5 New Vehicles Coming to a Dealer Near You This Spring
Let’s look on the bright side: this rainy week will only make the last bit of snow disappear sooner and accelerate the return of true spring days. And with it, some great road trips are in store.
If you’re shopping for a vehicle right now, you should know that several new models have just arrived at dealerships or are about to. Here are five of them:
2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid
Unlike the RAV4 Hybrid, which is more expensive than before, the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid is now sold at a lower retail price, starting at $48,750. Recently at the Vancouver International Auto Show, this next-generation model received the 2026 Green Innovation Award from the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC).
The RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid’s 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine is paired with two electric motors to produce a combined 324 horsepower, an increase of 22 horsepower over its predecessor. According to Toyota, pure electric range is up to 80 km, a 20% improvement. SE and XSE models can tow up to 3,500 lbs, while the new GR Sport at the top of the line stands out with both a sportier look and sharper handling.
2026 Mazda CX-5
The CX-5 enters its third generation with an evolution of Mazda’s Kodo design language. It stands about 11.5 cm longer and 1.6 cm wider than its predecessor. The interior is more spacious and Mazda has completely transformed the human-machine interface. Forget most of the physical controls on the centre console and dashboard: nearly all vehicle functions now go through the new 12.9- or 15.6-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim level.
Under the hood, only the naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower remains. The turbocharged variant will be replaced by a hybrid system… sometime in 2027. Handling is enhanced with new dampers. Naturally, prices have increased including a hike of $3,400 in base GX trim, which now starts at $36,300.
2026 Subaru Uncharted
A twin of the Toyota C-HR, the Subaru Uncharted is a subcompact electric SUV similar in size to the Crosstrek. Unlike most Subarus, symmetrical all-wheel drive will not be offered as standard. There is a front-wheel drive variant available with two batteries (57.7 or 77kWh) allowing a range of 399 or 496 km. The Uncharted Sport and GT gain a second motor which increases output to 338 horsepower, but reduces range to 438 km.
More affordable than the Subaru Solterra, the Uncharted is priced from $42,995 to $51,995. Only the top-of-the-line GT model is ineligible for the $5,000 federal EV rebate. We expect the Uncharted to enjoy a fair amount of success in Canada.
2027 Kia EV5
Given the soaring gas prices these days, let’s talk about another small electric SUV. Similar in size to the gasoline-powered Sportage, and slotting between the EV4 sedan and the departing EV6 crossover (which is no longer sold in Canada), the all-new EV5 will be available starting this spring with as many as nine trim levels. It offers a choice of two batteries (60.4 and 81.4 kWh) and a range of up to 457 km.
Other EV5 highlights include 215 or 262 horsepower under the driver’s right foot, fast charging from 10-80% in approximately 30 minutes, a nearly 30-inch panoramic display, 805 litres of cargo space, and a generous front trunk for additional cargo. Prices range from $43,395 to $61,495. The federal EV rebate applies in some cases.
2026 Lexus ES
Completely redesigned inside and out, the eighth generation of the Japanese midsize luxury sedan is built on a redesigned TNGA-K platform developed specifically for hybrid and electric powertrains. No gas-only models remain in the lineup.
Starting at $59,900, there’s the ES 350h (243 horsepower), which uses a new, more compact and lighter hybrid system along with standard all-wheel drive. Meanwhile, the electric variant retails from $62,525 and consists of the ES 350e with front-wheel drive (221 horsepower, 481 km of range) and the ES 500e with all-wheel drive (338 horsepower, 444 km of range). This is the first Lexus ES to feature a multi-link rear suspension and an Executive VIP model with more space and comfort for rear passengers. It also debuts the new version of the Lexus Interface multimedia system, which powers a 14-inch touchscreen.
