What vehicle trends have been taking place

Canadians are entering a more measured phase of vehicle shopping, with EV interest rising slightly even as adoption slows, and SUVs extending their hold on buyer preferences, according to AutoTrader.

Its outlook reported that EV searches accounted for 9 per cent of all AutoTrader searches in 2025, up from 8 per cent in 2024. Interest was strongest in British Columbia, Quebec and Ontario, while Alberta posted the biggest year-over-year gain. Despite the uptick in searches, adoption remained limited as interest among non‑EV owners declined for the third straight year — 42 per cent said they were open to buying an EV, down from 46 per cent in 2024 and 56 per cent in 2023.

AutoTrader reported that the industry reached an inflection point over the past year as incentives declined, EV sales slowed, the ZEV mandate was paused and automakers moderated electrification plans in favour of hybrids, plug‑in hybrids and extended gas-powered lineups.

Hybrids were the most popular EV segment, with nearly three in five intenders (62 per cent) saying they would consider one. Consideration stood at 60 per cent for PHEVs and 50 per cent for battery electric vehicles. The hybrid share of searches increased seven per cent year over year, suggesting buyers want some EV‑like benefits without committing to a battery-only model.

SUVs continued to gain ground, accounting for 42 per cent of all searches, the highest share in three years. SUVs made up more than half of used listings, 52 per cent and over 60 per cent of new inventory on the marketplace as of the third quarter of 2025. Cars remained important but softened, representing 46 per cent of searches, down slightly from last year. Trucks showed strong momentum, with searches rising five per cent year over year and accounting for 10 per cent of overall searches. Minivans remained a niche at two per cent of searches.

AutoTrader also highlighted technology trends shaping the next era of innovation. Hands-free driver assistance systems are emerging as a practical step toward automated driving, supported by more advanced in-car driver monitoring.

Automakers are moving to improve charging technology and infrastructure, centralized vehicle software, over‑the‑air updates and AI‑driven personalization with natural voice virtual assistants. Work on vehicle‑to‑grid and vehicle‑to‑home integration is gaining momentum as the market evolves.

Image credit: Depositphotos.com

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