Best Plug-in Hybrid Cars: Highest-rated cars in Canada on Driving for 2026

This model showed up three years ago, bearing an actual name instead of the ‘gone and gladly forgotten’ alphabet soup with which Lincoln used to saddle its cars. Bearing more than a passing resemblance to its much more expensive brothers, the Corsair is the smallest of four models currently on sale in Lincoln Canada showrooms.

2026 Lincoln Corsair Competitors

Playing in the smaller end of the pool, the Corsair does battle with cars like the Acura RDX, Lexus NX, Volvo XC40, and Audi Q3. Cadillac surrendered this space when it killed off the XT4 and let the XT5 rot on the vine without updates.

What’s new with the Lincoln Corsair for 2026?

No significant changes are expected for the Corsair this year. Look for a potential reshuffling of colour options and interior trim pieces - but yer neighbours will be hard pressed to tell if you got a leftover ‘25 or popped for a span-fire new ‘26. It is unclear if the Corsair will live past its current model cycle.

2026 Lincoln Corsair Performance

The brand denotes its plug-in hybrid trims with a Grand Touring moniker, though world politics could make it difficult to find one on the ground these days. That aside, its electrified guts and 2.5L engine tag-team each other to make 266 combined horsepower. On the other side of the paper are trims with a 2.0L turbocharged engine making 250 ponies and 275 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive is standard across the board in this country.

2026 Lincoln Corsair Efficiency

Owners of a gasser Corsair should expect roughly 11.2 L/100km efficiency in town, 8.3 on the highway, and 9.9 combined. Opting for the plug-in hybrid supplies an estimated 43 kilometres of electric-only range when conditions are right; combined with its gasoline-powered part of the equation, NRCan rates the Grand Touring at 6.9 L/100km in the city, 7.4 on the open road, and 7.1 combined.

2026 Lincoln Corsair Safety

The crash test dummies at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety base some of the Corsair’s scores on results it got for the Ford Escape since both vehicles share most underpinnings. This means the crossover gets top marks in the tough small overlap front test. Like many of its peers, the Corsair gets a Marginal rating on the updated side impact test, an new exam which places more weight in a higher impact zone than the old test.

2026 Lincoln Corsair Reliability

The dweebs at Consumer Reports places the Corsair smack dab in the middle of the road on its measure for predicted owner satisfaction. However, they blow raspberries at it for predicted reliability, doling out a 34-of-100 score which seems based at least in part on the configuration of certain in-car infotainment controls rather than outright breakdowns.

2026 Lincoln Corsair Interior

While this luxury crossover may share some underpinnings with its lesser Blue Oval cousin, Lincoln has done a great job of making the Corsair completely different than anything in a Ford showroom. Its cabin is well appointed and options like 24-way Perfect Position seats are some of the most comfortable thrones this side of Germany. Jazzy red upholstery can (and should) be spec’d rather than dour black or grey.

2026 Lincoln Corsair Dimensions

Total length of this vehicle is 181.4 inches or 4,676 millimetres; if you’re looking for a familiar yardstick, this places it within a few hairs of the popular Lexus NX. Width with the mirrors folded is 76.2 inches (1,935 mm) while height checks in at 64.1 inches (1,628 mm).

2026 Lincoln Corsair Canadian Pricing

Gasoline-only trims are the Premiere and Reserve, starting at $52,295 and $59,295 respectively. Expensive options and wheel packages can conspire to push the latter well into the mid-$70,000 bracket. As for the hybrid, it starts at $62,685 though selection of every single option pack will push the total over 80 grand.

It is crucial for any luxury vehicle brand to have a dog in the lavish two-row crossover arena. This XC60 is Volvo’s entrant in that field. Despite foreign ownership, the model continues to be lined with the type of Swedish minimalism one has come to expect from this brand, along with all manner of safety gear on which Volvo has built a reputation.

2026 Volvo XC60 Competitors

There is no shortage of competition in this segment, including rigs like the BMW X5, Audi Q5, and the Lexus RX (which arguably invented the segment when it appeared about 25 years ago, by the way. Elsewhere, we find a Lincoln Nautilus, Mercedes GLE, and Genesis GV70. Told ya it was crowded.

What’s new with the Volvo XC60 for 2026?

For the 2026 model year, Volvo Cars’ global top-selling XC60 receives a refresh. Its infotainment gear gets new computer hardware to improve response times and hasten system responses. Its screen increases in size to 11.2 inches while also enjoying a higher density of pixels and a new user experience which simplifies some commands. The cabin gets new cupholders and an improved wireless phone charger along with fresh trim choices. Outside, look for the new take on the Volvo grille, as first showed up on the larger XC90.

2026 Volvo XC60 Performance

This model comes with a mild hybrid powertrain, known in Volvo circles as the ‘B5’ engine. There is a plug-in hybrid confusingly marketed under the a slightly different banner with a so-called ‘T8’ powertrain. The B5 is a four-cylinder engine making 247 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of twist which should haul this thing to 100 km/h in about seven seconds. Towing capacity taps out at 2,400 kilograms. As for the T8 plug-in hybrid, that one makes 455hp and 523 lb-ft, dropping acceleration to 4.8 seconds and towing to 1,580 kilos.

2026 Volvo XC60 Efficiency

The feds estimate the 2025 XC60 B5 should get approximately 10.0 L/100 km economy in town but a decently impressive 7.8 when cruising on the open highway. This means a score of 9.0 L/100 km for its combined rating. It has a fuel tank measuring 71 litres. The plug-in can travel about 58 clicks on electricity when conditions are right, working out to approximately 8.5 litres per 100 km across the board when used in conjunction with the gasoline-powered engine. Its 18.8 kWh battery takes about 5 hours to charge.

2026 Volvo XC60 Safety

Given the brand’s legendary rep for fastidious safety, it should be no surprise the XC60 earned a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS when it underwent a battery of tests in 2023. The most recent data from the crash test dummies have upheld this achievement. In fact, this model managed to earn top marks even in face of the updated moderate overlap front test, an exam which flummoxed many.

2026 Volvo XC60 Reliability

Touchscreens controls deemed by Consumer Reports to be “unintuitive and distracting” partially contributed to a 33-of-100 score for predicted reliability since the methodology penalizes confusing controls even if they are working just as designed. Still, the estimate is based on information going back to the 2021 model year, plus overall Volvo brand scores. This also led to a 2-of-5 score for predicted owner satisfaction.

2026 Volvo XC60 Interior

As mentioned for other models from this brand, and will continue to be mentioned so long as we have breath in our bodies or Volvo changes up its design house, the XC60’s cabin hews to traditional Swedish minimalism. A large tablet through which just about all functions are funneled dominates the centre stack, with only the barest skiff of redundant buttons – the ones mandated by federal law, probably – appearing just south of this large screen. Top dog trims get a Harman Kardon premium sound system plus a head-up display and four-zone climate control to quell warring factions in the back seat.

2026 Volvo XC60 Dimensions

Total length of this crossover is 4,708 millimetres on a 2,865 mm wheelbase. Width with its mirrors folded is one whole millimetre less than exactly two metres. Height, including the shark fin antenna, is 1,655 mm. Ground clearance checks in at 209 millimetres (8.2 inches).

2026 Volvo XC60 Canadian Pricing

Volvo sets an MSRP for the B5 of $59,054 for the entry-level (but certainly not base) Core trim, which is $600 more than last year. The Plus trim with gear like a banging audio system commands $65,542. While a tony Ultimate trim adds jacks the price to $71,692. Finally, a dipped-in-ink Black Edition layers a further $1,200 onto the Ultimate. The T8 plug-in adds to the tally: $63,542 Core, $80,242 Plus, $86,342 Ultra.

BMW was one of the first luxury manufacturers into the crossover segment when it launched the X5 in 1999. Since then, it has gone through four generations, each being better than the previous. Today, it remains one of the top contenders in the segment with three models that range from frugal to powerful.

2026 BMW X5 Competitors

The X5’s key rivals are the Audi Q7, Genesis GV80, Lexus RX, Mercedes-Benz GLE, Porsche Cayenne and Volvo XC90. The outliers are the Cadillac XT5 and Lincoln Aviator.

What’s new with the BMW X5 for 2026?

Heading into 2026, the fourth-generation X5 does not have any significant changes — there is a replacement on the horizon.

2026 BMW X5 Performance

The X5 arrives with three engine choices. It starts with the X5 xDrive40i with a 3.0L turbocharged inline-six that twists out 375 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque. It runs to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds. Up next is the X5 xDrive50e plug-in hybrid. It blends the 3.0L turbo-six with an electric motor to deliver a net system output of 483 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. The 19.2-kWh battery takes two hours to charge and delivers 64-km of electric-only driving.  At the top sits the X5 M60i xDrive. The 4.4L twin-turbo V8 cranks out 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, which is enough to propel the riders to 100k in 4.3 seconds.

All models use an eight-speed automatic transmission and BMW’s xDrive. It monitors a number of sensors to detect wheelspin and an electronically-controlled clutch to send the drive power to the wheels with the best grip. In operation it can send the majority of the drive to either axle to maintain traction and stability.

2026 BMW X5 Efficiency

The X5 xDrive40i is rated at 10.1 L/100 km in the city, 8.7 L/100 km on the highway and it has a combined average consumption of 9.4 L/100 km. The annual fuel cost is $3,290. The X5 M60i xDrive is rated at 13.8 L/100 km, 10.5 L/100 km and 12.3 L/100 km, respectively. The annual fuel cost is $4,305. The fuel miser is the X5 xDrive50e plug-in hybrid. It has an average equivalent consumption of 3.9 Le/100 km and a fuel/charge cost of $2,051.

2026 BMW X5 Safety

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gives the 2025 X5 its best Top Safety Pick+. It has Good scores in the small front overlap, as well Good scores in moderate front overlap and side impact updated tests. Headlight performance is rated as Acceptable and it has a Good for front crash prevention. The X5 plug-in hybrid is only rated for headlight performance (Acceptable) and front crash prevention (Good). The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the 2025 X5 four stars out of five.

2026 BMW X5 Reliability

Consumer Reports gave the 2025 X5 a predicted reliability score of 61 out of 100 saying, “We expect the 2025 X5 will be more reliable than the average new car. This prediction is based on data from 2022, 2023, and 2024 models.” However, the X5 plug-in hybrid received a predicted reliability score of 45 out of 100.

2026 BMW X5 Interior

The highlights of the well-conceived cabin are the quality of the materials and BMW’s curved display. The latter over half of the dashboard and blends a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation cluster with a larger 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen that runs on the company’s latest OS 8.5. Both sit under a single piece of glass. The infotainment side of iDrive gives access to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation and vehicle settings. It can be operated via the screen, the central console-mounted controller or voice command. It appears complex at first, but becomes second nature quickly.

2026 BMW X5 Dimensions

The X5 is 4,932-mm long, 2,004-mm wide and it rides on a 2,975-mm wheelbase. It has 1.001-mm of rear seat headroom and 950-mm of leg space, so it works for a trio of adults when needed. Cargo space measures 960L seats up and 2,047L when folded flat.

2026 BMW X5 Canadian Pricing

The 2026 BMW X5 xDrive 40i starts at $89,900 and moves through X5 xDrive50e at $95,900 and tops out with the X5 M60i xDrive at $113,900. Delivery is $3,070.

The M5 has, over the years, been a trend-setter. It was the car that started the lucrative sport sedan market. The concept arrived when the then-CEO’s security detail, driving a 5 Series, could not keep up with his 7 Series. The solution was to install the engine from the 3.0 CSL, modify the suspension and beef up the brakes, and so the M5 super-sedan was born. Since then, each generation has eclipsed the previous. This current iteration takes the speedster into the plug-in hybrid world.

2026 BMW M5 Competitors

The M5 sedan’s key rivals are the Audi RS7, Mercedes-AMG E63 S and Porsche Panamera Turbo. The outlier is the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing.

What’s new with the 2026 BMW M5?

Following on from the launch of the seventh-generation M5 last year not much changes heading into 2026. The key upgrade is the Level 2 charge time drops from four-hours in 2025 to two-hours this year.

2026 BMW M5 Performance

The M5 arrives with a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 that works with an electric motor that’s incorporated into the eight-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission. The turbo-V8 makes 577 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque; the electric motor adds 194 hp and 207 lb-ft. However, there’s a twist — a gear set between the electric motor and transmission gives it an effective torque of 332 lb-ft. The result is a net system output is 717 hp and 738 lb-ft anywhere between 1,800 and 5,400 rpm. That’s what you call a power plateau! Officially, the M5 run to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds, but feels faster!

The electric side gets its power from a 14.8 kWh, which gives the 2026 M5 sedan an electric-only range of 47-km, which is up slightly from 2025. More importantly, the charge time drops from four-hours last year to two-hours for 2026. The reason for going PHEV, which is heavier than a mild-hybrid system, is the plug-in’s larger battery delivers peak track performance over multiple laps; a mild-hybrid would last just one or two laps.

As for the rest of it the adaptive M suspension, four-wheel steering, M active rear differential and an M-tuned xDrive all-wheel-drive system along with substantial brakes give the M5 a dynamic demeanour that has to be experience to be fully appreciated.

2026 BMW M5 Efficiency

The M5 has a combined equivalent average consumption rate of 5.0 Le/100 km.

2026 BMW M5 Safety

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gives the 2025 5 Series its best Top Safety Pick+. It has Good scores in the small front overlap and side impact updated test. Headlight performance is rated as Good, as is front crash prevention. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not rated the 5 Series.

2026 BMW M5 Reliability

Consumer Reports gave the 2025 5 Series a predicted reliability score of 53 out of 100 saying, “We expect the 2025 5 Series to have about average reliability when compared to other new cars. This prediction is based on the BMW brand score and the previous generation of the 5 Series.

2026 BMW M5 Interior

Inside, the M5’s highlights are the quality of the materials and BMW’s 27.2-inch curved display. It puts a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation cluster and a larger 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen that runs on the company’s latest OS 8.5 under a single piece of glass. The infotainment side of iDrive system gives access to Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, a wonderful Bowers & Wilkins surround-sound system, as well as the vehicle settings and the ability to set and store the driving characteristics in the M1 and M2 buttons on the steering wheel. The infotainment side can be operated via the touchscreen, the central controller or voice command. It appears complex at first, but becomes second nature quickly.

2026 BMW M5 Dimensions

The M5 is 5,096-mm long, 2,156-mm wide and it rides on a 3,006-mm wheelbase. It has 954-mm of rear seat headroom and 928-mm of leg space, so it works for a pair of adults; three when needed. Trunk space measures 466L.

2026 BMW M5 Canadian Pricing

The 2026 BMW M5 sedan starts at $139,900. Delivery is $2,555.

BMW M first introduced a Touring variant back in 1992 alongside the second generation of the M5 sedan, the E34. In 2007, the fourth generation of the high-performance sedan also gained an M5 Touring sibling, the E61. And this newest edition, debuting last year, means customers can choose from two variants of the M5 for only the third time in its 40-year history, and for the first time in North America.

Sporty performance and distinctive M design are the hallmarks of the M5 Touring, while its spacious interior makes it ideal for day-to-day driving as a (very fast) family vehicle.

“The BMW M5 Touring is a truly fascinating vehicle with so many different abilities and multiple personalities,” says Jonathan Yarkony, Driving.ca’s managing director. “It can slip quietly and efficiently around town on electric power with room for the whole family and your gear; it is a superb highway cruiser and luxury oasis, as you should expect for $150,000; and when you get the urge to rip it, it’s got that ballistic 717 hp and great handling … for its size.”

2026 BMW M5 Touring Competitors

The main competitor to the BMW M5 Touring is the Audi RS 6 Avant. Other high-performance luxury vehicles, such as the Mercedes AMG E63 S Wagon (now discontinued in some markets), Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo Sport and Porsche Panamera, also compete with the M5 Touring in the ultra-fast luxury car segment.

What’s new with the BMW M5 Touring for 2026?

As the Touring has only been out for a little more than a year, there are no changes for 2026.

2026 BMW M5 Touring Performance

Like the BMW M5 Sedan, the M5 Touring features an M Hybrid drivetrain closely related to the one found in the BMW M Hybrid V8 GTP race car. The powertrain starts with a 4.4L twin-turbo V8 that puts out 577 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque from 1,800 rpm. It’s augmented by an electric motor that’s incorporated into the 8-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission. The electric side immediately adds another 194 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque. However, as there’s a gear set between the electric motor and the transmission input shaft the effective torque value is really 332 lb-ft, resulting in 717 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque.

“I was expecting a bit of a drop off in handling and performance as the Touring weighs 30 kilograms (66 lb.) more than the sedan, but that wasn’t the case at all,” says Andrew McCredie. “That electric-motor assist only adds to the M5’s legendary off-the-line performance, with that 18.6-kWh high-voltage battery providing instantaneous torque. The Touring’s hefty weight, however — 2,475 kg, or 5,456 lbs — does pose an issue when using just electric power from a standstill. BMW doesn’t provide a zero-to-100-km/h time, but from my own testing, it’s around 10 seconds and feels very sluggish, which is not the usual sensation when using kilowatts for a launch. However, stir in the prodigious power from the M TwinPower turbo 4.4-litre V8 and that dash is, well, simply electrifying. Dial in the launch (standard) and boost (optional) controls and it’s even quicker, a testament to the M Steptronic transmission that offers three shift programs activated by a new selector level: or the old-school shift paddles on the flat-bottomed M leather steering wheel.”

2026 BMW M5 Touring Efficiency

The fuel efficiency figures for the M5 Touring have not been calculated. However, its ratings should be almost identical to the M5 sedan, meaning a combined average fuel economy of 5.0 Le/100 km and an annual fuel cost of $3,337, according to NRCan. It should be noted that, when relying on V8 power only, it is very thirsty, with a rating of 19.7 L/100 km city, 12.3 highway and 16.4 combined.

2026 BMW M5 Touring Safety

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gives the 2025 5 Series sedan its Top Safety Pick rating. It has a top “good” score crashworthiness. The point here is the M5 sedan and Touring will have the same ratings as they are based on the same platform. The National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) has not rated the BMW 5 Series.

2026 BMW M5 Touring Reliability

Consumer Reports gives the BMW 5 Series sedan an overall score of 83 out of 100 and recommends the car. It predicts the model will have average reliability and above average owner satisfaction when compared to other similar cars. The Touring should deliver a similar result.

2026 BMW M5 Touring Interior

Consumer Reports lauds the 5 Series cabin as “luxurious and high tech and features a digital instrument panel combined with a large centre touchscreen.” According to Graeme Fletcher, “the cabin is first-class all the way. From the body-hugging front seats to the intuitive tech, it takes a balanced approach where nothing overwhelms — sensible given the Touring’s alacrity! Centre stage goes to the Curved Display. It puts the instrumentation and infotainment screens under a single piece of glass and operates using BMW latest iDrive 8.5. The result is a cockpit-like feel with M-specific graphics for many of the vehicle functions.

“Now, any M would not be worth its salt if it did not have two red M buttons on the steering wheel,” he continues. “In this case, the driver can mix and match the settings for everything from the throttle, shift speed, steering, suspension, xDrive and traction nanny (MDM in M-speak) and store the preferred settings in one of the red buttons. Touching the button then reconfigures the drive instantly.

2026 BMW M5 Touring Dimensions

The BMW M5 Touring is a full-sized wagon. It’s 5,096-mm (200.6 in.) long, 1,970-mm (77.6 in.) wide and it rides on a 3,006-mm (118.3 in.) wheelbase. Inside, there’s 1,052 mm (41.4 in.) of front-seat legroom, 928-mm (36.5 in.) of rear seat legroom and enough headroom for full-size adults. The cargo area has 500L (17.7 cu. ft.) with the rear seat upright and 1,630 litres (57.6 cu. ft.) when the 40/20/40-split/folding seats are flat.

2026 BMW M5 Touring Canadian Pricing

The 2026 BMW M5 Touring starts at $144,900.