Top Vehicles of 2026 Selected by Female Motoring Jury
The automotive industry has just received a significant verdict from one of the most influential panels in the world. A group of eighty-four female motoring journalists from fifty-four countries has announced the category winners for the 2026 Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year. They judge vehicles on safety, driving performance, comfort, technology, and value for money. The process involved rigorous testing of fifty-five different candidates launched across at least two continents during the previous year.
This year’s selection highlights a clear shift toward electrification and sustainable mobility solutions. Four of the six category winners are fully electric vehicles which demonstrates the rapid evolution of the market. The jury looked for models that meet the real everyday needs of drivers rather than just following fleeting trends. They placed a heavy emphasis on efficiency and digital connectivity during their voting process. It is a diverse list that covers everything from practical city commuters to high-performance supercars.
In the smaller vehicle segments, the Nissan Leaf took the top spot as the Best Compact Car. This new generation of the Leaf was praised for its practical approach to electric mobility and its smooth driving experience. Joining it in the winners’ circle is the Škoda Elroq which secured the title of Best Compact SUV. Judges were impressed by its aerodynamic design and highly functional interior space. The Elroq offers a driving range that makes it a versatile choice for many different types of drivers.
Moving to larger vehicles, the Mercedes-Benz CLA was named the Best Large Car for its blend of premium design and cutting-edge technology. It features a coupe-style silhouette and a cabin focused on advanced digitalization and comfort. For those needing more space, the Hyundai Ioniq 9 won the Best Large SUV category. This massive electric vehicle is designed specifically for families and long-distance travel. Its modular interior and focus on passenger comfort made it a standout choice among the judges.
The awards also recognized vehicles designed for specific enthusiasts and demanding conditions. The Toyota 4Runner claimed the title of Best 4×4 for its rugged reliability and genuine off-road capability. It remains true to its heritage with a classic body-on-frame construction that prioritizes durability. On the other end of the spectrum lies the Lamborghini Temerario which won Best Performance Car. This hybrid supercar combines a twin-turbo V8 engine with electric motors to deliver exhilarating power and engineering excellence.
Beyond the specific car models, the organization presented special recognitions to industry leaders. Renault received the Best Tech Award for its development of new electric platforms and for making advanced technology accessible. Ford was honored with the Sandy Myhre Award for its sustained commitment to gender equality within its corporate structure. All six category winners will now compete for the top honor of the overall Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year. The final winner will be announced on March 8 to coincide with International Women’s Day.
Please share your thoughts on these winners and which car you think deserves the overall title in the comments.
