All-new Nissan Leaf wins 2026 Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year

Third-generation Nissan Leaf named overall winner of 2026 WWCOTY

The all-new Nissan Leaf has been named the overall winner for 2026 by the Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year (WWCOTY),  the highest honor bestowed by the international jury comprised exclusively of women automotive journalists.

First launched in 2010 as the world’s first mass market electric vehicle (EV), the Leaf has helped drive the shift to electric mobility for over 15 years. Now in its third generation, the all-new Leaf builds on that legacy with a sleeker design, enhanced range, and intuitive technology, qualities identified by this year’s WWCOTY jury. The Leaf rose to the top of a competitive field of 55 vehicles, underscoring its standout appeal among a wide range of global contenders.

WWCOTY evaluates vehicles based on what matters most to everyday drivers, including safety, design, value, ease of use, and environmental impact. Comprised of 86 leading women journalists across more than 50 countries, the jury praised the LEAF for its realistic approach to electric mobility, and the balance of advanced electric performance and simple, enjoyable day-to-day driving.

“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.”

“New Leaf being named overall winner by the Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year is a proud moment for everyone at Nissan,” said Ivan Espinosa, president & CEO of Nissan. “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.”