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International Award Brings Together Journalists from Dozens of Countries and Reflects Different Profiles of Vehicles Recognized by the Automotive Industry, Highlighting Electrification, Everyday Use, Embedded Technology, and Specific Proposals in Strategic Segments.
The award brought together a jury composed of 84 automotive journalists from 54 countries in the category phase, analyzing 55 vehicles launched between January and December 2025 and sold in at least two continents or 40 markets.
Among the criteria provided by the organization are safety, performance, technology, comfort, efficiency, and environmental impact.
How the Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year Award Works
Created in 2009 by New Zealand journalist Sandy Myhre, the WWCOTY is presented by the organization as the only global automotive award composed exclusively of female journalists.
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A 250cc motorcycle that can reach 560 km with a 14-liter tank, features disc brakes on both wheels and is among the most well-known in Brazil.
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Man finds over 200 rare cars abandoned on a lot and tries to do the impossible in 8 hours with a surprise at the end.
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An irregular parking case gains attention after a Mercedes Classe A was removed in such a strange way that it even raised doubts about damage to the car.
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Costing R$ 16,000, the new Yamaha features a 125 cc hybrid engine with electric assistance, delivers 8.3 hp, includes ABS, optimized fuel consumption, Y-Connect connectivity, 25 liters of storage space, and a surprising 4-year warranty in the urban segment.
According to the award, the goal is not to elect a “car for women,” but to highlight models that, in the jury’s view, meet different usage needs based on factors such as quality, price, ease of driving, design, and environmental footprint.
In the 15th edition, electric vehicles accounted for a significant portion of the recognitions.
Of the six winners by segment, four are fully electric.
According to the organization, the results reflect the advancement of electrification in the automotive sector, amid the expansion of brand offerings, platforms, and technologies in different markets.
Nissan Leaf Wins Among Compacts and Takes the Main Award
In the compact category, the highlight went to the new generation of the Nissan Leaf.
The WWCOTY described the model as an electric vehicle aimed at everyday use, with smooth, silent, and efficient driving, especially in urban and suburban routes.
According to the entity, the hatchback differentiates itself by its practical proposal and focus on interior space and ease of use.
This set of characteristics was also pointed out by the organization in the choice of the overall winner.
In the final voting, concluded in March 2026, the Leaf surpassed the other category champions and received the title of Supreme Winner.
The entity reported that the competition was balanced among the finalists.
Škoda Elroq, Mercedes-Benz CLA, and Hyundai Ioniq 9 Among the Awarded
Among the compact SUVs, the winner was the Škoda Elroq.
The electric utility was recognized for its package composed of aerodynamic solutions, a practicality-focused interior, and versions with power ranging from 170 to 286 hp.
According to the information released by the award, the range can exceed 500 kilometers in the WLTP cycle, which was cited among the factors considered by the jury.
In the large car category, the award went to the Mercedes-Benz CLA.
The organization describes the model as a compact premium sedan with a coupe silhouette, highlighting the digitalization of the cabin, the perception of quality, and acoustic comfort.
According to the official WWCOTY material, the recognition primarily took into account the driving experience and the integration of technological features in the interior.
Among the large SUVs, the winner was the Hyundai Ioniq 9.
According to the organization, the model was developed with a focus on families and long trips, emphasizing interior space, modularity, and occupant comfort.
In a statement about the achievement, Hyundai also associated the award with the vehicle’s proposal as a large electric utility aimed at long-distance travel.
Toyota 4Runner and Lamborghini Temerario Complete the List
In the 4×4 category, the jury chose the Toyota 4Runner as the winner.
The model was described by WWCOTY as an SUV aligned with the traditional configuration of the segment, with a construction geared towards robustness, reliability, and off-road performance.
The choice indicates that the award also considered vehicles with specific usage proposals, in addition to models focused on electrification.
Among sports cars and models with exclusive proposals, the victory went to the Lamborghini Temerario.
The supercar was recognized for combining a biturbo V8 with three electric motors, in addition to adopting a new aluminum space-frame chassis.
In the organization’s material, the award is associated with the mechanical set and the structural solutions employed in the model.
Renault and Ford Receive Special Distinctions
In addition to the segment trophies, the WWCOTY granted two special distinctions.
The Renault received the Best Technology Award, awarded by the organization for developing electric platforms such as AmpR Small and AmpR Medium, presented as bases aimed at efficiency and better utilization of interior space.
On the other hand, Ford was honored with the Sandy Myhre Award, given to the company recognized by the award as a reference in initiatives to advance gender equality in the automotive industry.
According to WWCOTY, the choice considered programs for female leadership, policies for work-life balance, and actions aimed at increasing the presence of women in technical, engineering, and management areas.
Participation of Brazil in the International Jury
Brazil was represented by Isadora Carvalho from Jornal do Carro and Milene Rios from Autoesporte among the jurors of the 2026 edition.
The participation of both integrates an international panel that, according to the organization, seeks to reflect different automotive usage realities in various markets.
As a whole, the result of the 2026 edition shows the presence of distinct proposals among the awarded vehicles.
On one side, there are electric models aimed at everyday and family use, such as Leaf, Elroq, and Ioniq 9.
On the other hand, vehicles with specific characteristics were recognized, such as the 4Runner in the off-road segment and the Temerario in the supercar field.
The list of winners, according to the criteria disclosed by the organization, gathers varied product profiles within the current automotive industry landscape.
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