Electric vehicles and everyday usability have dominated the UK Car of the Year Awards 2026, sponsored by Start Rescue.
Judged by motoring journalists including FleetandLeasing.com’s own Tristan Young, five of the eight category winners were pure electric models, while the remaining three all offer battery-powered variants – underlining how firmly electrification is now embedded in the mainstream market.
Audi was the only double winner. The A6 took the Executive Car title, while the A6 Avant secured the Estate award, highlighting the enduring appeal of premium space and practicality. Within the Volkswagen Group, Skoda’s all-electric Elroq topped a crowded Medium Crossover category featuring 19 rivals, reflecting the UK’s continued appetite for SUVs.
The Renault 5 delivered one of the clearest victories of the awards. Nearly two-thirds of the 33 judges selected it as their Small Car winner, signalling strong enthusiasm for compact, characterful EVs.
Kia continued its recent awards momentum. After overall wins in 2024 and 2025, its EV4 was named Best Family Car for 2026. Hyundai retained the Large Crossover title, while Citroen’s C3/e-C3 Aircross claimed the Small Crossover award. Alpine’s A290 was named Best Performance Car.
Full list of UK Car of the Year Awards 2026 category winners:
- Small Car – Renault 5
- Family Car – Kia EV4
- Small Crossover – Citroën C3/ë-C3 Aircross
- Medium Crossover – Skoda Elroq
- Large Crossover – Hyundai IONIQ 9
- Executive Car – Audi A6
- Estate Car – Audi A6 Avant
- Performance Car – Alpine A290
The overall winner will be revealed on 26 February.
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