The Women’s World Car of the Year jury has revealed the list of winners for 2023, selected across six major categories by a panel of 63 automotive journalists representing 45 countries. The process highlights a diverse international perspective on what makes a car truly stand out in today’s market, considering factors from practicality to performance, comfort to efficiency, and safety to technology. The jurors scrutinize each contender in real-world conditions and under rigorous testing, aiming to spotlight vehicles that deliver consistently strong value across different regions and driving styles (Source: Women’s World Car of the Year).
Kia Niro earned the title of Best City Car, with judges praising its spacious interior, practical layout, and environmentally friendly design. The model’s efficiency, compact footprint for urban environments, and thoughtful packaging were cited as key strengths that appeal to modern city dwellers who demand usable space without sacrificing fuel economy or reliability. In addition, the Niro’s generous cargo space and calm ride quality contributed to its standing as a versatile daily companion for families and solo commuters alike (Source: Women’s World Car of the Year).
In the family crossover segment, the Jeep Avenger took top honors with its front-wheel drive setup and status as the brand’s first fully electric model. The selection underscores a shift toward accessible, practical electric crossovers that can handle everyday family needs while delivering strong driving dynamics and a responsible environmental footprint. The vehicle’s cabin space, safety devices, and quiet, refined performance helped it win over a field of capable contenders (Source: Women’s World Car of the Year).
Within the Best Big Car category, the Citroën C5 X was celebrated for the blend of comfort, generous roominess, and distinctive design. Judges noted its supportive seating, smooth ride quality, and an interior that balances elegance with everyday usability. The C5 X’s ability to combine a refined long-distance cruiser experience with practical, everyday practicality stood out as a hallmark of 2023’s appreciation for elegant, comfortable, multi-purpose sedans (Source: Women’s World Car of the Year).
The Nissan X-Trail captured the Best Large SUV award, praised for its seven-seat versatility, capable off-road performance, and hybrid technology. The model offers a practical solution for families seeking flexible seating configurations and the option of mild or strong hybrid powertrains to improve efficiency without compromising performance. Its mix of robust capability, modern technology, and a spacious interior resonated with jurors looking for a well-rounded, all-terrain family vehicle (Source: Women’s World Car of the Year).
Rounding out the automotive performance spectrum, the Audi RS 3 was acknowledged as the standout sports car, while the Ford Ranger earned recognition among pickups. The RS 3 impressed with its sharp handling, turbocharged acceleration, and a go-fast character that still integrates day-to-day practicality. The Ranger’s reputation for rugged reliability, payload capacity, and advanced drivetrain options resonated with buyers who need a capable truck for work and recreation alike (Source: Women’s World Car of the Year).
The Women’s World Car of the Year award program began in 2009, creating an annual benchmark that reflects the preferences and practical needs of women drivers worldwide. The ongoing announcement of the overall 2023 winner is scheduled for March 8, completing a yearly cycle that celebrates a wide spectrum of vehicles—from city cars to family crossovers, luxury sedans to performance-oriented models. The list of ten finalists for the title of World Car of the Year was previously published by the jury, highlighting the strong competition and the breadth of options across segments (Source: Women’s World Car of the Year).