The 15th annual Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year (WWCOTY) awards have reached a critical milestone with the selection of six category winners for 2026. These finalists were chosen from a field of 55 candidates by a global jury of 84 female motoring journalists representing 54 countries. The six segment leaders will now move forward to compete for the supreme title of the 2026 World’s Best Car, with the final result scheduled for announcement on March 5, 2026.
Segment Winners and Finalists
To be eligible for the 2026 awards, vehicles must have been launched as new models on at least two continents or in 40 individual markets between January and December 2025. The jury evaluated the contenders based on factors such as safety, driving dynamics, comfort, and technological innovation. The winners in each category are:
- Best Compact Car: Nissan Leaf
- Best Compact SUV: Skoda Elroq
- Best Large Car: Mercedes-Benz CLA
- Best Large SUV: Hyundai Ioniq 9
- Best Performance Car: Lamborghini Temerario
- Best 4×4: Toyota 4Runner
Special Awards for Innovation and Corporate Structure
In addition to the vehicle categories, the organization presented two specialized honors. Renault was recognized with the Best Tech award for its AmpR Small and AmpR Medium electric vehicle platforms, as well as its efforts to adapt Formula 1 technology for consumer use. Ford received the Sandy Myhre Award, a distinction given to the manufacturer for its sustained focus on internal gender equality and corporate diversity.
Judging Criteria and Jury Composition
The 2026 panel included Indian representatives Renuka Kirpalani and Mugdha Mishra. According to the jury, the selection process focused on how engineering and design enhance the daily driving experience. Practicality and the intelligent application of electrification were key themes among this year’s winners. The diverse lineup reflects a broad spectrum of the current automotive landscape, ranging from affordable electric mobility to high-performance engineering and traditional off-road capability.
The overall winner of the 15th WWCOTY edition will be disclosed just prior to International Women’s Day on March 8.
