In 2025, 10 models are competing for the award, despite the fact that the initial list included 52 cars, including only three electric vehicles. The contenders for victory in the categories “Best Electric Car”, “Best Sports Car”, “Best City Car” and “Best Premium Car” have also been named.
The organizers of the World Car of the Year (WCOTY) competition have published a list of finalist models vying for victory in the main and five additional categories. The results will be announced on April 16 at the New York Auto Show. Audi A5 / S5, BMW X3, Ford Mustang, Hyundai Inster / Casper Electric, Kia EV3, MINI Cooper Electric, Suzuki Swift, Toyota Camry, Toyota Land Cruiser / Land Cruiser 250 and Volkswagen Tiguan / Tayron will compete for the main award. The initial list was five times larger.
In 2024, the Kia EV9 won two awards: World Car of the Year and World Electric Car of the Year. In 2023, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 distinguished itself, taking victory in the World Car of the Year, World Electric Vehicle and World Car Design of the Year.
10 facts about the World Car of the Year competition
The five finalists in the World Electric Vehicle category are as follows: Hyundai Inster / Casper Electric, Kia EV3, Porsche Macan Electric, Volkswagen ID. Buzz and Volvo EX90. Premium brands include Lexus GX, Porsche Macan, Panamera, Volkswagen ID. Buzz, Volvo EX90. The competition for the title of best sports car will take place between the Bentley Continental GT Speed, BMW M5, Ford Mustang, Porsche 911 Carrera GTS and Taycan Turbo GT.
Finally, the best city car of 2025 could be BYD Seagull / Dolphin Mini, Hyundai Inster / Casper Electric, MINI Cooper, Cooper Electric or Suzuki Swift. Cars from all categories can also qualify for the 2025 World Car Design of the Year award. While waiting for the decision of the WCOTY jury, let’s remember that the Renault 5 / Alpine A290 pair became the “European Car of the Year”, and the Honda Civic won in North America.
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