On March 3, the Automotive Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) announced the six finalists for its 2021 Canadian Car of the Year and Canadian Utility of the Year Awards.

The three finalists for Canadian Car of the Year are:

• Genesis G80 (Best Mid-size Premium Car in Canada for 2021)

• Kia K5 (Best Large Car in Canada for 2021)

• Mazda 3 (Best Mid-size Car in Canada for 2021)

The three finalists for Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year are:  

• Genesis GV80 (Best Mid-size Premium Utility Vehicle in Canada for 2021)

• Kia Telluride (Best Large Utility Vehicle in Canada for 2021)

• Nissan Rogue (Best Mid-size Utility Vehicle in Canada for 2021)

Result announcement

Results from AJAC journalist member ballots are audited by international accounting firm KPMG and remain under wraps until the moment the envelopes are opened

Usually, the Canadian Car of the Year award presentation is held during the opening ceremonies of the Canadian International AutoShow (CIAS) in Toronto each February. However, due to pandemic and public health measures, the show was not able to take place in 2021.

Instead, the Canadian Car of the Year and Utility of the Year winners will be revealed during a live television broadcast on Global’s The Morning Show on Tuesday, March 30 from 9:00 am to 10:00 am Eastern Time.

Among the 2021 finalists, the Mazda3 is vying for a repeat win after being declared the 2020 Canadian Car of the Year and winning in its category for two years in a row.

The three finalist cars and utility vehicles were qualified from among the 8 category winners announced on February 20 on the Zone Auto television show broadcast on TVA in partnership with the Montreal International Auto Show.