Blog – Page 7 – Canadian Car of the Year

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 …

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