Blog – Page 10 – Canadian Car of the Year

Hyundai Kona Electric – 2025 Semi-Finalist

The Hyundai Kona Electric offers buyers a small crossover with unique style that just underwent significant changes. Now with more space, a new interior and better driving performance, the Kona Electric also stands out thanks to its unique styling. Power comes in at 201 hp and 188 lb-ft of torque, resulting in a range of 420 kilometers on a full charge. Juror’s Opinion – Jil McIntosh had this to say on AutoTrader.ca: “On rain-dampened roads around Victoria, B.C., the Kona Electric proved that the decrease in torque shouldn’t be an issue for most drivers. It has excellent road manners in …

Volvo EX30 – 2025 Semi-Finalist

The EX30 is the smallest SUV that Volvo has ever produced, but it says it is the biggest and most important step towards full electrification as it has the smallest Co2 footprint of any Volvo ever built. A full charge will take you 442 kilometers in the EX30, while the motors and battery provide 268 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque. The EX30 adds another small electric vehicle market, offering the benefits on an EV without a big physical footprint. Juror’s Opinion – Andrew McCredie had this to say on Driving.ca: “So, it’s great that Volvo is bringing a compact …

Hyundai Ioniq 6 – 2025 Semi-Finalist

The Hyundai Ioniq 6 shares its platform with the Ioniq 5 hatchback but it brings its own sedan styling and presence to the market that its sibling doesn’t offer. A 77.4 kWh battery pack offers up 581 kilometers of range and is able to be replenished at a rate of up to 350 kW. That’s capable of bringing the battery from 10 to 80 percent in 20 minutes. For those that still want a four-door sedan over a crossover, the Ioniq 6 offers a compelling all-electric package. Juror’s Opinion – Matthew Guy had this to say at TheStar.com: “Hyundai’s new …

Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid – 2025 Semi-Finalist

Back to defend its win as the 2024 Canadian Electric Car of the Year, the Prius has now dropped the “Prime” from its name, simply going by the Prius Plug-In Hybrid now. The car remains the same though, offering miserly fuel economy in a new sleek package. On a full charge, you can make it 72 kilometers before the gas engine kicks in to provide power. Total system output measures in at 220 horsepower, offering drivers more punch than any previous Prius. Juror’s Opinion – Elle Alder had this to say at Driving.ca: “Through all of this, the new Prius …

Chevrolet Trax – 2025 Semi-Finalist

The newly re-introduced Chevrolet Trax shares basically only its name with the model it replaces, as it’s wider, lower and longer than the old version. Power comes from a turbocharged 1.2L three-cylinder engine that makes 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, sent only through the front wheels. With fuel economy set at 7.9L/100KM combined, the new Trax offers economical transportation for a family. Juror’s Opinion – Jil McIntosh had this to say on Driving.ca: “No vehicle is perfect, but overall, the Trax is very impressive. For the way it looks and drives, its roomy and handsome interior, and its …

Nissan Kicks – 2025 Semi-Finalist

For 2025 the Kicks has received new style, a fresh interior and larger proportions that allow it to haul more cargo and offer more comfort to passengers. Power comes from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 141 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque sent through a continuously variable transmission. The new looks and playful drive of the updated Kicks helps it to stand out in its segment. Juror’s Opinion – Mike Schlee had this to say at AutoGuide.com: “The biggest improvement to the Kicks comes in the form of driveability. The new platform is stronger and allows for less body …

Subaru Forester – 2025 Semi-Finalist

The fully redesigned 2025 Subaru Forester adds more safety features, fresh styling and new interior appointments to what was an already compelling package. A 2.5-liter boxer four-cylinder engine still makes 180 horsepower, though the torque has been boosted up to 178 lb-ft. Subaru’s classic symmetrical all-wheel drive system is still here offering a sure footed driving experience for all who are interested. Juror’s Opinion – Andrew McCredie had this to say at Driving.ca: “After spending a dusty day behind the wheel of the all-new Forester, it didn’t surprise me to learn that one in four Subarus sold in Canada in …

Genesis G70 – 2025 Semi-Finalist

The Genesis G70 offers a sporty experience meant to take on the established brands from Germany and an update makes the G70 better with a more powerful base engine. You can also get a turbocharged 3.3L turbocharged V6 that makes 365 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque. With luxury appointments inside and a swoopy exterior design, the Genesis G70 competes with the best while offering a lower starting price tag. Juror’s Opinion – Elle Alder had this to say in a video on Driving.ca: “It’s a car that rides with the comfort of a larger car without needing to be …

Genesis G80 – 2025 Semi-Finalist

A top-end luxury sedan, the Genesis G80 offers sleek looks, a sumptuous interior and two different engine options along with a fully electrified version. Opt for the larger 3.3-liter turbocharged V6 and you’ll get 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. For 2025, this sedan has been facelifted with some new interior appointments and fresh styling on the exterior. Juror’s Opinion – David Booth had this to say at Driving.ca: “Genesis’ G80 has long been an unsung hero amongst Asian luxury sedans. Sleek of look, luxurious of interior, it offers good (but no longer excellent) value, decent performance and, if …

Toyota Prius – 2025 Semi-Finalist

After having just undergone a massive update including new sexy styling that has firmly cemented the Prius as a looker, the 2025 version of the car brings all that to a new model year mostly unchanged. Power comes from a 2.0L four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, delivering a combined 196 horsepower and also an official rating of 4.8L/100KM combined. Juror’s Opinion – Matt St-Pierre had this to say on Motorillustrated.com: “The 2024 Toyota Prius is an exceptional car in every respect. It’s no wonder it’s winning awards left and right. It combines efficiency, performance, handling, and styling in a …