September 2024 was an eventful month in the automotive world, with notable releases and updates from leading manufacturers. From Honda’s new hybrid Civic Hatchback to Ford’s street-tuned Maverick Lobo, Dodge’s special edition Durango SRT Hellcat, and Toyota’s updated plug-in hybrids, there’s plenty to catch up on. Here’s a look at the key highlights from the month, showcasing the latest advancements in design, performance, and technology.
The 2025 Honda Civic Hatchback brings hybrid technology to the model for the first time, arriving at dealerships this month. Honda's latest iteration combines the iconic style and versatility of the Civic with a fuel-efficient hybrid-electric powertrain that delivers class-leading performance. The hybrid model boasts an impressive 232 lb.-ft of torque, making it the most powerful non-Type R Civic ever. Alongside this power boost, the Civic Hatchback achieves an outstanding fuel economy rating of 4.8 L/100km in the city, setting a new standard for efficiency in its class.
Honda expects the hybrid versions to account for about 60% of Civic sales, aligning with the company’s ongoing electrification strategy. The 2025 lineup starts with the Sport trim and includes the hybrid-electric Sport Hybrid and Sport Touring Hybrid models, featuring improved ride and handling dynamics, enhanced noise reduction, and standard Honda Sensing® safety and driver-assistive technologies. Starting prices for the hybrid variants begin at $37,205, reflecting the vehicle's enhanced performance and advanced features. With its sportier design, cutting-edge tech, and electrified power, the new Civic Hatchback continues to be a compelling choice for buyers looking for style, efficiency, and versatility.
Ford has unveiled the Maverick Lobo, a new performance-focused version of its popular Maverick truck, inspired by the street-truck culture of the ‘80s and ‘90s. Designed for on-road performance, the Maverick Lobo is lower and more aggressive than its siblings, sporting a lowered ride height, specially tuned suspension, and a powerful 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine. The Lobo’s unique tuning gives it a sportier feel, with torque vectoring through a twin-clutch rear drive unit and enhanced braking components borrowed from performance vehicles like the Ford Focus ST.
Distinctive styling touches set the Maverick Lobo apart, including a unique front design, black-painted roof, and 19-inch black wheels. Inside, the cabin is adorned with street art-inspired accents, graffiti-themed overprints on the seats, and a bold colour scheme that draws from the latest streetwear trends. With configurations that allow for personal customization, the Maverick Lobo is the ultimate canvas for performance enthusiasts who want a street truck that stands out.
Dodge continues its celebration of high-performance SUVs with the launch of the 2025 Durango SRT Hellcat Hammerhead, the latest special edition of the Durango lineup. Powered by a supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI Hellcat V-8 engine, the Hammerhead rockets from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds, making it one of the most powerful SUVs on the market. Unique to this edition are the Hammerhead Grey Laguna leather seats, satin carbon 20-inch wheels, and a striking dark blue Night Moves exterior colour that distinguishes this model from its predecessors.
The Hammerhead edition builds on the heritage of the Durango Hellcat series with exclusive design elements and premium features, including a 10.1-inch touchscreen with navigation, wireless charging, and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. Limited production ensures that this Hellcat will be a coveted addition for Dodge enthusiasts who crave performance and exclusivity in an SUV.
Volkswagen Canada has announced the refreshed 2025 Taos, bringing an updated exterior design, upgraded technology, and a more powerful engine. The Taos now sports a bolder front-end look with redesigned bumpers, a new grille with an optional light bar, and standard LED projector headlights across all trims. Enhanced curb appeal is further emphasized by new paint options, including Serrano Green Metallic and Monterey Blue Pearl, along with fresh wheel designs ranging from 17 to 19 inches. The Taos also gets connected taillights and an illuminated Volkswagen badge at the rear, adding to its distinctive, upscale appearance.
Inside, the 2025 Taos benefits from a redesigned dashboard with a floating 8-inch infotainment display and dual-zone climate control, elevating the cabin's contemporary feel. Under the hood, the updated 1.5-litre turbocharged engine now delivers 174 hp, paired with a conventional eight-speed automatic transmission on AWD models, replacing the previous seven-speed DSG. The upgraded powertrain not only improves performance but also enhances drivability, making the 2025 Taos an even more attractive option in the compact SUV segment. Volkswagen has also expanded the availability of its IQ.DRIVE® driver assistance suite, including semi-automated driving assistance and advanced safety features across all trims, ensuring that safety remains a top priority.
Toyota’s popular plug-in hybrids, the RAV4 and Prius, are entering 2025 with new names that emphasize their electrified prowess. Replacing the “Prime” designation, these models are now called the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid and Prius Plug-in Hybrid, each showcasing impressive power and efficiency. The 2025 RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid combines a 2.5L Atkinson cycle engine with electric motors to produce 302 system horsepower, offering impressive acceleration and all-weather capability thanks to its standard all-wheel drive. It can cover up to 979 kilometres on a full battery and gas tank, with a pure electric range of up to 68 kilometres, making it ideal for both urban commutes and longer journeys.
The 2025 Prius Plug-in Hybrid features a 2.0L engine paired with a powerful electric motor-generator system, delivering 220 system horsepower and an electric-only range of up to 72 kilometres. It can be fully recharged in as little as four hours, ensuring that the Prius remains a flexible and practical choice for environmentally conscious drivers. Both models highlight Toyota’s continued commitment to providing versatile electrified options, making them accessible to a broader audience as part of the company’s Beyond Zero initiative.
The 2025 Toyota Sienna continues to innovate, adding new features and a refreshed design aimed at enhancing the minivan’s family-friendly appeal. A significant addition for 2025 is the Advanced Rear Seat Reminder, a radar-based system that detects movement in the rear seats and alerts the driver if an occupant is left in the vehicle after it has been locked. This advanced safety feature demonstrates Toyota's commitment to protecting passengers, particularly children and pets.
The Sienna’s interior has also been updated with new convenience features, such as the Vacuum and FridgeBox™, neatly integrated into the centre console on the new Platinum grade. The latest Toyota Multimedia system, featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen, is now standard on higher trims, offering a more connected and user-friendly driving experience. Additionally, the Sienna offers new seating materials, updated design elements throughout the cabin, and various technology enhancements, making it an even more compelling option for families.
The 2025 Honda Civic’s two-motor hybrid system has earned a spot on WardsAuto’s prestigious “10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems” list for its exceptional power, efficiency, and refinement. This is the second consecutive year Honda’s hybrid technology has received this accolade, further cementing its position as a leader in hybrid powertrains. The fourth-generation system, which powers both the Civic Sedan and Hatchback, combines a highly efficient 2.0-liter engine with two electric motors, delivering outstanding performance and fuel economy that surpasses previous turbo models.
Designed and built in Ohio, this advanced hybrid system is a critical part of Honda’s broader electrification strategy, appearing in models like the Accord and CR-V. The hybrid system's ability to deliver a sportier driving experience without compromising on passenger and cargo space sets it apart, making it a standout choice among hybrid powertrains in the market. With this award, Honda continues to demonstrate that it can balance dynamic performance with fuel efficiency, appealing to a wide range of customers.
Hyundai has unveiled its refreshed 2025 Ioniq 5 lineup, which brings significant upgrades to this popular electric vehicle, including increased battery capacities, longer driving ranges, and improved charging options. The 2025 Ioniq 5 now offers two upgraded battery options—a 63.0 kWh Standard Range and an 84 kWh Long Range—providing impressive distances of up to 499+ km for rear-wheel-drive variants. Additionally, the lineup enhances its appeal with support for the North American Charging Standard (NACS), granting the new Ioniq 5 XRT access to Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network without the need for an adapter. Other Ioniq 5 models will continue using the Combined Charging System (CCS) port but will include an NACS adapter, allowing for seamless charging compatibility across multiple networks. These updates make the 2025 Ioniq 5 more versatile and convenient for everyday and long-distance travel.
A standout in the refreshed lineup is the all-new Ioniq 5 XRT, a rugged variant designed for off-road enthusiasts. Built at Hyundai’s Metaplant America in Georgia, the XRT is equipped with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system and enhanced off-road features, such as a 23mm lift in suspension, unique 18-inch all-terrain tires, and a striking digital camouflage exterior. The XRT variant combines futuristic design with practical functionality, offering increased ground clearance and specially tuned suspension for handling rough terrain. Inside, the XRT features exclusive H-Tex™ seating with rugged patterns, enhancing both comfort and the adventurous spirit of the vehicle. Set to arrive at dealerships in early 2025, the Ioniq 5 XRT expands Hyundai's EV lineup with a distinct offering that blends advanced electric performance with off-road capability, ensuring the Ioniq 5 remains at the forefront of innovation in the electric vehicle market.
The all-new 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport is set to be the most capable SUV in Honda’s lineup, equipped with a powerful DOHC 3.5-litre V6 engine and a robust 10-speed automatic transmission. Featuring Honda’s best-in-class torque vectoring i-VTM4™ all-wheel drive system, the Passport TrailSport has been tested in some of the most challenging terrains across North America, including the red rocks of Moab and the muddy trails of Appalachia. Designed for adventure seekers, the TrailSport combines rugged performance with the durability Honda is known for, making it the ultimate off-road SUV for those who crave exploration.
With a wave of new hybrids, enhanced EVs, redesigned SUVs, high-performance models, and even a fresh street-ready small truck, the next few months promise to be exciting for car enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike. No matter what type of vehicle you’re in the market for—whether it’s efficiency, performance, off-road capability, or urban versatility—there’s something new on the horizon that’s sure to catch your interest.
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