Blog – Page 6 – Canadian Car of the Year

Hyundai Ioniq 9 – 2026 Finalist

The Hyundai Ioniq 9 is a brand new vehicle for the market in 2026, offering consumers a fully electric three-row SUV that manages over 500 KMs of range. This is the first truly family friendly electric vehicle to come from Hyundai and it plays the part with a spacious interior and first-class inspired back seats that coddle occupants, whether they be kids or full-size adults. Juror Kyle Patrick had this to say in his Hyundai Ioniq 9 review published in Autoguide.com: “The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 delivers a refined, practical three-row experience to easily rival plenty of premium choices on …

Hyundai Elantra – 2026 Finalist

Following its recent refresh, the Elantra lineup sees modest updates for 2026, including revised trim content and improved driver-assistance tech availability. Buyers can still choose between a standard gasoline engine, a hybrid, or the performance-oriented Elantra N. The Elantra’s exterior design, roomy interior, and competitive pricing keep it a mainstay in the compact car segment. Juror Jay Kana had this to say in his Hyundai Elantra review published in Driving.ca: “One drawback here is that the hybrid, like every Elantra for 2025, is front-wheel drive only. Sure, some may say “slap a quality set of winter tires on and you’ll …

Toyota RAV4 – 2026 Finalist

A brand new RAV4 hits Canadian roads in 2026, bringing standard hybrid power, an all-new system architecture and fresh styling to the table. The base powertrain option is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid, while those who want more power and some all-electric range can opt for the plug-in hybrid model. Driving refinement has been enhanced for this new model, which expands its model lineup with an adventure focused Woodland trim and a fun GR Sport model. Juror Stephanie Wallcraft had this to say in her Toyota RAV4 review published in RoadTripper.ca: “However, given that Toyota was already having hard time keeping …

Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid – 2026 Finalist

The Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid offers customers one of the best values in a compact car segment, offering a little over 60km of EV mode range. For 2026, the Prius lineup adds new Nightshade blackout packages, kicking up the style on what is already a good looking car. Few vehicles have had a glow up like the Prius, combining its well-known efficiency with handsome style. Juror Jay Kana had this to say in his Toyota Prius Plug-In review published in Driving.ca: “Yes, it’s 220 horsepower which may not seem like a lot on paper, but it’s eager to get moving …

Lucid Gravity – 2026 Finalist

After the launch of the Air sedan as its first vehicle ever, Lucid has followed up with the Gravity, an SUV that can carry up to seven people. It offers 828 horsepower along with over 720 KMs of range, allowing you to thrill your family and friends while you take them a long way. A spacious interior is also key here, allowing Lucid to claim the interior space of a full-size SUV, with the footprint of a midsize.

Porsche 911 Carrera – 2026 Finalist

The Porsche 911 Carrera enters the 2026 model year with a number of important changes, including the addition of the new T-Hybrid powertrain for the range-topping Turbo S model. The T-Hybrid is also standard with the GTS model. 2026 911 brings some interior updates and revised materials and infotainment changes, while some tuning adjustments have also arrived for the twin-turbo flat-six engine. Rear-wheel drive remains standard on the base 911, though all-wheel drive is available on higher trim models. The 911 continues to be the benchmark among many competing models in the sports car segment. Juror Peter Bleakney had this …

Announcing the 2026 Canadian Electric Car of the Year Semi-finalists

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

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, …