World Car of the Year 2026: BMW, Hyundai & Nissan in the Final Three | EVs Dominate

The competition for World Car of the Year 2026 has narrowed to a trio of finalists representing both European and East Asian automotive design and engineering. Whereas several national awards have already been given – including Škoda Elroq taking the top spot in the Czech Republic – the global title remains open. This year’s selection notably emphasizes electric vehicles, signaling a continued shift within the automotive industry.

National and Continental Recognition

Automotive awards vary in scope and focus. The Czech Republic’s domestic competition saw Škoda Elroq emerge victorious, while the European Car of the Year award went to the Mercedes-Benz CLA, with the Elroq securing second place. Auto Mania reports that the European award, decided by a panel of automotive journalists, awarded the CLA 320 points, with the Elroq receiving 220. The Czech Republic is represented in the European competition by the editor-in-chief of Automobil magazine.

The Global Contenders

The World Car of the Year award, a more expansive competition, features a jury of 98 members representing 26 European countries. Unlike the Czech and European awards, the World Car of the Year finalists include the BMW iX3, Hyundai Palisade, and Nissan Leaf. Notably, only the Palisade isn’t fully electric, offering a 2.5-liter four-cylinder or 3.5-liter six-cylinder engine option in the US market. This highlights the growing dominance of electric powertrains in the automotive landscape, even as internal combustion engines still hold a place in certain segments.

Electrification Across Categories

The trend towards electrification extends beyond the main World Car of the Year category. The World Sportscar of the Year finalists are as well heavily influenced by electric technology, with the BMW M2 CS, Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray (a hybrid), and Hyundai Ioniq 6 N all vying for the title. The Best Electric Vehicle category features the BMW iX3, Mercedes-Benz CLA, and Nissan Leaf – essentially a repeat of the main category’s electric contenders.

Luxury vehicles are also leaning towards electric power, with the Cadillac Vistiq, Lucid Gravity, and Volvo ES90 all nominated for World Luxury Car of the Year. Even the World Urban Car category is largely electric, featuring the Chinese Baojun Yep Plus (sold as the Chevrolet Spark EUV in the US), the Nio Firefly, and the Hyundai Venue – the only remaining combustion engine vehicle in the entire selection.

Design and Innovation

Automotive design is also being recognized. The Kia PV5, Mazda 6e, and Volvo ES90 are finalists for the World Car Design of the Year award, showcasing a diverse range of aesthetic approaches. Auto.cz highlights the strong showing of electric vehicles across all categories, suggesting a fundamental shift in automotive priorities.

Czech Success and Broader Implications

While the Mercedes-Benz CLA took the European title, the Škoda Elroq’s victory in the Czech Republic is significant. iDNES.cz reports that the Elroq finished second overall in the European competition, and third place went to the BMW iX3. This demonstrates Škoda’s growing competitiveness in the European market, particularly in the electric vehicle segment. The Czech automaker hasn’t secured the top spot in this competition for seven years, making this win particularly noteworthy.

The Road Ahead: New York and Beyond

The winners of the World Car of the Year awards will be announced at the New York International Auto Show on April 1st. This timing allows the winning vehicles to leverage their accolades throughout the spring and summer buying seasons. The awards themselves are a significant marketing tool for automakers, influencing consumer perception and driving sales. The increasing focus on electric vehicles in these awards reflects a broader industry trend, driven by tightening emissions regulations, advancements in battery technology, and growing consumer demand for sustainable transportation options.

The continued evolution of electric vehicle technology, coupled with ongoing innovation in automotive design and engineering, promises an exciting future for the automotive industry. The World Car of the Year awards serve as a valuable benchmark for these advancements, highlighting the vehicles that are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.