The 2026 Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year (WWCOTY) awards have crowned six outstanding vehicles across different categories, with winners including the Nissan Leaf, Škoda Elroq, Mercedes-Benz CLA, Hyundai Ioniq 9, Toyota 4Runner, and Lamborghini Temerario. These awards, judged by 84 female motoring journalists from 54 countries, highlight innovation, sustainability, and driving excellence in vehicles launched globally in 2025.
🚗 What is WWCOTY?
The Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year (WWCOTY) is a prestigious award that has been running for 15 years. It is unique because the jury is composed entirely of women automotive journalists, ensuring diverse perspectives on what makes a car truly exceptional.
- Global Jury: 84 journalists from 54 countries.
- Eligibility: Vehicles must be new models launched in at least two continents or 40 countries between January–December 2025.
- Evaluation Criteria: Safety, design, comfort, technology, efficiency, environmental impact, and value for money.
This award is not just about performance—it’s about how cars fit into everyday lives, making them practical, safe, and enjoyable for all drivers.
🏆 2026 Category Winners
Here are the six vehicles that took top honors in their respective categories:
- Best Urban Car: Nissan Leaf – A pioneer in electric mobility, the Leaf continues to impress with affordability, practicality, and eco-friendliness.
- Best Family SUV: Škoda Elroq – A new entrant in the EV space, offering spacious interiors, advanced safety features, and efficient electric performance.
- Best Sedan: Mercedes-Benz CLA – Stylish, premium, and technologically advanced, the CLA balances luxury with everyday usability.
- Best Large SUV: Hyundai Ioniq 9 – Judges praised its class-leading interior space, thoughtful design, and electric range of over 311 miles per charge.
- Best Off-Roader: Toyota 4Runner – A rugged legend, updated for modern times while retaining its off-road DNA.
- Best Performance Car: Lamborghini Temerario – A supercar that blends breathtaking speed with cutting-edge design and engineering.
🌍 Special Awards
Beyond the category winners, WWCOTY also recognized brands for their contributions to technology and equality:
- Best Technology Award: Renault, for innovations in electrification and connected mobility.
- Sandy Myhre Award: Ford, honored for its commitment to gender equality in the automotive industry.
🚦 Why These Winners Matter
Each winner reflects broader trends shaping the automotive industry:
- Electrification: Four of the six winners are electric vehicles, underscoring the global shift toward sustainable mobility.
- Design & Comfort: Cars like the Mercedes-Benz CLA and Hyundai Ioniq 9 show that style and practicality can coexist.
- Adventure & Performance: The Toyota 4Runner and Lamborghini Temerario prove that off-road capability and high-speed thrills remain essential parts of automotive culture.
📈 Impact on Consumers
For buyers, these awards provide valuable guidance:
- Trustworthy Benchmark: WWCOTY winners are vetted by experts across continents.
- Diverse Appeal: From affordable EVs like the Nissan Leaf to luxury sedans and supercars, the awards cover every lifestyle.
- Future-Oriented: Highlighting EVs and sustainable technologies helps consumers make informed, future-proof choices.
🔮 Looking Ahead
The 2026 WWCOTY winners reflect a turning point in automotive history. As electrification becomes mainstream, automakers are competing not just on horsepower but on sustainability, usability, and inclusivity.
By 2030, we can expect even more EVs dominating these awards, alongside innovations in autonomous driving and AI-powered safety systems.
🏁 Conclusion
The 2026 Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year category winners showcase the best of modern automotive design and engineering. From the eco-friendly Nissan Leaf to the luxurious Mercedes-Benz CLA, the versatile Hyundai Ioniq 9, and the thrilling Lamborghini Temerario, these vehicles represent excellence across every segment.
More than just cars, they symbolize progress—toward sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation. For consumers worldwide, these winners are not only aspirational but also practical choices that reflect the evolving landscape of mobility.