Posted by THE ROAD TO WORLD CAR 2026 and the WORLD CAR FINALS POWERED BY BREMBO concluded today with the live announcement of the winners in six award categories at the New York International Auto Show.
The Mazda6e / EZ-6 is the 2026 World Car Design of the Year.
This is the third World Car Design of the Year award for Mazda, and Mazda’s fifth World Car Award overall in World Car’s 22-year history.
“I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to everyone who has chosen the MAZDA6e / EZ-6, Mazda’s newest challenge in electrification. As the global automotive industry continues its shift toward SUVs and electric vehicles, we are deeply honored and sincerely grateful to receive this award for a classic sedan. We believe that the sculptural beauty created by human hands and precision craftsmanship unique to KODO Design has further strengthened the connection between people and cars, even in the era of electrification. Encouraged by this award, the Mazda brand and its KODO Design will continue striving for greater heights, creating moving experiences for our customers, and enriching their individual ‘Joy of Living,’” said Yoshito Iwauchi, Chief Designer, Design Division, Mazda Motor Corporation.
A jury of 98 distinguished international automotive journalists from 33 countries selected the winning cars by secret ballot based on their evaluation of each eligible vehicle as part of their on-going professional work. Today’s vote results have been tabulated by KPMG.
All vehicles competing in the five World Car Award categories are eligible for the 2026 World Car Design of the Year award. There were 90 eligible vehicles this year to be considered for the World Car Design of the Year.
A design panel consisting of seven highly respected world design experts was asked to first review each candidate and then establish a short-list of recommendations for the jurors’ final vote. Those design experts were: Anja Bracht (Germany – Pforzheim University), Marek Djordjevic (USA – Chair of Transportation Design, Art Center College of Design), Fabio Filippini (Japan – ACCAEFFE Creative Consulting), Antony Grade (Retired – Renault), Gert Hildebrand (Germany – Owner Hildebrand-Design), Victor Nacif (USA – Chief Creative Officer, Brojure.com and Design instructor, New School of Architecture and Design) and Shiro Nakamura (Japan – CEO, Shiro Nakamura Design Associates Inc.)
On March 3rd, 2026, the 2026 Top Three in the World were announced: Kia PV5, Mazda6e / EZ-6, and Volvo ES90.
All about wheels 