Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year (WWCOTY) has announced the category winners of its 2026 award following a rigorous evaluation process carried out by its international jury, made up of 84 female motoring journalists from 54 countries.

All the winning vehicles represent excellence in their respective segments for safety, driving performance, technology, comfort, overall performance and value for money.

A total of 55 candidates competed in this the 15th edition of the WWCOTY awards. All eligible vehicles had to be new models launched in at least two continents or 40 countries between January and December 2025.

Despite months marked by global trade tensions, the automotive sector has continued to move clearly towards electrification, while welcoming an increasing number of brands and models. This growing diversity has required an even greater effort from the WWCOTY jury to assess an expanding range of vehicles and technologies.

After driving thousands of miles and carrying out in-depth evaluations of each candidate, the Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year has selected the following vehicles as the best in the world in their respective categories.

Best Compact Car – Nissan Leaf

A 100 per cent electric vehicle designed for realistic and accessible everyday use. It stands out for its practical approach, offering smooth, quiet driving and outstanding efficiency, particularly in urban and suburban environments. Its architecture prioritises interior space and ease of use over complex solutions, delivering one of the most intuitive electric driving experiences on the market.

Best Compact SUV – Škoda Elroq

An electric compact SUV offering outputs ranging from 170 to 286hp. It is distinguished by its aerodynamic improvements and a highly practical interior designed to make life easier for occupants. Its driving range can exceed 311 miles under the WLTP testing.

Best Large Car – Mercedes-Benz CLA

The Mercedes-Benz CLA is a premium compact saloon with a coupé-style silhouette and cutting-edge technology. Its interior stands out for advanced digitalisation and high perceived quality. It delivers refined driving dynamics with a strong focus on comfort and acoustic insulation, serving as an emotional and technologically rich entry point into the premium segment.

Best Large SUV – Hyundai Ioniq 9

The Hyundai Ioniq 9 is a large electric SUV designed for families and long-distance travel. It offers generous interior space, modularity and a clear focus on comfort for all occupants. Conceived as a large-scale sustainable mobility solution, it puts electric technology at the service of everyday life and long journeys alike.

Best 4×4 – Toyota 4Runner

A classic body-on-frame off-road vehicle designed for demanding use away from asphalt. It prioritises robustness, mechanical reliability and genuine off-road capability. Its functional, durable approach avoids fleeting trends, remaining true to the traditional spirit of the 4×4 and engineered for harsh conditions and long-term use.

Best Exclusive Car – Lamborghini Temerario

The Lamborghini Temerario is a high-performance supercar that combines extreme design with cutting-edge technology. It stands out for introducing a new aluminium space-frame chassis and an advanced hybrid powertrain that pairs a newly developed twin-turbo V8 petrol engine with three electric motors. Its engineering is clearly focused on delivering a maximum emotional driving experience, blending electrification with Lamborghini’s hallmark performance and character.

The six category winners announced today will now advance to the final round, where the overall Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year title will be decided. The ultimate Car of the Year winner will be announced on the WWCOTY YouTube channel during the week in which International Women’s Day, March 8, is celebrated.

With these awards, WWCOTY reaffirms its mission to provide an independent, expert assessment of the automotive sector, offering clear guidance to car buyers around the world.