The World Car Awards has announced the top 10 finalists for the World Car of the Year (WCOTY) 2025 award, along with the finalists in five other categories. They were chosen via a secret ballot after being assessed on parameters like safety, value, environmental impact, significance and emotional appeal (or ‘Wow!’ factor).
Ninety six distinguished international automotive journalists from 30 countries are a part of the WCOTY jury, including Hormazd Sorabjee, editor of Autocar India, and Renuka Kirpalani, consulting editor (Video), Autocar India.
- Porsche leads with five cars across categories; not in the WCOTY list
- Nearly 50 percent or 17 cars selected are EVs
Here is a list of the finalists for the 2025 awards:
2025 World Car of the Year finalists
- Audi A5 / S5
- BMW X3
- Ford Mustang
- Hyundai Inster / Casper Electric
- Kia EV3
- Mini Cooper Electric
- Suzuki Swift
- Toyota Camry
- Toyota Land Cruiser / Land Cruiser 250
- Volkswagen Tiguan / Tayron
2025 World Urban Car of the Year
- BYD Seagull / Dolphin Mini
- Hyundai Inster / Casper Electric
- Mini Cooper
- Mini Cooper Electric
- Suzuki Swift
2025 World Luxury Car of the Year
- Lexus GX
- Porsche Macan
- Porsche Panamera
- Volkswagen ID. Buzz
- Volvo EX90
2025 World Performance Car of the Year
- Bentley Continental GT Speed
- BMW M5
- Ford Mustang
- Porsche 911 Carrera GTS
- Porsche Taycan Turbo GT
2025 World Electric Vehicle of the Year
- Hyundai Inster / Casper Electric
- Kia EV3
- Porsche Macan Electric
- Volkswagen ID. Buzz
- Volvo EX90
2025 World Car Design of the Year
- MG Windsor EV
- Kia EV3
- Mini Cooper
- Toyota Land Cruiser / Land Cruiser 250
- Volkswagen ID. Buzz
2025 World Car Award: what’s next
The second round of test drives and voting has begun and will stretch till February. The top three finalists will be revealed on March 4, followed by the announcement of all winners (category wise) at the New York International Auto Show on April 5.
Which car according to you would win the 2025 WCOTY awards? Let us know in the comments.
Rivan RS 
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Suraj Viswanathan
