The contenders for the 2026 UK Car of the Year award have been revealed, with a clear trend towards electric vehicles and spacious, practical designs. The eight category winners, announced ahead of the February 26th ceremony, showcase a shift in consumer preference and manufacturer focus.
Electric Surge in Automotive Awards
More than half of the winning vehicles are fully electric, underscoring the growing dominance of EVs in the UK market. This trend reflects increasing environmental awareness, government incentives for electric car adoption, and improvements in battery technology making EVs more accessible.
Category Breakdown: Winners at a Glance
Here’s a breakdown of the 2026 category winners:
- Small Car: Renault 5
- Family Car: Kia EV4
- Small Crossover: Citroën C3/ë-C3 Aircross
- Medium Crossover: Škoda Elroq
- Large Crossover: Hyundai IONIQ 9
- Executive Car: Audi A6
- Estate Car: Audi A6 Avant
- Performance Car: Alpine A290
Notably, Audi performs strongly with wins in both the Executive Car (A6 saloon) and Estate Car (A6 Avant) categories, suggesting continued consumer demand for premium, traditionally powered vehicles alongside the EV revolution.
The Award’s Legacy and Judging Process
The UK Car of the Year Awards, established in 2014, are decided by a panel of 33 respected motoring journalists. This includes Gareth Herincx, editor of Automotive Blog. The awards provide a reliable indication of the best new cars on the market, as determined by industry experts.
The increasing presence of EVs on the shortlist reflects not just consumer preference but also the rapid pace of automotive innovation. The competition in 2026 highlights that the future of driving is increasingly electric, yet traditional car preferences remain a significant part of the UK market.
