Civic’s Reign Continues as EVs Surge in 2026 Canadian Car of the Year Awards

TORONTO, ON – February 12, 2026 – Amid the polished chrome and bright lights of the Canadian International AutoShow, the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) today crowned the country's top vehicles for 2026. The results paint a vivid picture of a market at a crossroads, simultaneously celebrating a long-reigning champion while enthusiastically embracing the electric future. The Canadian-built Honda Civic secured the coveted Canadian Car of the Year title for the second consecutive year, while the Porsche Taycan and Kia EV9 captured the top spots in the electric vehicle categories.

A Tale of Two Triumphs: Tradition Meets Technology

The most prestigious award, the 2026 Canadian Car of the Year, was bestowed upon the Honda Civic, a model that has become synonymous with the Canadian driving experience. This victory marks the Civic's third win in five years, a testament to its enduring appeal and a significant achievement for the Alliston, Ontario-made vehicle. AJAC jurors lauded the Civic for its exceptional quality, thoughtful interior ergonomics, and wide consumer appeal, reinforcing its status as Canada's best-selling passenger car for much of the last three decades.

While the Civic’s win underscores the value of proven performance and reliability, the other categories highlight a powerful shift towards electrification. The facelifted Porsche Taycan was named the 2026 Canadian Electric Car of the Year. Jurors praised the sleek sports sedan not only for its engaging and dynamic drive but also for its significant improvements in efficiency and its stylish, high-tech interior. This win signals that performance and sustainability can coexist at the highest level.

Completing the electric sweep in the utility segment, the Kia EV9 ascended to the top as the 2026 Canadian Electric Utility Vehicle of the Year. After being a runner-up in 2024 and 2025, the EV9’s victory was a decisive one. The three-row electric SUV won over judges with its bold exterior design, intuitive infotainment system, and a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features, proving that family-friendly practicality and cutting-edge EV technology are a winning combination.

Utility at the Forefront

Reflecting the unwavering popularity of SUVs and crossovers among Canadian families, the utility vehicle awards were fiercely contested. The 2026 Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year title was awarded to the new Hyundai Palisade. This marks the second year in a row that Hyundai has claimed the top prize in this category, following the Santa Fe's win in 2025. The large family SUV received particular praise from the expert panel for its high-quality construction and sophisticated interior design, solidifying Hyundai's reputation as a leader in the segment.

The awards for the Palisade and the Kia EV9 demonstrate the breadth of the utility market, with consumers seeking everything from efficient and refined gasoline-powered haulers to innovative, spacious electric vehicles. Both winners showcase a commitment to interior quality, advanced technology, and safety, which are key priorities for Canadian buyers in this category.

The Canadian Seal of Approval

What sets the AJAC awards apart is their uniquely Canadian focus, a point emphasized by industry leaders at the announcement. The winners are not determined in a vacuum but are chosen by 53 professional automotive journalists from coast to coast who test these vehicles on the same roads and in the same challenging weather conditions that Canadian drivers face daily.

"Every year I'm proud of the Canadian Car of the Year team and our AJAC expert jurors, and this year is no different," said Evan Williams, AJAC President. "It's why I'm so confident that each year we can identify the best vehicles for Canadians, be it a car or utility vehicle, with gas or electric power. Congratulations to Honda, Hyundai, Kia and Porsche brands on your well-earned wins."

This rigorous, real-world testing process, which has been refined since the awards' inception in 1986, generates thousands of data points on everything from performance and fuel economy to cargo space and feature content. The goal is to provide reliable, unbiased car-buying advice that goes beyond marketing hype.

Jason Campbell, General Manager of the Canadian International AutoShow, echoed this sentiment. "These awards are uniquely Canadian – judged by Canadian experts, on Canadian roads – and announcing the results at the Canadian International AutoShow brings that story to life for media, industry, and consumers alike."

Navigating a Shifting Automotive Landscape

The 2026 winners arrive at a pivotal moment for the Canadian auto industry. The Honda Civic's continued dominance is remarkable in a market where passenger cars now make up a historically small portion of total sales. Its victory proves that a well-engineered, reliable, and economical car still holds immense value for a significant portion of the population.

Meanwhile, the recognition for the Taycan and EV9 comes after a challenging 2025 for the Canadian EV market, which saw a slowdown in adoption rates and shifts in government incentive programs. Despite these headwinds, these awards demonstrate that innovation in the EV space continues at a rapid pace. The winning electric models are lauded not just for being electric, but for being exceptional vehicles in their own right, excelling in design, performance, and technology. They represent the best of what the electric future holds and serve as benchmarks for the industry.

The four winners of the 2026 Canadian Car of the Year awards collectively offer a comprehensive snapshot of the nation's automotive preferences. They reflect a market that respects its trusted mainstays while eagerly exploring the frontiers of new technology, ensuring there is a top-tier vehicle available for every type of Canadian driver.