DOWNTOWN FORD BLOG

Hidden Gems You’ll Love in Downtown Toronto

When you’re making your way to see us at Downtown Ford, you’ll have plenty of things and places to keep you occupied while your vehicle is being worked on. Downtown Toronto is home to many hidden gems that you’ll want to check out.

The tchotchke house, 37 Bertmount

After the death of her husband, homeowner Shirley Sumaisar began showcasing a collection of dolls and stuffed animals in front of her house on Bertmount Ave. — just 1.7 km from our dealership. The entire area in front of the home is filled with vintage toys and collectibles, and you’re sure to have a good time looking at all kinds of entertaining tchotchkes.

Vog Vault at Fluevog Shoes, 686 Queen West

In the other direction, in the Queen West shopping district, is Fluevog Shoes. While a shoe store may not seem like a hidden gem, it’s what’s inside that makes this place unique. The building in which the shop is located contains an old vault that designers turned into a gravity room, where you can take photos that look like you’re floating upside down or on the side of a wall.

Otto’s Berlin Döner bathrooms, 256 Augusta

What’s so great about a bathroom at a restaurant? Well, inside each of the two single-person restrooms is a large unmarked red button on the wall. When pressed, the bathroom turns into a nightclub, complete with flashing lights and blaring music. The spot was recently popular on TikTok, with many viewers wondering where they could go to have a spontaneous dance break.

Have you been to any of these Toronto hidden gems? Let us know the next time you visit us at Downtown Ford!

New F-150 Lighting Is Optimized for Winter’s Worst

2022 Ford F-150 Lightning | Toronto, ON — US version of the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning

If you’ve ever doubted the capability of an all-electric truck, Ford is prepared to show you just how durable and adventure-ready the new F-150 Lightning can be. In fact, it took the new Ford truck to the harsh cold of Alaska to put it to the test.

“Alaska provides us the extremely cold temperatures, snow and ice-covered surfaces that we need to push the F-150 Lightning in this type of testing, which is really focused on dialing-in how the truck delivers its power to the ground on slippery surfaces,” said Cameron Dillon, F-150 Lightning powertrain engineer.

The Ford engineers tested the F-150 Lightning in freezing temperatures on various surfaces at a restricted military base. This included conditions like packed and loose snow, complete ice, and a mix of ice and concrete, among others. Doing so allowed engineers to see how responsive, stable, and powerful the electric truck could be in other similar areas — like here in the cold winters of Toronto.

Some of the features and components that help the F-150 Lightning succeed include standard always-on 4×4, quick torque delivery, selectable drive modes, an electronic-locking rear differential, and a low centre of gravity for improved handling.

You can learn more about the all-new 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning when you contact our team or visit us at Downtown Ford in Toronto, Ontario.

3 Outdoor Activities to Enjoy in Toronto This Spring

With winter behind us, now is the best time to head outdoors and enjoy all that Toronto has to offer. Our team put together this helpful guide of activities to try and places to see in the city this spring.

Check out the cherry blossoms

One of the most iconic things to do in spring in Toronto is to view the blossoming Sakura trees. While High Park is one of the more popular places to see cherry blossoms, you can find them at other local parks. In fact, Woodbine Park features a tree tunnel along a curved path near the pond, and it’s not too far from Downtown Ford!

Explore local architecture

Toronto has an interesting background and one way you can appreciate the city’s history is by viewing the architecture throughout downtown. The “GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities” mobile app is a great start for doing a walking tour, as it gives you pre-made routes and lets you create your own as well.

Visit Guild Park & Gardens

If you’re willing to travel a little further out of the city, try visiting Guild Park & Gardens in Scarborough. Here you’ll spot various sculptures, art pieces, and beautiful flowers no matter where you look. Built in 1914, the gardens span over 400 acres of land, so you’ll have plenty to see.

These are just a few suggestions on how to spend your time outside in Toronto this spring. If you’ve got more ideas, feel free to let our team at Downtown Ford know!

Once Again, Ford Is Canada’s Best-Selling Auto Brand

Canadians Love Ford

It’s official: Canada loves Ford. For the 13th consecutive year, Ford was named the best-selling auto brand in Canada. Not only that, but Ford is celebrating a handful of other achievements from the past year.

“With all of the challenges that faced Canadians in general, and our industry specifically, one thing remained true through 2021 – consumers continue to trust Ford to deliver the vehicles and services they are looking for more than any other automotive brand,” said Bev Goodman, president and CEO, Ford Motor Company of Canada, Ltd.

Best-Selling Automaker

Along with being the most favored auto brand in Canada, Ford was also the best-selling automaker in the Great White North for the 6th consecutive year. When it comes to heavy-duty vehicles, the F-Series has been the best-selling pickup in Canada for 56 years in a row while the F-Series was the bestselling individual vehicle in Canada for the 12th consecutive year.

Individual vehicle sales were also up last year, including the Escape, Explorer, Ranger, and E-Series. In addition to existing vehicles doing well, Ford introduced a handful of new models. The Bronco, Bronco Sport, Maverick, and Mustang Mach-E combined for more than 21,000 units sold.

Our team at Downtown Ford in Toronto is excited about Ford’s latest success, and we have high hopes that it will continue well into the future.

Bronco, Maverick Win North American Utility and Truck of the Year Awards

The North American Car, Truck, and Utility Vehicle of the Year™ (NACTOY) awards occur each year. A jury of 50 professional auto journalists from the U.S. and Canada assess vehicles from various markets to determine the best in each of the three segments. This year, the Ford Bronco and Ford Maverick are winners in the Utility Vehicle and Truck categories, respectively.

Kumar Galhotra, president of Ford Americas and International Markets Group, was excited about the success of these two newer vehicles — especially against such strong competition. “But we’re also proud because these awards are well-deserved recognition for the tremendous amount of work, focus and energy our teams have invested in designing, engineering and building exciting vehicles for our customers,” he continued.

A model must show excellence in innovation, design, safety, technology, performance, value, and driver satisfaction to be a NACTOY contender. The exciting Maverick pickup dominated the truck category, outshining another new vehicle in the Hyundai Santa Cruz as well as the luxury Rivian R1T. The adventurous Bronco also bested a luxury vehicle in the Genesis GV70 as well as the electric Hyundai IONIQ 5.

Along with being named a NACTOY winner, the Maverick was recognized by Kelley Blue Book as the 2022 Best New Model and Best Compact Pickup. Meanwhile, Forbes, Autotrader.ca, and more have praised the sporty Bronco.

You can experience both of these award-winning Ford vehicles when you contact our team at Downtown Ford in Toronto, Ontario.

Meet the F-150 Lightning’s Innovative Mega Power Frunk

The all-new Ford F-150 Lightning is incredibly ground-breaking, and one of the more unique features on the electric truck is its Mega Power Frunk. The “frunk,” which is a portmanteau of “front” and “trunk,” is not only advanced, but it is also the largest in the truck industry.

Since most EVs have their batteries stored underneath the vehicle, instead of under the hood, this opens up extra space in the front. Ford took full advantage of this and consulted Ford truck and fleet customers about what they would want with this newly available area. “Since the frunk was a new space, all the truck customers we interacted with got really excited about what it could be and what use they could get out of it in their daily lives,” said Greg Ardisana, Ford design strategy director, passenger vehicles. “We needed to take what they wanted and find a way to deliver on it.”

The Mega Power Frunk offers up to 400 litres of cargo space, which is enough room for two full-size golf bags, and a 400-pound payload capacity. Not only that, but the space is lined with an easy-to-clean rubberized floor with anti-slide properties. But the innovative space goes beyond those capabilities thanks to functional lamps in the frunk hood, four electrical outlets, and two USB chargers.

To learn more about the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning’s Mega Power Frunk, contact our team at Downtown Ford in Toronto, Ontario.

Maverick Hybrid Gets Impressive Official Fuel Economy Rating

There are many reasons to consider the all-new 2022 Ford Maverick, and fuel economy is right there near the top. It has officially been confirmed that the Maverick is incredibly fuel efficient, offering outstanding numbers with its standard hybrid engine.

Ford Hybrid Engine

“Maverick redefines what a truck can be, with an estimated rating of 5.6 L/100km city, better than many sedans,” said Mathieu Rompré, Maverick marketing manager at Ford of Canada. “That is combined with room for five, innovative FLEXBED and FIT slots, and plenty of towing and hauling for weekend trips or do-it-yourself projects.”[1]

As noted, the 2022 Ford Maverick’s 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle hybrid engine allows the truck to achieve 5.6 L/100 km in the city. You can also expect to get up to 7.1 L/100 km on the highway, 6.3 L/100 km combined, and an estimated driving range of over 800 km.[2] Ford also offers the all-new Maverick with a 2.0-litre EcoBoost® engine. It’s available with all-wheel drive and upgrades like a 4K Tow Package that increases max towing to 4,000 pounds.

Take A Test Drive

You can find the 2022 Ford Maverick ready for a test drive at Downtown Ford in Toronto, Ontario. Call, email, or stop in and we’ll get you in the driver’s seat.

[1] Max towing varies based on cargo, vehicle configuration, accessories and number of passengers. Payload, towing, and fuel consumption ratings are independent attributes and may not be achieved simultaneously.

[2] Actual fuel-consumption and range will vary. Range is calculated using 52.2-litre tank (excludes reserve) and estimated fuel consumption ratings of 5.6 L/100 km City / 7.1 L/100 km Highway / 6.3 L/100 km combined, based on Government of Canada approved test methods. Actual range varies with conditions such as external elements, driving behaviours, vehicle maintenance, and battery age.

Ford Introduces Redesigned 2022 Expedition

2022 Ford Expedition, Toronto, ON

The Expedition is the largest SUV in the Ford lineup, offering an expansive three-row cabin, advanced tech, and a rugged exterior design. For 2022, Ford is taking this SUV to a whole new level, with the introduction of upgraded features as well as the new Expedition Timberline trim.

“Timberline sets a new standard with full-size SUV customers who need more passenger space, great off-road capability, and a basecamp for life’s journeys,” said Mike Kipley, Ford Expedition chief engineer.

Much like the Explorer Timberline, this new option for the Expedition is focused on off-road performance. It offers up to 10.6 inches of ground clearance, more than the Jeep_® Wrangler, and the best available power in its class thanks to a high-output V6 engine that generates 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque.

The standard 2022 Ford Expedition hasn’t been neglected for the sake of off-road excitement, though. A new Stealth Edition Package elevates the SUV’s style with athletic gloss-black exterior accents. This option also adds the thrill of a sport-tuned suspension and the same high-output EcoBoost® engine that you’ll find on the Timberline model.

The new Expedition also introduces Ford BlueCruise hands-free highway Driver-Assist Technology on the Platinum trim. Building on a handful of intelligent driver-assist systems, BlueCruise uses a driver-facing camera to offer safe hands-free driving in designated Hands-Free Blue Zones.

Even more entertainment and safety tech has been added as standard on the 2022 Expedition, including the innovative SYNC® 4 infotainment system, Road Edge Detection, Intersection Assist, Reverse Brake Assist, and Evasive Steering Assist.

These are just some of the highlights of the 2022 Ford Expedition. To learn more, or test drive any of our current inventory, contact our team at Downtown Ford in Toronto, Ontario.

ST-Line Trim Joins 2022 Ford Explorer Lineup

2022 Ford Explorer ST | Toronto, ON

The Ford Explorer is now more advanced and appealing than ever. The sporty SUV is offering an upgrade in the form of the exciting new ST-Line trim. Taking inspiration from the Explorer ST trim but without the performance enhancements, the 2022 Ford Explorer ST-Line gives customers the chance to add athletic stylings and advanced tech to their Explorer.

“The ST brand has been very well received by Explorer customers since it arrived two years ago,” said Lee Newcombe, Ford Explorer marketing manager. “With the addition of Explorer ST-Line, Explorer will offer the broadest performance-inspired lineup in the segment.”

Sitting between the XLT and Limited trims, the Explorer ST-Line is equipped with 20-inch machined aluminum wheels, gloss-black “EXPLORER” hood badging, a unique black-out treatment for the headlamps and taillamps, a blacked-out grille, and blacked-out dual exhaust tips.

Those design elements extend to the cabin with Ebony Black ActiveX™-trimmed seats with Miko inserts. Additional ST-Line interior features include a heated sport-style steering wheel, heated front seats, and red stitching throughout the cabin. When it comes to tech, the Explorer ST-Line offers available premium features like a wireless charging pad, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a 360-degree camera, and a 12-speaker B&O® sound system.

Other notable upgrades for the 2022 Explorer includes a new 400-horsepower powertrain for the King Ranch® and Platinum models, two new exterior colours (Stone Blue and Burgundy Velvet), a choice of second-row bench seat or captain’s chairs at no extra charge, and an advanced Technology Package for King Ranch® and Platinum models that includes a 10.1-inch touch screen and a 14-speaker B&O® sound system.

To learn more about the updated 2022 Ford Explorer, contact our team at Downtown Ford in Toronto, Ontario.

2021 Mustang Mach-E Named Car and Driver “EV of the Year”

2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E | Toronto, ON

Each year, various publications release their “best of” lists for the automotive industry. Car and Driver has been providing consumers with trusted reviews and vehicle insights for more than 65 years. A newer category that Car and Driver has introduced is “EV of the Year,” which was recently awarded to the Ford Mustang Mach-E.

“One key requirement for our EV of the Year — in addition to fun, value, and mission fulfillment — is that it make electric vehicles more desirable to buyers to a degree that moves the industry forward. That’s where the Mach-E stands out from the 10 other vehicles we evaluated,” said Car and Driver Editor Eric Tingwall.

In fact, the Mustang Mach-E received high praise for its stylish design, range capability, competitive price, and thrilling performance. The Select model has an EPA-estimated range of 370 km while the 480-horsepower GT Performance Edition model can reach 418 km on a single charge.*

Car and Driver specifically appreciated the large 15.5-inch touch screen and its logical button layout compared to competitors’ confusing alternatives. Other top features mentioned by the publication’s editors included the panoramic fixed-glass roof, the easy-to-see instrument cluster, and the incredibly unique door handles.

Want to take the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E for a test drive? Contact our team at Downtown Ford in Toronto, Ontario, to experience the 2021 Car and Driver EV of the Year.

*Based on full charge. Actual range varies with conditions such as external environment, vehicle use, driving behaviours, vehicle maintenance, lithium-ion battery age and state of health.