The results of Japan Car of the Year 2022–2023 are here at last. The jury decided among 48 new cars produced for the domestic market of Japan and ultimately picked a duo of Kei cars made by Mitsubishi and Nissan. Only one leader was a traditional ICE car; the rest of the winner list is composed exclusively of hybrids and EVs.
The two overall winners are called Mitsubishi eK X EV and Nissan Sakura. Both are 3.4-meter-long, fully electric Kei cars running on identical powertrains producing 64 PS (63 hp / 47 kW) and 195 Nm (144 lb-ft) of torque. Both can also cover up to 180 km (112 miles) on a charge. The only differences to be found are restricted to the design.
Simultaneously named Kei Car of the Year, the twins were praised for their rich equipment, active safety assists and good handling (by the standards of the class, of course). The Honda Civic 2.0T Hybrid took the second place and the Toyota Crown claimed the third.
Another electric vehicle, the Ioniq 5, won Best Imported Car of the Year for its design, technical specifications and driving enjoyment. The Nissan X-Trail won the Technology award thanks to its efficient serial-hybrid powertrain using a 1.5-liter turbo three-pot only to feed power to the main electric motor.
The BMX iX was praised for an unconventional approach to design. The Honda Civic claimed the Sports Car award, overtaking the e:HEV and the Type R in the short list. Some of the judges who had the opportunity to split their 10 award points among three competition participants, were apparently so enamored with the Civic that they gave it all 10.
The last year’s winner was Nissan Note, also an electrified car. This year marks the sixth time Nissan wins the Japan Car of the Year.