UK Car of the Year 2026 shortlist announced

One of the eight newcomers below will be crowned winner of the prestigious UK Car of the Year title on February 26.

The list highlights the growing popularity of electric vehicles as well as a continuing interest in practicality and interior space.

Audi leads the way with two category wins. In the Executive Car category, the A6 saloon triumphs, while the best Estate title goes to its sister model, the Audi A6 Avant.

Meanwhile, EVs account for more than half of the category winners at the at the UK Car of the Year Awards 2026, sponsored by Start Rescue.

#UKCOTY Awards 2026 – category winners:

• Small Car – Renault 5
• Family Car – Kia EV4
• Small Crossover – Citroën C3/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

Established in 2014, the UK Car of the Year Awards are voted for by a panel of 33 leading motoring journalists, including the editor of www.automotiveblog.co.uk, Gareth Herincx.

For 2026, the awards are being run in association with Start Rescue. John Challen, Director of the UK Car of the Year, said: “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.”