The “Oscars of the Indian Auto Industry” are finally here! The Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) 2026 awards were announced last night in New Delhi, and the results have surprised many enthusiasts.
While everyone expected the Tata Curvv or Hyundai Creta EV to sweep the awards, Maruti Suzuki has made a massive comeback with its new SUV, the Victoris. Meanwhile, TVS has claimed the top spot in the bike world.
Here is the complete list of winners for ICOTY 2026 and IMOTY 2026.
1. Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) 2026
🏆 Winner: Maruti Suzuki Victoris
Maruti’s new premium SUV, the Victoris, has been crowned the best car of 2026.
- Why it won: The jury praised its “Got it All” package—offering a Strong Hybrid engine, ADAS Level 2, and segment-best mileage (28 kmpl) at an aggressive price point.
- Runner-Up: Skoda Kylaq (The compact SUV lost by just a few points).
- 2nd Runner-Up: Mahindra XEV 9e (The electric coupe SUV).
Verdict: This win proves that Indian families still prioritize “Mileage + Tech” over pure electric power.
2. Indian Motorcycle of the Year (IMOTY) 2026
🏆 Winner: TVS Apache RTX 300
In the two-wheeler category, TVS has beaten giants like KTM and Royal Enfield.
- The Bike: The Apache RTX 300 is TVS’s first proper adventure tourer (ADV) based on the 310cc platform.
- Why it won: It offers better off-road suspension and electronics than the KTM 390 Adventure X at a much lower price (₹2.34 Lakh).
- Runner-Ups: KTM 390 Adventure (2025 Gen) and Ultraviolette X47 (Electric).
3. Green Car of the Year 2026
🏆 Winner: Mahindra XEV 9e
Mahindra takes home the award for the best eco-friendly car.
- Why it won: The XEV 9e impressed judges with its 500km real-world range and futuristic triple-screen dashboard. It beat the Tata Harrier EV and Hyundai Creta Electric in the final round.
4. Premium Car of the Year 2026
🏆 Winner: Volkswagen Golf GTI
A treat for enthusiasts! Volkswagen finally brought the legendary Golf GTI to India in late 2025, and it has rightly won the premium category.
- Why it won: Pure driving pleasure. It beat the Toyota Camry and BMW iX1 LWB for its handling and punchy 2.0L TSI engine.
Summary Table: ICOTY 2026 at a Glance
| Category | WINNER | Runner-Up |
| Car of the Year | Maruti Suzuki Victoris | Skoda Kylaq |
| Bike of the Year | TVS Apache RTX 300 | KTM 390 Adventure |
| Green Car | Mahindra XEV 9e | Tata Harrier EV |
| Premium Car | Volkswagen Golf GTI | Toyota Camry |
Conclusion
The 2026 awards show a clear shift: Hybrids (Maruti) and Performance EVs (Mahindra) are the new kings of the road. If you are planning to buy a new car in 2026, this winners’ list is your ultimate buying guide.