support for them.
The holidays can be challenging for people with special needs and their caregivers. However, with some planning, families can enjoy the season. For instance, if there are concerns about reactions to specific gifts, you might send out recommendations for gifts the recipient would enjoy. You could also let people know about conversation topics to engage in and those to avoid. Thinking of ways to include the disabled in the preparations for the celebrations is also important. Perhaps they can sing a favorite song or add unique decorations to the area.
Schedules are important during a busy event. A clear timeline allows party-goers of all abilities to know about and prepare for specific events. Disabled family members might be given a specific job, such as being a photographer or greeter, to get them comfortable around the event. Depending on individual needs, particular areas might be designated to allow for quiet time for people to recharge. Ensuring the room is equipped with activities and other calming influences can help in case anyone is overwhelmed during the event.
Another excellent opportunity to involve everyone is using technology to the fullest. For instance, if reading a book isn’t comfortable for someone, but reading electronically makes them happy, eBooks might be used. That would allow them to participate in the festivities without feeling overwhelmed or uncomfortable.
Along with providing several different tips to help the season run smoothly, the organization runs an annual toy drive. The goal is to ensure that all of their clients, especially those living in their different homes, have gifts to open during the holidays. The organization has six homes for children under the age of 18. Each property is home to children with a variety of special needs. The Hope House accommodates the largest group (15) with a variety of developmental disabilities as well as mental health and behavioral challenges.
The Redstone and Halifax properties house four people each for those with autism and mental health concerns. The Holiday House and Park House are home to three people with developmental and mental health concerns. The MaryJo House is home to four children who lack hazard awareness. In addition to the properties for children, they have six properties for adults with mental health concerns and developmental disabilities. They also provide care for people living with seizures and physical disabilities.
While the homes provide for the basic needs of their residents, the organization relies on the toy drive to brighten their clients’ holiday spirit. Typically, the properties need twin bedding, board games, pillows, blankets, and towels. Ideas for presents and the name and age of the person receiving them can be found on the Winter Holiday page of their website. If you want to donate a physical gift, you can take it to the Hope House office at 4215 N. Peck Road in El Monte. You can also drop off donations for the homes. If you have questions about where or when to drop off your contributions, you can call 626-747-9320.
Another option for donating to the toy drive and other programs throughout the year is doing so online through the Hope House website. You can choose a general gift or specify one for a specific program. The program also accepts vehicle donations and home items, toys, and other donations. It doesn’t cost to donate your vehicle. All you need to do is set up an appointment by calling 877-999-8322. The vehicles are used to transport individuals for group and solo trips into the community or to medical appointments.
Working with organizations in our community is a favorite pastime of many members of the Longo staff. We enjoy interacting with our community and greeting our neighbors. It is our pleasure to partner with the Hope House organization to ensure their residents and family members continue receiving the care they need. We also want to ensure they have an enjoyable place to call home. The staff of Longo Toyota looks forward to creating a bright holiday season for all our community members. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us.


