Car of the Year 2026: contenders, testing, Brussels reveal
Car of the Year 2026: contenders, judging process and key dates
Car of the Year 2026: contenders, testing, Brussels reveal
Explore the Car of the Year 2026 race: 35 new models from Audi, BYD, Hyundai, Mercedes and more, the seven-finalist process, road tests, and Brussels reveal.
2025-10-20T11:24:54+03:00
2025-10-20T11:24:54+03:00
2025-10-20T11:24:54+03:00
The annual international Car of the Year competition has been running for more than half a century, first taking place back in 1964. Over the decades, it has grown into one of the industry’s most influential benchmarks, highlighting the standout models of the year from a crowded field.This time, 35 new vehicles from manufacturers around the globe are vying for the title. The lineup cuts across categories and market segments, a mix that always sharpens the intrigue of the contest. Among the contenders are: Alpine A390, Audi A6, Audi A6 e-tron, Audi Q3, Audi Q5, BYD Atto 2, BYD Dolphin Surf, BYD Seal 6 DM-i, BYD Sealion 7, Citroën C3 Aircross, Citroën C5 Aircross, Dacia Bigster, DS № 8, Fiat Grande Panda, Hyundai Ioniq 9, Jeep Compass, Kia EV4, Leapmotor B10, Leapmotor C10, Mazda 6e, Mercedes-Benz CLA, MG HS, MG MGS5, Mini Aceman, Mitsubishi Outlander, Nissan Leaf. Even a quick glance at this roster suggests a fiercely competitive season ahead.After an initial round of voting, seven finalists will be selected. They will then undergo a series of tests and evaluations by a professional international jury, including detailed drives on public roads. It’s those real-world assessments that ultimately decide the crown, keeping the emphasis on how the cars perform beyond the brochure.The winner of Car of the Year 2026 will be announced at one of Europe’s major automotive gatherings, the Brussels Motor Show, with the award ceremony set for January 9, 2026.
Car of the Year 2026, contenders, finalists, Brussels Motor Show, international jury, road testing, shortlist, Audi, BYD, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Kia, Nissan Leaf, electric cars
2025
Michael Powers
news
Car of the Year 2026: contenders, judging process and key dates
Explore the Car of the Year 2026 race: 35 new models from Audi, BYD, Hyundai, Mercedes and more, the seven-finalist process, road tests, and Brussels reveal.
Michael Powers, Editor
The annual international Car of the Year competition has been running for more than half a century, first taking place back in 1964. Over the decades, it has grown into one of the industry’s most influential benchmarks, highlighting the standout models of the year from a crowded field.
This time, 35 new vehicles from manufacturers around the globe are vying for the title. The lineup cuts across categories and market segments, a mix that always sharpens the intrigue of the contest. Among the contenders are: Alpine A390, Audi A6, Audi A6 e-tron, Audi Q3, Audi Q5, BYD Atto 2, BYD Dolphin Surf, BYD Seal 6 DM-i, BYD Sealion 7, Citroën C3 Aircross, Citroën C5 Aircross, Dacia Bigster, DS № 8, Fiat Grande Panda, Hyundai Ioniq 9, Jeep Compass, Kia EV4, Leapmotor B10, Leapmotor C10, Mazda 6e, Mercedes-Benz CLA, MG HS, MG MGS5, Mini Aceman, Mitsubishi Outlander, Nissan Leaf. Even a quick glance at this roster suggests a fiercely competitive season ahead.
After an initial round of voting, seven finalists will be selected. They will then undergo a series of tests and evaluations by a professional international jury, including detailed drives on public roads. It’s those real-world assessments that ultimately decide the crown, keeping the emphasis on how the cars perform beyond the brochure.
The winner of Car of the Year 2026 will be announced at one of Europe’s major automotive gatherings, the Brussels Motor Show, with the award ceremony set for January 9, 2026.
