This year’s Automobile Journalists’ Association of Canada’s Canadian Car of the Year (CCOTY) and Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year (CUVOTY) winners have been announced and the four winners represent a unique cross-section of brands and some truly global results, with winners coming from Japan, South Korea and Germany.
The Honda Civic took home the laurels of the 2025 CCOTY thanks to its fantastic ergonomics and its handling, according to AJAC. Add the fact that it’s available with both hybrid and gas-powered powertrains and in two body styles and continues to be one of Canada’s bestselling cars and you have a comprehensive winner.
Moving up to the 2025 CUVOTY sees us entering the realm of Hyundai and the all-new, uniquely-styled and well-equipped Hyundai Santa Fe. Ergonomics come once again into play for this vehicle, with the boxy environs helping maximize the available space on board this mid-size crossover. Jurors – a group made up of over 100 journalists from across Canada – also praised Hyundai’s infotainment system as well as its overall refinement.
As the world of electrification continues to grow, AJAC also named the winners of two EV categories: Canadian Electric Car of the Year and Canadian Electric Utility Vehicle of the Year. Any vehicles eligible for this award had to be made available with some form of electric powertrain, whether that be a traditional gas-hybrid – think any vehicle using Toyota’s Hybrid System II (née Hybrid Synergy Drive) – or a full battery electric vehicle.
Hyundai once again stepped on to the podium at the 2025 Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto to accept the Electric Utility Vehicle of the Year prize, awarded to the South Korean manufacturer for its Ioniq 5 N. This fun and powerful all-electric crossover was chosen for the power it offered, its styling and interior space.
Rounding out the CCOTY awards for ’25 is the BMW i4, taking home the prize for Canadian Car of the Year. This Bavarian BEV was loved by jurors for its powertrain as well as the high quality of materials used both inside and out.