2026 World Car Awards Finalists Revealed: The Global Stage Is Set

The race toward the 2026 World Car Awards is officially underway. The Top Three finalists across six major categories have been announced, and the winners will be revealed live at the New York International Auto Show on April 1.

Chosen by a jury of 98 automotive journalists from 33 countries, this year’s shortlist reflects the breadth and pace of change in today’s global car market.

In the headline World Car of the Year category, the BMW iX3, Hyundai Palisade, and Nissan Leaf stand out. Electric vehicles continue to command attention, with the BMW iX3, Mercedes-Benz CLA, and Nissan Leaf also competing for World Electric Vehicle honors.

The luxury field features the Cadillac Vistiq, Lucid Gravity, and Volvo ES90. Performance fans will be watching the BMW M2 CS, Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray, and Hyundai Ioniq 6 N. Urban-focused models and standout design entries round out the categories, underscoring the industry’s push toward smarter, more efficient mobility.

Now in its 22nd year, the World Car Awards remains one of the auto industry’s most respected global benchmarks for innovation, design, and performance.