The field is set for the 2026 Car of the Year award, with seven contenders vying for the coveted title. This year’s shortlist features a diverse range of vehicles, including the Citroën C5 Aircross, Dacia Bigster, Fiat Grande Panda, Kia EV4, Mercedes-Benz CLA, Renault 4, and Skoda Elroq.
How the Shortlist is Determined
Selecting the Car of the Year is a significant undertaking involving a panel of 59 jurors representing 23 countries. From an initial list of 35 cars, each juror independently chose their top seven favorites. The models receiving the most votes across the entire panel progressed to the final shortlist.
The Contenders and Their Backgrounds
The winner will be announced on January 9 at the Brussels motor show, following a final round of testing and voting by the jurors. Let’s take a closer look at the contenders:
- Citroën C5 Aircross: A popular choice, this crossover has consistently appeared on the shortlist, showcasing Citroën’s appeal.
- Dacia Bigster: Representing a first for Dacia, this model seeks to break new ground for the brand and its value-focused approach.
- Fiat Grande Panda: This compact car could potentially usher in a new era for Fiat, with its distinctive design and focus on urban mobility.
- Kia EV4: Kia’s growing reputation for electric vehicles makes the EV4 a strong contender, showcasing the brand’s commitment to the EV market.
- Mercedes-Benz CLA: After a five-year absence, Mercedes-Benz returns to the shortlist with the CLA, a stylish coupe-style vehicle.
- Renault 4: With the current holder, Renault 5, and the 2024 winner, Renault Scenic, Renault seeks a historic third straight victory with the updated 4.
- Skoda Elroq: Like Dacia, Skoda is also aiming for a first Car of the Year title. The Elroq represents a chance for the brand to showcase its engineering prowess.
Notable Omissions
Several models failed to make the cut, including the Nissan Leaf, Toyota C-HR+, Hyundai Ioniq 9, Jeep Compass, and BYD Dolphin Surf. Their absence highlights the competitive nature of the automotive market and the discerning tastes of the jury.
Brand History in the Car of the Year Award
The competition holds significant meaning for automakers, as it serves as a prestigious recognition of their design, innovation, and overall quality.
- Renault’s Pursuit of a Historic Third Win: Renault currently holds the title and seeks an unprecedented third consecutive victory.
- Dacia and Skoda: Underdogs Hoping for a Breakthrough: Dacia and Skoda have never won the Car of the Year award.
- Kia’s Recent Success: Kia previously won in 2022 with the Kia EV6 and has since showcased its EV lineup.
- Mercedes-Benz’s Long Wait: Mercedes-Benz’s last Car of the Year win occurred in 1974.
- Fiat’s Legacy of Wins: Fiat boasts a remarkable history with the award, having secured the title nine times.
- Citroën’s Past Victories: Citroën has secured the award on three occasions, highlighting its enduring appeal.
The 2026 Car of the Year award promises to be an exciting event, with several automakers hoping to etch their names into automotive history. The competition showcases the evolving landscape of the automotive industry and the importance of innovation and quality in the eyes of discerning judges.
