The finalists of the 2026 World Car Awards have been announced

World Car Awards trophies. Source: WCA

The 2026 World Car Awards has officially started. Automotive journalists from 33 countries have selected models to compete for the main "World Car of the Year" award and in separate categories.

Finalists of the "2026 World Car of the Year"

• Audi Q5/SQ5
• BMW iX3
• BYD Seal 6 DM-i
• Hyundai Ioniq 9
• Hyundai Palisade
• Kia EV4
• Kia EV5
• Mercedes-Benz CLA
• Nissan Leaf
• Toyota RAV4

Finalists of the "2026 World Urban Car" category

• Alfa Romeo Junior
• Baojun Yep Plus/Chevrolet Spark EUV
• Firefly
• Hyundai Venue
• Wuling Binguo/Ari Poly

Finalists of the "2026 World Luxury Car" category

• Audi A6 e-tron/S6 e-tron
• Audi A6/S6
• Cadillac Vistiq
• Lucid Gravity
• Volvo ES90

Finalists of the "2026 World Performance Car" category

• BMW M2 CS
• Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray
• Land Rover Defender Octa
• Hyundai Ioniq 6 N
• Mercedes-AMG GT 63 Pro

Finalists of the "2026 World Electric Vehicle" category

• Audi A6 e-tron/S6 e-tron
• BMW iX3
• Hyundai Ioniq 9
• Mercedes-Benz CLA
• Nissan Leaf

Finalists of the "2026 World Car Design of the Year" category

• Firefly
• Kia PV5
• Lynk Co 08
• Mazda 6e/EZ-6
• Volvo ES90

The winner of the 2026 World Car Awards will be announced on April 1 at the New York Auto Show. Last year, the main award went to Kia EV3.

Source: Worldcarawards (pdf)