Blog – Page 9 – Canadian Car of the Year

Kia EV9 – 2025 Finalist

The Kia EV9 is still one of the few electrified vehicles on the market that offers a third row, giving larger families an option that doesn’t need gasoline. A 99.8 kWh battery pack provides a range up to 489 kilometers, while power output comes in at 379 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. As more three-row electric family haulers hit the market, the Kia still stands out thanks to unique looks and spacious interior. Our jurors identified these three categories as stand outs on the Kia EV9: Juror’s Opinion – Matt St-Pierre had this to say on Motorillustrated.com: “While this …

Mazda CX-70 – 2025 Finalist

The newly introduced Mazda CX-70 offers the same proportions as the larger CX-90 but ditches the third row in favour of cargo space for those interested. A 3.3L inline six-cylinder engine provides the power, either 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque in standard guise or 319 hp and 369 lb-ft from the high-output version, mated to a 48V mild hybrid system. As all other Mazdas do, the CX-70 prioritizes driving feel and enjoyment more than other crossovers in this segment. The three aspects of the CX-70 that stood out most to our jurors are: Juror’s Opinion – Jil Mcintosh …

Mazda CX-70 PHEV – 2025 Finalist

Mazda has extended its plug-in hybrid offerings with the new CX-70 PHEV, offering a large crossover that brings lots of cargo space to the table along with the ability to drive up to 42 kilometers on electricity alone. Power comes in at 319 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. For those dreaming of a fun to drive plug-in hybrid crossover, the CX-70 fits the bill perfectly. Our jurors say that these three features stand out on the CX-70 PHEV: Juror’s Opinion – Michel Crepault had this to say on Auto123.com: “In near-hairpin bends, the CX-70 turned without crashing into corners. …

Lucid Air – 2025 Finalist

Lucid brought its all-electric Air to market in North America back in 2021 and four years later it still packs modern style and massive range numbers that outclass the competition. On a single charge the air manages an official rating of 823 kilometers while it also carries the distinction as the most efficient electric vehicle sold in North America. For those in the market for a full-size luxury electric sedan with huge range, the Lucid has to be considered. The three attributes that stand out most to our jurors are: Juror’s Opinion – Michael Bettencourt had this to say on …

Toyota Land Cruiser – 2025 Finalist

After a multi-decade hiatus from the Canadian market, the Toyota Land Cruiser is back for 2025. Offering a turbocharged engine mated to a hybrid setup, power comes in at 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft torque. The new Land Cruiser offers more comfort and technology than ever before, while trying to remain true to its rugged roots with features like a rear locking differential, full-time four-wheel drive and a disconnecting sway bar. Our jurors identified these three attributes as stand outs in the new Land Cruiser: Juror’s Opinion – Kyle Patrick had this to say at AutoGuide.com: “After this brief first …

Toyota Camry – 2025 Finalist

Ditching its V6, the Toyota Camry has now gone all hybrid across the lineup, still offering those interested in a sedan a strong offering. All-wheel drive is also available in the Camry, which produces 232 horsepower when equipped with four-wheel power. 2025 also brings a fresh look to the Camry, replacing the mild styling with a car that is much more wild to look at. Our jurors identified these three areas as particularly good on the Camry: Juror’s Opinion – David Chao had this to say on the Automotive Press YouTube channel: “If you don’t need an SUV or a …

AJAC announces 12 Best Vehicles in Canada for 2025

MONTREAL, January 16, 2025 – The 12 Best Vehicles in Canada for 2025 have been revealed today at the Montreal Auto Show, where they are on display to visitors in the Canadian Car of the Year Awards (CCOTY) booth for the duration of the show. The popular event at the Palais des Congrès runs until January 26. The 12 Best Vehicles in Canada for 2025 are as follows: Canadian Car of the Year Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year Canadian Electric Car of the Year Canadian Electric Utility Vehicle of the Year Selected by an expert jury from the Automobile …

AJAC 12 Best Vehicles in Canada for 2025

The list of 12 Best Vehicles in Canada is created from detailed ballots completed by AJAC’s expert journalists. More than 600 ballots were submitted during the creation of the 12 Best list by 48 jurors based right across Canada, from Vancouver to Halifax. CCOTY is Canada’s ONLY vehicle awards scheme in which the jurors drive every vehicle they vote on. Vehicles are tested on the same roads and in the same conditions faced by Canadian drivers from coast to coast every day. The list of 12 Best Vehicles in Canada for 2025 includes both newcomers and longstanding favourites among Canadian …

Jeff Wilson | AutoGuide: 2025 Subaru Forester

Jeff Wilson had this to say about the Subaru Forester on AutoGuide: “Subaru could have dramatically overhauled the Forester with a radical look, taking it in an entirely new direction the way some of the competitors try to reinvent their models with every new generation. Instead, as one of the company’s volume sellers, the new Forester receives measured change to a format that has worked for the brand throughout the previous five generations. The previous model’s bright, spacious interior, useful cargo hold, and engaging performance continue to define the Forester, while also benefitting from improved comfort, driveability, and arguably appearance. …

Cadillac Lyriq – 2025 Semi-Finalist

The Cadillac Lyriq is the iconic brand’s take on all-electric luxury, packing a unique design and an interior packed with luxury materials. With a range of 505 kilometers, the Lyriq is more than competitive with how far it will go and also with how much power it offers, up to 500 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque when all-wheel drive is equipped. Juror’s Opinion – Stephanie Wallcraft had this to say at Driving.ca: “The Lyriq looks genuinely impressive on walk-up, although my teenager did comment on the door handles opening the “wrong way.” From their flush position, they extend out …