Car-buyers are doing more research than ever.
At this year’s Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto, it’s clear why: in a boundless sea of high-tech SUVs, how do you find “the one?”
The number of vehicle models in the U.S. is on track to rise from nearly 450 in 2023 to about 650 by 2028, potentially confusing consumers, according to research published in September by S&P Global Mobility. They wrote that the trend—“peak model complexity”—will spread around the world as a slew of EVs enter the market before gas-powered models are put out to pasture.
On the sidelines of the auto show, which runs through Sunday, General Motors Canada President Kristian Aquilina confirmed the company was showing its broadest and most diverse portfolio ever to cater to a widening range of budgets, fuel requirements and tastes. (You can read the rest of our interview here.) Meanwhile, new entrants to the North American market like VinFast, Polestar and Rivian introduced their EV models on the showroom floor.
Toronto-based vehicle reviewer Richard Dao confirmed my hunch that shoppers need to know more than ever about what’s inside a vehicle. He said the slew of high-tech features—I noticed more infotainment options, combustion systems, and opaque features like “sports mode” or “comfort mode”—is part of what draws viewers to his YouTube channel, Sleepy Garage.
Here are some emerging trends and specs to look out for in 2024 models.
- Wide range of propulsion systems: Despite reports of stalling EV demand, the show’s still pretty flush with EVs and hybrids. Charles Bernard, lead economist at the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association, said auto shows are a low-pressure venue for consumers to learn about new technologies, which is key for fence-sitters who are confused about EV incentives, performance, safety, fuel economy or price.
- Multipurpose SUVs: SUVs have usurped many minivan, hatchback and station wagon models around the world, rising from about 28 per cent of U.S. vehicle sales in 2010 to 54 per cent by 2021. They also offer more personalized features to play around with, like “camp mode.”
- Retro, earthy colours: While the usual red, silver and black dominate much of the show floor, you’ll also notice pops of Cacti Green, Deep Sea and Coastal Cream. It looks like muted earth tones and boxy silhouettes are trending. Aquilina describes the style as “athletic” while Dao described it as both nature-inspired and retro. Toyota is also reviving familiar retro concepts like the Crown Signia for its hybrid lineup, which might help guide and reassure shoppers who aren’t sure what to expect with new tech.
- Luxury tech: Dao said heads-up displays are a hot luxury feature in 2024, and companies like Lincoln are adding expansive screens across the whole dashboard. Matt Girgis, managing director of Volvo Car Canada, said the company has introduced the self-driving car technology Lidar as standard in its EV model EX90, which made its Canadian public debut at the show.
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Correction: Volvo is introducing Lidar with its EX90 model, on which it will come standard. This story has been updated.
