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2026 Toyota RAV4 – A New Era for an Icon

Mike Ginsca on July 8, 2026

In Canada, a few things are absolute certainties: unpredictable winters, a morning run to Tim Hortons, apologizing when someone else bumps into you, and the Toyota RAV4. For years, this practical crossover has dominated the Canadian landscape as the country’s best-selling SUV.

For 2026, Toyota has completely refreshed the RAV4. While it maintains its ultra-practical, sensible reputation, look beneath the surface and you will find a massive shift. The latest generation brings premium cabin materials, a heavy dose of new safety tech, and a major strategic pivot: it is now exclusively hybrid.

A Modernized Exterior

The exterior styling receives a sleek, contemporary update. Up front, it inherits the distinct daytime running lights seen on the Prius, forming what Toyota calls a “Hammerhead front fascia.” This gives the SUV a sharper, more squared-off appearance. Along the side, sculpted body lines run toward the rear, complemented by wheel options ranging from 17 inches up to 20 inches. Around back, the changes are wrapped up with slimmer, more athletic taillights and exhaust pipes hidden neatly behind the rear bumper.

A Welcome Cabin Upgrade

Inside the cabin is where drivers will notice the biggest leap forward. The previous generation relied heavily on hard, uninviting plastics. This version swaps those out for far more soft-touch materials across the door panels, dashboard, and center console, creating a much warmer and more welcoming atmosphere.

Space remains a strong suit. Even a 6’4″ driver will find plenty of headroom and legroom up front. In the second row, passenger space is equally accommodating; a minor hump remains in the center floor, but it is less intrusive than in competing vehicles, and rear passengers are treated to dedicated air vents.

For cargo, the RAV4 delivers a generous 1,070 liters of trunk space—plenty of room for bulky suitcases, pets, or an extensive IKEA run, thanks to a wide, square trunk opening.

Smart Technology & Tactical Controls

Toyota has wisely resisted the industry trend of burying every single control inside a screen. The RAV4 retains physical tactile buttons for the climate controls, drive modes, and steering wheel functions, making it incredibly intuitive to operate on the go.

That said, digital tech gets a massive upgrade via a prominent central touchscreen. Lower trims come equipped with a 10.5-inch display, while the premium XSE and Limited trims boast a crisp 12.9-inch screen running Toyota’s latest, highly simplified infotainment software. The system features a 5G connection for seamless streaming radio and navigation, alongside wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Depending on how you spec it, the feature list can be packed with premium touches. A heads-up display (HUD) and a digital rearview mirror, heated seats in all four positions and ventilated front seats, durable SofTex upholstery and a large panoramic sunroof, dual wireless phone chargers and a power-operated liftgate.

Hybrid Performance and Safety

On the safety front, Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 comes standard. This comprehensive suite includes automatic high beams, dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure warning, lane tracing assist, a pre-collision system, proactive driving assist, and road sign assist. Higher configurations add layers of protection like a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, safe exit assist, parking sensors with automatic emergency braking, and a 360-degree panoramic view monitor.

Under the hood, choices are strictly electrified, and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) is standard across the entire lineup. The standard hybrid powertrain consists of a 2.5L naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine that is augmented by a couple of electric motors. Total system out is up to 236 hp. The optional powertrain is a plug-in hybrid variant. This uses the same base engine but with a more powerful electric motor. It’s capable of returning up to 80 km of electric-only driving range.

Even the rugged, off-road-oriented Woodland trim with its terrain-focused tires remains incredibly efficient, netting 5.7 L/100km in the city and 6.7 L/100km on the highway. On the road, the steering is light and effortless—perfect for navigating tight parking spots in downtown Vancouver.

Pricing and Canadian Heritage

The updated RAV4 starts at a highly competitive $37,500 CAD for the entry hybrid model, scaling up to $52,000 CAD for the top-tier Limited trim. The highly anticipated Plug-in Hybrid variant is expected to start at $48,750 CAD, topping out at $57,500 CAD for the sport-tuned GR Sport trim.

Ultimately, this SUV remains tailor-made for the Canadian lifestyle. It shrugs off rough winters, saves money at the pumps, and fits a mountain of gear. Best of all, it is built locally right here in Canada, meaning buyers don’t have to worry about import tariffs.

OpenRoad Auto Named One of Canada’s Best Managed Companies for 14th Year in a Row

Mike Ginsca on May 14, 2026

Richmond, B.C., May 14, 2026 — For the 14th year running, OpenRoad Auto (OpenRoad), one of Canada’s largest automotive dealership groups, has been recognized for its industry-leading performance, innovative business practices, and sustained growth with the prestigious 2026 Canada’s Best Managed Companies award. OpenRoad once again retained its Platinum Club status, an exclusive designation for businesses that have achieved Best Managed status for seven years or more.

L-R: Harj Gill, Senior Vice President; Jim VanDusen, Senior Vice President; Sharon Rupal, Senior Vice President; Michael Croxon, President, OpenRoad Auto Ontario; Christian Chia, Chief Executive Officer; Mark Lin, President & Chief Operating Officer; Dimitri Kotsalis, Senior Vice President; and Tahir Ayub, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer


Celebrating over 30 years, the Canada’s Best Managed Companies program awards excellence in private Canadian-owned companies with revenues of $50 million or greater. To attain the designation, companies are evaluated on their leadership in the areas of strategy, culture and commitment, capabilities, and innovation, governance and financial performance.

2025 was a high-impact year for OpenRoad. To commemorate a quarter century in business, OpenRoad launched the Road to 25: Community Event Series, which reflected the company’s commitment to community engagement by inviting small businesses and local organizations to host special events in their showrooms. This past November, OpenRoad added nine NewRoads dealerships to its existing Ontario operations.

“We are proud to once again be named as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies,” said Christian Chia, CEO of OpenRoad Auto. “In addition to celebrating 25 years in 2025, we have also furthered OpenRoad Auto’s reach in Canada, especially in the Ontario region, with the addition of several NewRoads dealerships. We also launched a new vertical within our company with OpenShine – providing Canadians with new and accessible car wash options.”

As part of its philanthropic arm, OpenRoad Foundation launched its 25 in 25 grant campaign, where $625,000 was awarded to 25 non-profit organizations across Metro Vancouver and Greater Toronto, alongside ongoing associate volunteerism and community initiatives throughout the year.

OpenRoad currently owns and operates 44 locations in B.C. and Ontario, including 37 automotive retailers and seven collision repair centres. The OpenRoad family includes more than 2,500 employees and 23 quality automotive brands including Acura, Honda, Toyota, Lexus, Audi, BMW, Rolls-Royce, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, Land Rover, Volkswagen, MINI, Subaru, Mazda, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and RAM. 

“For over 30 years, the Best Managed program recognizes companies who see challenges as checkpoints and obstacles as opportunities,” said Derrick Dempster, Partner, Deloitte Private and Canada’s Best Managed Co-Leader. “This year’s winners, including OpenRoad Auto, have combined strategic expertise and a culture of innovation to not only drive impactful business outcomes, but serve their communities as well. They should be extremely proud of this designation and use it as a catalyst to continue the work they do every day.”

Canada’s Best Managed Companies is one of the country’s leading business awards programs recognizing innovative and world‑class businesses. Every year, hundreds of entrepreneurial companies compete for this designation in a rigorous and independent evaluation process.

Applicants are evaluated by an independent panel of judges with representation from program sponsors and special guests.

The 2026 cohort of Best Managed Companies shares common themes, including fostering a people-centric culture, implementing a strategic company framework, investing in innovation and technological advancement, and maintaining financial resilience and strong corporate governance.

For more information about Canada’s Best Managed Companies, please visit bestmanagedcompanies.ca.

For more information about OpenRoad Auto, please visit openroadauto.com.

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ABOUT CANADA’S BEST MANAGED COMPANIES PROGRAM
Canada’s Best Managed Companies program continues to be the mark of excellence for privately-owned Canadian companies. Every year since the launch of the program in 1993, hundreds of entrepreneurial companies have competed for this designation in a rigorous and independent process that evaluates their management skills and practices. The awards are granted on four levels: 1) Canada’s Best Managed Companies new winner, one of the new winners selected each year; 2) Canada’s Best Managed Companies winner, award recipients that have re-applied and successfully retained their Best Managed designation for two additional years, subject to annual operational and financial review; 3) Gold Standard winner, after three consecutive years of maintaining their Best Managed status, these winners have demonstrated their commitment to the program and successfully retained their award for 4-6 consecutive years; 4) Platinum Club member, winners that have maintained their Best Managed status for seven years or more. Program sponsors are Deloitte Private, CIBC, Norton Rose Fulbright, EDC, The Globe and Mail, and TMX Group. For more information, visit www.bestmanagedcompanies.ca.

ABOUT OPENROAD AUTO
Founded in 2000, OpenRoad Auto is B.C.’s largest automotive dealership group, employing over 2,500 associates and representing 23 leading brands across 44 full-service locations, including 37 dealerships in B.C. and Ontario and seven collision centres. Offering sales and service in multiple languages, OpenRoad delivers an experiential, people-first approach to automotive retail—building trust and creating better journeys for every guest.

Guided by its vision to “drive possibilities” for all communities, OpenRoad is dedicated to redefining the automotive experience. The company offers free memberships through its Club OpenRoad loyalty program and, in 2023, launched the OpenRoad Foundation to advance its philanthropic efforts.

OpenRoad is proud to be recognized among Canada’s Best Managed Companies, a CADA Laureate, and a recipient of multiple Canadian Best Employer Awards.

Openroadauto.com
Instagram: @openroadca | Facebook: OpenRoadCA | YouTube: openroadautogroup

Press images available via Dropbox

Media Contact:
Sophia Cheng
OpenRoad Auto
press@openroadauto.com
604-828-3102

Gaurav Manhas Wins the Lawson Lundell LLP Award for the Second Year in a Row

Mike Ginsca on May 7, 2026

Congratulations to our very own legal leader, Gaurav Manhas, who has once again been recognized as an Excellence Awardee at the 2026 Canadian Law Awards! This is his second consecutive year of distinction in the prestigious national program celebrating leadership and innovation in Canada’s legal profession.

Presented under The Lawson Lundell LLP Award for Law Department Leader of the Year, the recognition highlights outstanding in-house legal leaders who demonstrate exceptional strategic vision, business acumen, and impact within their organizations. Gaurav’s repeat recognition highlights the consistency and depth of his contribution to legal leadership in Canada.

As OpenRoad Group’s General Counsel and Director of Corporate Affairs, Gaurav leads the organization’s legal function across a broad portfolio that includes mergers and acquisitions, corporate and commercial law, real estate, financing, intellectual property, and enterprise risk management. His role includes strategic advisory work on business growth initiatives and stakeholder relationships across OpenRoad’s broader group of companies.

Gaurav also serves as Secretary of OpenRoad Foundation and has been instrumental in helping launch the Group’s non-profit arm.

According to the Canadian Law Awards profile last year, Gaurav’s work reflects a multidisciplinary legal background that bridges private practice, in-house counsel leadership, and corporate development experience, bringing a business-focused lens to complex legal decision-making and long-term organizational strategy.

The Canadian Law Awards recognizes the most outstanding legal professionals, law firms, and in-house teams across the country, with Excellence Awardees selected following a national review and judging process that highlights leadership, innovation, and impact within the profession. 

In addition to Canadian Law Awards, Gaurav is also nominated in the In-house category for Canadian Lawyer’s annual Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers list.

We’re incredibly proud of Gaurav! Congratulations on a well-deserved honour.

Battle of the Behemoths – Lexus LX700h vs Land Rover Range Rover

Mike Ginsca on April 29, 2026

Big, expensive, and unapologetically opulent. Two titans of luxury off-roading. There’s the brand-new Lexus LX700h, now with hybrid muscle and a reputation for lasting longer than the scenery behind it. And next to it, the ever-so-English Range Rover. It’s as suave as it is sophisticated, the go-to chariot for the well-heeled and well-mannered. But here in Canada, where luxury meets snow drifts and 91 octane costs more than gold, which one actually makes more sense?

Design

The Lexus LX700h looks like it’s been carved out of a single block of steel. Sharp creases, dominating grille, and enough polished aluminum to blind a moose at sunrise. It’s unmistakably Japanese — bold, confident, and about as subtle as a hockey brawl. 

Meanwhile, the Range Rover keeps its minimalist elegance. That clean profile and floating roofline still turning heads since… forever. It’s less ‘look-at-me’ and more ‘I-own-a-private-island.’ 

If you’re after street presence, the Lexus wins for drama. But for pure class? The Range Rover takes it. No contest. 

On the inside, the Range Rover’s cabin is an art gallery of understatement. Windsor leather options, 16-speaker Meridian 3D sound system, and a touchscreen that actually doesn’t make you pull your hair out. Add in heated, cooled, and massaging everything — including your ego.

With the long wheelbase option ticked off, the Range Rover seats 7 in utmost comfort, including those in the 3rd row. But if you skip the extra seats and go for the Executive Class rear setup, things get properly decadent. You get two individual recliners that heat, cool, and massage in near silence, separated by a full-length console with touchscreen controls and deployable walnut tables. It’s business-class travel with better suspension.

The LX700h stays true to its Land Cruiser roots. 7 seats, plenty of room for the kids, hockey gear, and a week’s worth of camping supplies. But the third row still feels more like a penalty box than a lounge. It’s very tight if you’re over 6 feet tall.

However, tick the box for the Executive VIP package, and it transforms the second row into something fit for royalty. Out go the three bench seats, and in come two enormous captain’s chairs with full recline, ottoman leg rests, ventilated and heated cushions, and even a built-in massage program. You also get a rear touchscreen control panel, separate climate zones, and a Mark Levinson sound system that somehow makes road noise vanish into thin air. It’s less family SUV and more private jet experience. 

Technology

On the tech side, both spoil you with toys. Adaptive cruise, lane guidance, 360-degree cameras, auto parking, and enough driver aids to make a pilot jealous. But the Range Rover’s tech feels more integrated, almost invisible. Its new Pivi Pro 2 infotainment runs on a 13.1-inch curved display that responds instantly. Add wireless updates, Alexa integration, and a digital key through your smartphone, and it starts to feel like you’re in Silicon Valley. Even the four-zone climate system can preheat or cool the cabin from your Range Rover app before you’ve even put on your coat. 

The Lexus takes a different approach. Less flash, more dependability. You still get all the assists like adaptive cruise, lane trace, blind-spot monitoring, and so on, but Lexus deliberately leaves a few physical controls in place, knowing some of us prefer a proper button when it’s minus twenty outside.  

Add in a head-up display, crisp cameras, and bulletproof consistency, and it’s technology that feels built to last, not just to impress. So yes, the Range Rover dazzles with screens and software. The Lexus? It just works — and in a Canadian winter, that might be the smarter kind of genius. 

Powertrain

Under the hood, the LX700h packs a 3.4L twin-turbo hybrid V6. 457 hp & 583 lb-ft of torque all sent through a 10-speed automatic transmission. 0-100 km/h takes around 6 seconds, which is not too bad for something that weighs as much as a small cottage. 

The hybrid system fills in the gaps between gear changes, so power arrives in an effortless wave. There’s no drama, just torque. It’s a smooth, electric shove that makes it feel smaller and lighter than it is. 

The LX rides on a body-on-frame chassis which means that it can shrug off small craters in the road. However, there’s no hiding that weight. You feel it through the turns. But it’s not trying to be sporty. It’s trying to be effortless, and in that way, it absolutely delivers. 

The Range Rover, on the other hand, doesn’t just have power; it has theatre. You can get it with a 395 hp inline-6 with a mild-hybrid system, or a 4.4L twin-turbo V8 with up to 607 hp. 0-100 km/h comes up in under five seconds, which is faintly ridiculous for something this tall, this heavy, and this dignified. 

Out on the road, the V8 feels endlessly smooth. There’s no real sense of turbo lag, just a deep well of torque from barely above idle. With the adaptive air suspension keeping the body flat, it corners with far more grace than its size suggests.  

It’s not the most efficient luxury SUV with a combined fuel economy rating of 12.9 L/100km for the V8 while the LX700h can achieve up to 11.7 L/100km combined. But you can opt for the plug-in hybrid version of the Range Rover with up to 90 km of gasoline-free driving range. Plug it in overnight, and you can do most weekday drives without burning a drop of fuel. 

Off-Road

Of course, all this luxury doesn’t mean much if you’re stranded the moment the pavement ends. And both of these beasts carry the kind of off-road reputation most crossovers can only dream about. 

The Lexus LX700h rides on proven Land Cruiser hardware, complete with full-time four-wheel drive, locking center differential, and multi-terrain select modes. Add in its hybrid torque delivery, crawl control, and a low range that’ll pull you up a rocky trail like a winch. 

The Range Rover, though, approaches off-roading with sophistication rather than brute strength. Its Terrain Response 2 system automatically adjusts air suspension, throttle, and traction control for whatever nature throws at it. And with up to 11.6 inches of ground clearance and a water wading depth over 35-inches, this thing could practically ford a small river on your drive to Whistler. 

Pricing

Now for the tough part, the price. The Lexus LX700h stars at $138,191 CAD with the top spec Executive VIP costing north of $173,000 CAD. 

The Range Rover starts at $133,000 CAD but once you add in every option, and there are A LOT of options, you’re easily looking at over $300,000 CAD.  

So, these are two different approaches to luxury. If you value bulletproof engineering, long-term reliability, and modest running costs, the Lexus is the smarter choice. But if you crave refinement, technology, and that intangible sense of prestige, the Range Rover still sits at the very top of the luxury food chain. 

One’s built to outlast civilization; the other, to rule it. Either way, lucky are those choosing between them.  

If you’d like to know more or test drive either of these luxury SUVs, please get in touch with us at OpenRoadAuto.com 

Comparing the updated 2026 Toyota bZ against the 2026 Volkswagen ID.4 

Mike Ginsca on April 15, 2026

The electric crossover market has become one of the most competitive spaces in the automotive industry, and few models illustrate that better than the Toyota bZ and Volkswagen ID.4. Each represents a distinct approach to electrification. 

Design 

At first glance, these two take different approaches to exterior styling. The Toyota BZ mixes a modern and rugged design with its two-tone paint scheme and newly designed LED headlights. The Volkswagen ID.4 looks more traditional; more like a gasoline powered crossover SUV than an electric vehicle. 

The differences continue to the inside of each EV. The Toyota bZ’s interior design is quite different from any other electric vehicle. The center console and infotainment are pretty simple to use, but the driver instrumentation display and steering wheel are unlike anything else. It’s unique, but not everyone will love it. 

Interior space is good in the front seats, but rear occupant space is a bit less than the Volkswagen. It’s a similar story in the trunk with the ID.4 accommodating more cargo than the Toyota bZ. 

The Volkswagen ID.4 takes a simpler approach to interior design. But it may be a bit too simple for some. Volkswagen uses capacitive touch controls on the steering wheel which you may inadvertently touch while turning, which may change the radio station or turn up the radio volume. The climate also uses capacitive touch controls just underneath the infotainment touchscreen which can be a bit finnicky to use while driving. 

But when it comes to space, the ID.4 has the most amount of headroom and more rear legroom than the Toyota. Plus, it can swallow more family cargo in the back than the bZ. 

Powertrains 

You can get the ID.4 with up to 335 hp. That is with the larger battery pack and with AWD. The RWD version with the larger battery produces 282 hp while the base trim with the smaller battery produces 201 hp.   

To drive, the ID.4 feels like a German car should. It’s stable, smooth, and competent around corners.   

By comparison, the Toyota bZ doesn’t match the ID.4 when it comes to driving dynamics. At least, not the single motor version. Where the ID.4 has a RWD layout, the Toyota bZ has the electric motor powering the front wheels. This doesn’t make much difference in boring city traffic, but it does when you find yourself on twisty mountain roads. 

But the AWD version is a bit better to drive. For 2026, the bZ gets a huge bump in power. It goes from 214 hp to 338 hp. This makes the bZ more powerful than the ID.4 

Range & Charging 

The 2026 Toyota bZ also gains a more powerful on-board charger, 11 kW up from 6.6 kW. So, level 2 charging is going to be faster now. As for level 3 charging, it can take up to a maximum of 150 kW which means 10% to 80% takes just under half an hour. 

Moving to the Volkswagen ID.4, it can accept up to 175 kW of power but because it has a bigger battery than the bZ, it takes just under half an hour as well from 10% to 80% state of charge. 

As for the driving ranges when the batteries are topped up? The ID.4 can drive for up to 468 km in the RWD layout. The AWD dips to 423 km.  

As for the Toyota bZ, it’s the XLE AWD that has the most range with up to 468 km, just like the ID.4. The FWD version can only drive for up to 380 km. 

Pricing & Features 

When it comes to pricing, the Toyota bZ is the least expensive of the two. It starts at $45,990 which is actually a little bit less than the previous model year. That usually never happens. The Volkswagen ID.4 is a bit more expensive with a starting price of $48,495  

But if you opt for a fully loaded version of each, the Toyota bZ is still the least expensive at just under $62,000 while the ID.4 is just under $64,000. 

What features do you get for the $60,000+ price tag? Quite a few. Both are available with leatherette upholstery, heated & ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, wireless phone charging pad along with wireless Apple CarPlay & wireless Android Auto connectivity, dual-zone automatic climate control (3-zone in the Volkswagen), and surround view cameras among others. 

Each EV also has a few features that are unique to that model. For example, the Toyota bZ is available with radiant foot and leg heaters while the Volkswagen ID.4 is available with front massaging seats. 

So what’s the verdict? Well it comes down to your needs and preferences. The ID.4 is the conventional choice with a balanced driving demeanor and ride. While the Toyota bZ is the safe and reliable companion.  

If you’d like to learn more or test drive any of these cars, please get in touch with us at OpenRoadAuto.com. 

The Most Anticipated EVs of 2026

Mike Ginsca on September 18, 2025

The electric vehicle market is accelerating. Automakers are positioning several new models for launch in 2026 that aim to push range, performance, charging speed, design innovation, and affordability. These EVs reflect maturing battery technology and increasing competition. Below are some of the top EVs to watch for in 2026. 

Acura RSX 

The Acura RSX was a fun sports car back in the early 2000’s. In 2026, Acura is reviving the RSX name but it will be on the back of a new electric crossover. The 2026 RSX will join the ZDX in Acura’s growing EV portfolio. The new RSX will be built on Acura/Honda’s new dedicated EV platform with assembly in Ohio. Expect to see the RSX at OpenRoad Acura Richmond in the second half of 2026. 

Hyundai IONIQ 6 N 

Following the success of the IONIQ 5 N, the IONIQ 6 N will bring supercar performance in the shape of a sleek electric sedan. The 6 N will adopt the same dual-motor powertrain with up to 641 hp on tap and a 0-100 km/h time of around 3.2 seconds. Like the IONIQ 5 N, the IONIQ 6 N will replicate virtual gear changes and simulate engine sounds for a more thrilling driving experience. Expect to see the Hyundai IONIQ 6 N at OpenRoad Hyundai Richmond’s showroom in early 2026. 

BMW iX3 

Based on the Vision Neue Klasse Concept, the iX3 will be a smaller version of the popular iX electric SUV in the brand’s portfolio. The new iX3 ushers in a new design era with slimmer BMW kidney grilles and a simplified interior. Boasting up to 463 hp, the iX3 will be a quick EV and it will allow for long road trips thanks to an estimated driving range of up to 650 km. The 2026 BMW iX3 will arrive at The BMW Store Vancouver and BMW Langley in Spring of 2026. 

Lexus ES 

Entering its 8th generation, the 2026 Lexus ES will be offered for the first time as a battery electric vehicle alongside a new hybrid powertrain. Available with FWD or AWD, the electric versions of the 2026 ES will have an estimate driving range of up to 480 km, but Lexus has not yet released power figures. Inside, the 14-inch touchscreen is the center focal point of the dashboard along with two new Lexus design elements. Bamboo Layering recreates the depth and flow of natural bamboo using 3D printing while Synthetic Leather Embossing pairs sharp embossing with ambient lighting to enhance the cabin’s clean, elegant atmosphere. Sales of the 2026 Lexus ES will start in early 2026 at OpenRoad Lexus Richmond, OpenRoad Lexus Port Moody, and Lexus of London.  

Toyota C-HR 

The Toyota C-HR returns as a compact electric crossover alongside the Toyota bZ4X. The 2026 C-HR features a coupe-like profile with an eye-catching design that is similar to the Toyota Crown Signia. It will be available as a FWD with 221 hp or AWD with 338 hp and an electric driving range of up to 500 km. No word on pricing but you can expect to see it in one of our 6 OpenRoad Toyota showrooms across BC and Ontario in early 2026.  

Subaru Uncharted 

Just as the Solterra is based on the bZ4X, the all-new Uncharted is based on the equally new C-HR EV. The Subaru Uncharted sports the same updated design as its Solterra bigger brother. But with its smaller size and available AWD system, it will sprint from a stop to 100 km/h in around 5 seconds. Subaru is estimating up to 500 km of driving range for the FWD version and a little bit less with the dual-motor AWD version. Expect to see the new Uncharted at OpenRoad Subaru Boundary in early 2026. 

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Electric 

The Mercedes-Benz GLC-class is one of the most popular SUVs in the brand’s portfolio, so it comes as no surprise that an electric version is on the horizon. Dubbed the GLC SUV with EQ Technology, it will be a pivotal shift in the brand’s EV portfolio. The GLC EQ will feature a brand-new iteration of the Hyperscreen that is currently available in some EQ models. It will also integrate a new 4th generation infotainment system and AI based voice controls. Powering the new GLC class with EQ Technology will be a 94-kWh battery pack providing up to 483 hp and a new two-speed transmission. The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC with EQ Technology is expected to arrive at OpenRoad Mercedes-Benz Surrey sometime in 2026. 

The 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 is the Electric 3-Row You’ve Been Waiting For.

Mike Ginsca on July 23, 2025

The all-new IONIQ 9 joins Hyundai’s award-winning EV lineup. It is a large 3-row electric SUV with an eye-catching exterior and a spacious 6 or 7 passenger interior. 

The IONIQ 9’s lounge-like atmosphere is created through elliptical elements and calming tones, while natural light streams through the panoramic sunroof. Passengers can experience exceptional roominess with ample second- and third-row space. 

The flat floor accommodates flexible seating arrangements for six or seven occupants, while Relaxation Seats in the first and second rows offer full recline capability with leg rests — perfect for relaxing while recharging. 

Speaking of charging, the IONIQ 9 has a 110.3 kWh battery pack in the floor with an 800-Volt architecture. The higher Voltage enables the IONIQ 9’s battery to be recharged at a faster rate for a longer period of time without needing to worry about excessive heat build-up in the battery pack. With charging speeds of up to 350 kW, the IONIQ 9 can be recharged in as little as 24 minutes from 10% to 80%.  

Additionally, the IONIQ 9 adopts the NACS charging plug. This is more commonly known as a Tesla charging plug which will enable the SUV to be charged up from any one of the thousands of Tesla Superchargers across Canada and the United States. 

Once the SUV is charged up, it can be driven for over 500 km. Best of all, the 500+ km driving range is for all trim levels. This is achieved through its sleek exterior design which has an overall drag coefficient of 0.269. To put it into perspective, that is the same drag coefficient as the much smaller Toyota Prius. 

It’s not just about efficiency though, the Hyundai IONIQ 9 is a powerful 3-row SUV as well. The dual-motor AWD+ variant produces as much as 422 hp and has a 0-100 km/h time of just 5 seconds. Regular AWD models produce 303 hp while the RWD version produces 215 hp. In addition, the Hyundai IONIQ 9 can tow up to 5,000 lbs. 

The IONIQ 9 delivers a luxurious and refined driving experience thanks to its smooth and comfortable ride. Its suspension has been specially designed for this electric SUV, featuring a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear setup along with self-leveling dampers. 

Inside, IONIQ 9’s cabin is a haven of tranquility, thanks to the triple door seals, acoustic glass, sound-absorbing tires and Active Noise Control technology. These features effectively suppress wind and road noise, particularly at highway speeds. 

Sticking with the interior, the IONIQ 9’s cabin design is reminiscent of the IONIQ 5’s with a simple dual-screen layout. Both the driver instrumentation and infotainment touchscreen measure 12.3” diagonally. Climate controls, USB ports, and small item storage bins are conveniently located right underneath the infotainment touchscreen. For a bit of extra space, the center console can slide forwards or backwards for easier access by the 2nd row occupants and to allow a passthrough in between the front seats. 

The 3-row SUV incorporates a route planner which will display charging stations along your planned trip and estimate the battery state of charge when you reach a charging station and your destination. The Hyundai IONIQ 9 can also power external electronics such as a small coffee machine with its V2L technology. This can make family camping a much more luxurious experience. 

The 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 starts at $59,999 with the top spec Ultimate Calligraphy trim costing $81,499 and this new EV is available right now at OpenRoad Hyundai Richmond.