Nissan’s third-generation Leaf has been crowned the Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year 2026 in a tightly fought contest.
The family hatchback/crossover beat models from Skoda, Mercedes, Toyota and Lamborghini to claim the overall title, which is voted for by 86 female motoring journalists from 55 countries.
Marta García, executive president of WWCOTY, said: “There was significant parity in the voting. Several models received very similar levels of support, which reflects the exceptional quality and diversity of today’s automotive industry. In the end, however, the Nissan Leaf prevailed.”
The Leaf won its Compact Car category before going on to defeat a trio of other capable EVs – the Skoda Elroq, Mercedes-Benz CLA and Hyundai Ioniq 9 – as well as the Toyota 4Runner and Lamborghini Temerario.
The judging panel praised the Leaf for its “coherent and realistic approach to electric mobility”.
In their judgment, judges noted: “It is a 100% electric vehicle designed for realistic and accessible everyday use. It stands out for its practical approach, offering smooth, quiet driving and outstanding efficiency, particularly in urban and suburban environments. Its architecture prioritises interior space and ease of use over complex solutions, delivering one of the most intuitive electric driving experiences on the market.”
“New Leaf being named overall winner by the Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year is a proud moment for everyone at Nissan,” said Ivan Espinosa, president and CEO of Nissan. “Leaf helped bring electric driving into the mainstream, and this new generation carries that mission forward. It’s designed to make going electric easier and more enjoyable for more people around the world.”
Garcia added: “In our voting, we have focused on vehicles that stand out not only for their figures or technology, but for how effectively they respond to people’s real, everyday needs.
“The Nissan Leaf represents a mature and intelligent vision of electrification — one that makes electric mobility truly usable and accessible.”
Judges said success for the Leaf and its all-electric rivals reflected the “broader transformation of the automotive sector, where electrification, sustainability and user-centered design have become fundamental pillars”.
