The automotive world turned its attention to the Bosch Hall in Yokohama for the ceremony to announce the "Car of the Year Japan 2025-2026". This year, the battle for the most prestigious national award was unexpectedly fierce, but on the final straight, the veteran Subaru Forester managed to beat its closest competitor - the revived sports icon Honda Prelude.
With 1,149 points in the final standings, the updated Forester won by 73 points over the Prelude, securing Subaru's fourth historic triumph in the competition. This victory is clear proof that the combination of safety, handling and new hybrid technology is still the gold standard for the Japanese consumer.
The jury, made up of over 60 automotive experts, applied an innovative scoring system, modeled entirely on the Formula 1 points scheme. Each judge distributed their votes among all finalists, giving 25 points to their best choice, 18 for second place, 15 for third, and so on. This approach prevented excessive concentration of votes and ensured that the final result reflected a broader expert consensus.
The organizers noted that in the early hours of voting, the Forester confidently led, while the modern Prelude was surely entrenched in second place. The luxurious Toyota Crown Estate finished in third place, followed by the electric Nissan Leaf.
What catapulted the Forester to the top? The answer lies in the details, far from the standard criteria. The jury was impressed not only by the updated design and excellent AWD handling, but also by the key hybrid power unit S:HEV.
Chief engineer Katsuro Tadaki emphasized that the focus was on the overall improvement of the model. A key element that attracted special attention was the external airbag, exclusive to the Japanese market. This innovative system, integrated into the front of the body, is designed to minimize injuries not only to pedestrians but also to cyclists, positioning the Forester as the ultimate safety standard.