Leaf wins tight race for award

Nissan’s Leaf has been named the 2026 winner of the Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year (WWCOTY) after also scooping the compact car crown in this year’s annual awards.

Organisers of the competition note the Leaf, pictured, took out the overall prize after a final round of voting marked by “remarkable parity” among the top contenders.

The EV emerged triumphant ahead of other category winners, including the Skoda Elroq as best compact SUV and the Mercedes-Benz CLA in the large car section.

Hyundai’s Ioniq 9 won the large SUV honour, the Toyota 4Runner claimed the 4x4 gong and Lamborghini’s Temerario was voted the best performance car.

The winners were announced after months of testing, analysis and debate by 86 women motoring journalists from 55 countries.

Marta Garcia, executive president of WWCOTY, says: “Several models received very similar levels of support, which reflects the exceptional quality and diversity of today’s automotive industry. In the end, however, the Nissan Leaf prevailed.”

“In our voting, we have focused on vehicles that stand out not only for their figures or technology, but for how effectively they respond to people’s real, everyday needs.

“The Nissan Leaf represents a mature and intelligent vision of electrification – one that makes electric mobility truly usable and accessible.”

Judges also praised the Leaf’s practical approach, offering smooth, quiet driving and outstanding efficiency, particularly in urban and suburban environments. 

They also highlighted its architecture for prioritising interior space and ease of use over complex solutions, delivering one of the most intuitive electric driving experiences on the market.

WWCOTY says the final 2026 winners reflect the broader transformation of the automotive sector, where electrification, sustainability and user-centred design have become fundamental pillars. 

It adds the strong competition in this year’s awards demonstrates how manufacturers are raising standards across all segments.