The Korea Automobile Journalists Association (KAJA) announced on the 28th that 17 models from 12 brands of domestic and imported vehicles have advanced to the final round of the ‘2026 Korea Car of the Year (K-COTY)’ competition. The final judging will take place in the first quarter of next year, where fierce competition is expected.
The KAJA conducted the first half evaluation from August 20 to 26, targeting 30 new models (including facelifts) released between January and June this year. Out of these, 17 cars from 12 brands were selected for the final stage.
Among the vehicles that passed the first half evaluation, Hyundai had the most with three models, followed by Kia and Mercedes-Benz with two each. MINI also had two models advancing, while Land Rover, Lexus, Volvo, BMW, Cadillac, KG Mobility, Porsche, and Volkswagen each had one model making it through.
Every year, the association evaluates newly launched vehicles in Korea through preliminary, first half, second half, and final evaluations to select and announce the best car in Korea. The evaluations cover eight categories: Car of the Year, Domestic (or Imported) Car of the Year, SUV of the Year, Utility of the Year, EV of the Year, Design of the Year, Performance of the Year, and Innovation of the Year. Each of the 59 media companies affiliated with the KAJA is given one vote.
Additionally, the association’s ‘Car of the Year Selection Committee’ announces “Car of the Month” each month, and the selected car receives a free pass to the final evaluation without going through the preliminary and first half evaluations.
In the Car of the Year category, 10 models, including the Kia Tasman and the Kia EV4, advanced to the final evaluation. In the SUV of the Year category, seven models, including the MINI All-Electric MINI AceMan and the Volvo EX30, progressed to the finals.
The Kia Tasman advanced to the final in the Utility of the Year category. In the Design of the Year category, 16 models, including the Kia Tasman and the Land Rover All-New Defender Octa, made it to the finals.
The Performance of the Year category saw seven models, including the Lexus LX 700h and the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT, progress past the first half. In the EV of the Year category, eight models, including the Kia EV4, advanced to the final stage.
Jung Ji-yeon, the head of the Car of the Year Selection Committee, stated, “As fierce competition is expected between domestic and imported car brands for the title of Korea’s best car, we will conduct a fair and rigorous evaluation. Through the Car of the Year evaluation, we will do our best to provide accurate new car information to both domestic and international consumers.”
The Korea Automobile Journalists Association comprises 59 member media outlets, including major daily newspapers, broadcasters, news agencies, online media, and automotive magazines, with around 200 journalists actively participating.