UK Car of the Year Awards 2026 – Category Winners
The UK Car of the Year Awards are judged by an independent panel of more than 30 senior UK automotive journalists, focusing on real-world usability, value and performance.
Small Car: Renault 5
Family Car: Kia EV4
Small Crossover: Citroën C3 Aircross / Citroën ë-C3 Aircross
Medium Crossover: Škoda Elroq
Large Crossover: Hyundai IONIQ 9
Executive Car: Audi A6
Estate Car: Audi A6 Avant
Performance Car: Alpine A290
The overall UK Car of the Year 2026 winner will be announced on 26 February.
What Car? Awards 2026 – Key Fleet-Relevant Winners
Often seen as the most influential consumer awards, the What Car? results reflect long-term ownership costs, reliability and value.
Car of the Year: BMW iX3
Family Electric SUV: smart #5
Plug-in Hybrid of the Year: MG HS Plug-in Hybrid
Best Small Electric Car for Value: BYD Dolphin Surf
Best Small SUV: Volkswagen T-Roc
Best Electric Estate: Volkswagen ID.7 Tourer
Brands with multiple wins included BMW, Renault, Škoda, Kia and Dacia, underlining strong momentum in EVs, hybrids and value-focused fleet choices.
Euro NCAP Best-in-Class Safety Winners 2025
Euro NCAP’s Best-in-Class awards highlight the safest cars tested during the year.
Safest City and Supermini: MINI Cooper Electric
Safest Large SUV: smart #5
Safest Executive Car: Polestar 3
Best Performer Overall: Mercedes-Benz CLA
Top Safety Performers: Tesla Model Y and Tesla Model 3
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