Blog – Page 7 – Canadian Car of the Year

Toyota Prius – 2026 Semi-Finalist

The 2026 Toyota Prius continues to lead the pack with its dramatic recent redesign, pairing standout styling with excellent fuel efficiency. Updates for 2026 are minor, focusing on expanded standard equipment and software enhancements for Toyota’s infotainment system. The Prius continues to be powered by a hybrid drivetrain that balances performance with excellent fuel economy. Juror Jil Mcintosh had this to say in her Toyota Prius review published in Autotrader.com: “For its much-better looks, more power, and improved ride and handling, the Toyota Prius is impressive. It’s not perfect, but it does enough right that it needs to be cross-shopped …

Announcing the 2026 Canadian Car of the Year Semi-finalists

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

2025 Canadian Car of the Year Winners

Montreal Auto Show | January 16 – 25, 2026

For more information: www.salonautomontreal.com/en/

Canadian International AutoShow | February 13-22, 2026

For more information: https://autoshow.ca/

L’International de l’Auto de Québec | March 4 – 9, 2026

For more information: https://internationaldelautodequebec.com/en/

Calgary International Auto and Truck Show | March 12-15, 2026

For more information: https://www.autoshowcalgary.com/

Vancouver International Auto Show | March 25-29, 2026

For more information: https://vancouverinternationalautoshow.com/

Edmonton Motorshow | April 9-12, 2026

For more information: https://edmontonmotorshow.com/

2025 Best Technical Innovation – Mazda Large Platform MHEV Powertrains

AJAC’s 2025 Best Technical Innovation award goes to the Mazda Large Platform MHEV (mild-hybrid) Powertrains, which underpin the brand’s latest pair of crossover SUVs: CX-70 and CX-90. Mazda’s combination of turbocharged inline-six-cylinder engines, 48-volt mild-hybrid system and newly designed 8-speed transmission boosts efficiency, improves acceleration from rest, sharpens the driving dynamics and enlarges the front crush zone.