Utility vehicle: Ford Maverick
It’s true that you aren’t going to be able to haul as much in a Maverick as you would be able to in, say, a Toyota Tacoma, and you don’t have the off-road capabilities of a Jeep Gladiator. But it’s been a long time since we’ve seen a vehicle that blends utility with everyday life the way the Maverick does.
You can choose from FWD or AWD and either a punchy 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder with 250 hp or a hybrid set-up that will get you a combined 6.3L/100 km.
On top of all that, you get a quiet interior with all the fixings, including the latest Ford SYNC infotainment with 8-inch touchscreen plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
See also: 2025 Ford Maverick: AWD with Hybridity, and a New Lobo Version
Two-row SUV: Subaru Outback
Standard AWD? Check. Rough and tumble styling? Check. Spacious interior? Double check, thanks to huge rear cargo area that is easy to load thanks to the Outback’s (almost) car-like ride height.
It’s not hard to see why the scrappy Outback from Subaru is back in the winner’s circle this year. All that without even discussing the fat-four engine the 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque of which provide a good mix of style and efficiency.
See also: 2024 Subaru Outback Onyx Review: Fancy-Pants Wagon
Minivan: Toyota Sienna
Once again for 2024, the Sienna has beaten all comers, thanks in no small part to the availability of both a hybrid engine and AWD. No other manufacturer has been able to make that claim, though there is some competition arriving in the form of the Kia Carnival hybrid and PHEV models.
For now though, the Sienna keeps the crown. The Honda Odyssey may have the looks and the Chrysler Pacifica does have some great interior fit and finish (not to mention the smart Stow n’ Go seating) but the Sienna remains the standard.
See also: 2024 Toyota Sienna: Details and Pricing for Canada
