• The Palisade continues Hyundai’s award‑winning legacy, following the trail blazed by the Tucson, IONIQ 5 and Santa Fe which earned the same prestigious AJAC honour in 2022, 2023 and 2025.
• Two other Hyundai models, Elantra and IONIQ 9, were also finalists in the 2026 AJAC Car of the Year Awards program.

Toronto, Ont. (February 12, 2026) – Hyundai Auto Canada is pleased to announce that the all-new 2026 Palisade has been named Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year for 2026 by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC).

This recognition marks the second consecutive year that Hyundai has captured this highly competitive title, following Santa Fe’s win in 2025. It is also the fourth time in the past five years Hyundai wins AJAC’s Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year Award. In addition to Palisade and Santa Fe last year, Tucson and IONIQ 5 also received this highly valuable recognition in 2022 and 2023.

The Hyundai Palisade has been named Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year for 2026 by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC)

“Being recognized as AJAC’s Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year is an honour we’re incredibly proud of, especially in a segment as competitive as this one. The all‑new 2026 Palisade represents Hyundai at its best: bold design, advanced technology, and a commitment to delivering exceptional value to Canadian families,” said Steve Flamand, president and CEO of Hyundai Auto Canada. “Earning this recognition for a fourth time in since 2022 underscores the importance of applying customer and journalistic feedback we’ve gained over the years, while continuing the strong momentum and leadership of our SUV portfolio in Canada.”

“Congratulations to the Hyundai Palisade for earning AJAC’s 2026 Canadian Utility of the Year Award. Hyundai has completely redesigned its three-row SUV, delivering more features, more comfort, and a new, efficient hybrid system,” said Evan Williams, president of AJAC. “Our expert jurors scored the Palisade highly for its interior styling, its overall quality, and for the high consumer appeal this SUV brings to the Canadian marketplace.”

Evan Williams (left), president of AJAC, presents the 2026 Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year trophy to Steve Flamand (right), president of Hyundai Auto Canada.

In addition to the Palisade’ category win, two other Hyundai models were finalists in the 2026 AJAC Car of the Year Awards program. The Hyundai IONIQ 9 was shortlisted for Canadian Electric Utility Vehicle of the Year, while the Hyundai Elantra was part of the Canadian Car of the Year finalists.

About the 2026 Hyundai Palisade
The new 2026 Hyundai Palisade is bigger, better and goes further than its critically acclaimed predecessor – and its SUV competition. Not only does Palisade’s additional space, longer driving range and rugged ability impress, its infotainment, convenience, and advanced safety-system upgrades mean that this new model is more capable in every dimension. With the introduction of a hybrid variant, tech that empowers, and enhanced roominess and comfort—alongside the adventure-ready XRT PRO model, the 2026 Palisade more than meets the needs of today’s drivers and families. It also builds on Hyundai’s long‑standing reputation for durability—95% of all Hyundai SUVs sold in Canada in the last 10 years are still on the road today.¹

The Hyundai Palisade has been named Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year for 2026 by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC)

The 2026 Palisade offers two new powertrain options. The internal-combustion powertrain boasts a newly developed 3.5-litre V6 producing 287 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. A hybrid option also joins the Palisade powertrain portfolio for the first time. It features a combined total system output of 329 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. Specific features have been added to the hybrid to provide a more EV-like ownership experience, including a new Stay Mode function that monitors the battery system when parked to allow for extended use of the infotainment and HVAC functions.

The award for Canadian Car of the Year (CCOTY) was chosen after extensive, real-world evaluation conducted by over 45 AJAC CCOTY judges across Canada. The vehicles were tested on the same roads and under the same conditions that Canadian drivers face everyday. Voting results have been verified by accounting firm, KPMG.