Drive Car of the Year 2025: Celebrating 20 Years of Excellence
The 2025 Drive Car of the Year (DCOTY) awards are officially underway, marking two decades of honoring the best new vehicles in the Australian market. Since its inception in 2006, DCOTY has recognized outstanding vehicles across a range of categories, keeping Australian buyers informed and celebrating the evolution of automotive design, technology, and performance. This year’s competition is more diverse and competitive than ever, with 19 carefully defined categories tailored to the needs of Australian buyers.
Reflecting on 20 Years of DCOTY
The DCOTY awards began in 2006 with the second-generation Audi TT coupe claiming the inaugural title. Over the years, DCOTY has awarded vehicles based on rigorous standards, focusing on key areas like exterior and interior design, performance, fuel economy, safety, and innovation. Past winners have included iconic models like the Volkswagen Tiguan (2016), Toyota Camry Hybrid (2018), Kia Sorento (2021), and the all-electric Kia EV9 (2024).
DCOTY 2025 Categories
This year, DCOTY introduces a new category for large dual-cab utes under $150,000, reflecting the rising popularity of these versatile vehicles among Australian buyers. DCOTY 2025 categories range from budget-friendly urban cars to luxury SUVs and electric vehicles. Here are the categories with their 2024 winners for reference:
| Category | Price Cap | 2024 Winner |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Car | Under $30,000 | Volkswagen Polo |
| Luxury Car | Under $100,000 | Mercedes-Benz C-Class |
| Family Car | Under $80,000 | Kia Carnival |
| Small SUV | Under $50,000 | Hyundai Kona |
| Off-Road SUV | Under $80,000 | Ford Everest |
| Electric Vehicle | Under $50,000 | MG 4 |
| Luxury Electric Vehicle | Under $150,000 | BMW iX |
| Dual-Cab Ute | Under $100,000 | Ford Ranger |
| Large Dual-Cab Ute | Under $150,000 | New Category |
Testing and Selection Criteria
Each eligible car is assessed through a series of rigorous road tests and data-driven analysis to ensure that it meets the needs of Australian buyers. Judges evaluate performance, energy efficiency, and ride quality on a predefined road loop, allowing direct comparison within each category. Categories are tailored to align with Australian buyer profiles, focusing on affordability in urban cars, and on technology and comfort in luxury models.
The ultimate DCOTY winner, chosen from the category champions, is selected based on its impact on the Australian market. The judges aim to find a vehicle that has significantly “moved the game forward” for new car buyers in Australia, as seen in the past with the electric Kia EV9 and versatile Ford Ranger.
What’s Next?
The Drive Car of the Year 2025 finalists will be announced before Christmas, with the grand winner revealed in February 2025. Stay tuned as DCOTY enters its 20th year, bringing insights, innovation, and excellence in automotive achievement.
