Electric vehicles dominate women’s car awards with four category wins

Electric vehicles claimed four of six category wins in the 2026 Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year awards, highlighting the automotive industry’s shift toward electrification as judged by 84 women motoring journalists from 54 countries.

The Nissan Leaf, Škoda Elroq, Mercedes-Benz CLA and Hyundai Ioniq 9 took electric victories across the compact car, compact SUV, large car and large SUV categories respectively, with only the Toyota 4Runner and Lamborghini Temerario representing traditional powertrains in the 4×4 and performance car segments.

All winning vehicles competed against 55 candidates in the 15th edition of the awards and were judged on safety, driving performance, technology, comfort, overall performance and value for money.

Electric sweep across key segments

The Nissan Leaf won the compact car category for what judges called its practical approach to electric vehicle ownership, offering smooth and quiet driving with outstanding urban efficiency. The fully electric vehicle was praised for prioritising interior space and ease of use over complex solutions.

In the compact SUV category, the Škoda Elroq took honours for its aerodynamic improvements and practical interior design. The electric SUV offers power outputs ranging from 170 to 286 horsepower and can achieve more than 500 kilometres of range under WLTP testing.

The Mercedes-Benz CLA won the large car category as a premium compact sedan with advanced digitalisation and refined driving dynamics. Judges highlighted its focus on comfort and acoustic insulation as an entry point into the premium segment.

Hyundai’s Ioniq 9 claimed the large SUV category for its generous interior space and focus on family comfort during long-distance travel. The large electric SUV was recognised as a sustainable mobility solution for everyday use and extended journeys.

Traditional powertrains hold specialist categories

The Toyota 4Runner won the 4×4 category for its traditional body-on-frame construction and genuine off-road capability. Judges praised its functional approach that prioritises robustness and mechanical reliability for demanding use away from sealed roads.

Lamborghini’s Temerario took the performance car category for combining extreme design with cutting-edge hybrid technology. The supercar features a new aluminium space-frame chassis and advanced hybrid powertrain pairing a twin-turbo V8 engine with three electric motors.

Technology recognition reinforces electric focus

Renault received the Best Technology Award for developing electric platforms that optimise weight, space and efficiency compared to combustion-based architectures. The French brand was recognised for integrating electric technology and driver assistance systems in a user-friendly way.

Ford received the Sandy Myhre Award for its commitment to gender equality within its corporate structure. The award recognises the company’s female leadership programmes, work-life balance policies and steady increase in women in technical and senior management positions.

“In our voting, we have focused on vehicles that stand out not only for their figures or technology, but for how effectively they respond to people’s real, everyday needs,” says Marta García, executive president of Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year.

“Electrification, digitalisation and sustainability are no longer trends, but essential requirements.”

García says each candidate was analysed from multiple perspectives with particular attention to safety, functionality, comfort and overall value.

The electric dominance in this year’s awards reflects broader industry trends, with the automotive sector continuing to move toward electrification despite global trade tensions and an expanding range of brands and models entering the market.

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

Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year was created by New Zealand motoring journalist Sandy Myhre in 2009 and is the only car awards group comprised exclusively of women motoring journalists. Myhre serves as honorary president while García holds the executive president role.