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Éric Descarries
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AJAC’s Vehicles of the Year
Éric Descarries
Hits: 107
If you have been following our coverage of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada’s (AJAC) Vehicles of the Year contest in our last two issues, you’re likely expecting the results. That iss exactly what we are presenting this time, as AJAC finally revealed its four winners at the most recent Canadian International AutoShow held in February in Toronto. From the dozen finalists showcased at the Montreal Auto Show last January, only four remain. Here they are:
Canadian Car of the Year
It comes as little surprise that the Honda Civic was named the 2025 Canadian Car of the Year. This marks the second time in four years that the Civic (incidentally also the best-selling car in Canada) earns this honor, winning it previously in 2022. AJAC jury members highlighted the Honda’s ergonomics and handling as the key elements of its success.
For the second time in four years, the Canadian-built Honda Civic was named Car of the Year.
Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year
This time, the 2025 Utility Vehicle of the Year is the Hyundai Santa Fe. Completely redesigned this year, the Santa Fe SUV made a strong impression on the AJAC judges. Beyond its design, they appreciated its interior ergonomics, infotainment package, and refinement.
The completely redesigned Hyundai Santa Fe won over AJAC members, earning the title of Utility Vehicle of the Year.
Electric Car of the Year
Next, AJAC members wanted to spotlight the electric automobile industry. In the electric car segment, AJAC members chose the BMW i4 in this configuration (note that the gasoline-powered BMW i4 was previously named AJAC Car of the Year in 2023!). The vehicle’s high quality and especially the smoothness and efficiency of its powertrain were major factors in the jury’s decision.
In the electric car segment, the popular electric-configured BMW i4 most impressed the voting members.
Electric Utility Vehicle of the Year
Finally, in the electric utility vehicle category, AJAC’s voting members selected the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. Notably, the regular gasoline-powered Ioniq 5 was already recognized as Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year and even Electric Vehicle of the Year. But this time, it’s the high-performance N model’s turn to claim a trophy. Hyundai’s second trophy in the 2025 competition (along with the Santa Fe). What impressed the voters most were its 641 horsepower and sporty N Shift function, which simulates a gearshift. Add to that a (modular) gas engine-like sound!
The sporty Hyundai Ioniq 5N electric vehicle is a dynamic SUV with the ability to mimic the sound of a gas engine.
Éric Descarries
