Richard – Page 8 – Canadian Car of the Year

BMW i4 – 2025 Winner

The BMW i4 offers four doors, slick style and a healthy dose of power from its electric powerplant. With 396 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque on tap, the i4 can truly offer a thrilling driving experience while carrying you 494 kilometers on a charge. Some changes have recently arrived for the i4 as well including updated infotainment, to keep it current. The three aspects of the BMW i4 that stand out most to our judges are: Juror’s Opinion – Kyle Patrick had this to say at AutoGuide.com: “A week of winter did little to dull my admiration for the …

Hyundai Santa Fe – 2025 Winner

The Hyundai Santa Fe has embraced adventure with a rugged new design that shares nothing in common with the previous versions of this family hauler. A standard third row offers space for the whole family while power comes from a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine making 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, sent through an eight-speed automatic. A new XRT model also brings along more off-road focused equipment than ever before. The three attributes that stood out most to the jurors were: Juror’s Opinion – Stephen Elmer had this to say on the Truck King YouTube channel: “Overall I think …

Fiat 500e – 2025 Finalist

The Fiat 500 is back and now it’s all-electric with the introduction of the 500e. Offering up to 227 kilometers of range from its 42-kWh battery, this small city car aims to please urban dwellers who don’t want to go back to the gas pump ever again. Weighing in at just 3000 pounds, this is the lightest passenger battery-electric vehicle on the market, and it keeps the iconic styling of the 500, inspired by the original 1950s Cinquecento. Canadian Car of the Year jurors identified three key areas that stand out on the 500e: Juror’s Opinion – Brian Harper had …

Kia EV9 – 2025 Finalist

The Kia EV9 is still one of the few electrified vehicles on the market that offers a third row, giving larger families an option that doesn’t need gasoline. A 99.8 kWh battery pack provides a range up to 489 kilometers, while power output comes in at 379 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. As more three-row electric family haulers hit the market, the Kia still stands out thanks to unique looks and spacious interior. Our jurors identified these three categories as stand outs on the Kia EV9: Juror’s Opinion – Matt St-Pierre had this to say on Motorillustrated.com: “While this …

Mazda CX-70 – 2025 Finalist

The newly introduced Mazda CX-70 offers the same proportions as the larger CX-90 but ditches the third row in favour of cargo space for those interested. A 3.3L inline six-cylinder engine provides the power, either 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque in standard guise or 319 hp and 369 lb-ft from the high-output version, mated to a 48V mild hybrid system. As all other Mazdas do, the CX-70 prioritizes driving feel and enjoyment more than other crossovers in this segment. The three aspects of the CX-70 that stood out most to our jurors are: Juror’s Opinion – Jil Mcintosh …

Mazda CX-70 PHEV – 2025 Finalist

Mazda has extended its plug-in hybrid offerings with the new CX-70 PHEV, offering a large crossover that brings lots of cargo space to the table along with the ability to drive up to 42 kilometers on electricity alone. Power comes in at 319 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. For those dreaming of a fun to drive plug-in hybrid crossover, the CX-70 fits the bill perfectly. Our jurors say that these three features stand out on the CX-70 PHEV: Juror’s Opinion – Michel Crepault had this to say on Auto123.com: “In near-hairpin bends, the CX-70 turned without crashing into corners. …

Lucid Air – 2025 Finalist

Lucid brought its all-electric Air to market in North America back in 2021 and four years later it still packs modern style and massive range numbers that outclass the competition. On a single charge the air manages an official rating of 823 kilometers while it also carries the distinction as the most efficient electric vehicle sold in North America. For those in the market for a full-size luxury electric sedan with huge range, the Lucid has to be considered. The three attributes that stand out most to our jurors are: Juror’s Opinion – Michael Bettencourt had this to say on …

Toyota Land Cruiser – 2025 Finalist

After a multi-decade hiatus from the Canadian market, the Toyota Land Cruiser is back for 2025. Offering a turbocharged engine mated to a hybrid setup, power comes in at 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft torque. The new Land Cruiser offers more comfort and technology than ever before, while trying to remain true to its rugged roots with features like a rear locking differential, full-time four-wheel drive and a disconnecting sway bar. Our jurors identified these three attributes as stand outs in the new Land Cruiser: Juror’s Opinion – Kyle Patrick had this to say at AutoGuide.com: “After this brief first …

Toyota Camry – 2025 Finalist

Ditching its V6, the Toyota Camry has now gone all hybrid across the lineup, still offering those interested in a sedan a strong offering. All-wheel drive is also available in the Camry, which produces 232 horsepower when equipped with four-wheel power. 2025 also brings a fresh look to the Camry, replacing the mild styling with a car that is much more wild to look at. Our jurors identified these three areas as particularly good on the Camry: Juror’s Opinion – David Chao had this to say on the Automotive Press YouTube channel: “If you don’t need an SUV or a …

AJAC announces 12 Best Vehicles in Canada for 2025

MONTREAL, January 16, 2025 – The 12 Best Vehicles in Canada for 2025 have been revealed today at the Montreal Auto Show, where they are on display to visitors in the Canadian Car of the Year Awards (CCOTY) booth for the duration of the show. The popular event at the Palais des Congrès runs until January 26. The 12 Best Vehicles in Canada for 2025 are as follows: Canadian Car of the Year Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year Canadian Electric Car of the Year Canadian Electric Utility Vehicle of the Year Selected by an expert jury from the Automobile …