2025 Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year

The Hyundai Santa Fe has embraced adventure with a rugged new design that shares nothing in common with the previous versions of this family hauler. A standard third row offers space for the whole family while power comes from a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine making 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, sent through an eight-speed automatic. A new XRT model also brings along more off-road focused equipment than ever before. The three attributes that stood out most to the jurors were: Juror’s Opinion – Stephen Elmer had this to say on the Truck King YouTube channel: “Overall I think …

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 …

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 …

The newly re-introduced Chevrolet Trax shares basically only its name with the model it replaces, as it’s wider, lower and longer than the old version. Power comes from a turbocharged 1.2L three-cylinder engine that makes 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, sent only through the front wheels. With fuel economy set at 7.9L/100KM combined, the new Trax offers economical transportation for a family. Juror’s Opinion – Jil McIntosh had this to say on Driving.ca: “No vehicle is perfect, but overall, the Trax is very impressive. For the way it looks and drives, its roomy and handsome interior, and its …

For 2025 the Kicks has received new style, a fresh interior and larger proportions that allow it to haul more cargo and offer more comfort to passengers. Power comes from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 141 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque sent through a continuously variable transmission. The new looks and playful drive of the updated Kicks helps it to stand out in its segment. Juror’s Opinion – Mike Schlee had this to say at AutoGuide.com: “The biggest improvement to the Kicks comes in the form of driveability. The new platform is stronger and allows for less body …

The fully redesigned 2025 Subaru Forester adds more safety features, fresh styling and new interior appointments to what was an already compelling package. A 2.5-liter boxer four-cylinder engine still makes 180 horsepower, though the torque has been boosted up to 178 lb-ft. Subaru’s classic symmetrical all-wheel drive system is still here offering a sure footed driving experience for all who are interested. Juror’s Opinion – Andrew McCredie had this to say at Driving.ca: “After spending a dusty day behind the wheel of the all-new Forester, it didn’t surprise me to learn that one in four Subarus sold in Canada in …