Why the 2026 Honda Civic Earned Its Third Canadian Car of the Year Title
February 13 2026,
The 2026 Honda Civic hybrid has captured the Canadian Car of the Year award from the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada for the second consecutive year - marking its third CCOTY title in just five years. This recognition places the Civic among an elite group of vehicles that consistently deliver outstanding value, performance, and reliability to Canadian drivers. The award arrives alongside additional accolades, including the 2026 Car and Driver Editors' Choice Award and The Drive Best Value for 2026 Award, reinforcing the Civic's position as the benchmark in the compact car segment.
For families in Quebec seeking a vehicle that brings together proven engineering with advanced hybrid technology, the 2026 Civic is a strong choice. As Canada's best-selling car for 26 of the past 28 years, the Civic continues to set the standard for compact vehicles with its blend of efficiency, driving dynamics, and comprehensive features across sedan and hatchback body styles.
Award-Winning Hybrid Technology
The 2026 Civic hybrid features the Honda two-motor hybrid system, which recently earned recognition in the Wards 10 Best Engines competition. This powertrain pairs two large and powerful electric motors with a gasoline engine to deliver smooth acceleration and outstanding fuel efficiency.
The system operates smoothly, automatically selecting the most efficient power source for driving conditions without requiring driver intervention. Hybrid variants of the Civic include enhanced refinement features that elevate the driving experience. Active Noise Control comes standard on all hybrid models, actively reducing unwanted cabin sounds. The Sport Touring hybrid adds wheel resonators that further minimize road noise, creating one of the quietest cabins in the compact car segment.
Comprehensive Trim Lineup
The 2026 Civic is available in four distinct trim levels, each designed to satisfy specific driver preferences and budgets.
LX (Sedan Only)
The entry-level LX trim establishes the foundation for the Civic lineup with essential features and proven reliability. This trim delivers the core Civic experience with standard safety technology and comfortable seating for five passengers. The LX appeals to value-conscious drivers who prioritize Honda's reputation for durability and low cost of ownership.
Key features include:
- Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies
- Multi-angle rearview camera
- LED headlights and taillights
- 7-inch touchscreen with smartphone integration
Sport
The Sport trim adds visual distinction and enhanced driving dynamics to the Civic formula. Available in both sedan and hatchback configurations, this model features sportier exterior styling and upgraded interior appointments. The Sport trim targets drivers who want a more engaging driving experience without sacrificing everyday practicality.
Key features include:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Sport-tuned suspension
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
Sport Hybrid
The Sport Hybrid introduces the award-winning Honda two-motor hybrid system to the Civic lineup. This trim brings together the engaging character of the Sport model with the efficiency and refinement of hybrid technology. Drivers gain access to improved fuel economy and reduced emissions while maintaining the responsive handling that defines the Civic driving experience.
Key features include:
- Honda two-motor hybrid system
- Active Noise Control
- Premium cloth seating
- Enhanced instrumentation with hybrid-specific displays
Sport Touring Hybrid
Positioned at the top of the Civic lineup, the Sport Touring Hybrid is the most refined and feature-rich version available. This trim includes advanced comfort features, premium materials, and the most comprehensive noise reduction package in the lineup. The Sport Touring Hybrid appeals to drivers who want the complete Civic experience with maximum efficiency and luxury appointments.
Key features include:
- Wheel resonators for enhanced cabin quietness
- Leather-trimmed seating
- Heated front and rear seats
- Premium audio system
- Navigation system
Comparing the 2026 Civic Trims

|
Feature |
LX |
Sport |
Sport Hybrid |
Sport Touring Hybrid |
|
Body Style |
Sedan |
Sedan/Hatchback |
Sedan/Hatchback |
Sedan/Hatchback |
|
Powertrain |
Gasoline |
Gasoline |
Hybrid |
Hybrid |
|
Active Noise Control |
— |
— |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Wheel Resonators |
— |
— |
— |
✓ |
|
Leather Seating |
— |
— |
— |
✓ |
|
Heated Rear Seats |
— |
— |
— |
✓ |
Built in Canada for Canadian Drivers
The 2026 Civic is proudly manufactured in Canada, reflecting Honda's dedication to local production and employment. This domestic manufacturing ensures the Civic is engineered and tested to address the specific demands of Canadian driving conditions, from harsh winters to varied terrain. The vehicle's 26-year reign as Canada's best-selling car demonstrates its ability to satisfy the diverse needs of drivers across the country.
The Civic serves as the gateway to the Honda brand, with over 15 million units sold in North America since 1973. The current 11th-generation model continues this legacy with advanced technology, refined driving dynamics, and the reliability that has made Civic a trusted choice for generations of Canadian families.
Recognition from Industry Experts
The 2026 Civic's recent awards reflect consistent excellence across multiple evaluation criteria. The Canadian Car of the Year award involves extensive testing by automotive journalists who evaluate vehicles on performance, value, design, safety, and environmental impact. Winning this title for the second consecutive year - and third time in five years - demonstrates the Civic's ability to evolve while maintaining the core attributes that define the model.
The Car and Driver Editors' Choice Award recognizes vehicles that offer outstanding value and performance within their respective segments. This accolade highlights the Civic's ability to deliver an engaging driving experience at an accessible price point. The Drive Best Value for 2026 Award further reinforces the Civic's position as a smart financial choice, offering long-term reliability and low ownership costs.
Your 2026 Civic Awaits at Lallier Honda Hull
The 2026 Honda Civic hybrid's third Canadian Car of the Year title in five years confirms what drivers in Quebec already know - this is a vehicle that consistently delivers outstanding value and performance. Whether you choose the efficient hybrid powertrain or prefer the traditional gasoline engine, every Civic trim offers the reliability, safety features, and driving dynamics that have made this model Canada's best-selling car for more than two decades.
Contact our sales team at Lallier Honda Hull to experience the award-winning 2026 Civic in person and find which trim level best matches your driving needs.