The third generation of Nissan’s pioneering electric vehicle has been honored for its all-around excellence and versatility. The prestigious title was bestowed upon the all-new LEAF by an international jury of automotive journalists, marking a significant milestone for the 2026 model.
Nissan is proud to announce that the all-new Nissan LEAF has been named the World’s Best Compact Car by the Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year (WWCOTY)—the only automotive awards jury in the world comprised exclusively of women motoring journalists.
The award recognizes the third generation of the world’s first mass-market electric vehicle for its sleek design, impressive powertrain performance, and intuitive technologies. The jury also highlighted the LEAF’s historic role in leading the global consumer shift toward sustainable mobility.
The Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year celebrates vehicles that excel in the areas most important to everyday drivers: safety, quality, price, design, ease of driving, and environmental footprint. The jury, consisting of 84 automotive journalists from 54 countries, evaluates cars based on universal criteria rather than gender-specific traits, advocating that excellence in mobility is universal.
Founded in 2009 by New Zealand journalist Sandy Myhre, WWCOTY aims to amplify women’s voices in the automotive industry and emphasize mobility as a key driver of personal and professional opportunities worldwide.
The third-generation Nissan LEAF has evolved into a sleek crossover-inspired package, combining aerodynamic efficiency with a premium cabin.
Ivan Espinosa, Nissan’s Chief Planning Officer, commented: “This recognition from WWCOTY reinforces our commitment to making EVs accessible and desirable for all drivers. The original LEAF laid the foundation for global EV adoption. With its advanced features, this new generation makes daily driving easier and more enjoyable, inviting everyone to embrace life with electric vehicles.”
