The Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) has unveiled the 12 Best Vehicles in Canada for 2026, setting the stage for the highly anticipated Canadian Car of the Year (CCOTY) awards. The winners will be announced during Media Preview Day at the 2026 Canadian International AutoShow on February 12, 2026, in Toronto.

The finalists were revealed during a special media ceremony at the Montreal Auto Show, highlighting the top-performing vehicles as chosen by Canada’s leading automotive journalists.

Four Competitive Categories

The Canadian Car of the Year Awards celebrate excellence across four major segments: 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.

Finalists for Canadian Car of the Year are:
Honda Civic
Hyundai Elantra
Porsche 911 Carrera

Competing for Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year:
Ford Maverick
Hyundai Palisade
Toyota RAV4

Finalists for Canadian Electric Car of the Year:
Lucid Air
Porsche Taycan
Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid

In the Canadian Electric Utility Vehicle of the Year category:
Hyundai IONIQ 9
Kia EV9
Lucid Gravity

The shortlist reflects a diverse mix of established favourites and innovative newcomers, underscoring the rapid evolution of both conventional and electrified vehicles in Canada.

Rigorous Testing by Canadian Experts

The 12 finalists were selected by 53 AJAC jurors from across the country. More than 1,400 ballots were submitted by members representing regions from Vancouver to Halifax. Unlike many awards programmes, AJAC jurors are required to drive every vehicle they evaluate, testing them on Canadian roads and in real-world conditions.

Vehicles are assessed on performance, value, safety, technology and overall suitability for Canadian drivers. KPMG independently audits the final results and remain confidential until officially announced.

Spotlight on the Canadian International AutoShow

The award presentation has become a key highlight of the Canadian International AutoShow calendar. Jason Campbell, General Manager of the AutoShow, noted the importance of the longstanding partnership with AJAC and the significance of hosting the awards during Media Day.

The winners in all four categories will be revealed on February 12, 2026, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, just ahead of the public opening of the AutoShow, which runs from February 13 to 23, 2026.

As anticipation builds, the finalists represent the very best of Canada’s automotive landscape—vehicles that have proven themselves through rigorous testing and expert evaluation, and that set the benchmark for innovation, performance and value in the year ahead.