EVs lead the charge to be named UK Car of the Year
This year’s nominees for the UK Car of the Year have been revealed, with EVs dominating the short list.
The annual awards, which recognise the best cars across a host of key categories, reflecting the growing demand for EVs and an ever-expanding line-up of models.
Judges whittled down an initial list of 59 contenders to choose the eight category winners which will now go on to be considered for the overall title.
Of the eight segment winners, five are pure EVs and one other is offered with a choice of petrol, hybrid or all-electric powertrain.
The Renault 5 has already added to its long list of titles, being named the UK’s Small Car of the Year. Nearly two thirds of the 33-strong judging panel picked the French supermini as their top choice.
The R5’s sister car the Alpine A290 also continued its strong awards showing, racing to the top of the judging panel’s choice for best Performance Car.
The Kia EV4 took top honours in the Family Car segment and will now be considered for the overall title – an accolade scooped up by Kia EVs in 2024 and 2025 with the EV9 and EV3 respectively.
One of just three models among the category winners offered with a petrol engine, the Citroen C3 Aircross/E-C3 Aircross was named best Small Crossover. Audi was the only other marque to secure wins with combustion-powered models, scooping titles for the best executive car with the A6 saloon and best estate with the A6 Avant.
The Volkswagen group was also represented by Skoda, which was awarded the win for best Medium Crossover for the multi-award-winning Skoda Elroq.
Above that in the Large cCrossover category another EV took victory, with judges selecting the Hyundai Ioniq 9.
For the first time, the UK Car of the Year Awards is being run in association with Which? Recommended breakdown service Start Rescue. John Challen, director of the UK Car of the Year Awards commented: “It is great to have Start Rescue onboard, they’re just as passionate about keeping motorists informed as we are and they are experts in their own right.”
The overall UK Car of the Year 2026 winner will be announced on February 26.
