The 2026 Canadian International AutoShow had something for everyone

From February 13-22 the halls of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre once again played host to the Canadian International AutoShow. Following the media preview and VIP gala reception, the show opened to the public and on that first day, witnessed record attendance with 23,885 people visiting. This represented 37% year over year increase from 2025 and signified not only the AutoShow’s premier status as a leading consumer expo in Canada, but also that interest in cars and trucks continues to be strong within the Greater Toronto Area and sounding locations. By the time the 2026 Canadian International AutoShow closed its doors on February 22, a record 374,678 visitors had attended, with Saturday, February 21, having the highest attendance figures for a single day at CIAS – 58,232.

By the time the 2026 Canadian International AutoShow closed its doors on February 22, a record 374,678 visitors had attended, with Saturday, February 21, having the highest attendance figures for a single day at CIAS – 58,232.

Vehicle of the year winners
In 2026, there were some very significant announcements. During a special press conference prior to the AutoShow’s opening this year, the

Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) announced the winners of the coveted Canadian Car and Utility of the Year awards, along with the Electric Car and Utility of the Year Winners. The winners in each category were the 2026 Honda Civic (Car of the Year), 2026 Hyundai Palisade (Utility of the Year); 2026 Porsche Tacan (Electric Car of the Year) and the 2026 Kia EV( (Electric Utility of the Year).

Additionally, the press conference featured a special announcement from Hyundai Hope on Wheels and the C17 Council, which have teamed up for a new $1 million Research Grant Fund. This initiative, which is supporting four paediatric cancer research projects over a two-year period, is part of Hyundai Auto Canada’s wider commitment to help end childhood cancer.

New ownership at CTMP
Also featured during the press conference was a panel discussion with the new ownership team of Canadian Tire Motorsport Park near Bowmanville, Ontario. Peter Thompson, Christopher Pfaff and Alex Krstajic, along with session moderator and former racing driver James Hinchcliffe, discussed the iconic track, how it continues to remain in Canadian hands, and some of the future plans for the facilities, including maintaining and optimizing the track itself, as well as adding and upgrading facilities, including onsite garages, the pit area, as well as ensuring CTMP’s long-term future by not only being a primary motorsport venue in North America, but also by hosting other events year-round, including concerts, outdoor activities, plus the possibility of creating an onsite motorsport museum.

What also struck the Autosphere team about CIAS 2026, was not only the sheer variety of vehicles at the AutoShow, but the creativity that went into displaying them. In the North Hall, Nissan had a winter theme, designed to illustrate the capabilities of its AWD drive lineup, while BMW once again, unleashed its M Level Display between the North and South Halls. A life-size pink Cadillac, constructed from Lego Bricks, was a huge attraction, as was Camp Jeep, the McLaren display that featured the W1 Super Car (making its North American debut), as well as the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X; the Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC, and Multimatic assembled Mustang RTR. Formula 1 replicas from Audi and Cadillac signified the prominent position of the sport today as well as the growing commitment from OEMs.

Popular icons return
The Stellantis exhibit in the North Hall also proved to be hugely popular, with the 2027 Ram 1500 SRT TRX making its Canadian debut, alongside the Ram 1500, a range extending, electric pickup that uses a Pentastar 3.6-litre V6 engine as a generator; plus the new Jeep Cherokee and performance oriented (and assembled in Canada) Dodge Charger Scat Pack.

New electric vehicle debuts were well represented with the Ford Mustang Mach-e California Special, Hyundai IONIQ6 N, Lucid Gravity Touring; Polestar 4 Arctic Circle, Subaru Uncharted and TrailSeeker EVs, Mercedes-Benz Electric GLC SUV and Toyota C-HR.

Also drawing the crowds were the enticing Oblivion display on the 700 level which showcased a variety of iconic and familiar cars, SUVs and cultural artifacts from the 1980s and 1990s, as well as the very prominent (and extensive) Exotic and Supercar Collection, Cobble Beach Concours D’Elegance and classic car showcase (including a section of unique vintage minicars from 1950s and 1960s).

A special premiere
A star attraction for many attendees, was the appearance of actor Sung Kang, who provided a World Premiere trailer of his upcoming film Drifter. Kang, who is best known for playing Han Lue in the popular Fast and Furious film franchise, wrote, directed and stars in Drifter.

In the film, Kang works as a janitor by day, while being an aspiring Drift driver with dreams of reaching the highest levels of competition in his trusty Toyota Corolla GT (AE86). At CIAS, Kang hosted a special Q&A session with fans (as well as revealing an extended opening clip of the movie), in the John Bassett Theatre, adjacent to the North Hall of the MTCC.

Kang said he was not only “blown away,” by the enthusiasm from fans regarding the upcoming film, but also developed a real connection with the strong and vibrant car culture within Toronto and the GTA.

Jason Campbell, General Manager of the Canadian International AutoShow, said, “we’re honoured that Sung chose the AutoShow to premiere this exclusive clip of the opening scene, of his new film, ‘DRIFTER.” He added that, “we have such an incredibly strong and passionate car culture in Toronto—we see it every year but we’re particularly proud that Sung Kang has also had a chance to come and share his passion and film with us this year.”

Project Arrow concept
Additional highlights included a new concept vehicle in the Project Arrow Series, courtesy of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association of Canada (APMA). This prototype, named Borealis, is intended to showcase future automotive technologies, including autonomous driving, as well as signifying the capabilities and technological prowess of vehicle engineering and development skills and resources right here in Canada. Evan Solomon, Member of Parliament for Toronto Centre, who also serves as Federal Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, stressed the importance and vitality of automotive manufacturing and innovation in Canada and Ontario, and how it continues to be a major economic driver for the province and the entire country.

Asa Haglund, Global Vice President at Volvo Cars Safety Centre in Gothenburg, Sweden, was also on hand and discussed Volvo’s relentless focus on its Zero Collision Strategy, and how innovation and technology is continuing to make vehicles safer.

Return of IndyCar
Frank Scarpitti, Mayor of the City of Markham, just north of Toronto, discussed the upcoming IndyCar race on August 16, and how this represents an exciting chapter, both for Markham and the IndyCar Series. Dubbed the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Markham, the race will take place on a specially constructed street circuit in and around Markham Centre, and looks set to draw big crowds and investment to the region over the next five years.