Women’s Choice: Auto Journalists Name the Nissan Leaf the Best Electric Car of 2026

The Nissan Leaf has been officially crowned the overall winner of the prestigious Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year for 2026 in the electric vehicle category.

In the final round, the Japanese hatchback beat several strong contenders, including the Mercedes-Benz CLA, Škoda Elroq, Hyundai Ioniq 9, Toyota 4Runner, and even the exotic Lamborghini Temerario.

The decision was made by a professional panel of 86 automotive journalists representing 55 countries. Judges evaluated each vehicle based on safety, quality, price, design, ease of driving, and environmental impact.

The Leaf, which previously won in the compact car category, scored especially well for what judges described as its “practical approach” to everyday mobility. The car delivers smooth and quiet driving while maintaining impressive efficiency in both city and highway conditions. Reviewers also highlighted the roomy interior and overall ease of daily use as key advantages.

Organizers of the WWCOTY emphasize that the award doesn’t position the Leaf as a vehicle “only for women.” Instead, the goal of the program is to give women a stronger voice in an industry traditionally dominated by men and to spotlight vehicles that offer meaningful benefits for all drivers. The announcement was symbolically timed to coincide with the week of International Women’s Day.

The third-generation Leaf produces 214 horsepower (160 kW) and uses a front-wheel-drive layout. According to estimates, the EV offers a driving range of about 303 miles on a full charge. Its DC fast-charging system can replenish the battery to roughly 80 percent in about 35 minutes.

While more affordable competitors continue to enter the EV market, Nissan chose to focus on a balanced battery capacity and overall comfort rather than stripping down equipment levels.

According to Ivan Espinosa, the Leaf continues its mission of making electric mobility accessible to a broader audience. The updated model is expected to go on sale in fall 2025, strengthening Nissan’s position as global competition in the EV segment keeps intensifying.