Blog – Page 6 – Canadian Car of the Year

Honda Passport – 2026 Semi-Finalist

For 2026, the Honda Passport gets a full, significant facelift, bringing new rugged styling and an updated interior to the table. Power continues to come from a naturally-aspirated V6 engine paired with an automatic transmission, while all-wheel drive continues to be the standard drivetrain. For Canada, all Passports are offered in Trailsport trim for 2026, offering upgraded off-road capability, features and styling. Juror Dan Heyman had this to say in his Honda Passport review published in VicariousMag: “Is it going to go blow-for-blow with the body-on-frame 4Runner? Not quite, but with the styling provided, the beefy chassis and powertrain design …

Announcing the 2026 Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year Semi-finalists

The semi-finalists for 2025 Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year are:

Subaru Forester – 2026 Semi-Finalist

The 2026 Subaru Forester continues after its full redesign last year, emphasizing practicality, visibility, and of course, standard symmetrical all-wheel drive. Updates for 2026 include infotainment refinements and additional active safety features. Power comes from a naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine or you can opt for the new Forester e-boxer Hybrid model, pairing that same engine with a battery and electric motor. The Forester continues to provide high value and customer-focused features for 2026. Juror David Chao had this to say in his Subaru Forester review published in AutomotivePress.com: “You want something with a bit of character, but want an open, …

The 2026 Canadian Car of the Year Awards semi-finalists announced by AJAC.

TORONTO, December 1, 2025 – The semi-finalists for this year’s Canadian Car of the Year Awards (CCOTY), presented by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), have been revealed. The list represents 20 of the best vehicles on sale in Canada competing across four Awards categories: Voting is underway by the jury, which comprises 50 expert AJAC journalists from across Canada. In a two-stage process, journalists first name their top five vehicles in each category. The jury then completes detailed ballots for the semi-finalists in each category. Stage one of the voting is now complete and after collation of the …

BMW i4 – 2026 Semi-Finalist

The 2026 BMW i4 continues BMW’s push into the electric sport sedan space with a host of updates. For 2026, the i4 arrives with more range, enhanced charging management and refreshed trim options. Multiple power outputs are available, ranging from the balanced eDrive40 to the high-performance M60 variant. The BMW i4 appeals to Canadian buyers who want an electric vehicle without sacrificing performance or luxury. Juror Andrew McCredie had this to say in his BMW i4 review published in Driving.ca: “Cosmetic and on-board tech aside, there’s no doubt, even just after a few days behind the wheel, that the i4 …

Announcing the 2026 Canadian Electric Utility Vehicle of the Year Semi-finalists

The semi-finalists for 2026 Canadian Electric Utility Vehicle of the Year are:

Hyundai Ioniq 6 – 2026 Semi-Finalist

Hyundai’s electric sedan returns for 2026 with new looks and the addition of a high performance N model, which arrives packing over 600 horsepower, virtual gear changes, simulated exhaust sounds and even a temporary power boost known as N Grin Boost. Upgraded infotainment, simplified climate controls and a swap to a standard NACS charging port also arrived for the Ioniq 6 lineup. Juror Brian Harper had this to say in his Hyundai Ioniq 6 N review published in Driving.ca: “Those who think a performance car needs a big ol’ gas engine to rock the road need to broaden their outlook …

BMW iX – 2026 Semi-Finalist

A refresh has brought the BMW iX a host of changes for 2026 including more range, more power and new styling. Going for an iX offers a luxury driving experience and a cabin big enough to comfortably handle a load of people and all their stuff. And with the slightly less polarizing style which arrived with this update, the iX should appeal to a wider audience. Juror Jodi Lai had this to say in her BMW iX review published in Autotrader.ca: “The 2026 BMW iX gets a lot right, and many of the minor missteps are easily forgiven because of …

Kia K4 – 2026 Semi-Finalist

The 2026 Kia K4 continues as Kia’s newest compact sedan, replacing the Forte with a modern look and tech-forward interior. For 2026, Kia expands trim availability and adds software features for the dual-screen digital cockpit. Power comes from a range of efficient four-cylinder engines, with both CVT and traditional automatic options offered depending on trim. Juror Graham Heeps had this to say in his Kia K4 review published in TractionLife.com: “It would be easy to describe the Kia K4 as simple but effective – but with sharp looks, a big screen, and driver-assistance tech all part of the package, ‘simple’ …

Porsche Macan Electric – 2026 Semi-Finalist

Porsche brings to the market one of the best compact electric SUVs with the Macan Electric, which gets some updates for 2026. The Macan now offers more towing capacity, faster charging, new entertainment options and an AI-enhanced voice pilot that allows you to interact with the Macan EV. Juror Elle Alder had this to say in her Porsche Macan Electric review published in Driving.ca: “Just as it makes more sense for a once-per-year boater to rent a pickup truck as needed than it does for them to commute every day with an unladen hitch and an empty bed, EVs should …