AJAC Announces 2025 Canadian Cars and Utility Vehicles of the Year
Following the announcement of the 12 best vehicles for 2025 at the Montreal International Auto Show last month, the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) today crowned the overall winners of its annual awards during the opening ceremonies of the Canadian International AutoShow in Toronto.
The four vehicles were selected by a jury of nearly 50 writers from coast to coast.
2025 Canadian Car of the Year
Fresh off being named the 2025 North American Car of the Year, the Honda Civic has just won the 2025 Canadian Car of the Year award. The popular Japanese compact sedan and hatchback earned the same honour three years ago. AJAC jurors identified ergonomics and handling as key to the Civic’s appeal, not to mention its newly available hybrid powertrain.
The other finalists were the Acura Integra Type S and Toyota Camry.
2025 Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year
Completely redesigned with family needs in mind, the Hyundai Santa Fe was chosen as the 2025 Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year. It proved to be a hit with AJAC's jurors, who praised its interior ergonomics, refinement and infotainment system. An efficient hybrid powertrain comes standard, too.
The Santa Fe won the award over the Mazda CX-70 and Toyota Land Cruiser.
2025 Canadian Electric Car of the Year
After securing the Canadian Car of the Year award back in 2023, the BMW i4 can now brag about being the 2025 Canadian Electric Car of the Year. The judges loved its smooth, efficient powertrain and high level of quality. There’s also something to be said about its agile driving dynamics.
The other two finalists couldn’t have been more different, namely the tiny and affordable Fiat 500e on one hand, and the six-figure Lucid Air full-size sedan on the other hand.
2025 Canadian Electric Utility Vehicle of the Year
In the fourth and final category, the 641-horsepower Hyundai Ioniq 5 N was voted as the Canadian Electric Utility Vehicle of the Year. This is the high-performance variant of the Ioniq 5, which previously won the Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year and EV of the Year awards. The exclusive N Shift feature, which simulates the sound and feel of a conventional engine and transmission, impressed the jury.
The Kia EV9 and Mazda CX-70 PHEV were passed over for the award.
"Our 47 expert jurors from all across the country drove every vehicle before casting their ballots, covering the same Canadian roads and in the same Canadian conditions you face day every day,” AJAC President Evan Williams said. “It's why I'm so confident that each year we can identify the best vehicles for Canadians, be it a car or utility vehicle, with gas or electric power. Congratulations to BMW, Honda and Hyundai on well-earned wins."
