2026 Honda Civic: Back-to-Back Canadian Car of the Year Champion

The 2026 Honda Civic has earned its second consecutive Canadian Car of the Year title from the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada. This marks the third time in five years this iconic nameplate has claimed top honours. The achievement reflects the Civic's enduring appeal among Canadian drivers and its position as the country's best-selling car for 26 of the past 28 years.

What makes this win particularly meaningful is the Civic's deep Canadian roots. The sedan and hybrid models are proudly manufactured at Honda of Canada Mfg. in Alliston, Ontario, where skilled associates have built more than six million Civics since 1988.

For drivers in Quebec and across Canada, the Civic offers a combination of proven reliability, engaging driving dynamics, and fuel efficiency. The 2026 lineup includes four trim levels: LX (sedan only), Sport, Sport Hybrid, and Sport Touring Hybrid. Both sedan and hatchback body styles are available in hybrid configurations, with hybrid models now accounting for over 60% of Civic sales in Canada. This back-to-back victory highlights the quality and craftsmanship that define Canadian-built vehicles.

Built in Canada, Recognized Globally

The Civic's Canadian manufacturing heritage extends beyond simple assembly. Honda of Canada Mfg. in Alliston, Ontario produces both the gas-powered and hybrid sedan models, along with the Civic Si sport compact sedan. This facility celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2026, having produced various Honda and Acura models throughout its history. The Civic remains Honda's longest-running automotive nameplate, with a production legacy that spans nearly four decades at this single Canadian facility.

Canadian manufacturing brings tangible benefits to the vehicle's quality and consistency. The skilled workforce at HCM applies rigorous quality control standards throughout the production process, contributing to the Civic's reputation for reliability and durability. This dedication to excellence has earned the 2026 Civic additional recognition beyond the AJAC award, including a Car and Driver Editors' Choice Award and The Drive Best Value for 2026 Award.

Two-Motor Hybrid System Delivers Performance and Efficiency

The Sport Hybrid and Sport Touring Hybrid trims feature Honda's fourth-generation two-motor hybrid system, which earned recognition on the 2026 Wards 10 Best Engines list. This system pairs a 2.0-litre inline 4-cylinder engine with two large, powerful electric motors to produce 200 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque available from 0 to 2,000 rpm. The immediate torque delivery creates responsive acceleration from a standstill, while the hybrid system optimizes fuel consumption during highway cruising and city driving.

2026 Civic Hybrid Powertrain Highlights:

• Fourth-generation two-motor hybrid system
• 200 combined horsepower
• 232 lb-ft of torque with instant electric motor response
• Front-wheel drive configuration across all trims

The hybrid system operates smoothly, transitioning between electric-only mode, gasoline-only mode, and combined power based on driving conditions. The Eco Assist system helps drivers maximize efficiency by providing visual feedback on driving habits and energy flow. Sport Hybrid and Sport Touring Hybrid models offer ECON, Normal, and Sport drive modes, while the Sport Touring Hybrid adds an Individual mode for customized driving preferences.

Trim Levels and Key Features

The 2026 Civic lineup provides choices for different priorities and budgets. The LX sedan serves as the entry point with a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine producing 150 horsepower and 133 lb-ft of torque. Sport trim adds visual enhancements and additional drive mode options while maintaining the same gasoline powertrain.

The hybrid-powered Sport Hybrid and Sport Touring Hybrid trims deliver the most power and efficiency, with the Sport Touring Hybrid offering the most comprehensive feature set.

All Civic models include front-wheel drive and the Eco Assist system. Standard equipment across the lineup includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, Google built-in functionality, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability. The Sport Touring Hybrid features a BOSE Premium Sound System with 12 speakers including a subwoofer, a 9-inch touchscreen centre display, and a 10.2-inch centre metre display. A wireless phone charger with Qi-compatibility and four USB-C 3.0A connectors provide convenient device charging for all occupants.

Comparing Civic Trim Levels

The Sport Hybrid is the sweet spot for drivers seeking hybrid efficiency without the premium features of the Sport Touring Hybrid. It delivers the full 200 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque while offering both sedan and hatchback configurations. The Sport Touring Hybrid adds the Individual drive mode, premium audio, and additional convenience features for drivers who want the complete package.

Why the Civic Wins

The AJAC Canadian Car of the Year award involves comprehensive testing and evaluation by automotive journalists across various categories including performance, value, design, and overall execution. Winning this title two years consecutively demonstrates consistent excellence rather than a single standout year. The Civic's ability to defend its championship reflects its balanced approach to the compact car segment - it doesn't sacrifice driving enjoyment for efficiency, nor does it compromise practicality for performance.

The hybrid system's integration exemplifies this balance. The two electric motors provide instant torque for responsive city driving while the gasoline engine maintains efficiency during highway cruising. The system operates transparently, requiring no special driving techniques or range anxiety associated with plug-in vehicles. Drivers simply fill the tank with regular gasoline and benefit from reduced fuel consumption compared to conventional powertrains.

Canadian-Built Quality Satisfies Award-Winning Design

Honda of Canada Mfg. applies the same production standards to the Civic as Honda facilities worldwide, with additional pride of ownership that comes from building vehicles for the home market. The facility's 40-year history demonstrates sustained dedication to Canadian manufacturing, creating jobs and economic activity in Ontario while producing vehicles that satisfy the specific needs of Canadian drivers.

The Civic's success in the Canadian market validates this approach - drivers recognize and appreciate the quality that comes from experienced, dedicated manufacturing teams.

The 2026 model year brings refinements to the Civic's design and technology while maintaining the core attributes that have made it Canada's best-selling car for more than two decades. The hybrid models position themselves at the top of the lineup, showing the direction of the automotive industry while preserving the engaging driving dynamics that define the Civic nameplate. This combination of forward-thinking technology and driver-focused engineering earned recognition from AJAC jurors who evaluated the vehicle against all competitors in the car category.

Experience the Award-Winning Civic

The 2026 Honda Civic's back-to-back Canadian Car of the Year titles confirm its position as a benchmark in the compact car segment. Canadian manufacturing ensures quality and supports local jobs, while the advanced hybrid system delivers performance and efficiency that satisfy the demands of modern driving. Whether choosing the value-oriented LX, the sporty appearance of the Sport trim, or the hybrid efficiency of the Sport Hybrid and Sport Touring Hybrid, drivers access the same fundamental qualities that have made the Civic a Canadian favourite for nearly three decades.

Book your test drive at Lallier Honda PAT to experience the 2026 Honda Civic and learn why automotive journalists have recognized it as the best car in Canada for the second consecutive year.