Article by GSP – Published on Monday, 09 March 2026, 14:32 / Updated on Monday, 09 March 2026 14:32
The award celebrates the LEAF's excellence in design, electric drive technology and everyday use. Awarded by an international jury, the award recognizes LEAF's contribution as a global pioneer of electric mobility.
YOKOHAMA, Japan — The all-new Nissan LEAF has been named the outright winner of the 2026 Women's Worldwide Car of the Year (WWCOTY) – the highest honor bestowed by the international jury made up exclusively of female automotive journalists.
Launched in 2010 as the world's first mass-market electric vehicle, the LEAF has helped accelerate the transition to electric mobility for over 15 years.
Now in its third generation, the new LEAF carries on this legacy with a sleeker design, improved range and intuitive technology – qualities highlighted by this year's WWCOTY jury. The LEAF prevailed among 55 competing models, underscoring its outstanding appeal among a wide range of global competitors.
WWCOTY rates vehicles based on the criteria that matter most to everyday drivers, including safety, design, value, ease of use and environmental impact.
Consisting of 86 leading female journalists from more than 50 countries, the jury praised the LEAF for its realistic approach to electric mobility and the balance between advanced electric performance and driving pleasure in everyday travel.
“In our voting process, we focused on vehicles that stand out not just by numbers or technology, but by how they effectively meet people's real, everyday needs,” said Marta García, WWCOTY Executive President.
“Nissan LEAF represents a mature and intelligent vision of electrification — one that makes electric mobility truly usable and affordable.”
“For the new LEAF to be named the outright winner of the Women's Worldwide Car of the Year is a proud moment for everyone at Nissan,” said Ivan Espinosa, President & CEO, Nissan.
“The LEAF helped popularize electric mobility, and this new generation carries that mission forward. It's designed to make the transition to electric propulsion easier and more enjoyable for as many people around the world as possible.”
Earlier this year, the new LEAF was also named “Best Compact Car” by WWCOTY for its practical and affordable approach to electric mobility.
