The Automobile Journalists Association of Canada has unveiled its 12 Best Vehicles in Canada for 2026, putting the finalists on the floor at the Montreal Auto Show through Jan. 25 at the Palais des Congrès.
“These are the vehicles Canadians prefer, designed and tested for the realities of our roads, and that our passionate visitors can experience up close,” said Luis Pereira, Executive Director, Montreal AutoShow, in a statement. “This recognition highlights excellence and innovation within the automotive industry.”
The list feeds four award categories for the 2026 Canadian Car of the Year Awards: Canadian Car of the Year (Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Porsche 911 Carrera); Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year (Ford Maverick, Hyundai Palisade, Toyota RAV4); Canadian Electric Car of the Year (Lucid Air, Porsche Taycan, Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid); and Canadian Electric Utility Vehicle of the Year (Hyundai Ioniq 9, Kia EV9, Lucid Gravity).
AJAC said its jury of 53 automotive journalists drives every vehicle it votes on, submitting more than 1,400 ballots over two rounds. Results are audited by KPMG.
“This year’s 12 Best include(s) one of the widest ranges of automakers that we’ve ever seen,” said Evan Williams, AJAC president, in a statement. “There are familiar models on the list, like the Honda Civic and Hyundai Elantra, but also first-timers like the Lucid Gravity and Ford Maverick. Fifty-three (53) of Canada’s most experienced professional automotive journalists have driven and voted on these vehicles and found them to be the best in the country in their respective categories.”
Category winners are set to be announced Feb. 12 at the Canadian International AutoShow in Toronto. The list is a clean snapshot of what’s pulling interest (from compact staples to three-row utilities to halo EVs), and a useful cue for lot merchandising, digital targeting and used-vehicle sourcing as consumers cross-shop winners and finalists.
