These are them: the finalists for Car of the Year 2026

October 31, 2025

Car of the Year 2026

The Car of the Year is Europe’s most prestigious car competition and has been awarded since 1964. Each year, an international jury of some 60 automotive journalists from 23 countries chooses which new car impresses most on the basis of innovation, design, performance, value for money and ease of use. These seven models have a chance to win the coveted title this year: the Citroën C5 Aircross, Dacia Bigster, Fiat Grande Panda, Kia EV4, Mercedes-Benz CLA, Renault 4 and the Skoda Elroq.

First time for Dacia and Skoda?

For both Dacia and Skoda, winning would be a first – neither brand has ever managed to take the title. The Dacia Duster was shortlisted last year, but finished fourth. And Skoda? That one last came close in 2022 with the Enyaq. Perhaps the new Elroq will change that.

German solidity and French flair

This year’s lineup is remarkably diverse, but also remarkably retro. Renault continues its revival of classics with the all-electric Renault 4, and Fiat does the same with the Grande Panda. The Mercedes-Benz CLA is the first Mercedes since the 2019 A-Class to return to the shortlist. Indeed, it is the brand’s first real chance to win since 1974, when the 450 SE ran away with the title. Citroën is making another bid for success with the C5 Aircross, hoping to revive the glory days of the GS, CX and XM from the 1970s and 1980s. On January 9, we will know who will walk away with the honor, as that is when the Car of the Year 2026 will be unveiled at the Brussels Motor Show.