ICOTY 2026 Winners Announced of All Categories

The ICOTY 2026 awards have just wrapped up, delivering surprises across main, premium and green categories that highlight India's evolving car market—from efficient family haulers to thrilling performance icons and cutting-edge EVs. After months of testing by top automotive experts, the winners emerged from intense competition, balancing innovation, value and real-world appeal for Indian roads.

ICOTY Main Category Thriller

The main Indian Car of the Year race pitted EVs against compact SUVs and family cars in one of the closest battles yet. Finalists like Hyundai Creta Electric, Hyundai Venue, Kia Carens Clavis EV, Kia Syros, Mahindra XEV 9E, Skoda Kylaq and Tata Harrier EV pushed boundaries with tech and practicality.

But only one could claim the crown... Maruti Suzuki Victoris! It topped the charts for its unbeatable mix of fuel efficiency, spacious cabin, modern features and low ownership costs that resonate perfectly with Indian families.

Key reasons Victoris won:

• Exceptional fuel economy for city-highway commutes
• Tech-loaded cabin with intuitive touchscreen and connectivity
• Spacious interiors and boot space for family needs
• Maruti's unmatched service network and low maintenance

Skoda Kylaq grabbed first runner-up honors, showcasing European build quality just shy of victory.

Premium Category Showdown

In the Premium Car Award, luxury SUVs, electric roadsters and hot hatches went head-to-head on performance, refinement and daily drivability. Contenders included BMW iX1 LWB, BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz G-Class, MG Cyberster, Skoda Kodiaq, Skoda Octavia RS and Toyota Camry.

The verdict? Volkswagen Golf GTI stole the show as Premium Car of the Year! This iconic hot hatch wowed with razor-sharp handling, punchy turbo power and surprising practicality, proving premium doesn't need four wheels of excess.

What set Golf GTI apart:

• Turbo-petrol punch with precise manual/auto shifts
• Sporty suspension that handles Indian potholes gracefully
• Premium interior with digital cockpit and safety suite
• Everyday hatch practicality with hot hatch thrills

Green Category Electric Battle

The Green Car Award saw an EV extravaganza, with global giants clashing against homegrown innovation for sustainable supremacy. Shortlisted were BMW iX1 LWB, BYD Sealion 7, Hyundai Creta Electric, Kia Carens Clavis EV, MG Cyberster, Tata Harrier EV and Tesla Model Y.

Drumroll... Mahindra XEV 9e clinched Green Car of the Year—and the highest overall score across all categories! Its long range, smart tech, comfy ride and sharp pricing make it the EV benchmark for India right now.

XEV 9e victory highlights:

• Real-world range beating most rivals
• Advanced ADAS and fast-charging support
• SUV comfort with born-EV efficiency
• Competitive pricing for mass adoption

Jury Behind the Magic

A dream team of experts drove the decisions: Vikrant Singh & Sagar Bhanushali (Carwale), Dhruv Behl & Ishan Raghava (autoX), Yogendra Pratap & Dipayan Dutta (Auto Today), Aspi Bhathena & Gaurav Davare (Car India), Sirish Chandran & Aatish Mishra (Evo India), Pablo Chaterji & Kartik Ware (Motoring World), Rohit Paradkar & Kranti Sambhav (Overdrive), Arpit Mahendra (TOI Auto), Tushar Kamath (Cardekho.com), Abhay Verma (Turbocharged), Bob Rupani and Kushan Mitra (The Print). They scored rigorously on performance, safety, value and India-fit.

Winners at a Glance

Conclusion

The ICOTY 2026 winners—Maruti Suzuki Victoris, Volkswagen Golf GTI, and Mahindra XEV 9e—perfectly capture India's automotive shift toward practical, thrilling, and sustainable driving options that fit real-world needs.

These standout picks from a jury of top experts prove that great cars excel in efficiency, fun, and green tech without compromising on Indian road realities or value.

Ready to drive the future? Which ICOTY 2026 winner would you pick—Victoris for family hauls, Golf GTI for adrenaline, or XEV 9e for zero-emission supremacy?