It’s no secret that times have been economically challenging in Canada over the last few years. It impacts everything from the groceries we buy to the homes we live in, but how about vehicles?
AutoTrader is Canada’s largest automotive marketplace, and every year they analyze vehicle search data to determine the habits and wants of Canadian car buyers. Here’s the inside scoop on the current trends, based on AutoTrader’s 2024 data.
Back to basics
Canadians still need their cars, with research conducted in August of 2024 showing that 27 per cent of Canadians planned on buying a vehicle in the next six months.
This could be because more than half of the people surveyed expected their financial situation to improve in the next six months. If there’s one thing Canadians are, it’s resilient!
However, economic pressures mean that affordability is a higher priority. AutoTrader data revealed a decline in Canadian search interest in luxury vehicles, while everyday models like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda Civic saw a rise in popularity. They fit the family, are usually pretty good on gas, and are easy to purchase — so what’s not to love?
Although trucks are still a significant part of Canadians’ vehicle searches, SUVs remain the top choice for shoppers — likely due to their versatility and practicality.
As for EVs, search interest is growing as purchase intent declines.
This means that while Canadians might be interested in owning an EV, concerns about range, charging infrastructure, and high purchase costs could be preventing them from making the plunge.
Rankings revealed
The top-searched vehicles are:
- Ford F-150
- Toyota RAV4
- Honda Civic
- BMW 3 Series
- Porsche 911
- Ford Mustang
- Mercedes-Benz C-Class
- Honda CR-V
- Chevrolet Corvette
- Toyota Tacoma
And the top-sold vehicles are:
- Ford F-150
- Toyota RAV4
- Honda CR-V
- Dodge RAM 1500
- Honda Civic
- Ford Escape
- Toyota Corolla
- Nissan Rogue
- Hyundai Elantra
- Hyundai Tuscon
