How the Honda Civic Hybrid Won the AJAC Canadian Car of the Year Award Two Years in a Row

For a manufacturer, having one of its vehicles recognized by industry experts is quite flattering. It doesn’t happen every day, as competition across the industry is incredibly fierce.

When it does happen, it’s a cause for celebration because you never know if or when it will occur again. When it happens twice in a row for a specific model, it’s time for a party, but also for a pat on the back. To achieve such a feat, you must be doing things right.

Two Recognitions

In February 2026, the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) awarded the title of Canadian Car of the Year to the 2026 Honda Civic Hybrid, in both sedan and hatchback configurations, for the second consecutive year. This marks the third time in five years that the Civic has claimed this honour in the country.

For Montreal drivers shopping for a compact car, this result is certainly interesting, but it also raises legitimate questions. Specifically, what truly sets this car apart for Canadian automotive journalists to recognize it once again? The answer lies in several concrete elements, verifiable both behind the wheel and on paper.

A Recognized Hybrid Powertrain

At the heart of the Civic Hybrid is Honda's fourth-generation two-motor electric system, paired with a 2.0-litre Atkinson-cycle 4-cylinder engine. The combined total output reaches 200 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque. The Sport Hybrid and Sport Touring Hybrid trims are the most powerful Civics ever produced, with the sole exception of the Civic Type R variant.

The fuel consumption for the Sport Hybrid sedan and the Sport Touring Hybrid variant stands at 4.7 L/100 km in the city, representing a significant advantage for anyone navigating Montreal's main arteries daily. This same powertrain also received the Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems award, once again for two consecutive years—a technical recognition that perfectly complements the AJAC titles and adds immense credibility.

What AJAC Evaluates and What It Means for You

The AJAC selection process is based on rigorous testing conducted by professional Canadian automotive journalists. The criteria include:

• Active and passive safety (the Civic benefits from the Honda Sensing safety suite, standard on all trims)

• Driving dynamics (suspension and dampers tuned specifically for the hybrid versions)

• Value for money and standard equipment levels

• Interior comfort and cabin sound quality, enhanced by the Active Noise Control system

The Civic Hybrid also earns the TOP SAFETY PICK rating from the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety), with the hatchback and sedan versions winning the superior TSP+ rating. These results are no accident: Honda's ACE (Advanced Compatibility Engineering) structure is designed to disperse impact energy throughout the body, protecting occupants during frontal collisions.

Proudly Built in Canada

As a bonus, what makes the Civic Hybrid special in Canada is that it is assembled at the Honda plant in Alliston, Ontario, about 100 km north of Toronto. Honda has produced more than six million Civics in Canada since 1988, and the Alliston plant is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Thus, purchasing a Honda Civic Hybrid also means choosing a vehicle whose production directly supports approximately 30,000 indirect jobs across the country.

The Civic has been the best-selling car in Canada for 26 of the last 28 years. This is not by chance. It meets the concrete expectations of Canadians regarding reliability, fuel economy, and driving pleasure. The double AJAC title confirms that these expectations are still fully met by the current generation.

A Choice Rooted in Facts, Available in Montreal

The 2026 Honda Civic Hybrid is available in Sport Hybrid and Sport Touring Hybrid trims (sedan and hatchback). Both come standard with a touchscreen multimedia system, wireless charging, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, as well as the full Honda Sensing safety suite.

If you want to understand why Canadian journalists voted for the Civic two years in a row, come try the model. The team at Lallier Honda Montréal invites you to take the wheel and see for yourself.