Subaru’s Forester won the Japan Car of the Year award for 2025-2026, narrowly beating Honda’s Prelude at Bosch Hall in Yokohama. The Volkswagen ID. Buzz claimed the Japan Import Car of the Year award.
This year marked the 46th Japan Car of the Year awards, where 60 judges and 41 automotive representatives gathered to select the best cars. A Formula 1-style voting system was used, allowing judges to allocate points to the ten finalists. The Forester received 1,149 votes, followed by the Prelude with 1,076 and the Toyota Crown (Estate) with 654.
Katsuro Tadaki, the Forester’s chief engineer, praised the hybrid powertrain and enhancements in safety and comfort. Porsche Japan celebrated its 30th anniversary, with the 911 Carrera GTS winning the Technology Award for its T-Hybrid powertrain. Special awards were given to the Porsche Experience Center for community efforts and to the Super Endurance Organization for promoting carbon neutrality and international exchange through motorsports.
For further information, you can visit this’ Japan Car of the Year’ website: www.jcoty.org/
Key Points…
- Subaru Forester Wins Japan Car of the Year 2025-2026: The Subaru Forester was awarded the Japan Car of the Year 2025-2026, narrowly surpassing the Honda Prelude in a close competition during the awards ceremony in Yokohama.
- 46th Japan Car of the Year Awards Format: The awards featured a Formula 1-style voting system with 60 judges and 41 automotive representatives voting for the top ten finalists, with the Forester receiving the most votes.
- Highlights of the Winning Cars and Performances: Alongside the Forester, the Volkswagen ID. Buzz won the Japan Import Car of the Year, and the Porsche 911 Carrera GTS was awarded for its T-Hybrid powertrain, celebrating technological innovation.
- Comments from the Forester’s Chief Engineer: Katsuro Tadaki highlighted the vehicle’s hybrid powertrain, safety, and comfort enhancements as key factors contributing to its victory.
- Special Awards and Celebrations at the Event: Special awards recognised Porsche’s community efforts and motorsports sustainability initiatives, marking these achievements alongside the main awards.
