EVs Dominate World Car Awards Finalists

On January 6, 2026, Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, Senior Editor, Autos & Mobility at Newsweek, announced the World Car Awards finalists for 2026.

The 2026 World Car of the Year (WCOTY) winner will be selected from the following top 10 finalists chosen from an initial list of 58 contenders:

• Audi Q5 / SQ5
• BMW iX3
• BYD Seal 6 DM-i
• Hyundai Ioniq 9
• Hyundai Palisade
• Kia EV4
• Kia EV5
• Mercedes-Benz CLA
• Nissan Leaf
• Toyota RAV4

The top five 2026 World Electric Vehicle finalists are:

• Audi A6 e-tron / S6 e-tron
• BMW iX3
• Hyundai Ioniq 9
• Mercedes-Benz CLA
• Nissan Leaf

The top five 2026 World Luxury Car finalists are:

• Audi A6 e-tron / S6 e-tron
• Audi A6/S6
• Cadillac Vistiq
• Lucid Gravity
• Volvo ES90

The top five 2026 World Performance Car finalists are:

• BMW M2 CS
• Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray
• Defender OCTA
• Hyundai Ioniq 6 N
• Mercedes-AMG GT 63 Pro

The top five 2026 World Urban Car finalists are:

• Alfa Romeo Junior
• Baojun Yep Plus / Chevrolet Spark EUV
• Firefly
• Hyundai Venue
• Wuling Binguo / Ari Poly

All vehicles competing in the five categories above are eligible for the 2026 World Car Design of the Year award. The five 2026 World Car Design of the Year finalists chosen by the design panel are:

• Firefly
• Kia PV5
• Lynk & Co 08
• Mazda 6e / EZ-6
• Volvo ES90

The World Car Awards (WCA) is one of the most prestigious international automotive award programs, recognizing excellence across the global auto industry. Launched in 2004, it honors vehicles that stand out for design, innovation, performance, safety, and overall value. The awards are judged by a panel of leading automotive journalists from multiple countries, representing diverse markets and perspectives.

For eligibility and judging, vehicles must be sold in at least two major markets, and the judges evaluate them based on driving experience, engineering, design, innovation, safety, and environmental impact. Winners are announced annually at major international auto shows, including events like the New York International Auto Show and Geneva Motor Show in past years.

The awards are widely regarded as a benchmark of global automotive excellence, influencing consumer perceptions and highlighting leading trends in technology, electrification, and mobility innovation.

Top three finalists in each category will be announced on World Car TV on March 3, 2026. Final winners will be revealed during a live ceremony at the New York International Auto Show on April 1, 2026.

The 2026 awards mark 21 years of a partnership between World Car Awards and NYIAS. The program is supported by partners including AITASTIC Research & Consult, Brembo, KPMG, and Newspress.

“The World Car Awards shine a spotlight on the innovation, performance, and design that are shaping the future of mobility,” said Mark Schienberg, president of NYIAS.

For additional information, visit worldcarawards.com.

EVinfo.net’s Take: Why EVs are Dominating the World Car Awards

Electric vehicles (EVs) are no longer the niche technology of the past. They are now leading the charge in global automotive excellence. This trend is clearly reflected in the World Car Awards, where EVs increasingly sweep top honors across multiple categories. But why are EVs earning such recognition?

Faster and More Responsive
Modern EVs deliver instant torque, giving drivers acceleration that often surpasses traditional internal combustion engines. From city streets to highways, the immediate responsiveness makes for an exhilarating driving experience, combining fun with precision. Judges and consumers alike notice how smoothly and quietly EVs navigate diverse conditions, a stark contrast to engine-driven vehicles.

Eco-Friendly by Design
Sustainability is now central to automotive innovation, and EVs excel in this area. Zero tailpipe emissions, reduced lifecycle carbon footprints, and advanced battery recycling solutions make EVs the clear choice for environmentally conscious drivers and award panels focused on green technology.

Lower Total Cost of Ownership
While sticker prices can be higher, EVs are cheaper to operate over time. Fewer moving parts, lower maintenance costs, and the rising availability of affordable electricity compared to gasoline mean owners save money while enjoying cutting-edge technology. Incentives, tax credits, and expanding charging networks further enhance affordability.

Enjoyable to Drive
Beyond speed and savings, EVs are simply more enjoyable behind the wheel. Instant acceleration, quiet cabins, advanced driver-assistance features, and intuitive infotainment systems provide a seamless, high-tech driving experience. For many judges, this combination of performance, convenience, and comfort tips the scales in favor of EVs.

The World Car Awards highlight vehicles that combine innovation, sustainability, and driver satisfaction. EVs now excel in all three areas. As electrification accelerates, expect EVs to continue dominating these awards, proving that going electric is not just responsible. It is also exhilarating and practical.