Mazda 6e wins world's best car design award for 2026
What's the story
The Mazda 6e/EZ-6 has been awarded the prestigious title of "2026 World Car Design of the Year." The announcement was made at the New York International Auto Show during the World Car Finals Powered by Brembo. This is Mazda's third win in this category and fifth overall in the history of World Car Awards, which spans over two decades.
Design ethos
Chief designer's insights on the award
Yoshito Iwauchi, Mazda's Chief Designer, spoke about the significance of this achievement. He said that The award acknowledges Mazda's continued commitment to its KODO design philosophy, which emphasizes sculptural beauty, craftsmanship, and a deeper emotional connection between car and driver. The recognition comes at a time when the automotive industry is shifting toward SUVs. The Mazda 6e/EZ-6 beat tough competition from other shortlisted contenders, including the Kia PV5 and Volvo ES90.
Jury decision
Jury and voting process
The winners were chosen by a jury of 98 automotive journalists from 33 countries. They voted through a secret ballot based on their ongoing professional evaluations. The results were independently tabulated by KPMG. Before final voting, a panel of seven globally renowned design experts reviewed all entries and created a shortlist for consideration.