The road to the 2026 World Car Awards has entered its decisive phase with the announcement of the Top Three in the World finalists across six categories. The winners will be revealed on April 1, 2026, during a live ceremony at the New York International Auto Show, held as part of the show’s opening media breakfast.
Selected by a distinguished jury of 98 international automotive journalists from 33 countries, including Yogendra Pratap, Editor, Auto Today. The finalists were chosen through a secret ballot process based on the jurors’ ongoing professional evaluations of eligible vehicles. The results have been independently tabulated by KPMG.
World Car of the Year
- BMW iX3
- Hyundai Palisade
- Nissan Leaf
World Electric Vehicle
- BMW iX3
- Mercedes-Benz CLA
- Nissan Leaf
World Luxury Car
- Cadillac Vistiq
- Lucid Gravity
- Volvo ES90
World Performance Car
- BMW M2 CS
- Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray
- Hyundai Ioniq 6 N
World Urban Car
- Baojun Yep Plus/Chevrolet Spark EUV
- Firefly
- Hyundai Venue
World Car Design of the Year
- Kia PV5
- Mazda 6e/Mazda EZ-6
- Volvo ES90
In the design category, a seven-member panel of globally respected design experts first established a shortlist before the final juror vote. The panel included Anja Bracht (Pforzheim University), Marek Djordjevic (Art Center College of Design), Fabio Filippini (ACCAEEFFE Creative Consulting), Antony Grade (former Renault designer), Gert Hildebrand (Hildebrand-Design), Victor Nacif (Brojure.com, New School of Architecture and Design), and Shiro Nakamura (Shiro Nakamura Design Associates Inc.).
Mark Schienberg, president of the New York International Auto Show, highlighted the significance of the announcement, noting that the finalists represent “one of the most respected honours in our business,” and reflect the innovation, performance and vision shaping the future of mobility.
Now in its 21st year of partnership with the New York show, the World Car Awards continues its annual Road to the World Car Awards journey, where jurors test-drive and evaluate contenders. These road tests, along with expert insights and commentary, are shared digitally through World Car TV.
