These are the most sought-after vehicles in Canada according to AutoTrader data

You can tell a lot about a person by the type of vehicle they drive. 

Or perhaps it would be more accurate to say you can tell a lot about the Canadian economy by the type of vehicles that are most popular.

Year-end Top Searched and Top Sold data from AutoTrader, Canada’s largest automotive marketplace, reveals that Canadians seem to be choosing vehicles that provide affordability, reliability, and utility.

Although Canadians’ intent to purchase vehicles has remained stable, the most popular choices across each province offer a fascinating glimpse into the various driving forces behind purchasing decisions. 

Ontario and Quebec 

Ontario’s 2024 Top Search list strikes a balance of luxury sedans, performance cars, and SUVs, with fewer trucks than other provinces. Cars are still leading the pack, but the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V have grown in consumer demand, hinting at a shift in priorities amongst Canada’s biggest province. 

Meanwhile, Quebec is most interested in frugal options, with the Honda Civic holding its number one position for the top pick in the province. All luxury models saw a drop in search rankings compared to last year, as further proof that Quebec buyers value economic viability. 

The prairie provinces 

This is where trucks have their moment in the spotlight. Saskatchewan saw the highest ranking of truck searches anywhere in the country, while Alberta’s preference for trucks made up 50 per cent of the province’s vehicle search list.

However, Manitoba’s 2024 Top Searched list showed movement, with a shift that saw the previous Jeep models from 2023 replaced with the Toyota Highlander and Toyota 4Runner, doubling Toyota’s presence on the province’s Top Searched list. 

The Maritimes

The Maritime provinces are dashing the middle ground, with larger vehicles like trucks and full-sized SUVs present on the Top Searched list alongside smaller sedans and compact cars.

Mid-sized vehicles have been more or less squeezed out, with larger options dominating the top spots and smaller, more affordable options in the bottom half of the list.

The bigger picture 

Overall, SUVs continue to be the most popular with car buyers, accounting for 40 per cent of all vehicle searches in 2024, but cars are still a significant part of the automotive landscape. Trucks have remained stable in their popularity — because ultimately, people who buy trucks, need trucks.

It’s also worth noting that interest in EVs is on the rise, even though intent of purchase isn’t. There’s a correlation between EV interest and regional incentive programs, with BC and Quebec leading the country for the highest share of total vehicle searches — Quebec and BC currently offer up to $4,000 in rebates.

The most-searched vehicles in Canada include the Ford F-150, the Toyota RAV4, and the Honda Civic.

For a full list of the top searched and sold vehicles in Canada, along with a province-by-province breakdown, visit AutoTrader.