Five reasons you need to visit the 2023 Canadian International AutoShow

After a two-year hiatus, the auto show is back and there are plenty of reasons to attend

The Canadian International AutoShow is back after two-year hiatus, returning to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from February 17 to 26, 2023.

This year, the show’s theme is Mobility Reimagined, which is especially apt for today’s automotive industry. From the electric vehicles that are increasingly capturing the attention of Canadians to the latest personal accessible transportation for people experiencing mobility challenges, all manner of automotive movement will be on display along with much more.

Below, we’ve offered our top five reasons we think you should make plans to visit CIAS this month. If we convince you, you’ll find a link to buy tickets here. Purchase yours before the show opens and you’ll receive a 10% discount.

See the very latest new vehicles

It’s been a while since so many of the newest vehicles on offer could be seen in Toronto under the same roof. Several debuts are expected at this year’s show:

Hyundai will have the Canadian auto show debut of the Hyundai N Vision 74, a high-performance hydrogen fuel cell hybrid model, and the global auto show debut of the Hyundai RN22e high-performance electric vehicle developed by Hyundai's N brand division. The IONIQ 6 electric sedan will also be on display.

General Motors will be showing an extensive portfolio of EVs, including the Chevrolet Silverado EV, Equinox EV and Blazer EV; the GMC Sierra EV Denali; the Hummer EV in SUV and truck form; and the Cadillac LYRIQ. Other new GM vehicles to explore include the new 2024 Chevrolet Trax, refreshed 2023 Chevrolet Colorado, the Buick Wildcat concept vehicle plus a global new vehicle debut for the Buick brand, and the 2023 Cadillac Escalade V.

For the first time in Canada, the Camp Jeep trail-rated indoor off-road course will be set up for test-driving Jeep vehicles, including a four-metre tall, 35-degree mountain made from metal. Featured vehicles from the Stellantis brands include the 2023 Dodge Hornet, 2023 Ram 2500 Rebel HD, 2023 Wagoneer L, and the 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale.

Kia will show its refreshed 2024 Kia Seltos subcompact crossover, which will offer a new X-Line outdoorsy trim.

You can also check out Project Arrow, a concept EV assembled entirely with Canadian-made parts to showcase the capabilities of this country’s automotive parts supply industry. Find it near the EV test track, where you can register to test drive electric vehicles (indoors because they create zero emissions!) on the 800 level in the South Building.

A safe place to shop—and to cross-shop

One of the greatest benefits of attending an auto show is that it offers a chance to ask plenty of questions about the vehicles that interest you in a zero-pressure environment. Automakers don’t sell vehicles at the show, so you’re free to explore at your leisure without worrying about salespeople hounding you. You may even be able to take a closer look at several new vehicles that interest you on the same day to make comparisons that will help you decide which is right for you.

75 Years of Porsche

The Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance is partnering with the Canadian International AutoShow this year to celebrate 75 years of the Porsche brand. The headliner is a 1969 Porsche 917 Long Tail, Chassis 005, which made its debut at the 1,000-kilometre race at Spa-Francorchamps in May 1969 and captured the pole position in its very first race.

Other cars that will be on display from all eras of the storied German marque include a 1952 356 Pre A, 1959 Speedster, 1962 356 Roadster Janis Joplin tribute car, 1964 904, 1970 911 ST lightweight, 1988 911 Turbo Slantnose (930), 1981 924 GTR, 1984 928S, 1987 959, 1996 993 Twin Turbo, 2004 996 GT3 RS, 2006 Carrera GT, 2015 918 Spyder, 2021 911 Targa Heritage design, and 2022 Taycan GTS Sport Turismo. The display will be featured in the gallery room on the 700 level of the South Building.

Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance is in itself a marquee event on the Canadian automotive enthusiast calendar, a celebration of classic cars held annually each September on the shores of Georgian Bay.

Oblivion Car Show

Just around the corner and also on the 700 level, you’ll find the ultimate in nostalgia for those who grew up in the ‘80s and ‘90s. Among the vehicles on display will be a 1993 Jeep YJ in Jurassic Park livery, a 1991 Honda Civic Special Edition, a 1987 BMW M3, a 1993 GMC Typhoon, and the headliner, a DeLorean just like the one featured in the Back to the Future movies. But it’s not just cars that are shown here: you’ll be surrounded by neon colours, hair rock blaring from ghetto blasters, and arcade games with unlimited play for $5 per person.

Unrelated, but just as nostalgic: Hot Wheels is partnering with the show again for 2023 and is bringing five life-size replicas of its most iconic cars, including the Star Wars Darth Vader car. And continuing on the toy theme, a life-sized LEGO Technic Lamborghini Sian FKP 37 will also be on display on the South Building’s 700 level.

Canadian Car of the Year and Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year

During the opening ceremonies for the Canadian International AutoShow, the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada will announce the winners of its 2023 Canadian Car of the Year and Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year awards.

This year, the finalists for Canadian Car of the Year are the BMW i4 EV, Hyundai Elantra N, and Mazda3, while the finalists for Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year are the IONIQ 5 EV, Kia Telluride, and Mitsubishi Outlander. The winners will be announced during an exclusive ceremony on the morning of February 15, which will be shown live on REV TV and at AJAC.ca. Vehicles will be on display at the AJAC booth on the 200 level, and AJAC journalist members will be on hand on select days throughout the show to give you unbiased answers to your burning automotive questions.