ICOTY 2026 Awards: Maruti Victoris & Mahindra XEV 9e Emerge as Big Winners

Celebrating Excellence in India’s Evolving Mobility Landscape

The winners of the Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) 2026 awards have been officially announced. Following this announcement, the prestigious awards ceremony was held in New Delhi on December 19, 2025, with industry leaders, jury members, and OEM representatives in attendance.

At the event, the Maruti Suzuki Victoris was crowned Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) 2026, while the Mahindra XEV 9e emerged as the Green Car of the Year 2026, highlighting the growing importance of electric mobility in India.

Maruti Suzuki Victoris Crowned Indian Car of the Year 2026

The Maruti Suzuki Victoris emerged as the overall winner of ICOTY 2026, edging past close rivals in a tightly contested year. The SUV impressed the jury with its balanced mix of efficiency, technology, safety, and value, making it well-suited for Indian buyers.

ICOTY 2026 Final Standings

• 1. Winner: Maruti Suzuki Victoris
• 2. First Runner-up: Skoda Kylaq
• 3. Second Runner-up: Mahindra XEV 9e

Other ICOTY 2026 Nominees: 

• 1. Hyundai Venue (2025)

• 2. Hyundai Creta Electric

• 3. Kia Carens Clavis EV

• 4. Kia Syros

• 5. Tata Harrier EV

Mahindra XEV 9e Clinches Green Car of the Year 2026

The Mahindra XEV 9e secured the Green Car Award at ICOTY 2026, outperforming a strong line-up of electric and eco-friendly vehicles. The electric SUV topped the evaluation charts with the highest overall score, earning praise for its range, technology, comfort, and value proposition.

Green Car Award 2026 – Top Three

1. 1. Mahindra XEV 9e – Winner
2. 2. Kia Carens Clavis EV – Runner-up
3. 3. BMW iX1 LWB – Second runner-up

Other Green Car Award Contenders

• BYD Sealion 7

• MG Cyberster
• Hyundai Creta Electric
• Tata Harrier EV
• Tesla Model Y (2025)

This marks the sixth time the Green Car Award has been presented, underlining the category’s growing relevance amid India’s accelerating EV adoption.

Volkswagen Golf GTI Wins Premium Car of the Year 2026

The Volkswagen Golf GTI was named Premium Car of the Year 2026, a category introduced to recognise the rising premiumisation of India’s car market.

Premium Car Award 2026 – Top Three

• 1. Winner: Volkswagen Golf GTI
• 2. Runner-up: Toyota Camry
• 3. Second Runner-up: BMW iX1 LWB

Other Premium Category Contenders

• 1. Mercedes-Benz G-Class (2025)
• 2. Skoda Kodiaq (2025)
• 3. MG Cyberster
• 4. Skoda Octavia RS (2025)
• 5. BMW X3 (2025)

Jury, Evaluation Process and Voting System

The ICOTY 2026 awards were judged by a distinguished jury of automotive journalists representing India’s leading publications and digital platforms. Each jury member was allocated 25 points, with a maximum of 10 points per car, and mandatory scoring across at least five models, ensuring transparency and fairness.

Vehicles were evaluated on parameters including:

• 1. Design and styling
• 2. Comfort and practicality
• 3. Performance and efficiency
• 4. Safety and technology
• 5. Price and value for money
• 6. Suitability for Indian driving conditions

Deloitte served as the knowledge partner, overseeing the evaluation methodology.

Statements from Industry Leaders

Receiving the award, Mr. Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, said, “We are honoured to receive the ‘Indian Car of the Year 2026’ award for VICTORIS. This SUV was designed to provide all possible features to today’s new-age customers. It brings together style, technology, safety, and a host of smart innovations. With the strong customer pull and now the coveted ICOTY award, VICTORIS lives up to its promise of ‘Got It All’. We are grateful to the ICOTY jury for this prestigious recognition.”

Dr. Raghupati Singhania, Chairman & Managing Director, JK Tyre & Industries Limited, said, “The evolution of India’s automotive industry is gaining remarkable transition, as the focus shifts toward sustainable technologies, intelligent mobility and stronger engineering capabilities. ICOTY and IMOTY recognises the machines that carry this vision into reality. JK Tyre is honoured to stand with a platform that rewards forward-looking innovation. What we have seen this year signals an industry preparing thoughtfully and confidently for the mobility of tomorrow.”

Outlook for India’s Automotive Industry

With strong participation from EVs, hybrids, and ICE models, ICOTY 2026 reflects the rapid transformation of India’s mobility ecosystem. The growing prominence of categories like Green Car and Premium Car highlights changing consumer preferences, increased electrification, and a clear shift toward technology-driven vehicles.

As the ICOTY awards continue to evolve, they remain the most trusted benchmark of automotive excellence in India, often referred to as the ‘Oscars of the Indian automotive industry’.