2025 Malaysia Car of the Year winners to be announced on January 22

Quick look

• The 2025 edition of the Malaysia Car of the Year had more than 200 contenders with the addition of new players in the market over the past few years.

• There will be 22 awards across four main categories, with awards of stakeholders in the auto industry as well as an Automotive Person of the Year.

2025 saw the Malaysian car market as vibrant as ever, with new players launching their  models every month. The choices available to car-buyers have never been greater and never more diverse, with a growing number of electrified models (hybrid and fully electric) entering the market.

For car-buyers, choosing their first car or next car can be bewildering. This is where the Malaysia Car of the Year Awards (MCOTY) can help. Since 2002, MCOTY has identified the best new models each year that can serve as a starting point for car-buyers. It is the longest running event of its type in Malaysia and is organized in collaboration with the Malaysia Automotive, Robotics & IoT Institute (MARii), a driving force under the Ministry of Investment, Trade & Industry (MITI).

The winners of the 2025 Malaysia Car of the Year Awards will be announced on January 22, 2026 at a Gala Dinner at Menara MITI in Kuala Lumpur. In attendance will be Deputy Prime Minister, Dato’ Sri Haji Fadillah Haji Yusof, Sim Tze Tzin, Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), MARii management, as well as government officials and industry leaders.

As in 2024, there is increased focus on EVs, in line with the government’s direction towards electric mobility and the ultimate goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. At the same time, ICE (internal combustion engines) vehicles still make up a dominant share of new vehicle sales. While the growth in EV sales is evident, many Malaysians still prefer ICE models at this time, so they remain as contenders in MCOTY as well.

The MCOTY judging panel is made up of senior motoring journalists with decades of experience as well as younger members of the motoring media to have a balance of outlooks. There are also women and professionals such as a lawyer and doctor to offer more diverse opinions and assessments.

“The history of MCOTY shows how the market has changed over 20 years. And as it has changed, so too has the assessment process to keep with the times. Today, we also have to look at electric powertrain efficiency and eco-friendliness, while safety is even more advanced with ADAS,” noted Yamin Vong, Founder of MCOTY and Chairman of the juding committee.

“Each buyer may have different requirements so the list of winners can be a reference or starting point for car-buyers. We urge them to also experience for themselves the models they are interested in. Every car has merits and what we present as the winners recognize those that are most outstanding in design, innovation, performance, user experience, safety and value,” he added.

During the qualification period, there were more than 200 new models launched, and 130 were shortlisted for the 22 awards in four main categories – SUV, Crossover, Sedan, Hatchback and Pick-up trucks. The model which scored the most points is the Overall Car of the Year.

There is also a People’s Choice Award which is given to the model which has received the most votes through a public voting exercise held in December.

The first Car of the Year in Malaysia?