The Canadian auto show season wrapped up on March 23 in Vancouver. The Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) took the opportunity to announce the winners of its Innovation Awards. The 12 finalists for the 2025 Canadian Car of the Year Awards (CCOTY) had already been unveiled at the Montreal show. The big winners—BMW, Honda and Hyundai—were officially crowned in Toronto.

The 2025 Civic took home the Canadian Car of the Year title. Émile Korkor, Assistant Vice President of Honda Canada, emphasized that this recognition is “the result of the hard work of the engineers and talented associates at Honda Canada Mfg., who design and build the Civic.” The sedan stands out for its ergonomics and handling. Now available as a hybrid, it’s more versatile and powerful than ever. The manufacturer estimates that this dual-powertrain version could account for nearly 60% of the model’s sales in Canada.

The AJAC award joins a long list of accolades for this vehicle, which is highly popular among Canadians. “The quality, reliability, and popularity of our hybrid vehicles bode well for the future of our brand as we continue to electrify our lineup. We’d like to thank AJAC for this prestigious award and our Canadian customers for making the Civic the best-selling car in Canada [in 2024].”

Hyundai also scored points with two award-winning models. The fully redesigned 2024 Santa Fe took home the Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year title. Judges praised its interior ergonomics, infotainment system, and refinement. The automaker sees this win as a validation of its strategy: “These awards validate our ongoing efforts in engineering, electrification, and connectivity,” said Frédéric Mercier, Product and Public Relations Manager for Quebec at Hyundai Canada.

Offering a sporty drive, the IONIQ 5 N, winner of the Canadian Electric Utility Vehicle of the Year, stood out for its N Shift transmission, “its futuristic design, innovative technology, and fast-charging features.” Hyundai is leveraging this recognition to “reassert its position as an industry leader,” with a model that “is redefining the standards of electric performance.”

The Canadian Electric Car of the Year award went to BMW’s i4. The elegant sedan impresses with its balance of refinement, performance, and range. “This award highlights our commitment to developing cutting-edge electric vehicles that not only meet but exceed customer expectations,” said Jean-François Taylor, Product and Technology Manager, Corporate Communications at BMW Group Canada. “It reflects our ongoing efforts to integrate advanced technologies, sustainability, and driving pleasure into our electric lineup.”

The Bavarian brand’s iconic styling merges with state-of-the-art engineering and connectivity to deliver a signature driving experience rooted in sustainable mobility. BMW is counting on this award to support its commercial strategy in Canada by bolstering the credibility and appeal of the BMW i4 among potential customers. “It also provides us with a strong narrative to promote the i4 as a top choice for businesses looking to switch to electric vehicles,” Taylor concluded.