WWCOTY 2026: Female Journalists Cast Their Votes to Crown the Industry’s Trendseters
The Women's Worldwide Car of the Year (WWCOTY) jury, comprising 84 journalists from 54 countries, has concluded its latest evaluation cycle by announcing six category winners that define the pinnacle of the 2026 automotive market. Unfazed by global trade tensions, the jury maintained a firm course toward electrification, selecting from 55 candidates those few that offered the finest balance of design, technology, and practicality. To qualify, models had to be available on at least two continents, ensuring that the winners are global phenomena rather than mere local curiosities.
In the Urban Car category, the refreshed Nissan Leaf emerged victorious, earning praise for its unpretentious and accessible nature while providing an intuitive electric vehicle experience without unnecessary complexity. The Family SUV category highlighted the Škoda Elroq, which, with its 500-kilometer range and practical interior, reaffirmed the Czech brand's knack for creating user-friendly, aerodynamically refined vehicles. In the Large Car class, the Mercedes-Benz CLA stood out, its coupe-like silhouette and high build quality offering an emotional gateway into the premium world, where acoustic insulation and comfort remain the top priorities.
A more family-oriented approach was represented by the Hyundai Ioniq 9, crowned Best Large SUV for its modularity and spaciousness, while the Toyota 4Runner remained unshakable among true off-roaders. The latter charmed the jury with its loyalty to traditional body-on-frame construction and mechanical reliability, ignoring fleeting fashion trends in favor of durability in harsh conditions. Meanwhile, the throne for the most exclusive vehicles was claimed by the Lamborghini Temerario, which, through its new hybrid powertrain and V8 engine, proved that even the supercar world can successfully marry electrification with raw, brand-defining emotion.
Beyond model-specific accolades, Renault received the Technology Award for its development of the AmpR platforms, which have successfully brought solutions derived from Formula 1 into a form accessible to the average consumer. Ford was honored with the Sandy Myhre Trophy for its long-term commitment to promoting gender equality, noting the increasing presence of women among both engineers and top executives. The final list reflects the current state of the automotive industry: a blend of rational electrification, unwavering luxury, and the persistent effort to keep classic off-road capability alive.
