Dear Reader,

Welcome to OneShift Car of the Year 2026, our annual celebration of the finest cars we've driven, and a guide to helping you choose your next set of wheels with greater confidence.

Another year, another impressive line-up of cars. Over the past 12 months, our editorial team has driven, tested and scrutinised everything from steering feel and ride comfort, to practicality and value for money. Some cars impressed us immediately; others took a little longer to reveal their strengths. And a few left us wondering what their engineers were thinking. But that's precisely why we do this.

Singapore's automotive landscape is changing faster than ever, and we've well and truly entered the age of electric and hybrid motoring. EVs accounted for 45.0% of new car registrations in 2025, but between January and September 2026, that figure had surged to 63.1%. Plug-in hybrids are gaining ground too, with 1,279 units registered in the first nine months of 2026, already surpassing the 918 units recorded throughout 2025. Clearly, electrification is no longer the future - it's very much the present.

Yet, the good old combustion engine still has its place. Whether it's the effortless efficiency of an EV, the versatility of a hybrid or the mechanical charm of an ICE car, each has something worthwhile to offer. And at OneShift, we believe a great car deserves recognition, regardless of what powers its wheels.

Our judging framework reflects this diversity. Contenders are assessed across 3 main powertrain groups - Electric, Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) and Hybrid - before being classified by body style, from Superminis and Sedans to SUVs, MPVs, Coupés and Commercial Vehicles. We further distinguish them by COE categories to ensure fair comparisons. Our special Highlights awards also recognise cars that have impressed us in ways that go beyond conventional classifications.

With ownership costs rising and more choices than ever, finding the right car has never been more challenging. We hope OneShift Car of the Year 2026 makes that decision a little easier, while reminding you that driving should still be something to enjoy.

So, which cars have earned our highest honours this year?

Stay tuned. The winners of OneShift Car of the Year 2026 will be revealed this November.