Almost since it was invented, the car has been a symbol of freedom, allowing its owner to hop in and go where he or she pleases.

But according to the latest benchmark study from car-sharing marketplace Turo, that perception might be shifting.

Turo said its fourth annual Car Ownership Index shows Canadians’ views on car ownership are “evolving” as it becomes more of a necessary financial burden.

According to the study’s survey of 1,500 English- and/or French-speaking Canadians 25 or older, conducted Dec. 4-14 in partnership with Leger, 70% of Canadians said their monthly car costs are higher than they’d like. But 78% said it would be impossible for them to not have a car — which Turo said reflects how deeply ingrained car ownership is.

Turo’s report found car ownership costs have risen 9% year-over-year to $5,497 annually. As a result, more than half of the respondents said they’ve taken steps to reduce vehicle-related expenses, such as driving less, shopping for cheaper insurance and delaying non-essential maintenance, and 42% said they’ve had to cut back on spending in other areas of their life.

And the report pointed out vehicle costs could rise another 25% as a result of tariffs and inflation.

“With life getting so much more expensive, Canadians are looking for more ways to save on car expenses and supplement the cost of ownership,” Turo vice president Bassem El-Rahimy said. “That’s why alternative options like car sharing continue to grow in popularity.”

The survey showed a significant number of Canadian car owners would like to find alternatives to traditional car ownership, with 48% per cent saying they’d rather pay for a car only when they need it, 44% want access to a car without the long-term commitment of ownership and 41% wish they had better transportation options so they wouldn’t need a car at all.

Turo noted the average vehicle is parked an average of 22.5 hours per day.

The report said 87% per cent of those who have tried car sharing say they would use it again, up 8% in the past 18 months.

The full report can be downloaded here.