Subaru Forester crowned Japan Car of the Year 2025–2026
Subaru Forester tops Japan Car of the Year 2025–2026; VW ID. Buzz and Porsche 911 GTS honored
Subaru Forester crowned Japan Car of the Year 2025–2026
Japan Car of the Year 2025–2026 crowns Subaru Forester for usability, safety and strong-hybrid. VW ID. Buzz wins import and design; Porsche 911 GTS takes tech.
2025-12-04T14:30:05+03:00
2025-12-04T14:30:05+03:00
2025-12-04T14:30:05+03:00
On December 4, Japan hosted the final vote and ceremony for Japan Car of the Year 2025–2026. From the Top Ten, the Subaru Forester emerged as the winner. The crossover earned the main title on the strength of a broad set of qualities, from everyday usability and comfort to up-to-date driver assists and safety. A decisive factor was the debut of the strong-hybrid version: the jury welcomed the step toward deeper electrification without sacrificing the model’s family-focused character—a call that feels entirely in tune with the Forester’s brief.Alongside the headline award, the organizers announced the category winners. Among imported models, the Volkswagen ID. Buzz was named best and also took the design prize, completing a clean sweep in two nominations. In the technology category, the Porsche 911 Carrera GTS received the title of Technology Car of the Year. The spread of awards reads coherently: design recognized for flair, tech honored for substance.The organizing committee also presented special honors. Porsche Experience Center Tokyo was commended as the brand’s customer-experience venue, while the Super Taikyu Future Organization was distinguished for its role in advancing future technologies within the Super Taikyu series. These nods underscore how the award circuit values not only products, but the ecosystems that support them.The Japan Car of the Year award considers passenger models introduced or launched between November 1, 2024, and October 31, 2025. This time, 35 vehicles made the nominations, and the ultimate winner was chosen by 60 jurors—automotive journalists, experts, and industry representatives—voting from the 10 Best Cars shortlist. The outcome aligns neatly with the criteria the award emphasizes: practicality, ease of use, safety, and relevant, modern assistance systems.
Japan Car of the Year 2025–2026, Subaru Forester, strong-hybrid, Volkswagen ID. Buzz, design award, Porsche 911 Carrera GTS, Technology Car of the Year, automotive awards, Japan, winners
2025
Michael Powers
news
Subaru Forester tops Japan Car of the Year 2025–2026; VW ID. Buzz and Porsche 911 GTS honored
Japan Car of the Year 2025–2026 crowns Subaru Forester for usability, safety and strong-hybrid. VW ID. Buzz wins import and design; Porsche 911 GTS takes tech.
Michael Powers, Editor
On December 4, Japan hosted the final vote and ceremony for Japan Car of the Year 2025–2026. From the Top Ten, the Subaru Forester emerged as the winner. The crossover earned the main title on the strength of a broad set of qualities, from everyday usability and comfort to up-to-date driver assists and safety. A decisive factor was the debut of the strong-hybrid version: the jury welcomed the step toward deeper electrification without sacrificing the model’s family-focused character—a call that feels entirely in tune with the Forester’s brief.
Alongside the headline award, the organizers announced the category winners. Among imported models, the Volkswagen ID. Buzz was named best and also took the design prize, completing a clean sweep in two nominations. In the technology category, the Porsche 911 Carrera GTS received the title of Technology Car of the Year. The spread of awards reads coherently: design recognized for flair, tech honored for substance.
The organizing committee also presented special honors. Porsche Experience Center Tokyo was commended as the brand’s customer-experience venue, while the Super Taikyu Future Organization was distinguished for its role in advancing future technologies within the Super Taikyu series. These nods underscore how the award circuit values not only products, but the ecosystems that support them.
The Japan Car of the Year award considers passenger models introduced or launched between November 1, 2024, and October 31, 2025. This time, 35 vehicles made the nominations, and the ultimate winner was chosen by 60 jurors—automotive journalists, experts, and industry representatives—voting from the 10 Best Cars shortlist. The outcome aligns neatly with the criteria the award emphasizes: practicality, ease of use, safety, and relevant, modern assistance systems.
