The new Nissan LEAF has just won one of the most exciting and prestigious awards in the automotive industry: being named the Grand Winner of the 2026 Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year (WWCOTY), an award judged exclusively by female automotive journalists from various countries.
This recognition attracted attention not only because of the results, but also because of the history of the model. First launched in 2010, the LEAF was the world’s first mass-produced electric car, helping pave the way for the popularization of electric vehicles long before the current global race towards electrification.
The electric car that made history
More than 15 years later, LEAF enters its third generation with a completely updated project. This new model features a more modern design, longer range and more intuitive technology, while still maintaining the concept of an electric car that is easy to use in everyday life.
These characteristics are important factors that make this model stand out among the 55 competing vehicles evaluated in the 2026 edition of the award.
WWCOTY rates cars based on factors that directly influence a driver’s actual experience, such as safety, practicality, design, value and environmental impact.
The jury consists of 86 female automotive journalists from more than 50 countries, making this award one of the industry’s most extensive evaluations.
Not the only award
Interestingly, this model attracted the attention of the jury even before winning the main title. In early 2026, the newest Nissan LEAF was also selected as Best Compact Car this year by WWCOTY.
With this overall win, the model further cements its position as one of the most influential electric cars in history, showing that even after more than a decade on the market, it is still capable of innovation and attracting new audiences.
Source and image: Nissan. This content is created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
