The 2026 Canadian Car of the Year award winners have been announced.

The awards were presented by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) and announced Feb. 12 during media day of the 2026 Canadian International AutoShow.

The four CCOTY category winners are as follows:

• Canadian Car of the Year – Honda Civic
• Canadian Electric Car of the Year – Porsche Taycan
• Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year – Hyundai Palisade
• Canadian Electric Utility Vehicle of the Year – Kia EV9

Honda Civic

This is the second straight year for the Civic to capture car of the year honours. The Civic is available in sedan and hatchback body styles and with gasoline-only and hybrid powertrains. The sedan versions are assembled in Alliston, Ont.

“We at Honda Canada are beaming with pride and are humbled at once again seeing the Civic take the title of Canadian Car of the Year. Winning in back-to-back years is an incredible achievement that takes a team of talented and dedicated people to achieve,” said Emile Korkor, assistant vice president at Honda Canada, in a news release.

“I want to thank our Canadian customers from coast to coast to coast, our local Honda dealers, our skilled associates that proudly build the Civic right here in Canada, and the AJAC jurors that voted for it once again this year.”

Hyundai Palisade

The Canadian award for the Hyundai Palisade follows the SUV’s crowning as North American utility vehicle of the year, which was announced in January at the Detroit Auto Show.

“Being recognized as AJAC’s Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year is an honour we’re incredibly proud of, especially in a segment as competitive as this one. The all new 2026 Palisade represents Hyundai at its best: bold design, advanced technology, and a commitment to delivering exceptional value to Canadian families,” said Steve Flamand, president and CEO of Hyundai Auto Canada, in a news release.

“Earning this recognition for a fourth time in since 2022 underscores the importance of applying customer and journalistic feedback we’ve gained over the years, while continuing the strong momentum and leadership of our SUV portfolio in Canada.”

About the award presenters

The annual awards are presented by AJAC, a professional organization of Canadian automotive journalists.

“Every year I’m proud of the Canadian Car of the Year team and our AJAC expert jurors, and this year is no different,” AJAC president Evan Williams said in a news release.

“Our 53 jurors from coast to coast drove every vehicle before casting their ballots, driving on the same Canadian roads and in the same Canadian conditions that you face day every day. 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.”

More information about the awards is available at canadiancaroftheyear.ca.

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