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The Twelve Best Canadian Vehicles at the Montreal Auto Show

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Our journalist, Isabelle Havasy, along with Jesse Caron from CAA-Quebec, hosted the unveiling. Credit: Isabelle Havasy – Michel Beaunoyer AJAC

The Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) unveiled the country’s twelve best vehicles for 2025 at the Montreal Auto Show.

The result of careful selection orchestrated by a jury of 48 experts from across Canada, this ranking showcases models that meet Canadian drivers’ expectations.

According to Luis Pereira, Show Director, “The unveiling of the 12 best vehicles in Canada by AJAC was a real success, marked by their spectacular entrance, one by one, into the hall, creating a guaranteed WOW effect!” Visitors were able to discover and admire the title contenders throughout the event.

The Canadian Car of the Year category spotlighted icons such as the Honda Civic, the unshakeable favourite and former 2022 winner. It faces off against the elegant Toyota Camry and the dynamic Acura Integra Type S. As for utility vehicles, the finalists include the Hyundai Santa Fe, revamped for the 2024 model year, along with two new contenders: the Mazda CX-70 and the Toyota Land Cruiser, a legendary vehicle that returned to the stage last year after almost 20 years of absence.

Something for every taste

With the rapid rise of electrification, the electric car and utility vehicle categories reveal an increasingly varied and competitive range. The BMW i4, acclaimed in 2023, competes with the Fiat 500e—an accessible and bold city car—and the luxurious Lucid Air. Among SUVs, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, the three-row Kia EV9, and the Mazda CX-70 plug-in hybrid are redefining consumer expectations. The latter notably stands out by appearing among both the best conventional and electrified candidates.

The credibility of these AJAC awards rests on its methodical approach and rigorous selection process. To be eligible to vote, jurors must have driven the model in question.

For Romaric Lartilleux, Director of Public Relations for Lexus and Toyota products, the Canadian Car of the Year award represents the highest distinction in the country for a manufacturer. He notes that with two candidates leading the 2025 lineup, Toyota’s efforts to adapt its offerings to better meet Canadians’ needs are paying off.

In addition to representing an important milestone in the program, the finalist reveal offers a selection of must-haves for buyers seeking a new vehicle, according to Evan Williams, AJAC President. “This provides motorists with reliable and relevant information” that will be useful in their purchasing process. Each competing vehicle has been tested on our roads and in conditions identical to those encountered by Canadian drivers daily.

The competition’s conclusion will take place in Toronto on February 13 at the Canadian International AutoShow. During this momentous occasion, AJAC will finally crown the four grand winners.

More than just finalists, the twelve models selected by the association’s jurors embody the quintessence of contemporary automotive engineering. They shape the future of mobility while highlighting Canadians’ varied aspirations.

Here are the 12 best vehicles in Canada for 2025:

Canadian Car of the Year Finalists

  • Acura Integra Type S
  • Honda Civic
  • Toyota Camry

Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year Finalists

  • Hyundai Santa Fe
  • Mazda CX-70
  • Toyota Land Cruiser

Canadian Electric Vehicle of the Year Finalists

  • BMW i4
  • Fiat 500e
  • Lucid Air

Canadian Electric Utility Vehicle of the Year Finalists

  • Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
  • Kia EV9
  • Mazda CX-70 plug-in hybrid

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