The Nissan Leaf has been named the 2026 Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year

Posted on 03/11/2026 by in car reviews

The Nissan Leaf has been crowned as the 2026 Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year, officially succeeding last year’s winner, the Hyundai Santa Fe. A total of 86 female motoring journalists from 55 countries ultimately selected the Leaf due to its everyday practicality and its above-average efficiency.

According to the jury, Nissan’s subcompact crossover offers a “realistic approach to electric mobility,” and delivers “one of the most intuitive electric driving experiences on the market.”

Five other vehicles were also awarded in select categories. Along with being the overall winner, the Leaf received a second achievement as the Compact Car of 2026.

Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year 2026 awards:

  • Compact car: Nissan Leaf (overall winner)
  • Compact SUV: Škoda Elroq
  • Large car: Mercedes-Benz CLA
  • Large SUV: Hyundai Ioniq 9
  • 4×4: Toyota 4Runner
  • Performance car: Lamborghini Temerario

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Nissan launched this third-generation Leaf in March 2025, debuting it with an all-new design and up to 600km in driving range. It adopts the platform of the larger Ariya crossover, ditching its previous hatchback shell for a trendy subcompact crossover look.

It packs around 215hp and 355Nm of torque, thanks to a single motor and a 75kWh battery. Locally, Nissan Philippines only sells the previous-generation Leaf, which promises about 311km of range, along with 148hp and 320Nm of torque. Those interested can pick one up for P1.988 million.

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