2020 Car of the Year: Our top 5 favourites from the AJAC TestFest
Our car guru Jesse Caron drove more than 20 models competing for the title at the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) TestFest in October. Here are the five that most impressed him, from a mega-versatile SUV to an iconic Japanese sports car, by way of a highly anticipated all-electric crossover.
Toyota GR Supra
Price of test model: $66,735
The Supra—with or without the GR—is Toyota’s most storied roadster. For this revival of its cult classic, the automaker teamed up with BMW for most of the mechanical components. And aside from its styling, you definitely feel more like you’re in a German vehicle than a Japanese one when you climb inside. The dashboard, the seats, and the controls all seem very Bimmer-esque, and once you hear the distinctive growl and feel the overwhelming power of the inline-six, there’s no doubt of its Z4 lineage. Buyers will decide if this German collaboration is brilliant or a betrayal, but the result is as attractive as it is ridiculously fun to drive.
Kia Niro EV
Price of test model: $55,090
We finally got our hands on the all-electric version of the Kia Niro to take it for a trial spin, then revisited it at home a month later for a complete assessment. Our first impressions were confirmed: this crossover SUV is quiet, comfortable, roomy, and a joy to drive. While it has less cargo space than the Hyundai Ioniq, which is built on the same platform, the Niro EV is still an excellent all-purpose vehicle for a small family’s everyday needs. Plus it seems to keep its battery-life promises (more than 380km) even at near-freezing temperatures. The only remaining issue is supply. So far the Niro EV is as hard to find in a showroom as snow in July.
Ford Escape
Price of test model: $43,199
Once the most popular compact SUV in Canada, the Ford Escape has been outmanoeuvred by competitors like the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4. The redesigned 2020 model may be able to reclaim some of that lost ground with its welcome improvements. At the top of the list is a much more spacious interior than before, including the cargo area, which until now couldn’t compete with the biggest in its category. The engineers at Ford also fine-tuned its already clean handling to remove the heaviness that used to crop up from time to time when turning. The two-litre turbo engine in the top-of-the-line versions is just as peppy as ever; let’s hope the same is true for the new three-cylinder turbo in the more affordable models. The return of a hybrid Escape and the arrival as promised of a rechargeable version that can go about 50km should also hit the mark.
Subaru Outback
Price of test model: $45,595
You may be surprised to see something as practical as the Subaru Outback in our top-five list. But this sixth generation has taken comfort and finishes to a previously unheard-of level for a Subaru. From rough roads to side winds, nothing manages to disturb the passengers seated comfortably inside. The engineers were also able to crank up the agility without sacrificing comfort thanks to an exceptionally sturdy frame. Unfortunately, they also complicated the controls by installing a vertical touchscreen like many carmakers these days. Nonetheless, the combination of versatility, safety, and even affordability—for a vehicle this size—should encourage you to put the Outback on your list of crossovers to check out.
Jaguar XE
Price of test model: $62,230
When you think entry-level sports sedan, you probably think Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. But if you’d like to be a little different, try stopping by one of the few Jaguar Land Rover dealers. The XE R-Dynamic we drove was bursting with character, with its four-cylinder turbo generating nearly 300 horsepower, an all-wheel drive transmission designed to feel like rear-wheel drive, and precise, responsive steering. Its stiff suspension managed not to be too harsh despite the car’s wide, low-profile tires. The cabin, generously clad in black, was not as attractive as many competitors’ interiors, and definitely not as comfortable due to the small back seat. While it may not be the best from a practical standpoint, for the pleasure of driving this little Jaguar checks all the right boxes. A tip: If you like the XE, lease it (Jaguars have a reputation for unpredictability).
On February 13, 2020, the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) will name the Car and the SUV of the Year ahead of the Toronto AutoShow. To learn more about our test drives and much more, visit our Road tests page.