downtowntoyota, Author at DOWNTOWN TOYOTA BLOG

Celebrate Toronto at These Summer Festivals

Toronto is home to many exciting festivals and events throughout the year — and summer is especially packed with great options. If you’re looking for inspiration for your upcoming plans, check out our top Toronto summer festivals.

Toronto Caribbean Carnival

The best part about the Toronto Caribbean Carnival is that is spans almost the whole month of July, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the festivities. From July 7-30, you can experience a variety of engaging events and food from Guyanan, Bermudan, Dominican, Haitian, Trinidadian, and Jamaican cultures. This includes a handful of parties, a couple of parades, delicious food, and lively music.

Salsa in Toronto Festival

An event that packs itself into just two days, the Salsa in Toronto festival, takes place July 9-10 in Midtown. This event celebrates Latin culture in Canada and includes amazing authentic food selections, dance lessons, art exhibitions, film screenings, musical performances, and a parade.

Toronto Jazz Festival

If you solely want to focus on music, consider visiting the Toronto Jazz Festival from June 24 to July 3. This event brings together local and international superstars of the jazz world right in the heart of the city! This year’s special guests include Smokey Robinson, Gregory Porter, and Michael Kaeshammer.

Our team at Downtown Toyota is excited for summer. If your vehicle needs any repairs or maintenance to get you to these exciting festivals, simply contact us or stop by and see us.

Get Outdoors in Toronto This Spring

We’ve all been cooped up at home this winter and now that the weather is getting nicer, our team at Downtown Toyota is ready to get outside and enjoy the city! Here are our picks for some of the top things to do in Toronto this spring.

Toronto Comic Arts Festival

While it may take place indoors, the Toronto Comic Arts Festival is a great way to get out and about in the city while also enjoying comic books. This free-admission event takes place at the Toronto Reference Library, so you can step outside afterward and read your new comics at one of the various parks nearby.

Enjoy a Farmers Market

Toronto is home to many outdoor farmers markets that offer incredibly fresh fruits and vegetables from locals. The best part about the city is that you can find markets that are open on the weekends as well as during the week!

Toronto Botanical Gardens

If you want to get up-close views of nature, consider stopping by the Toronto Botanical Gardens as well as the Allen Gardens Conservatory. The botanical gardens are open daily from dawn until dusk and are free to visit.

What is your favorite way to spend time outdoors in spring? We’d love to hear what your top spots are in the city!

What’s New for the 2022 RAV4?

The RAV4 is one of the most popular Toyota models, so it can be hard to improve upon an already impressive vehicle. But we’ve got the details on what you can expect to see in regards to 2022 RAV4 updates.

Exterior updates

One of the first things you’ll notice on the latest RAV4 are newly designed projector LED headlamps. These can be seen in one of two available packages, found on most models. Additionally, new LED fog lamps have been introduced to Limited, Trail, and TRD Off-Road grades while the XSE Hybrid model gets sleek vertical lights that made their initial debut on the XSE Prime last year.

Another design update can be seen on the RAV4 XSE model, which gets a bold Calvary Blue colour option with a black roof. This exciting combination can also be found on the new SE Hybrid grade and the existing RAV4 TRD Off-Road. Toyota has also updated the RAV4’s wheel options, with new designs and colours.

New RAV4 Hybrid SE

This grade is completely new for 2022 and was built to show off the RAV4’s sporty appeal and exciting performance. It is equipped with new 18-inch black-painted wheels, offered in the new Cavalry Blue colour, and features a long list of high-end amenities. For example, this efficient model comes with a heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers, a leather-wrapped shift knob, a power liftgate, and elegant piano black bumpers.

It’s wonderful to see all of these new options for the 2022 Toyota RAV4. If you’d like to know more, contact our team at Downtown Toyota in Toronto, Ontario.

Meet the Amazing New Toyota Multimedia System

Connectivity is one of the most important features in vehicles today. As such, the new Toyota multimedia system features a long list of exciting new updates that make staying connected easier and more helpful.

An expansive smartphone-like screen

The first major update is the available high-definition 14-inch touch screen with no glare and easy-to-touch functionality. Equipped with Connected Services and available Drive Connect Cloud Navigation, you can pinch and zoom the map with intuitive touch control. The Cloud Navigation system also comes with Google Point-Of-Interest search capability, which lets your phone contacts know your estimated time of arrival. Rounding out this innovative system are Over-The-Air (OTA) updates so you’re always in the know.

Get help with Toyota Virtual Assistant

By simply saying “Hi, Hello, Hey, or Okay Toyota,” a Virtual Assistant can take care of in-vehicle functions like climate control or changing the audio settings. When you have available Drive Connect, Intelligent Assistant adds more functionality like providing sports scores or finding coffee shops.

No more annoyances

One smart update is the inclusion of standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. And if you’d like to connect via Bluetooth®, you’ll be happy to know that system is now faster and provides a better hands-free phone connection.

Improved mobile app

The updated Toyota mobile app lets you remotely start your Toyota and it saves user profiles so you can easily select your preferred vehicle settings. This means you can spend less time adjusting everything in the cabin and just start enjoying the drive.

These are just some of the highlights from the new Toyota multimedia system, which will be included first on the 2022 Tundra. To learn more, contact our team at Downtown Toyota in Toronto, Ontario.

Toyota Debuts All-Electric bZ4X SUV

If you’ve been hoping for an all-electric Toyota SUV, your wait will soon be over. Toyota recently introduced the bZ4X EV, the first battery-electric vehicle in the “Toyota bZ” brand. This new model won’t be available in Canada until mid-2022, but here are some details to get you ready for its arrival.

“The bZ4x introduces yet another option for Canadian drivers looking to enjoy the benefits of electrification — including advanced performance and lower, or in this case, zero emissions,” noted Cyril Dimitris, Vice President at Toyota Canada Inc.

The Toyota bZ4X has a bold, futuristic design — inside and out. Its aerodynamic shape is accented by sleek headlamps in the front and a strong, trapezoidal rear end. This theme continues to the inside of the new bZ4X, with a streamlined dash featuring a large touch screen, elegant materials, and enough room for up to five.

When it comes to performance, the bZ4X is estimated to get a maximum range of 400 km, according to Toyota. This is thanks to a high-capacity lithium-ion battery pack. But that’s not all — this new Toyota SUV was crafted for the occasional off-road adventure. A new all-wheel drive system with available XMODE® provides a smooth ride and maximum control.

These are just a few of the highlights from this exciting new electric vehicle. To learn more about the upcoming 2023 Toyota bZ4X, contact our team at Downtown Toyota in Toronto, Ontario.

Winter Tire Tips for Toronto Drivers

Believe it or not, winter is upon us once more. That means challenging conditions that can make getting around Toronto tougher. One surefire way to ensure that you’re ready for whatever lies ahead is to follow some key tire care tips — including considering a new set of winter tires.

Why consider winter tires?

Cold-weather or winter tires are a great option for drivers in Toronto, Ontario, because they’re specially engineered to endure low temperatures and deliver top-level performance. The unique rubber and tread patterns help provide better grip, maximizing your traction even on icy roadways.

If you purchase a set of winter tires from the Downtown Toyota Tire Centre, you’ll have your pick from a wide range of brands you know and trust. You can take advantage of special offers as well as great everyday prices, and we’ll make the process of installation and switching back to all-season tires in the springtime quick and painless.

General winter tire care tips

Buying winter tires helps keep you safer and extends the life of your current set of tires. But if you aren’t sure that you want to invest in a second set of tires, these tips will help you get through the winter.

Check the air pressure. Find the recommended PSI levels in your owner’s manual and make sure that your tires are always properly inflated.
Look for signs of damage. Be on the lookout for cracks, bubbling, or other signs that could indicate your tires are due for a replacement
Monitor your tread levels. If you notice that your tread levels look low, get a quarter and insert it between the treads with Queen Elizabeth’s head facing down. If you can see the top of her head, you don’t have enough tread to safely operate your vehicle

Looking to get new tires for the winter? Let the experts at the Downtown Toyota Tire Centre help.

Toyota Unveils Next-Generation Tundra Pickup

Toyota is constantly making advancements with its vast lineup of vehicles. One of the most recent updates is that of the next-generation 2022 Toyota Tundra. This impressive pickup truck arrives with even more power, cutting-edge technology, and improved safety.

“We took a fresh, transformational approach to our truck development and had to rethink many things we’d previously done,” said Mike Sweers, Senior Vice President of Product Development Office and F1 Platform Chief Engineer. “Not only did we improve the performance and enhance the capability of this new Tundra, at the same time, we were certain to retain the strong quality, durability and reliability for which Toyota trucks are known.”

The 2022 Tundra comes with a new standard 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 that generates up to 389 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. However, the available i-FORCE MAX powertrain offers even more with up to 436 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. With all this power, the new Tundra can tow up to 12,000 pounds.

Inside, an expansive available 14-inch touch screen is the highlight of the Tundra’s upgrades. With this large screen, you can easily use the infotainment system as well as an available Multi-Terrain Monitor that checks for obstacles in your immediate surroundings while operating the truck.

Other tech advancements come in the form of safety, with Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5 standard on all models. This innovative system includes a handful of features like a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Automatic High Beams, and Rear Seat Reminder.

Our team at Downtown Toyota is excited to see all of these enhancements for the new Tundra truck. Visit us in Toronto, Ontario, to see the advanced Toyota lineup.

Toyota Celebrates 50 Million Corolla Sales

The Toyota Corolla was officially introduced in 1966 and made its way to Canada in 1969. Over the last 55 years, the sedan has proved its worth by constantly evolving to meet consumer needs. As a result, Toyota recently celebrated the 50 millionth sale of the Corolla.

When the Corolla debuted in Canada, it was entering its second generation and had been restyled to feature a more rounded body. Over the years, the Corolla continued to change its looks, powertrain options, and interior features. Now in its 12th generation, the latest Corolla is more advanced than ever.

The 2022 Corolla can be equipped with a spirited gas-powered engine or a hybrid that gets 4.4 L/100 km in the city.[1] Inside, the cabin offers an infotainment system with smartphone compatibility as well as convenient features like an available heated steering wheel for chilly Toronto mornings or an available wireless phone charger for when you’re on the go. With eight models to choose from, you can truly customize the new Corolla exactly to your needs.

With 1.6 million of those historic sales in Canada, the Corolla is clearly a popular choice. Interested in getting behind the wheel of this long-lasting sedan? The 2022 Corolla is on sale now at Downtown Toyota in Toronto, Ontario.

[1] Fuel efficiency estimates were determined using approved Government of Canada/Transport Canada Test Methods. Actual fuel consumption will vary based on driving habits and other factors.

New 2022 Tacoma TRD Pro Gets a Performance Boost

When it’s time to go off the beaten path, the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro is the pinnacle of off-road performance. But even this advanced truck can stand for improvements every once in a while. That’s why Toyota is introducing new components to take the 2022 Tacoma TRD Pro to the next level.

The most noticeable change is the addition of an exclusive TRD Pro Electric Lime Metallic paint colour that will turn heads everywhere you adventure. The “TRD Pro” badging has also been updated for the 2022 model, although all badges are still finished in an appealing and sleek black.

Now for what truly matters: performance. The new Tacoma TRD Pro is growing to new heights thanks to its TRD-tuned 2.5-inch FOX® internal bypass shocks, giving the truck a taller suspension lift of 28 mm in the front and 13 mm in the back. That also gives the Tacoma TRD Pro better approach (36.4), departure (24.7), and breakover (26.6) angles than on previous generations.

When it comes to power, the standard 3.5-litre V6 engine is getting a boost thanks to a TRD-tuned cat-back exhaust and Toyota’s VVT-iW tech and Atkinson-cycle combustion that maximizes efficiency. In total, output comes to 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque.

There’s much more to know and experience about the all-new 2022 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro. Contact our team at Downtown Toyota to get all the details.

Meet the All-New 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross SUV

The Corolla has been a standout vehicle in the Toyota lineup for more than 50 years. To capitalize on its success, Toyota is introducing the all-new 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross SUV, which will go on sale later this year.

“Millions of Canadians had looked to Corolla for a vehicle that’s fun to drive, easy to own, and equipped with a compelling combination of features, quality, reliability, and safety. Now, the new Corolla Cross gives them even more Corolla choice, with a blend of compact form, impressive versatility, and all-wheel-drive that’s ready for year-round driving fun,” said Cyril Dimitris, Vice President of Toyota Canada Inc.

The new subcompact SUV will be available in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, with a 169-horsepower 2.0-litre engine under the hood. Toyota is also promising impressive cargo capacity on the new Corolla Cross, with versatile 60/40-split folding rear seats and an available power liftgate with height adjustability for easy access.

The interior is also incredibly convenient, thanks to standard Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto as well as multiple USB ports and available features like wireless charging, a 7-inch Multi-Information Display, an 8-inch multimedia touch screen, and a nine-speaker JBL® sound system.

As with most Toyota models, the Corolla Cross will be equipped with both the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite of active safety systems as well as the Toyota STAR Safety System. Additional features on various trims of the new SUV include Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking.

While no pricing has been announced yet, the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross will be available at three trim levels: L, LE, and XLE. To learn more about this exciting new model, contact our team at Downtown Toyota.