Saying Goodbye to My 2009 Toyota Corolla & Finding My Next Adventure Ride

For 15 years, my 2009 Toyota Corolla has been my reliable sidekick—through cross country road trips, camping weekends, and daily commutes. It’s been packed with gear for hiking trails, crammed with groceries, and has seen its fair share of Tim Hortons drive-thru runs. But after years of adventure and countless kilometers, the time has come to say goodbye. Let’s be real—my Corolla has seen better days. The mileage is through the roof, the paint has taken a beating, and despite my best efforts to keep it running, it’s just not as adventure-ready as it once was. With my passion for road trips, camping, and outdoor fitness adventures growing, I need something that can handle the next chapter.

Blowing Up on TikTok Over My Next Ride

As soon as I started talking about replacing my car on TikTok, the comments section went wild. I had no idea people had such strong opinions on what I should get next.

• Team SUV: "Get a RAV4 or a CR-V! Perfect for road trips and all your gear!"

• Truck Enthusiasts: "You NEED a Tacoma. It’s the ultimate adventure vehicle."

• Van Life Crowd: "Have you thought about a camper van? You could turn it into a mobile adventure base!"

• Subaru Fan Club: "Subaru Outback or Forester. Trust me, you won’t regret it."

• Mazda Madness: "A CX-50 or CX-5 is the perfect mix of adventure and style!"

  
  

I even got a few unexpected suggestions—someone suggested a Jeep Wrangler (cool but not enough storage for me), and one person told me to just buy another Corolla (loyalty at its finest!). The engagement was insane, and it turns out, people love debating the best adventure vehicle. Apparently, Mazda fans are passionate—my comments were flooded with love for the CX lineup, and I have to admit, it’s tempting!

What I Need in My Next Adventure Vehicle

Now that I’ve officially retired my Corolla, I’m narrowing down my options based on a few key factors:

1. Storage Space: I need enough room for camping gear, fitness equipment, and the occasional Costco haul.

2. Fuel Efficiency: Gas prices aren’t cheap, so something that won’t break the bank.

3. All-Weather Capabilities: Snowy winters, muddy trails, and everything in between.

4. Comfort for Long Drives: Because road trips are my thing!

Finding the Perfect SUV:The 2025 Volkswagen Taos

After all the research, test drives, and TikTok debates, I finally found my next adventure vehicle—the 2025 Volkswagen Taos! It checked all my boxes: spacious enough for my gear, fuel-efficient for long road trips, and compact enough to handle city driving. Plus, with all-wheel drive, it’s ready for all my outdoor adventures, whether it’s a winter camping trip or a summer road trip to the mountains.

One of the biggest selling points for me was the Taos’ impressive balance of efficiency and capability. Unlike larger SUVs that guzzle gas, the Taos delivers excellent fuel economy while still offering the ground clearance and all-wheel drive needed for adventure. The cargo space is just right—not too big to be cumbersome, but large enough to fit my tent, hiking gear, and cooler without an issue.

Inside, the tech features sealed the deal. A digital cockpit, wireless Apple CarPlay, adaptive cruise control, and a suite of driver assistance features made it feel like a true upgrade from my Corolla. The comfortable seats and spacious interior make long drives more enjoyable, and the smooth ride is perfect for both city commutes and rugged backroads.

I couldn’t be more excited for this next chapter and all the adventures my Taos will take me on. First up on the list? A road trip to test its capabilities on a long-distance drive, followed by a camping weekend to see how well it fits all my gear. I’m already planning trips to provincial parks, new hiking trails, and even a possible cross-country adventure!

If you’re looking for an adventure-ready SUV, I highly recommend checking it out!

What do you think—did I make the right choice? Let me know in the comments, and don’t forget to follow along for all the road trips and fitness adventures ahead!