Award contenders revealed
Organisers of an annual awards competition have announced the 55 cars that are in contention to take out prizes at the 2026 Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year (WWCOTY).
Some 84 women motoring journalists from 54 countries will evaluate the best new vehicles launched over the past year as part of the contest.
The WWCOTY says it brings together experts as part of a mission to highlight cars that stand out for excellence, innovation and real-world appeal.
A number of brands have two vehicles each on the candidates list, including Audi, BYD, Cadillac, Hyundai, Jaecoo, Kia, Lynk & co, MG, Nissan, Omoda, Toyota and Volkswagen.
Marta Garcia, pictured, executive president, says: “The 2026 awards take place at a fascinating crossroads for the automotive world.
“Electric mobility is becoming mainstream, Chinese automakers are reshaping global competition, and traditional manufacturers are reinventing themselves faster than ever.
“Our jury’s mission is to identify the cars that not only meet this moment but define the future of mobility.”
Voting criteria focuses on safety, quality, value, design, ease of driving and environmental footprint, with category winners set to be revealed on January 13, 2026.
Those successful vehicles will proceed to a final round of scrutiny before the 2026 supreme winner is announced on March 5, 2026, the week in which International Women's Day is celebrated.
2026 WWCOTY candidates
Alpine A390, Arcfox AlphaT5, Audi Q3, Audi Q5, BAIC BJ41, BYD Dolphin Surf, BYD Atto2, Cadillac Vistiq, Cadillac Escalade IQ, Changan CS55+Idd, Citroen e C5 Aircross, Dacia Bigster, Denza Z9 GT, Dodge Charger (ICE), DS No 8, Fiat Grande Panda, Ford Expedition, Geely Cityray, Honda Prelude, Hyundai Palisade, Hyundai Ioniq 9, Jaecoo 5/5EV, Jaecoo 6, Jeep Compass, JMC Grand Avenue Pro, KGM Actyon, Kia Tasman, Kia EV4, Lamborghini Temerario, Leapmotor B10, Lexus RZ 450e, Lynk & co 08, Lynk & co 900, Mazda 6e, Mazda CX-5, Mercedes-Benz CLA, MG 4, MG IM6, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, Nissan Leaf, Nissan Sentra, Omoda 7 SHS, Omoda 9 SHS, Opel/Vauxhall Frontera, Renault 4E-Tech, Skoda Elroq, Smart #5, Suzuki e Vitara, Toyota 4Runner, Toyota Urban Cruiser, Volkswagen T-Roc, Volkswagen Tayron, Volvo ES90, Xpeng P7, Zeekr 7X
