The What Car? Car of the Year Awards 2026 took place last night. Judged by What Car?’s road test team, the awards focus on value, usability, safety and performance in everyday driving and named the best cars of the past 12 months.
Overall Car of the Year: BMW iX3
The BMW iX3 was named Overall Car of the Year 2026. It won for its combination of long real-world electric range, fast charging capability, strong performance and a well-resolved interior and infotainment system. The judges liked how straightforward it is to live with compared to many newer EVs, particularly in terms of refinement and usability.
Hybrids Performed Well
Hybrid powertrains featured heavily among the category winners. The Kia Sportage Hybrid won Family SUV of the Year, and the Honda Civic e:HEV won the Family Car category. Both were recognised for low running costs, strong reliability records and the ability to deliver improved efficiency without relying on external charging.
Compact Cars and EVs
The electric Renault 5 was the winner in the small electric car category. The judges were impressed with its competitive range, price point and interior space relative to its size. Its success reflects renewed manufacturer focus on compact, affordable EVs rather than larger premium models.
Performance and Driver Focus
Despite the change in direction toward electrification, performance cars still achieved some success. The Porsche 911 Carrera T won Sports Car of the Year, with judges noting its lower weight, manual gearbox option and driver engagement. The BMW M3 Touring was also recognised, showing continued demand for high-performance cars that have everyday practicality.
2026 What Car Awards Full Results
- Overall Car of the Year: BMW iX3 50 xDrive M Sport – recognised as the top new car across all categories for 2026.
- Small Car of the Year: Toyota Aygo X
- Small Electric Car of the Year: Renault 5
- Family Car of the Year: Honda Civic e:HEV
- Small SUV of the Year: Volkswagen T-Roc
- Family SUV of the Year: Kia Sportage Hybrid
- Small Electric SUV of the Year: Kia EV3
- Family Electric SUV of the Year: Smart #5
- Premium SUV of the Year: Land Rover Defender 110
- Premium Electric SUV of the Year: BMW iX3 (also overall winner)
- Seven-Seat SUV of the Year: Hyundai Santa Fe
- Plug-In Hybrid of the Year: MG HS Plug-In Hybrid
- Executive Car of the Year: Tesla Model 3 Long Range
- Luxury Car of the Year: BMW X7
- Estate Car of the Year: Škoda Superb
- MPV of the Year: Kia PV5
- Coupé of the Year: BMW 4 Series
- Convertible of the Year: Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet
- Performance Car of the Year: BMW M3 Touring Competition
- Sports Car of the Year: Porsche 911 Carrera T
Readers’ Choice Award: Volvo EX60
Voted for by What Car? readers, the EX60 was recognised as the most anticipated new car.
Safety Award: BMW
BMW received the Safety Award in recognition of its continued development of driver assistance systems, in-car monitoring and occupant protection technology across its current model range.
Reliability Award: Honda
Honda was named the most reliable manufacturer, based on long-term ownership data and customer feedback, continuing its strong reputation for durability and dependability.
Tow Car Award: Škoda Kodiaq
The Škoda Kodiaq was awarded Tow Car of the Year.
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