The competition is heating up for the 2026 World Car of the Year award, with ten finalists announced after a rigorous selection process from a pool of 58 vehicles. The winners will be revealed in April at the New York International Auto Show, marking the 21st year of the competition.
Global Automotive Experts Weigh In
A panel of 98 automotive journalists from 33 countries determined the finalists through a secret ballot. This diverse jury ensures a wide range of perspectives in evaluating the vehicles. Among those involved is Paul Maric, co-founder and presenter at CarExpert.
Key Contenders: Established Brands and Rising Challengers
The finalists represent a blend of automotive giants and emerging players, including Audi, BMW, BYD, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, and Toyota. Notably, the list includes a growing number of contenders from China.
“There’s a huge increase in contenders from China that are now presenting a genuine challenge to established legacy brands,” said Paul Maric.
This trend signifies a shift in the global automotive landscape, with Chinese manufacturers gaining credibility and market share.
Electric Vehicles Gain Prominence
The competition also reflects the growing dominance of electric vehicles (EVs). Despite recent slowdowns in EV sales within Australia, the global market continues to expand. The finalists include a significant number of fully electric models, highlighting the industry’s ongoing transition towards electrification.
Additional Award Categories
Beyond the main World Car of the Year title, finalists have also been selected for:
- World Electric Vehicle
- World Luxury Car
- World Performance Car
- World Urban Car
All finalists across these categories will contend for the World Car Design of the Year award, judged by a panel of design experts from the US, Japan, and Europe.
The rise of Chinese automotive brands and the increasing availability of electric models signal a turning point in the industry. The 2026 World Car of the Year awards will not only celebrate automotive excellence but also showcase these critical shifts in the global market.
