What Car? Awards 2026: The Winners Shaping the Future of Motoring
The annual What Car? Awards took place last night at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House in London, and the MotorEasy team attended as headline sponsors for the sixth consecutive year.
This year’s winners highlight a clear shift towards electrification, smarter technology and cars that balance everyday usability with genuine enjoyment.
From small hybrids and electric SUVs to performance estates and luxury models, here’s a complete rundown of every winner – and what they tell us about the future of driving.
The Electric Revolution Takes Centre Stage
Electric vehicles dominated the 2026 awards, not as niche alternatives but as leaders across multiple categories.
At the top of the list, the overall Car of The Year 2026 went to BMW iX3. With an official range of up to 500 miles, ultra-fast charging and an engaging driving experience, the iX3 shows that EVs are no longer about compromises. They’re now setting the benchmark for performance, comfort and usability.
The dominance continued across the SUV market:
- Best Premium Electric SUV: BMW iX3 (50x Drive M Sport)
- Best Family Electric SUV: Smart #5 (Pro+)
- Best Small Electric SUV: Kia EV3 (Standard Range Air)
Each winner targets a different buyer, but all deliver strong range, fast-charging and impressive practicality – reinforcing the idea that electric SUVs, now suit most lifestyles.
Smaller EVs are also rapidly emerging. The Best Small Electric Car: Renault 5 proves that electric cars can be affordable, stylish and fun.
Meanwhile, excitement around future EVs is clear from the Readers' Choice Awards: the Volvo EX60 was praised for its long range and advanced safety tech.
What this tells us:
Electric cars are no longer the ‘future’ – they are present and are now leading the market.
Hybrids and Small Cars Still Have a Vital Role
Despite the EV surge, the awards showed hybrids continue to shine.
The Best Small Car: Toyota Aygo X shows how electrification can deliver strong performance and fuel economy without sacrificing affordability.
Family buyers are also well served.
The Best Family Car: Honda Civic combines strong efficiency with a reputation for reliability – a combination that matters for UK motorists.
Plug-in hybrids remain an important stepping stone too. The Best Plug-in Hybrid: MG HS offers a long electricity range as well as a flexible petrol engine, and being well priced.
What this tells us:
Hybrid technology isn’t going anywhere – it’s a crucial part of the transition into fully electric driving.
SUVs Continue to Rule – But with Greater Variety
SUVs dominated the awards once again, but what stands out is how diverse they’ve become.
At the compact end, the Best Small SUV: Volkswagen T-roc delivers a premium feel with everyday comfort, while families looking for space are well served by the Best Family SUV: Kia Sportage - praised for it’s value.
For larger families, the Best Seven Seater: Hyundai Santa Fe prioritises space and usability, room for 7 adults supposedly!
At the premium end, the Best Luxury Car: BMW X7 offers comfort and genuine long-distance ability.
What this tells us:
SUVs aren’t a one size fits all anymore – buyers can now choose the size, power and luxury level that suits them.
Practical Cars Still Matter
While SUVs grabbed headlines, the awards showed there’s still a strong appreciation for cars that prioritise space and usability.
The Best Estate: Skoda Superb Estate proves that estates remain unbeatable for long-distance comfort and load-lugging ability, thanks to its enormous boot and generous rear space.
Meanwhile, the Best MPV: Kia PV5 highlights the continued demand for practical family transport, offering vast interior space, clever storage solutions and strong electric range.
What this tells us:
Fashion changes, but practicality never goes out of style.
Safety, Reliability and Peace of Mind
As cars become more advanced, trust and dependability matter more than ever.
The Reliability Award 2026 goes to Honda, achieving a 96.6% reliability rating and topping the survey for the first time in seven years. Models like the HR-V, Civic and Jazz underline Honda’s reputation for building dependable, easy-to-own cars.
When it comes to safety, the Best for Safety: BMW X3 impressed with its advanced driver assistance systems, helping prevent accidents without overwhelming the driver.
What this tells us:
Smart technology works best when it supports drivers quietly in the background.
Performance and Driving Enjoyment Aren’t Dead
Despite the industry’s shift towards efficiency and electrification, performance cars still have a strong presence.
The Best Performance Car: BMW M3 Touring blends pace with estate-car practicality - proof that high performance and everyday usability can coexist.
The Best Sports Car: Porsche 911 stands out for its lightweight feel and focus on driver enjoyment, offering a refreshing contrast to increasingly digital cars.
Open-top driving still has its place too, with the Best Convertible: Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet blending comfort and genuine everyday usability.
What this tells us:
The future of motoring still has room for excitement, emotion and driver engagement.
Executive Cars Go Electric
The Best Executive Car: Tesla Model 3 highlights how electric cars are now the default choice for many company car drivers. Long range, strong performance and access to Tesla’s charging network make it a compelling all-rounder.
Final Thoughts: A Market in Transition
The What Car? Awards 2026 show an industry that’s no longer unsure about its direction. Electric cars are leading the way, hybrids are supporting the transition, and buyers no longer need to choose between efficiency, practicality and enjoyment.
The future of motoring isn’t about giving something up - it’s about getting more from your car than ever before.
