The automotive industry is at a crossroads. As automakers simultaneously invest in electric vehicles (EVs) and traditional combustion engines, a surprising trend has emerged: a marked lack of groundbreaking originality. The 2026 Car of the Year (COTY) competition, evaluated through the annual Tannistest in Denmark, reflects this reality. From a longlist of 35 eligible vehicles, just seven have made the final cut, and few stand out as truly revolutionary.
The State of Automotive Design
This year’s competition features 29 cars from 23 brands, all vying for the attention of 59 jurors from 23 countries. The result is a field of refined, competent vehicles—comfortable, quiet, and equipped with impressive technology—but few that break new ground. The industry appears to be prioritizing incremental improvements over bold experimentation.
Why this matters: The lack of risk-taking in automotive design stems from the immense financial burden of developing entirely new platforms while simultaneously transitioning to EVs. Companies are hesitant to gamble on radical ideas when survival depends on maximizing returns on existing investments.
Standout Contenders and Missed Opportunities
Among the shortlisted vehicles, the Skoda Elroq emerges as a strong contender. It’s not groundbreaking, but it represents the best execution of a familiar formula: a four-and-a-half-meter electric family crossover. The Fiat Grande Panda also stands out for its playful design and engaging driving experience, proving that charm can still cut through the monotony.
However, several promising models were overlooked. The Alpine A390, despite its striking aesthetics, failed to impress in performance. The Hyundai Ioniq 9, while futuristic and well-executed, couldn’t secure a spot. The DS No8, a particularly polarizing vehicle, struggled to justify its existence in a crowded market.
Key Takeaway: The industry’s conservatism is evident in the shortlist. While many cars are good, few inspire genuine excitement.
The Shortlist: A Familiar Lineup
The seven finalists for the 2026 COTY award include:
- Citroën C5 Aircross: A comfortable but unremarkable offering.
- Dacia Bigster: A significant model for the brand but lacks the appeal of the established Duster.
- Fiat Grande Panda: The standout for its charm and fun-to-drive nature.
- Kia EV4: Competent but too similar to the previous EV3.
- Mercedes-Benz CLA: A strong contender with advancements in EV technology, potentially surpassing even Tesla in efficiency.
- Renault 4: A solid offering but feels like a variation of the award-winning Renault 5.
- Skoda Elroq: The best example of a refined, yet conventional, electric crossover.
The Verdict: The 2026 Car of the Year race is shaping up to be a competition between incremental improvements rather than revolutionary designs. While the Mercedes-Benz CLA emerges as a frontrunner, the lack of true originality across the board raises questions about the future direction of automotive innovation.
The final decision will be announced in January, but the current landscape suggests that the industry is more focused on refining existing concepts than taking bold risks.
