Judges Stories – Page 2 – Canadian Car of the Year

Dale Johnson | Troy Media: 2026 BMW i4 eDrive40

“Smooth, quiet, quick — this is the EV that makes ditching gas easy.” BMW i4 eDrive40 makes switching to an EV feel effortless

Stephanie Wallcraft | RoadTripper: 2026 Toyota RAV4

“It takes the best of what has made the RAV4 Canada’s most popular SUV for years and adds value through new features and better technologies. And as a bonus, the 2026 Toyota RAV4 hybrid continues to be proudly made in Canada.” 2026 Toyota RAV4 review: Canadian-made and better than ever

Evan Williams | autotrader.ca: 2025 Subaru Forester

“Arrival this summer marks a quiet but meaningful evolution.” 2025 Subaru Forester Canadian Pricing Announced, Arrives This Summer

Matt St-Pierre | Motor Illustrated: 2025 Subaru Forester

“Nothing flashy — just a vehicle that does almost everything well.” 2025 Subaru Forester Review: The Quietly Capable SUV That Gets Everything Right

Chris Tsui | autotrader.ca: 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid

“Refined, polished, and now better in the ways families actually use it.” 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid First Drive

Matt St-Pierre | Motor Illustrated: 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport

“Passport gets tougher and more expensive — but also more off-road capable.” 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Launches in Canada

Stephanie Wallcraft | RoadTripper: 2025 Ford Maverick Hybrid

“The Maverick gives people everything they need and little they don’t.” 2025 Ford Maverick Hybrid review: A truck for the rest of us

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. …

Jil McIntosh | Driving.ca: 2025 Mazda CX-70 GT

Jil McIntoshhad this to say about the 2025 Mazda CX-70 GT on driving.ca: “Beyond that, Mazda’s signature is its fun-to-drive handling. It’s obviously a commuter sport-ute and not a sports car, but it’s responsive and it feels solid rather than heavy. On a curve or a rough road, it can apply a smidgen of brake pressure to one wheel, stabilizing the rear suspension so the vehicle retains its composure. The steering is nicely-weighted, the turning circle is very tight, and overall, it’s very good from behind the wheel.” SUV Review: 2025 Mazda CX-70 GT – Reviews | Driving

Jil McIntosh | Auto Trader: 2025 Nissan Kicks

Jil McIntosh had this to say about the Nissan Kicks on autotrader.ca: “Very little in this entry-level segment of crossovers actually feels like it these days, as automakers adapt to safety and efficiency requirements, and add the technology consumers want. The 2025 Nissan Kicks faces numerous competitors, and they’re all regularly updated to stay relevant. Still, for its features and performance, this new Kicks looks like it should easily hold its own.” 2025 Nissan Kicks First Drive Review | AutoTrader.ca