07:42 20-01-2026

Best cars in Canada for 2026: AJAC winners and finalists

The 81st Montreal Auto Show kicked off with major news: the AJAC association has announced the 12 best cars in Canada for 2026. Finalists were selected through two rounds of voting and over 1,400 ballots submitted by 53 automotive experts from across the country.

Car of the Year Category: From Civic to 911

Three models made the main category, reflecting the diversity of the Canadian market. Last year's winner, the Honda Civic, is competing for the title once again. The Hyundai Elantra brings a fresher design and improved dynamics. Meanwhile, the Porsche 911 Carrera represents the sports segment, combining premium appeal with its iconic character.

Utility Vehicle of the Year Category: Focus on Practicality

In the crossover and pickup segment, the finalists are the Ford Maverick, Hyundai Palisade, and Toyota RAV4. These models regularly rank among Canada's top sellers, and AJAC testing highlights their resilience to the country's climate, road quality, and typical operating conditions.

Electric Vehicles: Lucid, Porsche, and Hyundai Versus Kia

The electric segment features the Lucid Air, Porsche Taycan, and Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid—an unusual pairing of a luxury EV and a popular hybrid model. Among electric crossovers, competition comes from the Hyundai Ioniq 9, Kia EV9, and Lucid Gravity, showcasing the rapid expansion of Canada's electric vehicle market.