Maruti Suzuki Victoris Wins Indian Car of the Year 2026: Here’s Why the Award Was Announced in 2025
Maruti Suzuki Victoris has been awarded the prestigious Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) 2026, emerging as the top choice among a competitive lineup that included the Hyundai Creta Electric, Kia Syros, and Tata Harrier EV. While the win has generated significant buzz, it has also raised a common question among car buyers and enthusiasts: how can a car become “Car of the Year 2026” when the announcement was made in 2025?
This article explains the award, the judging process, and the logic behind the timeline.
Why the Indian Car of the Year 2026 Was Announced in 2025
The Indian Car of the Year title is a forward-looking award, not a retrospective one. The year mentioned in the award refers to the model year the car represents, not the calendar year in which it was launched or announced.
In practice, this means:
- Cars launched during 2025 are evaluated together.
- The winner is named Car of the Year 2026, as it sets the benchmark for the upcoming year.
- Announcing the award in late 2025 allows buyers and manufacturers to enter 2026 with a clear industry reference point.
This system is standard across global automotive awards and helps align product cycles, marketing strategies, and consumer decision-making.
How the ICOTY Jury Selects the Winner
The ICOTY awards are judged by a panel of experienced automotive journalists and experts from OVERDRIVE, who focus on real-world Indian driving conditions rather than just specifications.
Key evaluation criteria include:
- Performance and drivability
- Ride quality and handling
- Safety features and technology
- Efficiency (fuel, hybrid, or electric)
- Value for money
- Suitability for Indian roads and usage patterns
Each eligible car undergoes extensive testing before final scores are compiled.
Why Maruti Suzuki Victoris Won ICOTY 2026
The Maruti Suzuki Victoris stood out as a well-rounded package. While rivals offered strong electric credentials or premium features, the Victoris impressed the jury with its balance of:
- Everyday usability
- Competitive pricing
- Proven reliability
- Practical features tailored for Indian consumers
Rather than excelling in just one area, the Victoris delivered consistent performance across all categories, making it the most complete offering of the year.
Other Winners at the 2026 ICOTY Awards
The 2026 ICOTY ceremony also recognized excellence across multiple segments:
Indian Motorcycle of the Year 2026
- Winner: TVS Apache RTX
- Rivals: Royal Enfield Classic 650, KTM 390 Adventure
The Apache RTX was praised for its performance, handling, and technological upgrades.
Green Car of the Year 2026
- Winner: Mahindra XEV 9e
This award highlighted Mahindra’s progress in sustainable mobility and electric vehicle innovation.
Premium Car of the Year 2026
- Winner: Volkswagen Golf GTI
The Golf GTI earned recognition for its performance-driven character and premium engineering.
Why These Awards Matter to Car Buyers
For consumers, ICOTY awards act as a trusted buying guide. Since the evaluations are based on Indian conditions, the winners often reflect what works best in everyday usage rather than what simply looks impressive on paper.
For manufacturers, winning ICOTY reinforces brand credibility and helps set expectations for the upcoming year.
While the timing may initially seem confusing, the logic behind the Indian Car of the Year 2026 award is straightforward. The title represents the car that will define standards in 2026, even though it was evaluated and announced in 2025.
Maruti Suzuki Victoris’s win underscores a broader shift in the Indian automotive landscape—where balance, practicality, and real-world performance are becoming just as important as electrification and cutting-edge technology.
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