The finalists for the Car of the Year Award 2023 were announced after a thorough screening process that involved more than 60 jurors from across Europe. The panel shortlisted seven cars from 27 entries, with a clear tilt toward electrified powertrains—every finalist either features a hybrid system, an all-electric variant, or is an electric-only model. The emphasis on electrification reflects broader industry trends toward sustainable mobility and lower emissions, a shift that has shaped judging criteria and consumer expectations alike.
Votes to determine the winner will take place in January, culminating at the 100th Brussels Motor Show. On January 13, 2023, the eventual European Car of the Year will be announced, giving the automotive world a snapshot of which model best combines innovation, practicality, and efficiency for European drivers.
The seven contenders for the 2023 European Car of the Year are listed below for reference and comparison:
- Jeep Avenger
- Kia Niro
- Nissan Ariya
- Peugeot 408
- Renault Austral
- Subaru Solterra / Toyota bZ4X
- Volkswagen ID. Buzz
Looking back at 2022, the Kia EV6 earned the European Car of the Year title with a total of 279 points, narrowly surpassing the Renault Megane E-Tech Electric. The Hyundai Ioniq 5, a close relative of the EV6, finished in third place. This outcome underscored the growing consensus among jurors that electric crossovers and compact family cars offer a compelling blend of range, efficiency, and everyday practicality, a trend that continues to influence model development and consumer choice [Source: European Car of the Year archive].