Utah Road Trippin’ with Toyota

Recently I had the wonderful opportunity to take an epic road trip in a brand new 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross! Impressive in looks and versatile in size. With Corolla Cross’s seating for up to five and a spacious rear cargo area, your possibilities are endless.

Now that gas is on the brain, the Corolla Cross is a no brainer! With an EPA-Estimated 32 mpg combined, Corolla Cross’s impressive 4-cylinder engine helps keep your momentum going. Available All-Wheel Drive (AWD) intelligently gives you the extra traction you need to take on the road ahead. Plus, multi-link rear suspension helps optimize ride quality and handling performance. When the road gets rough, drive on with confidence.

No matter if you’re running errands or on a road trip, the Corolla Cross puts some pep in your step. With 169 hp and 151 lb.-ft. of torque, Corolla Cross delivers plenty of power to get you through every day.

The design of Corolla Cross takes Corolla to a whole new level. Modern lines, flared fenders and a smooth silhouette give it a sophisticated yet powerful look that’s sure to grab everyone’s attention. And for adventure seekers, take advantage of Corolla Cross’s available roof rails. With the capability to take on more gear, you can keep doing the things that drive you. Additionally, available power liftgate gives you access to the rear cargo area with ease. Just press a button on the key fob or liftgate, and it will open or close automatically. You can also adjust the opening height if you find yourself in tight spaces.

For those into cool new tech, the Corolla Cross has some of the best in the biz. No wires? No worries. Simply place your compatible device on the charging pad to power up automatically without the need to plug anything in.  Using Toyota’s available Remote Connect through the Toyota App, you can start the engine, lock/unlock doors, and locate your vehicle with your compatible smartphone or smartwatch.

How about some cool tech to make you a better driver? Available Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking (PA w/AB) audibly and visually warns you when it detects stationary objects or vehicles approaching from the rear. If the system determines there may be contact with a detected obstacle or vehicle, it will reduce engine power and/or apply the brakes. Simulation shown.

And last but not least, the available 7-in. color Multi-Information Display (MID) lets you see Corolla Cross’s vitals at a glance. Use the steering-wheel-mounted controls to keep track of real-time driving data, turn-by-turn directions, safety information and alerts—all while keeping both hands on the wheel. With Apple Carplay, and Android Auto compatibility, Amazon Alexa and Audio Plus With JBL, you’ll have all the comforts of home while on the go!

I absolutely loved my ride while driving from Los Angeles to Monument Valley with pit stops in Las Vegas and Kanab Utah! My destination was Monument Valley where I stayed at the famed Goulding’s Lodge.

Enjoy the stunning southwestern sights of Monument Valley at the area’s premier lodging and recreation destination. Whether you choose the lodge or RV park and campgrounds, expect endless views with resort-style amenities. But Goulding’s is so much more than just a place to rest. Feast on authentic southwestern and Navajo flavors in the Stagecoach Dining Room. Relax and rejuvenate in the indoor pool or on the sun deck. Commemorate your visit to the gift shop or pick up supplies at the on-site convenience store. Take a glimpse into the past at the Goulding’s Trading Post Museum or catch your favorite Western in the Earth Spirit Theater. A private airstrip is also available. Goulding’s is a can’t-miss destination in your southwest sightseeing adventure!

Monument Valley is absolutely breathtaking from dawn to dusk and well worth spending some time driving through and around it as well as just relaxing and taking in the beauty. It’s no wonder this has been the backdrop for so many films and commercials, an absolute sight to behold!

On my way back west I stopped in Kanab Utah. A good midway point between Monument Valley and Las Vegas, Kanab is the gateway to some of Utah’s most gorgeous locales. I stayed at the cute and quaint Canyon’s Lodge and made sure to try the tasty vegan pizzas at  Peekaboo Canyon Wood Fired Kitchen. In fact, Kanab has several great places to enjoy vegan eats and is home to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.

Along with the cute places to stay and yummy places to eat, I visited Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, one of many cool and outdoorsy sites in and around Kanab.

I definitely want to spend more time in Kanab and Utah in general so I was excited that I was able to have a bit of a sampler on my road trip in the all new Toyota Corolla Cross! More to come!