ICOTY 2026 Finalists Full List All Three Categories

The Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) 2026 finalists bring together mass-market innovators, cutting-edge EVs and aspirational premium models, reflecting how rapidly the Indian car market is evolving. Across the main ICOTY, Premium Car Award and Green Car Award categories, the shortlisted cars balance technology, practicality, value and desirability for Indian buyers.​

What is ICOTY?

The Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) award was created in 2005 by leading Indian automotive journalists to recognise the best new car launched in the country each year. Jury members evaluate contenders on parameters like price, fuel efficiency, styling, comfort, safety, performance, practicality, innovation, value for money and suitability for Indian conditions before voting for the winners.​

Often called the “Oscar of the Indian automotive industry”, ICOTY is regarded as the most credible and coveted car award in India, with JK Tyre supporting the ceremony from the beginning. For 2026, the jury has shortlisted finalists across three key categories: ICOTY, Premium Car Award and Green Car Award.​

ICOTY 2026 Finalists (Main Category)

The core ICOTY 2026 list mixes popular compact SUVs, all‑electric crossovers and new-age family cars that target the heart of the Indian market. Here are the finalists:​

• Hyundai Creta Electric
• Hyundai Venue
• Kia Carens Clavis EV
• Kia Syros
• Mahindra XEV 9E
• Maruti Suzuki Victoris
• Skoda Kylaq
• Tata Harrier EV​

Hyundai Creta Electric

The Hyundai Creta Electric brings the hugely successful Creta nameplate into the EV era with an all‑electric powertrain and SUV practicality tailored for Indian families. Expect a sizeable battery offering competitive real‑world range, fast‑charging capability, connected‑car tech and a premium cabin with features like a large touchscreen, ADAS pack and multi‑mode drive settings to make it city- as well as highway-friendly.​

Hyundai Venue (2025)

The 2025 Hyundai Venue continues as a compact SUV designed for urban India, likely offering efficient petrol and possibly turbo-petrol engine options with manual and automatic transmissions. It focuses on high ground clearance, connected features, sunroof, modern infotainment and strong safety equipment, making it a versatile choice for first-time buyers and small families alike.​

Kia Carens Clavis EV

The Kia Carens Clavis EV combines three-row versatility with an all‑electric drivetrain, targeting buyers who want a practical people-mover without tailpipe emissions. With flexible seating, generous cabin space, contemporary design and advanced features like connected services and likely multiple regen modes, it aims to be a family EV that can handle both daily commutes and long trips.​

Kia Syros

The Kia Syros is positioned as a stylish new crossover/SUV that blends coupé‑like looks with practical cabin space and modern powertrains. It is expected to come with efficient engines, high‑tech interiors, large displays and a strong focus on safety and connectivity to appeal to younger urban buyers looking for something distinctive.​

Mahindra XEV 9E

Mahindra’s XEV 9E is a next‑generation electric SUV that showcases the brand’s new design language and born‑EV platform direction. With a focus on long-range capability, robust build, advanced safety tech and powerful performance, it is aimed at buyers who want an SUV that feels future-ready yet suited to Indian roads.​

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

The Maruti Suzuki Victoris represents the brand’s latest take on an all‑rounder family car, likely combining high fuel efficiency with spacious interiors and an aggressive price-to-features ratio. Maruti typically emphasises reliability, wide service reach and low running costs, so the Victoris is positioned to appeal strongly to value-conscious Indian households.​

Skoda Kylaq

The Skoda Kylaq is an SUV that leans on Skoda’s strengths of solid European build quality, powerful yet efficient engines and sophisticated ride and handling. A well-appointed interior with quality materials, digital instrumentation, advanced infotainment and strong safety equipment makes it a compelling choice for buyers stepping up to a more premium-feeling vehicle.​

Tata Harrier EV

The Tata Harrier EV takes the popular Harrier SUV into the electric space, combining its muscular design with a zero‑emission powertrain. Expect a large battery pack, dual‑motor or high‑output single‑motor configurations (depending on variant), spacious cabin, panoramic sunroof and a long feature list, along with Tata’s focus on safety and robust suspension tuning for Indian roads.​

Premium Car Award 2026 Finalists

The Premium Car Award 2026 shortlist focuses on aspirational models that offer luxury, performance, technology and brand prestige. The finalists are:​

• BMW iX1
• BMW X3 (2025)
• Mercedes-Benz G-Class
• MG Cyberster
• Skoda Kodiaq (2025)
• Skoda Octavia RS (2025)
• Toyota Camry (2025)
• Volkswagen Golf GTI (2025)​

BMW iX1

The BMW iX1 is an all‑electric compact luxury SUV that blends BMW’s driving dynamics with zero‑emission mobility and a premium cabin. It offers strong performance from its electric motors, a sophisticated interior with high‑resolution screens, advanced driver‑assistance systems and fast‑charging capability, making it a high-tech urban luxury EV.​

The 2025 BMW X3 is a mid‑size luxury SUV known for its balanced mix of performance, comfort and practicality. With powerful petrol/diesel or mild-hybrid engines, a plush yet sporty interior, premium audio and the latest iDrive infotainment, it targets buyers who want a driver-focused luxury SUV that doubles as a family car.​

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class is an iconic luxury off-roader that combines old-school boxy design with modern tech and opulent interiors. It delivers serious off-road capability, powerful engines and a commanding road presence, while offering high-end materials, advanced infotainment and bespoke customisation options for luxury SUV enthusiasts.​

MG Cyberster

The MG Cyberster is a striking electric roadster that brings back the brand’s sporty heritage in a futuristic EV package. With a low-slung design, powerful electric drivetrain, sharp handling focus and tech-rich cabin, it is positioned as an emotional, enthusiast-friendly EV that still offers everyday usability.​

Skoda Kodiaq (2025)

The 2025 Skoda Kodiaq is a three-row SUV that majors on practicality, comfort and European refinement for larger families. It offers flexible seating, strong engine options, a high-quality interior, advanced safety features and clever ‘Simply Clever’ touches that make long journeys more comfortable and convenient.​

Skoda Octavia RS (2025)

The 2025 Skoda Octavia RS is the performance-oriented version of the Octavia, pairing a powerful turbo engine with sharp dynamics and everyday practicality. Sporty styling, supportive seats, upgraded brakes and suspension, along with a spacious cabin and large boot, make it a true do‑it‑all performance sedan.​

Toyota Camry (2025)

The 2025 Toyota Camry continues as a premium sedan renowned for its reliability, comfort and strong hybrid technology. With a refined hybrid powertrain, roomy rear seat, smooth ride and a reputation for low running costs, it appeals to chauffeur-driven and self-driven buyers looking for a comfortable, efficient premium sedan.​

Volkswagen Golf GTI (2025)

The 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI is a hot hatch icon that blends everyday usability with enthusiastic performance. A turbocharged petrol engine, sporty suspension, precise steering and a high-quality cabin with advanced infotainment make it ideal for those who want a fun, practical and premium-feeling performance car.​

Green Car Award 2026 Finalists

The Green Car Award 2026 category highlights the industry’s rapid shift towards electrification and sustainable mobility. These finalists span luxury, mass-market EVs and performance-focused electric models:​

• BMW iX1 LWB
• BYD Sealion 7
• Hyundai Creta Electric
• Kia Carens Clavis EV
• MG Cyberster
• Mahindra XEV 9E
• Tata Harrier EV
• Tesla Model Y​

BMW iX1 LWB

The long‑wheelbase BMW iX1 LWB adds extra rear legroom to the compact luxury EV, making it more appealing for chauffeur-driven owners in markets like India. It combines strong electric performance, premium interiors and advanced tech with enhanced rear comfort, positioning it as a practical yet luxurious green option.​

BYD Sealion 7

The BYD Sealion 7 is an electric SUV that showcases the brand’s battery expertise, likely featuring BYD’s advanced blade battery technology for improved safety and efficiency. With a focus on long range, fast charging, spacious interiors and value-driven pricing, it targets families looking to switch confidently to a full EV.​

Tesla Model Y (2025)

The 2025 Tesla Model Y is a global best-selling electric SUV known for its strong performance, long range and access to Tesla’s fast-charging ecosystem in supported markets. Minimalist interiors, over‑the‑air software updates, advanced driver assistance features and a practical hatchback layout make it an appealing green choice for tech-focused buyers.​

At a Glance: All Three Categories

These finalists set the stage for a tightly fought ICOTY 2026 where the jury weighs performance, innovation, sustainability and everyday usability before announcing the winners.