Women's Worldwide Car of the Year 2026 finalists: electrified models dominate

Michael Powers, Editor

15:51 14-01-2026

The jury of the renowned Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year has summed up the interim results and unveiled the 2026 finalists. An all-female panel of 84 automotive journalists from 54 countries assessed the contenders across a broad set of criteria: safety, comfort, technology, handling, efficiency, and value for money.

In the compact car category, the Nissan Leaf came out on top, a model that over the years has become a touchstone of mainstream electrification. Among compact crossovers, the Skoda Elroq prevailed, striking a well-judged balance of practicality, modern tech, and ownership costs.

The jury named the new-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA the most significant debut of the year. In the larger classes, the choices were just as telling: the Hyundai Ioniq 9 took best large crossover, while the Toyota 4Runner was awarded SUV of the year.

In the realm of supercars and exclusive models, the Lamborghini Temerario was declared the winner. Notably, every vehicle that made the final cut features an electrified powertrain.

Executive President of WWCOTY Marta Garcia emphasized that voting hinged not only on technical specs or styling, but also on how well each car answers real, everyday needs. She noted that electrification, digital solutions, and sustainability have shifted from trends to baseline market expectations.

This year’s longlist comprised 55 models, and WWCOTY is being held for the 15th time. The overall winner—Women’s Car of the Year 2026—will be revealed in early March. As the results coalesce, they increasingly chart the direction of the global market.

The panel’s choices lean less on raw power or prestige and more on rationality, smart technology, and tangible day-to-day usefulness. The fact that only electrified models reached the final stage underscores a shift that already feels irreversible.