The Maruti Suzuki Victoris has claimed the highest honour in the Indian automotive industry, winning the Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) 2026 title. In a year packed with major launches, electrification milestones, and technology-led upgrades, the Victoris stood out for delivering the most well-rounded package for Indian buyers.
The jury recognised the Victoris for its strong blend of efficiency, modern features, comfort, and value for money — key factors that continue to define success in India’s mass-market premium space.
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ICOTY 2026 Overall Results
| Rank | Model | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Winner | Maruti Suzuki Victoris | ICOTY 2026 (Overall) |
| 1st Runner-up | Skoda Kylaq | ICOTY 2026 (Overall) |
| 2nd Runner-up | Mahindra XEV 9e | ICOTY 2026 (Overall) |
The final standings underline how closely fought the 2026 edition was, with strong representation from both ICE and electric vehicles.
Finalists: A Highly Competitive Line-Up
The Victoris emerged on top from an impressive shortlist that represented the best of the 2025 automotive calendar:
- Hyundai Creta Electric
- Hyundai Venue
- Kia Carens Clavis EV
- Kia Syros
- Mahindra XEV 9e
- Skoda Kylaq
- Tata Harrier EV
This mix of EVs, SUVs, and updated mainstream models made ICOTY 2026 one of the toughest editions in recent years.
Why the Victoris Won ICOTY 2026
According to the jury, the Victoris excelled by striking a balance that few competitors managed.
Key Strengths Highlighted by the Jury
- Contemporary yet practical design
- Comfortable ride quality tuned for Indian roads
- Strong fuel efficiency and ownership economics
- Useful technology and safety features
- Competitive pricing and low running costs
Rather than excelling in just one area, the Victoris performed consistently well across all evaluation parameters — a quality that ultimately tipped the scales in its favour.
How ICOTY Winners Are Decided
The ICOTY award is decided by a panel of 20 senior automotive journalists from India’s leading publications.
Judging Criteria
- Styling and design appeal
- Performance and comfort
- Fuel efficiency / energy consumption
- Technical innovation and safety
- Value for money for Indian consumers
Each juror follows a structured scoring system to ensure fairness, independence, and transparency throughout the evaluation process.
ICOTY 2026: The Triple Crown Winners
Alongside the Victoris’s overall win, the ceremony also celebrated excellence in specialised categories:
- ICOTY 2026 (Overall): Maruti Suzuki Victoris
- Green Car of the Year: Mahindra XEV 9e
- Premium Car of the Year: Volkswagen Golf GTI
This result marks Maruti Suzuki’s return to the top after the Mahindra Thar Roxx claimed the title in 2025, reaffirming the brand’s dominance in the mass-market and premium-mainstream segments.
