The Road to World Car 2026 officially began this week with more than 90 highly respected automotive journalists on the jury panel as they test-drive, and vote on, the 2026 eligible vehicles.
The journey starts with today’s official launch, followed by a stop in Pasadena, CA, USA for the 11th annual “L.A. Test Drives” media event in November.
The World Car Finals Powered by Brembo, for the 8th consecutive year, will begin the winners’ countdown on January 6, 2026 when the Top 10 World Car of the Year finalists as well as the Top 5 finalists in the World Electric Vehicle, World Luxury Car, World Performance Car, World Urban Car and World Car Design of the Year categories will be announced.
The countdown excitement will continue to grow when the number of finalists is narrowed down to the Top Three in the World to be announced on March 3, 2026.
Finally, the grand finale live awards ceremony wherein the winners in six categories are declared will take place at the New York International Auto Showon Wednesday, April 1st, 2026. The occasion will mark a 21-year partnership with the New York Auto Show co-hosting the winners’ announcement as a special kick-off to the Show’s Press Preview Days.
The 2026 provisional list of all eligible vehicles is now posted to our web site.
The Road to the World Car Awards annual journey would not be possible without the support of our official partners: AITASTIC Research & Consult AG, Brembo, KPMG, the New York International Auto Show, and Newspress (Official Media Partner). Thank you to our partners.
Candidates
Alfa Romeo Junior
Baojun Yep Plus / Chevrolet Spark EUV
BAW 212 T01
Beijing BJ30 / BAIC Beijing BJ30
BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé
BMW iX3
BYD Seal 6 DM-i
BYD Xia / M9
Cadillac Optiq
Citroën C3 Aircross
Citroën C5 Aircross
Deepal S05
Denza B5 / Fangchengbao Bao 5
Firefly
Forthing 7 / Xinghai S7
Forthing 9 / Xinghai V9
GAC Aion UT
GAC Aion V
Geely EX5 / Galaxy E5
Honda Prelude
Hongqi EH7
Hongqi EHS7 / Hongqi Tiangong 08
Hyundai Ioniq 9
Hyundai Palisade
Hyundai Venue
Jaecoo 5 / J5
Jetour T2
KGM Actyon
Kia EV4
Kia EV5
Kia PV5
Leapmotor B10
Lynk & Co 02 / Z20
Lynk & Co 08
Mazda 6e / EZ-6
Mercedes-Benz CLA
MG IM5 / IM L6
MG IM6 / IM LS6
MG S5 EV / MG ES5
Nissan Kicks
Nissan Leaf
Omoda 7 / C7
Omoda 9 / Omoda C9 / Exeed RX / Exeed Yaoguang
Opel Grandland / Vauxhall Grandland
Renault Koleos / Grand Koleos
Skoda Superb
Smart #5
Subaru Forester
Suzuki e Vitara
Toyota Crown Signia
Toyota RAV4
VinFast VF 6
Wuling Binguo / Ari Poly
Xiaomi SU7
Zeekr 7X
