AJAC 2024 Car of the Year Award Winners

Every year, AJAC releases a list of the finalists for which vehicle was deemed one of the best Canadian cars of the year, and this year is no different.

Although most of the vehicles are broken down into separate categories based on their vehicle type, this year they have added new categories to include electric cars, trucks, and SUVs.

AJAC selected four winners out of all the categories, and those four candidates were available to view in person at the International Auto Show.

What is AJAC?

AJAC is an acronym used to describe the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada. This association is comprised of various writers, journalists, videographers, and photographers who all focus their efforts and specialize in the area of automobiles and anything automotive related.

Essentially, they are experts on anything and everything about vehicles in Canada. This is what makes them so highly regarded when it comes to selecting the best Canadian Car of the Year.

If a vehicle has been worthied enough to earn this esteemed title, then it is definitely something to consider when deciding on your next new vehicle purchase in Canada. This is why many car enthusiasts anxiously anticipate the finalists. The final results have been released to the public on February 15th, 2024, at the International Auto Show.

Which Vehicles Were Finalists in the Canadian Car of the Year Awards?

AJAC’s Canadian Car of the Year winner doesn’t have to be your only prospect if you’re considering buying something new in 2024. All of the top 12 finalists are excellent contenders in being Canada’s Car of the Year winner.

2024 Canadian Car of the Year Finalists

1.Acura Integra Type S

Acura vehicles have always been known as the luxury line produced by Honda. So, it should come as no surprise that with Honda as a finalist, the Acura wouldn’t be too far behind.

The Acura Integra has always been a fan favourite over the years, and the Type S released in 2024 is no different. It offers a 2.0 Litre engine with 320 horsepower, but the one downside is that in order to achieve maximum torque, premium gasoline is required.

Another drawback to the Integra Type S is the price tag. A complete model with all the basic features starts at around $50,000 CAD. If you’ve been dreaming of owning a new Integra, your best bet is to sell your current car to Cash For Cars BC.

Our professional used car buying service will offer you more cash for your car than the dealerships will on trade-in. When you’re spending $50,000 nearly on a new vehicle, you want to have as much cash in your pocket to put towards it as possible.

2.Toyota Prius

Toyota has always had a name for creating great vehicles that are used friendly, innovative, great on gas, and of course, hold their resale value. That’s why the Prius has made it into the top 3 finalists for Canadian Car of the Year this year.

While the Prius is undoubtedly a hybrid car, it isn’t specifically categorized into the Canadian Electric Car of the Year section because it is not fully electric. But don’t let its hybrid status deter you from spending the $37,000 on this little but mighty vehicle.

The 2023 Prius comes with increased cargo space, more leg room, the hottest infotainment system, and of course, fuel-efficiency that is unsurpassed in its class.

3.Honda Accord

Taking the third spot (although they are in no particular order) is the 2024 Honda Accord.

In true Honda fashion the accord comes in as a finalist because of its incredible durability, exceptional fuel-economy, innovative styling, and of course, its resale value.

All of these amazing attributes make the Honda Accord a great buy for drivers of any age, and it has the safety rating to support that. It’s no wonder why we at cash For Cars BC buy more Honda vehicles than any other in our line of business.

The starting price on the base model of the 2024 Honda Accord is $37,000.

2024 Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year Finalists

1.Toyota Grand Highlander

The Toyota Highlander has always been favoured by 4×4 and off-road enthusiasts across Canada, and the 2024 Grand Highlander has been welcomed the same way as previous models.

The newest Highlander starts at just $50,000 CAD, which is a phenomenal price on a sport utility vehicle like this one.

With third-row seating, top-of-its-class 4×4 capabilities, and available hybrid-max powertrain, the Grand Highlander is a pioneer this year in the SUV market in Canada.

The Lower Mainland residents love their 4×4’s, particularly in the Fraser Valley where weekends are spent rock crawling up at Stave Lake or exploring logging roads throughout Chilliwack. The Grand Highlander makes all of this possible without breaking the budget.

2.Genesis GV70

Considerably more expensive than the Highlander, but packed full of creature comforts, the latest technology, and advanced AWD, the 2023 Genesis GV70 is turning heads this year with its presence in the Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year category.

Starting at just over $60,000 for the base model, the Genesis GV70 brings with it the highest safety rating in its class. Combined with its 2.4 Litre engine, 300 HP, and 310 lb-ft of torque, the GV70 is perfect for toting campers up to Whistler during camping season, or also pulling boats out to spend a day on the water around Stanley Park.

If you’ve been thinking about trading up from your current SUV, or want to sell your current Genesis vehicle, think Cash For Cars BC. We handle all the paperwork, we come to you, and NOBODY Pays More!

3.Mazda CX-90

Mazda previously coined the phrase, “zoom, zoom” for the Mazda line of cars, but the CX-90 brings with it much of its own “zoom, zoom” this year.

The 2023 CX-90 packs a punch with 323 horsepower and 269 lbs-ft of torque, knocking the competition out of the water in the Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year category. Reasonably priced at just $45,000 to start, it makes a great starter SUV for anyone who is planning to get into a sport utility vehicle or crossover for the first time.

If you’re thinking about switching vehicles to get your hands on to the CX-90, sell your car, truck, current SUV, van, or motorcycle to Cash For Cars BC. We can almost always offer you more cash for your vehicle than any of the dealerships, including Destination Mazda in Downtown Vancouver.

2024 Canadian Electric Car of the Year Finalists

1.Hyundai Ioniq 5

What was once known for being one of the worst brands of vehicles you could own in Canada, Hyundai has worked hard over the years to produce a whole new generation of vehicles that has surpassed everyone’s expectations. This year with the Hyundai Ioniq 5, it’s no different.

The newest Ioniq by Hyundai comes in 4 available trims, has touchscreen navigation on a more than 12-inch screen, and has decent range of 334 km on a single charge on the long-range version of this SUV.

Starting price of the long-range model is $54,000 CAD but can be off set by many available hybrid incentives offered by the Canadian and provincial government.

Also, if you sell your current hybrid (or any other vehicle) to Cash For Cars BC, you can use our payment towards a down-payment of one of the new Hyundai Ionqi 5’s. NOBODY Pays More

2.Genesis Electrified GV80

Another Genesis vehicle is a finalist for the AJAC awards this year, but it’s for the Canadian Electric Car of the Year category, and rightfully so

The 2024 Genesis Electrified GV80 is not for the faint of heart, as its starting sticker price sits around $105,000 CAD.

If you’ve ever considered driving a premium vehicle, however, this is the one for you.

The GV 80 offers excellent range with 454 kms on a single charge for the AWD Prestige model. Compounded with some of the most stylish interiors available on an electric car, the GV 80 is taking the electric car world by storm.

With leather interior, a hidden charging door, and the ability to go from 10% charge to 80% in as little as 22 minutes, this year’s Genesis GV 80 is a fierce contender for the top spot in the Canadian Electric Car of the Year category.

3.Toyota Prius Prime

Remarkably, the Toyota also takes another spot as a finalist in the AJAC car awards this year, but likewise to the Genesis, it’s in the Canadian Electric Car of the Year category as well.

Probably one of the best-priced electric vehicles for what you get, the Prius Prime had its best year of sales last year, with this year projected to be even better. That’s because Toyota vehicles have some of the best longevity in the automotive world globally and come with one of the best warranties available on the market. However, you’ll rarely need to use it when it comes to owning a Toyota.

The Prius Prime starts at just $ 39,500 CAD and is great for both city driving and weekend road trips throughout British Columbia.

2024 Canadian Electric Utility Vehicle of the Year Finalists

1.Genesis Electrified GV70

Genesis seems to be overtaking many other car makers this year in the AJAC awards, as they are finalists in 3 of the 4 categories. Nonetheless, they’ve definitely earned their place with their newest models checking off all the boxes for consumers.

The Electrified GV70 is much like its non-electrified sister car the GV70, except naturally, it is electric. Though the vehicle offers all the same creature comforts that the gas-powered G70 does, the price tag is definitely reflective of the fact that it is a hybrid. Starting price for this vehicle is $84,000 CAD.

There are many various incentives offered throughout the province for those who want to switch from gas vehicles to electric. However, the incentives differ and are only applicable to vehicles within a certain price range.

If you want to off set the cost of a new Genesis Electrified GV70 and don’t qualify for rebates, sell your current vehicle to Cash For Cars BC. No dealership can offer as much cash for cars as we can in Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, or Vancouver Island.

2.Kia EV9

Kia only has one vehicle making into the finalists lists of the 2024 AJAC awards this year. This SUV is an electrified version of the Kia Soul but comes with all the latest technology and innovation that you’d expect from an upgrade.

Available in 5 different trims, as well as mid-range or long-range capabilities, the 2024 Kia EV9 is worthy of being a runner up, if not the winner for its category. Its starting price is $59,900 CAD, but worth every penny.

The EV9 typically gets between 435km and 451 kms of driving range per charge, which is perfect for those who live in the Fraser Valley and commute to work in the city. It also makes a great electric SUV for those who spend most of their day driving for a living.

3.Hyundai Ioniq 5

Amazingly, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 became a finalist for 2 separate categories with the same vehicle. That, in itself, is quite telling about the quality of vehicle that it is.

When compared to many other vehicles in its class, the Ioniq 5 definitely stands out among the rest. Hyundai spared nothing when creating this EV as it comes with the latest infotainment system, increased seating and cargo capacity, and has a price tag that makes it more affordable than most of the EV’s on the market today.

If you’d like to get your hands on one of these vehicles, sell your current vehicle to Cash For Cars BC. We handle all the paperwork, we come to you, and NOBODY Pays More!

Who Won AJAC’s Canadian Car of the Year in 2024?

Toyota took home two awards this year out of the four categories that awards were being judged. With the other two categories being won by Genesis.

Canadian Car of the Year 2024

This year’s Canadian Car of the Year award went to the Toyota Prius. Unsurprisingly, it was also named as the North American Car of the Year.

Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year 2024

The winner of the Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year was the Toyota Grand Highlander. With the redesign of the Highlander, it came as no surprise that it was not only a finalist in this year’s AJAC awards, but that it ultimately won the title.

Canadian Electric Car of the Year 2024

The Genesis Electrified G80 took home the Canadian Electric Car of the Year award this year in the AJAC awards. With having finalists in 3 of the 4 categories, it was expected that it would take home an award in at least one of the categories.

Canadian Electric Utility Vehicle of the Year 2024

The Genesis Electrified GV 70 took home its second award this year in the electric vehicle categories with the Canadian Electric Utility Vehicle of the Year award. With a sleek redesign and some extremely innovative technology, it was inevitable that Genesis would be taking home some awards this year.

No matter which carmakers won what, all of the finalists were deemed as such for being at the top of their class. That’s why we suggest strongly considering owning any of these vehicles if you’re in the market for a new car in Metro Vancouver.

Sell Your Car to Cash For Cars BC for the MOST Cash Today

Many consumers assume that when they visit their local dealership, or even the dealership that they bought their car from, they will get the best deal on their trade-in value. However, nothing could be further from the truth.

Dealerships will offer you the least amount for your vehicle, then tell you that they can “come up on the trade-in value” if you’re willing to purchase a specific vehicle from them.

This is a tactic that they use to move stale stock, or high-ticket vehicles, while still not paying you what your vehicle is truly worth. We are different.

With Cash For Cars BC, we do things in a better way. Our focus is on buying cars, not selling them. This means that you don’t have to worry about any added sales pressure, and you won’t get low-balled on the price of your vehicle, or pressured into buying something you don’t even want.

Additionally, we work much faster than any dealership. From start to finish, we can buy your car in under 30 minutes. That’s because our car buyers come to you, we handle all the paperwork, and we’ve been buying cars professionally since 1998.

What Types of Vehicles Do We Buy?

Anything and everything, regardless of age or condition. This is another thing you won’t find at your local car dealership in Vancouver.

We know that not all vehicles are in perfect condition, and some can be pretty rough around the edges. In fact, we even purchase scrap cars that have been written off by ICBC or have major mechanical issues.

From scrap cars to supercars, we buy them all! Prices range from $100-$100,000+. So, you can sell us a 20-year-old vehicle with really high kilometres, or a brand-new hybrid with extremely low mileage. Whatever you are selling to us, you’ll always get paid the MOST cash for cars.

Contact Our Professional Used car Buyers Today

All it takes is a simple call, text, or email to sell your car, truck, SUV, van, or motorcycle for the MOST cash today.

Our used car buyers work 7 days a week, from 8:00 AM-10:00 PM. We even operate on most statutory holidays as well!

If you want to sell your car for the MOST cash, sell it to Cash For Cars BC. We handle all the paperwork, we come to you, and NOBODY Pays More!