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2026 Nissan Leaf named Supreme Winner in WWCOTY competition

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The 2026 electric Nissan Leaf has won the Women's Worldwide Car of the Year award, impressing 86 female journalists with its affordability, comfort and improved features.
Michael Powers, Editor

The 2026 electric Nissan Leaf has secured a decisive victory in the Women's Worldwide Car of the Year (WWCOTY) competition, earning the top title of Supreme Winner. The results were announced by journalists from 32CARS on the eve of March 8, making the choice particularly symbolic. The decision was made by 86 female automotive journalists from 55 countries, who evaluated the car not as a 'women's car' but as the best based on its overall characteristics.

The Leaf underwent a multi-stage selection process. It first won in the compact model segment before triumphing over powerful competitors in the final, including the Skoda Elroq, Mercedes-Benz CLA, Hyundai Ioniq 9, Toyota 4Runner, and even the Lamborghini Temerario. The jury noted the competition was tight, but the Nissan Leaf impressed with its combination of affordability, comfort, and ease of use. Furthermore, the updated architecture has increased cabin space and improved ergonomics.

The WWCOTY organization, founded in 2009, was created to provide a professional industry assessment that incorporates a female editorial perspective. The selection criteria include dynamics, comfort, functionality, efficiency, environmental friendliness, and overall value for the buyer.

The second-generation Nissan Leaf has matured, with its refreshed design, improved specifications, and expanded feature set making it one of the most balanced electric vehicles in the mass market segment. This WWCOTY win further confirms that the Leaf remains a benchmark for practical and accessible EVs on the global market.