#VOTY2026 – For the 20th Time
You could say that the reigning #VOTY2025, the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Golf R, were a long time coming. It was the Wolfsburg brand’s first Victory & Reseda Vehicle of the Year award ever. It capped a big year for their iconic sports compact “hot hatch” duo, also winning awards from other outlets.
#VOTY2026 will mark the 20th time this award has been presented. Yes, twenty!
To become #VOTY2026, each candidate vehicle receives a full evaluation of the format, metrics, and process is undertaken. These numbers are crunched and are presented to a Nominee List for a panel vote.
You may find this a bit different than past years. It is because we want to simplify the process.
How will that work? Here is the official format of #VOTY2026…
- The Nominee List will consist of vehicles that were received for a full review in Victory & Reseda on the website, YouTube channel, and social media platforms from November 1, 2025 to November 1, 2026. No vehicles driven at events or written as Quickies (unless they have been fully reviewed within the period stated above) are included in the Nominee List.
- The Nominee List will not include former winners of the #VOTY – unless the vehicle has been significantly changed from the last award. It will also not include discontinued models that will no longer be in production by the end of the 2026 calendar year.
- The candidates on the Nominee List will go through an evaluation process based on the data from each review. Evaluations go through each review to glean metrics from exterior design, interior space, ergonomics and comfort, driveline and performance, driving dynamics, fuel economy, and pricing. Scores are tabulated from a 1-5 scale – 5 being best – and added up for a total score.
- Additional evaluations are added to the score, based on website, YouTube and social media platform traffic and engagement. The more feedback a vehicle gets, the better the score.
- On November 1, 2026, the Nominee List will be announced based in the five highest scoring vehicles from the full list.
- Then, we flip the five finalists over to you. We will invite a panel of media, influencers, and loyal readers/followers to give their vote. The highest overall score becomes #VOTY2026.
One thing to note: You must be in the USA or Canada to participate to vote. If you wish to join us on the panel, contact us through the E-Mail Us link at the top right of this website (or dropdown menu on your mobile device).
Here is the timeline for #VOTY2026…
- November 1, 2026: The Nominee List is compiled and announced. The evaluation process concludes and the voting begins.
- November 15, 2026: #VOTY2026 will be announced on all of our social media channels and on V&R at 10:00 AM ET.
The award will be given out at an auto show (to be announced) in the First Quarter of 2027. Expect a lot of traffic from our social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok), along with posts on this site, promoting this year’s #VOTY. There is a hashtag to follow: #VOTY2026.
Here we go for the 20th time!
All photos by Victory & Reseda