The Nissan LEAF has been named the overall winner of the 2026 edition of Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year (WWCOTY), the highest honor given by the international jury composed exclusively of women automotive journalists.
First introduced in 2010 as the world’s first mass-market electric vehicle, the LEAF has helped promote electric mobility for more than 15 years. Now in its third generation, the latest LEAF features a sleeker design, improved driving range, and updated technology.
The vehicle topped a field of 55 contenders evaluated by the WWCOTY jury.
WWCOTY judges vehicles based on criteria relevant to everyday drivers, including safety, design, value, ease of use, and environmental impact. The jury consists of 86 automotive journalists from more than 50 countries. According to the group, the LEAF stood out for its balanced approach to electric mobility, combining advanced electric performance with practical day-to-day usability.
“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,” said Marta García, executive president of WWCOTY. “The Nissan LEAF represents a mature and intelligent vision of electrification—one that makes electric mobility truly usable and accessible.”
Ivan Espinosa, President and CEO of Nissan Motor Co., said the recognition highlights the model’s continued role in expanding electric vehicle adoption.
“New LEAF being named overall winner by the Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year is a proud moment for everyone at Nissan,” Espinosa said. “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.”
Earlier this year, the all-new LEAF was also named Best Compact Car by WWCOTY for its practical and accessible approach to electric mobility.
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