OWN THE ROAD, EPISODE 71: AUTOTRADER AWARDS: THE BEST VEHICLES TO BUY IN 2025

EV Channels Review

In Episode 71 of 'Own the Road with AutoTrader,' hosts Jodi Lai and Dan Ilika unveil the winners of the 2025 AutoTrader Awards, selected by a panel of 20 Canadian automotive journalists. The awards emphasize vehicles that raise the bar and are confidently recommendable, rather than solely focusing on the newest models. Key winners highlighted include the Ford F-150 for Best Full-Size Truck, the Ford Maverick for Best Compact/Mid-Size and Overall Truck, and the Toyota Sienna for Best Minivan, notably reintroducing an optional fridge. In the green vehicle category, the Kia EV9 dominated, winning Best Mainstream EV, Best Overall Green Vehicle, and Best Overall SUV, marking the first time an EV has won the latter. The Subaru Crosstrek and Outback retained their titles for Best Subcompact SUV and Best Compact SUV, respectively, praised for their practicality, value, and standard all-wheel drive. The Porsche 911 secured Best Premium Performance Car, with a nod to its new hybrid technology. The hosts also debated the classification of vehicles like the Subaru Outback and Crosstrek, with a consensus leaning towards them being crossovers despite their wagon-like appearance.