Mazda6e EZ 6 Wins 2026 World Car Design Of The Year
mazda designwin yoshito iwauchi chief designer w worldcar jurors
The Mazda6e / EZ-6 has pulled off the automotive equivalent of turning up to a party in a tux when everyone else is in tracksuits. It was crowned the 2026 World Car Design of the Year at the New York International Auto Show, which means a classic sedan has beaten a flock of flashy SUVs and electric oddities to the top spot.
This is the third time Mazda has claimed the design prize and its fifth World Car Award in the event’s 22 year history. Not a bad haul for a company that insists on making cars that look like cars rather than mobile rectangles with wheels.
The Vote
A jury of 98 international automotive journalists from 33 countries cast secret ballots, with results tabulated by KPMG. A panel of seven design experts first produced a short list from 90 eligible vehicles, and then the global jury had the final say.
Top Three
The earlier Top Three included the Kia PV5, the Mazda6e / EZ-6, and the Volvo ES90. In the final reckoning the Mazda’s sculptural proportions and attention to crafted detail edged out the competition.
What It Means
This award is a small but pointed reminder that good design still matters. With the industry speeding toward SUVs and electrification, a beautifully executed sedan stealing the limelight feels deliciously defiant. The winners were announced during the World Car Finals powered by Brembo at the New York Auto Show.
There was ceremony and applause, naturally. But the takeaway is blunt and simple: cars that are thoughtfully made still make people feel something. That, it seems, is worth a trophy.
Zachary Skinner is the editor of TechDrivePlay.com, where tech, cars and adventure share the fast lane.
A former snowboarding pro and programmer, he brings both creative flair and technical know-how to his reviews. From high-performance cars to clever gadgets, he explores how innovation shapes the way we move, connect and live.
