Subaru Forester is named Car of the Year in Japan, beating the Honda Prelude in a historic vote
The Subaru Forester has won the prestigious Japan Car of the Year 2025–2026 award, surpassing the Honda Prelude in a tight competition that energized the Bosch Hall in Yokohama. The victory marks an important milestone for Subaru, while the Volkswagen ID. Buzz was crowned Japan’s Import Car of the Year.
The ceremony celebrated the award’s 46th anniversary, bringing together 60 jurors and 41 representatives from Japan’s leading automotive and lifestyle publications, as well as executives from major automakers. The event was held at Bosch’s new headquarters in Center Kita, Yokohama.
New Formula 1–style voting system
In a major change to the evaluation process, the organization adopted a new F1-inspired points system. Each juror had to distribute points among the ten finalists, starting with 25 points for first place, followed by 18, 15, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2, and 1 point.
Volkswagen’s ID. Buzz, which finished fifth overall, secured not only the title of Best Imported Car but also the award for Best Design.
Final voting results
Early projections already showed the Forester leading, followed by the Prelude. The final tally confirmed the outcome:
- 1st – Subaru Forester: 1149 votes
- 2nd – Honda Prelude: 1076 votes
- 3rd – Toyota Crown (Wagon): 654 votes
- 4th – Nissan Leaf: 622 votes
- 5th – Volkswagen ID. Buzz: 578 votes**
- 6th – Hyundai Inster: 477 votes
- 7th – BMW 2 Series: 416 votes
- 8th – Peugeot 3008: 393 votes
- 9th – Suzuki eVitara: 357 votes
- 10th – Daihatsu Move: 338 votes
After receiving the trophy, Forester chief engineer Katsuro Tadaki highlighted the extensive work behind the model: “In addition to creating the new and powerful hybrid powertrain, we carefully refined the safety systems, drivability, comfort and cost performance to make the Forester the best in its class.”
Porsche celebrates two special awards
Celebrating its 30th anniversary in Japan, Porsche also had reasons to rejoice. The 911 Carrera GTS won the Technology of the Year Award thanks to its advanced T-Hybrid powertrain, which combines a new 3.6L boxer engine with an integrated electric motor for increased performance and instant turbo response.
The Porsche Experience Center received a special award from the organizing committee for its role in revitalizing the Kisarazu region in Chiba and for its integration with the local community.
Another special award was granted to the Super Endurance Organization (STMO), recognized for its prototype vehicle projects aimed at a carbon-neutral society and for initiatives that strengthen international exchange, including hosting a NASCAR event in Japan — a symbol of American motorsport.
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Source and images: Japan Car of the Year | jcoty.org. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
