Every year, the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada evaluates hundreds of vehicles to identify the models that truly stand out. For 2026, AJAC's expert jury - 50 automotive journalists from across the country - tested nearly 400 vehicles on real Canadian roads and in real Canadian conditions. The result? A shortlist of strong performers that earned recognition for quality, advancement, and value.
What makes these awards particularly meaningful is the testing process itself. Unlike many automotive awards, AJAC jurors drive every vehicle they evaluate, experiencing the same roads, weather, and driving challenges faced by Canadian families every day. This hands-on approach ensures the winners represent genuine excellence in the Canadian market. This year's results showcase impressive representation from several brands, with 10 semi-finalists and winners coming from manufacturers known for reliability, advancement, and driver satisfaction.
The 2026 Honda Civic claimed the Canadian Car of the Year title for the second consecutive year, marking the model's third CCOTY win in five years. This achievement reflects Civic's enduring appeal as Canada's best-selling car for 26 of the past 28 years.
The 2026 Civic lineup includes four trim levels: LX (sedan only), Sport, Sport Hybrid, and Sport Touring Hybrid. The hybrid-powered models feature Honda's fourth-generation two-motor hybrid system, delivering 200 hp and 232 lb-ft of torque from 0-2,000 rpm. This powertrain earned recognition from Ward's 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems, highlighting its pairing of performance and efficiency.
Available as either a sedan or hatchback, the Civic Hybrid offers three drive modes (ECON, Normal, Sport) with the Sport Touring Hybrid adding an Individual mode. The Eco Assist system optimizes fuel consumption across all trims, while the 2.0-litre inline 4-cylinder engine provides the foundation for both conventional and hybrid powertrains.
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade earned Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year honours, continuing Hyundai's remarkable streak in this category. The brand has now won this prestigious award four times in five years, following victories by the Tucson (2022), IONIQ 5 (2023), and Santa Fe (2025).
AJAC jurors praised the Palisade for its interior styling, overall quality, and strong consumer appeal. The redesigned three-row SUV offers expanded space, enhanced comfort, and the introduction of a hybrid powertrain option. The 2.5-litre Turbo Hybrid 4-cylinder engine is available on Luxury and top Calligraphy trims, delivering official NRCan ratings of 8.3 L/100 km city, 7.9 L/100 km highway, and 8.1 L/100 km combined.
The Palisade lineup includes four distinct trims: Preferred Trend (8-passenger, 3.5L V6), XRT Pro (7-passenger, 3.5L V6), Luxury (7 or 8-passenger, Hybrid), and top Calligraphy (7-passenger, V6 or Hybrid). The adventure-focused XRT Pro features improved approach (20.5°), departure (22.4°), and breakover (18.3°) geometry, all-terrain tires, HTRAC all-wheel drive with terrain modes, exposed functional orange recovery hooks, and an OEM tow hitch.
Beyond the category winners, several other models earned semi-finalist recognition, demonstrating the depth of quality available to Canadian drivers.
Honda Passport advanced to the Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year semi-finals, joining the Palisade in a competitive field that included the Ford Maverick and Toyota RAV4. The Passport's selection reflects its capability and versatility in the midsize SUV segment.
Hyundai Elantra reached the Canadian Car of the Year semi-finals alongside the Civic and Toyota Prius. This recognition highlights the Elantra's value proposition and competitive positioning in the compact sedan category.
Hyundai IONIQ 6 earned a spot among Canadian Electric Car of the Year semi-finalists, competing against the Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid. The IONIQ 6's aerodynamic design and electric efficiency impressed AJAC's expert jury.
Hyundai IONIQ 9 was shortlisted for Canadian Electric Utility Vehicle of the Year, showcasing Hyundai's expanding electric vehicle lineup and commitment to electrification across multiple segments.
AJAC's testing methodology provides valuable insight for anyone considering a new vehicle. The jury evaluates vehicles on the same roads and in the same conditions Canadian drivers face daily - from winter weather to highway commutes to urban traffic. This real-world testing approach means award-winning vehicles have proven their capabilities in authentic Canadian driving scenarios.
The 2026 winners and semi-finalists represent diverse segments and powertrains, from efficient hybrids to capable SUVs to electric vehicles. Whether prioritizing fuel economy, interior space, technology features, or all-weather capability, these AJAC-recognized models offer proven quality and performance.
The 2026 AJAC awards showcase strong vehicles that excel in Canadian conditions. From the Civic's proven hybrid efficiency to the Palisade's family-friendly versatility, these award winners represent the best of what's available to Ontario drivers.
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