The top 3 finalists for 2022 World Car of the Year (WCOTY) have been revealed along with the top 3 in the rest of the categories including World Performance Car of the Year, World Urban Car of the Year, World Luxury Car of the Year, World Electric Vehicle of the Year and World Car Design of the Year.
Related: Finalists of 2022 World Car of the Year Announced
These 6 categories are meticulously voted on, by a jury of 102 automotive journalists from around the world. The WCOTY awards are administered by a not-for-profit association, under the guidance of an awards management and advisory group of prominent automotive journalists from around the world.
2022 World Car of the Year Top 3
- Ford Mustang Mach-E
- Hyundai Ioniq 5
- Kia EV6
Vehicles eligible for WCOTY must be produced in volumes of at least 10,000 units per year. These cars must also be priced below luxury-car level in their primary markets, must be on sale in at least two major markets, including China, Europe, India, Japan, Korea, Latin America and the US on two separate continents between January 1, 2021 and March 30, 2022. For 2022, all the three finalists are electric vehicles (EVs).
World Urban Car of the Year Top 3
- Opel Mokka
- Toyota Yaris Cross
- Volkswagen Taigun
For this category, vehicles must be produced in volumes of at least 5,000 units per year and must be on sale in at least two separate continents and in major markets (China, Europe, India, Japan, Korea, Latin America, USA) between January 1, 2021 and March 30, 2022. Vehicles should have a maximum overall length of 4.3m and be road legal for public use.
World Electric Vehicle of the Year Top 3
- Audi e-Tron GT
- Hyundai Ioniq 5
- Mercedes-Benz EQS
Vehicles eligible for World Electric Vehicle of the Year must be powered solely by one or more electric motors, must be produced in volumes of at least 5,000 units/year and must be “on-sale” in at least two major markets (China, Europe, India, Japan, Korea, Latin America, USA) on at least two separate continents within the period January 1, 2021 and March 30, 2022.
World Luxury Car of the Year Top 3
- BMW iX
- Genesis GV70
- Mercedes-Benz EQS
Vehicles eligible for the World Luxury Car award must be produced in volumes of at least 5,000 units/year, must be priced at the luxury-car level in their primary markets, and must be on sale in at least two major markets (China, Europe, India, Japan, Korea, Latin America, USA) on at least two separate continents within the period January 1, 2021 and March 30, 2022.
World Performance Car of the Year Top 3
- Audi e-Tron GT
- BMW M3/M4
- Toyota GR86/Subaru BRZ
Vehicles eligible for World Performance Car must be produced in volumes of at least 2,000 units/year, must be overtly performance-focused in overall character, and must be on sale in at least two major markets (China, Europe, India, Japan, Korea, Latin America, USA) on at least two separate continents within the period January 1, 2021 and March 30, 2022. Substantially revised variations of existing models, specifically designed to enhance overall performance characteristics may be eligible at the discretion of the organizers.
World Car Design of the Year Top 3
- Audi e-Tron GT
- Hyundai Ioniq 5
- Kia EV6
All vehicles eligible for any category are automatically eligible for the World Car Design award. Winners across all 6 categories of the World Car Awards will be announced on 13th April 2022 at the New York International Auto Show.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com