Field narrows for awards
The top 10 finalists vying for the World Car of the Year crown in 2026 have been named, along with the top five contenders for six vehicle categories.
Officials behind the World Car Awards revealed the models in the running to land prizes as they begin the countdown to the winners being announced at the 2026 New York International Auto Show on April 1.
Hyundai and Kia each have two models vying for the World Car of the Year title after an initial list of 58 contenders was whittled down to 10. Other marques in the running include Audi, BMW, BYD, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan and Toyota.
A jury of 98 automotive journalists from 33 countries selected the finalists by secret ballot based on their evaluation of each eligible vehicle as part of their professional work.
The top three finalists for the various categories, which include design, EVs, luxury, performance and urban, are due to be announced on March 3.
Mark Schienberg, president of the New York International Auto Show, says: “The World Car Awards shine a spotlight on the innovation, performance, and design that are shaping the future of mobility.
“We are proud to partner with World Car Awards as the industry’s top vehicles are recognised on a global stage, culminating in New York this April.”
Finalists
2026 World Car of the Year
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
World Electric Vehicle
Audi A6 e-tron / S6 e-tron
BMW iX3
Hyundai Ioniq 9
Mercedes-Benz CLA
Nissan Leaf
World Luxury Car
Audi A6 e-tron / S6 e-tron
Audi A6/S6
Cadillac Vistiq
Lucid Gravity
Volvo ES90
World Performance Car
BMW M2 CS
Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray
Defender OCTA
Hyundai Ioniq 6 N
Mercedes-AMG GT 63 Pro
World Urban Car
Alfa Romeo Junior
Baojun Yep Plus / Chevrolet Spark EUV
Firefly
Hyundai Venue
Wuling Binguo / Ari Poly
World Car Design of the Year
Firefly
Kia PV5
Lynk & Co 08
Mazda 6e / EZ-6
Volvo ES90
