2024 Vancouver Auto Show
The Vancouver International Auto Show returns for the first time since 2019. This year’s version celebrates the 100th show in Vancouver. Unlike shows from the past, many brands are not present, which is an unfortunate trend that we are seeing in many auto shows across the world. Many companies feel that setting up a display in an auto show is costly, so for now we see a smaller collection of brands. I was able to attend the show as a member of the press and got to see what’s new before the public. Despite a smaller show, there were still some notable debuts and unique vehicles.
2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ
Cadillac showed off their largest EV yet; the Escalade IQ. Despite sharing a name with the standard Escalade, the two vehicles are not related. It’s a vehicle that Cadillac hopes helps the brand reach the pinnacle of high-end luxury. The Escalade IQ looks opulent, flashy and luxurious. It wears Cadillac’s newest design well and is quite massive in person. All versions come with a curved pillar to pillar 55-inch diagonal screen. GM estimate that it will produce a mighty 750 HP and 785 lb-ft of torque. Once fully charged, Cadillac estimates the vehicle will travel 724 km or 450 miles. Expect the Escalade IQ to be pricey when it goes on sale in late 2024.
2025 Chevrolet Equinox
The 2025 Equinox was recently revealed and found its way onto the show floor in Vancouver. Now in its fourth generation, the new Equinox looks more rugged than ever before. Chevrolet also made sure to improve the interior with nicer materials and a larger 11.3-inch Infotainment touch screen. An efficient 1.5-liter turbo engine is available across the range. The Equinox is more handsome and capable than the outgoing model. The Equinox is a compelling alternative to other compact SUVs on the market and Chevrolet is expecting strong sales. Pricing should be reasonable when it is released in the summer.
2024 Chevrolet Traverse
GM was on a roll with the debuts as they also brought out the all-new Traverse. With seating up to 8, the Traverse is a large family hauler. Like the Equinox, the new Traverse also features a toughened up redesign. 328 HP and 326 lb-ft of torque gives the Traverse plenty of power. Chevrolet is excited to offer a Z71 version that will offer improved off-road capability. The new Traverse is packed with safety features and a 17.7-inch infotainment system is standard. This Chevy looks well equipped to compete in the full-size crossover segment. Look for it in showrooms within the coming months.
2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray
The newest Chevrolet Corvette was on display. The E-Ray is a hybrid that takes performance and efficiency to a new level. This Corvette comes with a 495 HP LT2 V8 engine that powers the rear and a 160 HP electric motor to power the front axle. Combined that equal 655 HP. The E-Ray is AWD and the electric power is included to help increase acceleration. Chevy made this vehicle because they wanted to showcase their newest technology in their halo car. The E-Ray is currently available.
2024 GMC Acadia
GMC has redesigned the popular Acadia for 2024. The Acadia is longer and more spacious than the outgoing model. GMC had previously shrunk the dimensions of the 2017-2023 version to almost midsize proportions to avoid competing with the similar Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave. This move was criticized and GMC has listened to their customers by making the 2024 Acadia a true full-size crossover. Its 10.6-inches longer and 4.2-inches wider than before. The new Acadia is attractive inside and out, with a 15-inch diagonal infotainment screen. GM has done a great job making both the new Acadia and Traverse different from one another and unique products in the market. The new Acadia will arrive within the next month or so.
2024 Ineos Grenadier
Ineos is a new brand with a fun story that very few are probably aware of. Ineos automotive was created in 2017 by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who is in charge of the Ineos chemical company (one of the largest in the world). He was upset that Land Rover redesigned and modernized one of his favorite vehicles, the classic Defender. Over a pint at his favorite London pub, he came up with the idea to create his own no-nonsense, utilitarian SUV. He was inspired by the original Defender and even drew a sketch of it on a napkin in the pub. He named his vehicle the Grenadier, after that very pub and started to immediately put a plan in motion. He would then go on to buy the Smartville plant from Mercedes-Benz in Hambach, France and strike a deal with BMW to install their straight-six 3.0-liter engine in the Grenadier. The Ineos Grenadier is a true off-roader that looks and feels old school. Prices start at $91,000 in Canada and $71,000 in America. Ineos has set up a North American dealer network and the Grenadier is available now.
2024 Lexus GX
At Lexus, the very capably GX was available for a closer look. This is the first all new GX since 2010 and Lexus went all out with the off-road ready Overtrail trim. Looking boxier and more chiseled than before, the GX has an almost 1990’s retro vibe to it from the outside. On the inside high-quality, plush materials are complimented by an attractive 14-inch display screen. The GX comes with a 3.4-liter V6 that produces 349 HP. Lexus promises the vehicle will be rugged, yet refined. The GX is on sale now.
2025 Lincoln Aviator
The second generation Lincoln Aviator has always been an extremely well appointed and attractive luxury SUV. In fact, it is one of my favorite looking high-end SUVs on the market. The 2025 update creates and even better package. Not only is it well proportioned, it also is fairly athletic with a powerful twin-turbocharged V6. This engine makes an impressive 400 HP and 415 lb-ft of torque. The interior is luxurious with a large 13.2-inch touchscreen and a 12.4-inch digital cluster behind the steering wheel. Top notch quality, performance and design makes the Aviator a real winner. The 2025 version should be available late summer of this year.
2025 Polestar 3
Polestar is another fairly new brand that started selling cars here in 2021. This Swedish company is owned by Volvo and China’s Geely. It acts as Volvo’s high end, all electric performance brand that aspires to compete with Porsche. After initially selling one car model, the Polestar 2, the brand is finally launching its first SUV known as the Polestar 3. I think it looks absolutely fantastic, as it has a futuristic design and distinctive shape. The Polestar 3 will be produced in Ridgeville, South Carolina and will go on sale in the fall. Polestar claims the 3 will drive like a sports car, with great handling and strong power off the line. With power up to 517 HP, the Polestar 3 is shaping up to be an exciting vehicle.
Tesla Cybertruck
Tesla brought out their Cybertruck and this vehicle is bound to get a ton of attention. First off, it looks like nothing else on the road. With a stainless-steel dent resistant body, shatter proof glass and an odd shape, the Cybertruck looks as if it came from another planet. This vehicle is filled with loads of technology and the interior has a minimalist design that has become a Tesla trait. A massive 18.5-inch touchscreen dominates the dash and a smaller 9.4-inch touchscreen is available for rear seat occupants. The Cybertruck is very big and feels equally large from the driver’s seat. For the sake of being different a square steering wheel is present. Despite its size the Cybertruck is fast and has good electric driving range. It can also do truck stuff like tow and the vault bed cover will make sure all items in the bed are well protected. This is probably one of the most unique vehicles to hit the street in decades and vehicles are being delivered to customers now.
2024 Toyota Land Cruiser
The legendary Land Cruiser is back for 2024. It is basically the slightly smaller Land Cruiser Prado sold overseas and in North America slots beneath the Sequoia. Returning to Canada for the first time since 1996, this vehicle launch is a big deal. Americans have had Land Cruisers available up until 2021 so the wait for its return hasn’t been as long. Toyota surprised us with this vehicle as it has some retro styling cues that harken back to Land Cruisers past. The vehicle is very ready for adventure with full-time 4WD that can take you just about anywhere. The Land Cruiser is now a hybrid, consisting of a 2.4-liter turbo 4-cylinder engine and a 48 HP electric motor. This duo makes 326 HP and 465 lb-ft of torque. The new Land Cruiser is a simplistic take on the classic off-roader and should generate a lot of interest on the market. Look for these at dealers within the next month.
2025 Toyota Crown Signia
Toyota also pulled back the covers on the new Crown Signia. This vehicle replaces the Venza in the lineup and takes its spot in the midsize category. This crossover SUV is low to the ground and very wagon like in appearance. It’s a stylish product and Toyota has added plenty of luxurious features to help the Crown Signia stand out from the competition. It has an interior that is nice enough to be in a Lexus and seats that are very comfortable. Also available as a hybrid, power is rated at 243 HP. The Crown Signia looks to be another solid offering from Toyota and it goes on sale in the summer.
2025 Toyota Camry
Also at the show was the redesigned Camry. As one of the best selling cars in America, Toyota didn’t have to reinvent the wheel with this one. The 2025 version is basically an extensive refresh of the outgoing model. Slight styling changes to the front and rear enhance the appeal of the Camry. Major changes to the interior completely redesigns the dash and a better integrated 12.3-inch touchscreen is available. Toyota has made just enough changes to keep the Camry fresh for a few more years. It will be available soon.
Vinfast VF9
Lastly, Vietnamese startup Vinfast had a nice display at the auto show. Vinfast launched here last summer with the midsize VF8 SUV. They plan on expanding the lineup with three more models this year. The larger VF9 should be arriving first with premium pricing. This full-size 3-row SUV will specialize in offering space and luxury. A 15.6-inch touchscreen is prominent at the center of the dash. The vehicle looks really handsome both inside and out.
Vinfast VF6 and VF7
Vinfast also showed the smaller compact VF7 and sub-compact VF6. Both look modern, distinctive and stylish. Pricing for these smaller models should be reasonable and they should be available before the end of the year. Vinfast is an ambitious brand and their vehicles appear ready for the big leagues.
