Semi-Finalists Announced for 2026 Canadian Car of the Year Awards

AJAC reveals contenders across four major categories; “12 Best Vehicles in Canada” to be unveiled at Montreal Auto Show in January

TORONTO — The Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) has released the semi-finalist list for the 2026 Canadian Car of the Year Awards (CCOTY), highlighting 20 standout vehicles competing across four award categories. The announcement marks the first major milestone ahead of the 12 Best Vehicles in Canada for 2026, set to be revealed at the Montreal Auto Show on January 15, 2026.

AJAC’s CCOTY Awards are considered one of Canada’s most rigorous automotive evaluations. More than 50 expert automotive journalists from across the country participate in a two-stage voting process that involves driving and evaluating nearly 400 eligible models on the same roads and conditions faced by Canadian drivers daily.

Four Categories, Five Semi-Finalists Each

Semi-finalists for the 2026 awards include a mix of Canadian favourites, global best-sellers, luxury icons, and electric innovators.

2026 Canadian Car of the Year

• Honda Civic

• Hyundai Elantra

• Kia K4

• Porsche 911 Carrera

• Toyota Prius

2026 Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year

• Ford Maverick

• Honda Passport

• Hyundai Palisade

• Subaru Forester

• Toyota RAV4

2026 Canadian Electric Car of the Year

• BMW i4

• Hyundai IONIQ 6

• Lucid Air

• Porsche Taycan

• Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid

2026 Canadian Electric Utility Vehicle of the Year

• BMW iX

• Hyundai IONIQ 9

• Kia EV9

• Lucid Gravity

• Porsche Macan Electric

AJAC President Evan Williams said the semi-finalists represent the most competitive vehicles in their respective segments.

“Announcing our semi-finalists is the first big step toward the 2026 Canadian Car of The Year Awards,” Williams said. “Whether they take home the top trophy or not, this process ensures each of these vehicles stands out in its class.”

What Happens Next

From the 20 semi-finalists, AJAC will select the 12 Best Vehicles in Canada for 2026, which will be announced during the Montreal Auto Show on January 15, 2026, and displayed from January 16–25.

Final category winners—Canadian Car of the Year, Utility Vehicle of the Year, Electric Car of the Year, and Electric Utility Vehicle of the Year—will be revealed on February 12 at the Canadian International AutoShow (CIAS) in Toronto.

Results are independently audited by KPMG, ensuring complete confidentiality until the official announcements.

Upcoming AutoShow Displays

Award winners will appear at major Canadian auto shows throughout 2026, including:

• Canadian International AutoShow (Toronto): Feb 13–22

• Quebec City AutoShow: Mar 4–8

• Calgary International AutoShow: Mar 13–16

• Vancouver International AutoShow: Mar 25–29

• Edmonton Motorshow: Apr 9–12

About AJAC

AJAC represents professional journalists, photographers, videographers, and industry experts committed to ethical and factual reporting on the Canadian automotive industry. CCOTY is Canada’s only vehicle awards program where jurors personally test every vehicle they vote on.

For more information, visit: www.ajac.ca

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