Canadians can't control the commute, but they can control how it feels: new SiriusXM study reveals the changing experience on the road

Commuting experiences vary across six Canadian markets, while 73% say time on the road would be worse without audio

TORONTO, Oct. 20, 2026 /CNW/ -- For the second year in a row, SiriusXM surveyed drivers across the country to understand how their experiences are changing on the road, the regional realities shaping their journeys and the role audio plays along the way.

More than one third (37%) of Canadians say their time on the road has worsened over the past year. At the same time, as work schedules and daily routines continue to shift, changing when, why and how often Canadians are on the road, people are finding ways to make more of that time. Nearly half (47%) say their drive feels like time entirely their own, while 73% say their drive would be worse without audio.

"Canadians can't always control the traffic, distance or delays that come with being on the road, but they are able to manage how they spend that time," said Susan Simpson, Senior Director, Brand, Marketing and Communications, SiriusXM Canada. "This year's study shows the important role audio can play in that experience, and how it can help make time behind the wheel feel more enjoyable, meaningful and their own -- something SiriusXM is proud to deliver to drivers every day."

Where You Live Shapes How You Commute

The study reveals distinct commuting realities across Canadian cities:

• Toronto drivers face some of the longest and most stressful journeys, with 27% driving for an hour or more and 48% describing the experience as stressful.
• Vancouver drivers show that shorter drives don't always mean easier ones, with only 11% driving for an hour or more, yet 46% describing their commute as stressful.
• Montreal drivers have a strong connection to audio, with 85% saying their time in the car would be worse without it and 31% saying audio is the part of their drive they value most.
• Calgary commuters are most frustrated by other drivers, with 42% citing them as their top stressor, while more than half (54%) say their drive feels entirely their own.
• Winnipeg commuters are feeling the impact of construction, with 23% citing road construction or closures as their top stressor.
• Regina commuters report some of the most manageable journeys, with 57% travelling less than 30 minutes and 26% describing their drive as stressful.

SiriusXM has teamed up with Canadian recruiter and career expert Emily Durham (@emily.the.recruiter), whose work gives her a firsthand view into how workplace trends, hybrid schedules and changing routines are reshaping when, why and how Canadians commute.

"The way we work has changed, and so has the way we commute," said Emily Durham. "Being in the car isn't just about getting to and from the office anymore. Whether you're heading into work, dropping off the kids, going to an appointment or running errands, it can be a chance to reset and make that time feel like your own. Having something you genuinely enjoy listening to can completely change how that journey feels."

Audio Makes the Journey Better

The SiriusXM Canadian Commute study shows that audio continues to play an important role, particularly among younger Canadians. Among audio listeners aged 18–34, half (50%) say audio improves their mood, while nearly a third (32%) have looked forward to their drive because of something they planned to listen to.

SiriusXM gives Canadians the freedom to choose what they want from their drive, whether that's music to energize, news to stay informed, comedy to lighten the mood or something to help them unwind. With 425+ channels across talk, comedy, news, sports and more, plus ad free music, SiriusXM offers something for every drive, mood and moment.

Eligible customers can get SiriusXM in their car + app for $6/month for 12 months. Click here to sign up and experience what SiriusXM has to offer. See Offer Details.

Survey Methodology: These are the findings of a survey conducted by Angus Reid Group on behalf of SiriusXM from September 1-9, 2026 among a sample of n=1,256 working adults living in Canada who commute by car and are members of the Angus Reid Forum. The survey was conducted in English and French. For comparison purposes only, a probability sample of this size would carry a margin of error of ±2.8 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

About SiriusXM Canada

Sirius XM Canada Inc., operating as SiriusXM Canada, is the country's leading audio entertainment company. SiriusXM creates and offers ad-free music; premier sports talk and live events; comedy; news; podcasts; and exclusive talk and entertainment. SiriusXM is available in vehicles from every major car company, as well as on smartphones and all connected devices on the SiriusXM app. For more information, visit siriusxm.ca.  

Join SiriusXM Canada on Facebook, on X, on Instagram and on YouTube.

SiriusXM radios and accessories are available from retailers nationwide and online at SiriusXM. In addition, SiriusXM Music for Business provides ad-free music to a variety of businesses. SiriusXM is also a leading provider of connected vehicles services, giving customers access to a suite of safety, security, and convenience services including automatic crash notification, stolen vehicle recovery assistance, enhanced roadside assistance and turn-by-turn navigation.

SiriusXM Canada has been designated one of Canada's Best Managed Companies 17 years in a row and is currently a Platinum Club Member.

SOURCE Sirius XM Canada Inc.

Media Contacts: Meghan McEwan, Zeno Group, [email protected], 647-924-6344