The AutoApp Car Of The Year awards are back for 2026

AutoApp Car of the Year (ACOTY) gathers the views and scores from every vehicle we test throughout the year, helping buyers make confident, informed decisions.

25 years of experience in automotive journalism
Our panel of editors and writers evaluates each car using a clear, objective scoring system. If it has four wheels and we drive it, it qualifies. No exclusions. No favourites.

We created multiple categories to reflect the different needs of drivers. For readers who want a straight answer, the Overall Winners cut through the noise.

Evaluated in 2025, awarded in 2026
Adopting the European style of award-granting for the following year gives brands a full year to market their wins and ensures buyers are looking at cars relevant to the year ahead.

To qualify, a model must have been launched between 1 January and 31 December 2025, remain on sale in 2026, and go through a full review and evaluation by at least one voting member. We publish a full AutoApp review for every eligible car, so our results come from real driving, not speculation.

Category winners move forward to battle for the Overall titles. From there, we select the one car that rises above the rest to claim the ultimate honour:
AutoApp Car of the Year