Trade deal opens door to Chinese EVs, but appetite for adapting to Canadian regulations is unclear

When Canada opens the door to Chinese EVs, expect a trickle, not a flood.

The limit is 49,000 for the first year, or 2.6 per cent of Canada’s total market (1.9 million vehicles sold), so don’t expect to see Chinese EVs dominating local dealer lots anytime soon. If those vehicles were distributed equally to Canada’s 3,783 dealerships, that’s 12 each.

A lot must happen before the first Chinese EV arrives: Canada has committed to working with manufacturers for certification to Canadian safety standards, but that won’t be immediate and will be expensive.

Assuming this opens the door to vehicles we haven’t seen yet — the Volvo EX30 is built in China, as are some Teslas and Hyundais — the brand with the most interesting prospects might be Leapmotor. It already has an extensive dealership network in Canada: it only needs to add its name beside signs for Dodge, Ram, Chrysler and Fiat. Leapmotor is associated with the current owner of those brands, Stellantis, which has 440 dealerships in Canada.

Mustang GT convertible gives snowbound Manitobans something to look forward to

It’s January, when a motoring enthusiast’s fantasies turn to convertibles cruising through the crisp, spring air.

When snow is on the ground and no imminent decision is required it might be the best time to plan a purchase. You can kick tires, virtually and literally, safe in the knowledge you can shut down a persistent salesperson with, “Look, it’s not like I’m ever putting winter tires on it, so I’m in no rush.”

It’s with that tempered expectation I look back at my time with the 2026 Mustang GT Convertible, my steed for travelling from Toronto to Hockey Valley Resort for the 2026 Canadian Car and Utility Vehicle of the Year awards TestFest event.

Several times, particularly when leaning into the V-8 connected accelerator and hearing one of the world’s perfect exhaust sounds, the words of Will Smith in Independence Day came rushing to the fore: “I have GOT to get me one of these!”

Gallery: A vintage car graveyard in western Germany

Michael Froehlich's classic-car graveyard features 50 cars manufactured the year he was born, including a Jaguar XK120, a Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost and a Porsche 356.

Edmunds small SUV comparison: New Volkswagen Tiguan vs. Honda CR-V

If you’re considering buying a new small SUV, there’s a good chance you’ll consider the Honda CR-V. The CR-V is among the most popular-selling models in the United States, and there are good reasons why. It’s practical, comfortable and quite good at getting you where you need to go with minimal fuss. But it’s not the only small SUV vying for your attention.

Volkswagen, for its part, hopes you’ll check out its new Tiguan. Redesigned for 2026, the Tiguan gets a fresh look, updated technology and more power without a boost in price. Each model represents its brand’s best-selling model, but which one is the best choice for you? Edmunds’ automotive experts compare them to find out.

Performance and fuel economy

The redesigned Tiguan dropped weight and added power, which is always a good thing. Every Tiguan comes with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 201 horsepower. In Edmunds testing, the Tiguan needed 8.7 seconds to accelerate from zero to 60 mph. That’s decent, but the Tiguan can feel sluggish to respond when you first push on the gas. The automatic transmission’s shifts aren’t particularly quick, either.

Edmunds small SUV comparison: 2026 Chevrolet Equinox vs. 2026 Hyundai Tucson

The Chevrolet Equinox and Hyundai Tucson are two popular choices for shoppers looking at small SUVs. They’re also notable for their recent updates. The Equinox’s 2025 redesign ushers in more squared-off styling, technology and safety-related upgrades, and a new rugged-looking Activ trim level. The Tucson’s updates are milder but include refreshed styling and new tech features.

You could make a case for either model if you’re looking to buy a sensible SUV this fall. But which one is better? Edmunds’ automotive experts compare the key differences below.

Fuel economy and performance

The Chevrolet Equinox employs a 175-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It’s adequate for routine driving, but passing moves and quick merges onto the highway will require some patience while you get up to speed. In Edmunds’ testing, an all-wheel-drive Equinox needed 8.7 seconds to get from zero to 60 mph. The EPA estimates that the Equinox can get 27 mpg in combined city/highway driving with front-wheel drive. Opting for all-wheel drive lowers the combined figure just a bit to 26 mpg.

Edmunds SUV test: The new Nissan Armada takes a run at the Chevrolet Tahoe

Fuel-efficient SUVs and crossovers are quite popular these days, but there’s still a need for a full-size SUV that can carry up to eight passengers and tow a heavy load. The Chevrolet Tahoe and Nissan Armada are among a small selection of models that can handle the assignment. Both have truck-based designs that provide plenty of muscular capability.

Redesigned for 2025, the Armada has fresh styling, a new turbocharged V6 engine and an updated interior. For its part, the Tahoe could easily be considered a benchmark. Its robust V8 power and capability have helped it earn its place in plenty of American driveways over the years, and the 2025 Tahoe features revised styling and new technology features. Which of these full-size SUVs is the better buy? Edmunds’ automotive experts compared them to find out.

Performance and fuel economy

The Armada has a new turbocharged V6 that cranks out 425 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. This is plenty for both high-speed cruising power and ample low-end thrust. That tops the Tahoe’s standard V8, which makes 335 horsepower and 383 lb-ft, as well as the optional V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft. The Armada’s power advantage showed up at the Edmunds test track. It sprinted from zero to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds. A Tahoe with its base V8 is considerably slower, needing 7.7 seconds to get to 60 mph, though the more powerful V8 helps close the gap.

Edmunds: How to get the best auto deals this Memorial Day weekend

Memorial Day weekend has long been one of the busiest times of year for car dealerships. Many car shoppers decide to pull the trigger on that long-considered purchase because of the major sales promotions and the symbolic start of summer. But things are a little different this year.

Because of tariffs on offshore-built vehicles and components, confusion is setting in. Shoppers are rightly wondering: Will prices go up? Are the deals real? Should I buy now or wait?

Here’s some good news. With a little strategy and timing, you can score a great deal this Memorial Day weekend and avoid potential price hikes in the months ahead. Here are five tips from the experts at Edmunds that will help you decide and get the best deal.

Prioritize U.S.-assembled vehicles

Mazda CX-50 Hybrid combines the best of Mazda, Toyota engineering for fuel-efficient fun

Mazda’s newest hybrid — the CX-50 Hybrid — is its best-driving, thanks to a partner with the most experience in building hybrids.

The CX-50 Hybrid powertrain is Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive, and it arguably is more fun to drive than the CX-50’s hybrid stablemates CX-70 and CX-90. Toyota has been refining the Hybrid Synergy Drive since the mid to late 1990s, having launched the first Prius in 1999.

The CX-50 is smaller and lighter than the other two, so it’s more nimble. The planetary gearset transmission transfers energy more efficiently, it seems, than the eight-speed automatics in the 70 and 90. Acceleration is direct and immediate, and it pulls hard — thanks to the electric assist from the hybrid system.

Sure, it’s still a CVT, something a Mazda chief engineer once swore it would never do, but it’s also the best in the business. So while it will still do that annoying thing CVTs do — run the engine to a certain R.P.M. and stay there during acceleration — it doesn’t seem as droning and annoying as other CVTs.

Canadians’ interest in buying an EV falls for third year in a row: AutoTrader survey

TORONTO - Fewer Canadians are considering buying an electric vehicle, marking the third year in a row interest has dropped despite lower EV prices, a survey from AutoTrader shows.

Forty-two per cent of survey respondents say they're considering an EV as their next vehicle, down from 46 per cent last year. In 2022, 68 per cent said they would consider buying an EV.

Meanwhile, 29 per cent of respondents say they would exclusively consider buying an EV — a significant drop from 40 per cent last year.

The report, which surveyed 1,801 people on the AutoTrader website, shows drivers are concerned about reduced government incentives, a lack of infrastructure and long-term costs despite falling prices.

JDM Rush Imports owner logs increased inquiries as Canadians seek to dodge pricing pressures

“Definitely frustrating” and “nearly impossible” are how Brady Jonasson and Savannah Blandford describe the first six months they spent shopping for a used vehicle last year.

The Gimli-based newlyweds searched for something reliable with low mileage and no rust selling for under $20,000, but nothing met those requirements.

In July, the couple contacted JDM Rush Imports Inc. in Winnipeg, which specializes in importing vehicles from the Japanese domestic market. Less than four months later, they were the proud owners of a 2008 Honda CR-V that had just 2,500 kilometres on the odometer.

The total price, including shipping and the company’s fee, was just over $16,000.

Vancouver International Auto Show removes Tesla, citing safety concerns at event

VANCOUVER - Tesla has been removed from participating in this week's Vancouver International Auto Show over safety concerns, the event's executive director says. 

Eric Nicholl said Tuesday that the show asked the electric carmaker to withdraw because of a "primary concern" for the safety of workers, attendees and exhibitors.

Nicholl said the decision wasn't easy, but was made "in light of the recent escalating events throughout North America."

"Sometimes you've got to listen to your gut, and if we see elements that are going on in the public, what level of risk does that pose to our team?" he said. "My job is to make sure we provide the best and safest event possible." 

B.C. real estate sales off to a stronger start in January 2025

VANCOUVER - Real estate sales across British Columbia were up in January compared with the year before, but average prices went down slightly. 

The B.C. Real Estate Association says in a statement that the 4,221 residential sales in January were up 6.4 per cent from January 2024, although unit sales were 12 per cent below the 10-year average. 

The association's chief economist Brendon Ogmundson says an increase in both sales and listings may foreshadow a stronger year, with a caution that global uncertainties might trigger higher or lower rates from the Bank of Canada. 

Active listings jumped by 27 per cent to almost 31,000, in what the association says is a normalization of trends for homes being placed on the market. 

Key things to know about how Tesla could benefit from Elon Musk’s assault on government

WASHINGTON (AP) — Elon Musk has long railed against the U.S. government, saying a crushing number of federal investigations and safety programs have stymied Tesla, his electric car company, and its efforts to create self-driving automobiles.

Now, Musk’s close relationship with President Donald J. Trump means many of those federal headaches could vanish.

The Trump administration could quickly nix a host of federal probes and safety programs: crash investigations into Tesla’s partially automated vehicles; a U.S. Department of Justice criminal investigation examining whether Musk and Tesla have overstated their cars’ self-driving capabilities; and a government mandate to report crash data on vehicles using technology like Tesla’s Autopilot.

Safety advocates, who credit such federal investigations and recalls with saving lives, say the consequences of such actions could prove dire.

Edmunds Top Rated vehicle awards are out for 2025

Once a year, Edmunds’ car experts gather to decide on the best new vehicles on sale. The annual Edmunds Top Rated Awards are given to the cars, trucks and SUVs that beat out the rest of the competition according to Edmunds’ rigorous vehicle testing program. To win, each vehicle must have been tested at the Edmunds test track and thoroughly evaluated in real-world use as well.

There are six main categories: best car, SUV and truck, and electric versions in the same categories. This year, there are some new champions, while others are repeat winners. The starting prices listed below include destination charges.

Edmunds Top Rated Car: Honda Civic Hybrid

The 2025 Honda Civic isn’t just this year’s best car; it might be the best Honda Civic ever. A big reason why is the newly available hybrid powertrain. The EPA estimates that it helps the hybrid versions of the Civic get up to 49 mpg in combined city/highway driving, a stellar result that Edmunds confirmed in its real-world testing. Pleasingly, this doesn’t come at the expense of power; indeed, the hybrid’s acceleration is on par with that of the sporty Civic Si. All Civics also provide ample passenger space and many easy-to-use technology features.

‘No such thing’ as an affordable starter car anymore. Auto experts’ advice for buyers

It's not as easy for young buyers to get a vehicle as the affordable “starter car” has disappeared, auto experts say.

“There’s no such thing as a starter brand new car anymore,” said Michael Bettencourt, a longtime auto journalist and co-author of an upcoming book on buying an electric vehicle in Canada. He is also a father to a 17- and 20-year old — the latter of whom will be shopping for a car soon.

With two sons that age, insurance is a nightmare, Bettencourt said. If you have a few models in mind, check out insurance rates for those vehicles before you start shopping.

“Find a site that will compare multiple insurance rates at once,” Bettencourt said.