Dacia Bigster Crashes into the 2026 Car of the Year Final: Romania’s Rugged Challenger Shakes Up the SUV World
Who would have thought it? Dacia, long regarded as the symbol of the budget car, now stands among Europe’s most prestigious automotive contenders. Yet that’s exactly what has happened. The Dacia Bigster, the brand’s new full-size family SUV launched in spring 2025, has made it to the final seven in the 2026 European Car of the Year competition.
After months of testing and comparison involving 35 models, the Bigster caught the attention of the 60-member jury. It embodies everything Dacia stands for — simplicity, durability and value — but adds a new layer of confidence. The Bigster is no longer “just a Dacia”; it’s a car capable of turning heads even among buyers used to more upmarket badges.
The winner of Car of the Year 2026 will be announced on 9 January 2026 at the Brussels Motor Show. One thing is certain: if the Bigster takes the trophy, Dacia will no longer be dismissed as a low-cost brand, but recognised as a serious force in European carmaking.
Honest Engineering, Real-World Appeal
The Bigster has been praised for its spacious cabin, generous boot and genuine off-road ability. Inside, it no longer feels like a stripped-back economy car. The YouClip system allows owners to customise the interior with practical add-ons, adding flexibility and a surprisingly contemporary edge to the design.
Sustainable and Sensible
Dacia has also made sustainability part of the Bigster’s DNA. The SUV uses recycled materials throughout its construction, including Starkle plastic, which contains 20% recycled content and is fully recyclable. It’s a small but significant step for a brand once defined purely by affordability.
Taking Aim at the Big Names
The Bigster signals Dacia’s bold move into the C-segment SUV arena, long dominated by models like the Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson and Peugeot 3008. While those competitors often rely on design flair and premium equipment, Dacia bets on straightforward rationality — and judging by the reaction so far, buyers appreciate its unpretentious honesty.
Practical, sturdy and refreshingly self-assured, the Dacia Bigster might just redefine what value means in the European SUV market. Whether it takes home the title or not, the message is clear: Dacia’s days as the underdog are over.
