The Indian auto scene has just witnessed a major milestone. The Maruti Suzuki Victoris has bagged the prestigious Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) 2026 title, edging out a powerful mix of EVs, compact SUVs, and family sedans. It’s not just a win—it’s a statement.
At a time when the Indian car market is evolving rapidly, with electric models making their mark and tech-loaded cars flooding showrooms, the Victoris stood tall. But what exactly made it shine? Let’s cut into the full story.
Victory
The Maruti Suzuki Victoris wasn’t just another launch—it was a game changer. In a year loaded with innovation and competition, the Victoris checked all the right boxes. It’s efficient, tech-forward, and designed with Indian buyers in mind. Whether you’re a city commuter or a long-distance cruiser, the Victoris seems to offer something for everyone.
What set it apart? A smart balance of features, fuel economy, driving comfort, and that crucial Maruti reliability factor. It also managed to feel premium without going overboard on price—something Indian families really look for.
Finalists
Now, the Victoris didn’t have it easy. The ICOTY 2026 shortlist had some serious contenders. Here’s a quick look at the final list:
| Car Model | Fuel Type | Segment |
|---|---|---|
| Maruti Suzuki Victoris | Petrol/Diesel | Mid-size Sedan |
| Hyundai Creta Electric | Electric | Compact SUV |
| Hyundai Venue | Petrol/Diesel | Subcompact SUV |
| Kia Carens Clavis EV | Electric | Family MUV |
| Kia Syros | Petrol/Diesel | SUV Coupe |
| Mahindra XEV 9E | Electric | SUV |
| Skoda Kylaq | Petrol/Diesel | Mid-size SUV |
| Tata Harrier EV | Electric | Full-size SUV |
Each of these cars had their own strengths. The Tata Harrier EV and Mahindra XEV 9E pushed the boundaries of electric mobility. The Kia Syros and Hyundai Venue brought stylish design and urban appeal. But none could match the all-round appeal of the Victoris.
Runner-up
Coming in second was the Skoda Kylaq, a stylish and robust SUV that wowed the jury with its premium interior, dynamic performance, and road presence. If the Victoris led with value, the Kylaq came in with finesse and flair. It’s got the muscle, the tech, and that European feel many Indian buyers crave—just not enough to take the top spot.
Legacy
It’s interesting to note that the 2025 winner was the Mahindra Thar Roxx—a rugged, lifestyle SUV that broke away from the mainstream. Fast forward to 2026, and the crown shifts to a more mainstream, family-focused car. That alone says something about how fast buyer preferences are evolving. The shift from lifestyle to value-packed efficiency tells us a lot about where India’s car market is headed.
Jury
The ICOTY award isn’t handed out lightly. The jury is made up of some of the most respected voices in India’s automotive journalism space. Here’s a breakdown of the judges:
- Vikrant Singh & Sagar Bhanushali (Carwale)
- Dhruv Behl & Ishan Raghava (autoX)
- Yogendra Pratap & Dipayan Dutta (Auto Today)
- Aspi Bhathena & Gaurav Davare (Car India)
- Sirish Chandran & Aatish Mishra (Evo India)
- Pablo Chaterji & Kartik Ware (Motoring World)
- Rohit Paradkar & Kranti Sambhav (Overdrive)
- Arpit Mahendra (TOI Auto)
- Tushar Kamath (Cardekho.com)
- Abhay Verma (Turbocharged)
- Bob Rupani & Kushan Mitra (The Print)
These are experts who live and breathe cars. They don’t just look at performance or design—they dig into practicality, value, innovation, and impact. That makes the Victoris’ win even more meaningful.
Impact
So, what does this mean for the industry and car buyers?
For Maruti Suzuki, this is a major stamp of approval. It reinforces their hold on the Indian market and proves they can still lead from the front—even in a more tech-savvy, EV-driven world.
For consumers, it’s reassurance. The Victoris isn’t just marketing fluff—it’s been tested, judged, and crowned. That makes it a top contender for anyone buying a car in 2026.
And for the industry, it’s a signal. Indian buyers are evolving. They’re looking for value, sure—but also demanding better tech, safety, and refinement. The cars that can strike that balance are the ones that will win going forward.
In a nutshell, the Maruti Suzuki Victoris didn’t just win a trophy—it captured the pulse of the Indian car buyer in 2026. And that’s no small feat.
FAQs
Which car won ICOTY 2026?
The Maruti Suzuki Victoris won Indian Car of the Year 2026.
Who was the ICOTY 2026 runner-up?
The first runner-up was the Skoda Kylaq SUV.
What was the ICOTY 2025 winner?
The Mahindra Thar Roxx won the ICOTY award in 2025.
Who decides the ICOTY winners?
A jury of top Indian automotive journalists decides the winners.
Was the Victoris better than EVs?
Yes, it beat several strong EV models in the 2026 lineup.
