The Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) revealed the winners of the 2026 Canadian Car of the Year Awards (CCOTY) during today’s opening ceremony at the Canadian International AutoShow, which officially opens to the public tomorrow and runs February 13-22 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
The Canadian Car of the Year Awards recognize excellence across four categories: Canadian Car of the Year, Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year, Canadian Electric Car of the Year, and Canadian Electric Utility Vehicle of the Year. This year’s winners are:
2026 Canadian Car of the Year: Honda Civic
The other finalists were Hyundai Elantra, Porsche 911 Carrera
2026 Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year: Hyundai Palisade
The other finalists were Ford Maverick, Toyota RAV4
2026 Canadian Electric Car of the Year: Porsche Taycan
The other finalists were Lucid Air, Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid
2026 Canadian Electric Utility Vehicle of the Year: Kia EV9
The other finalists were Hyundai IONIQ 9, Lucid Gravity
“These four vehicles have risen to the top to claim our highest praise and be named the winners of this year’s Car of the Year awards,” said Evan Williams, President of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada. “We encourage everyone visiting the AutoShow to come and see them up close for a chance to understand what makes them so great in their respective segments.”
The 12 Best Vehicles in Canada are selected based on detailed ballots completed by AJAC’s expert journalist members. More than 1,400 ballots were submitted by AJAC members from across the country, from Vancouver to Halifax. The Canadian Car of the Year Awards are Canada’s only vehicle awards program in which jurors drive every vehicle they evaluate. Vehicles are tested on the same roads and in the same conditions faced by Canadian drivers every day. Results from AJAC journalist ballots are independently audited by international accounting firm KPMG and remain confidential until the envelopes are opened.
“We’re always proud to host the unveiling of AJAC’s annual Canadian Car of the Year Award winners and want to congratulate Kia, Hyundai, Honda, and Porsche for this wonderful and well-deserved achievement,” said Jason Campbell, General Manager, Canadian International AutoShow.
The four winners for the AJAC 2026 Canadian Car of the Year Awards can be found on the 800 level in the South building of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
The 2026 Canadian International AutoShow returns to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from February 13 to 22, 2026.
Celebrating the automobile since 1974, the Canadian International AutoShow features more than 650,000 square feet of exhibits, displays and attractions spanning the North and South Buildings of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. With average annual attendance in excess of 350,000, the Canadian International AutoShow is not only the largest automotive expo in Canada, it is also the country’s largest consumer show. A leader in lifestyle, technology and all things automotive, it is a showcase for the latest cars, trucks, SUVs, concept cars, exotics, classics, muscle cars, electric vehicles, alternative fuel vehicles and autonomous vehicles. The show also offers a variety of indoor and outdoor ride and drive experiences with over 45,000 guests taking part in 2025.
Media Day takes place Thursday, February 12th, highlighted by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada’s (AJAC) presentation of the Canadian Car of the Year Awards. Many participating brands are expected to unveil new products for the first time in Canada. The interactive hands-on Media Day 2.0 is scheduled for the morning of Wednesday February 18th.
