The Toyota model won by a wide margin: the jury liked the design, dynamics and maneuverability.
The full list of participants in the traditional Car of the Year Japan competition was announced in October; in total, 34 models competed for victory in the 2023-2024 season (and there were also “Chinese” ones). The ten finalists were determined in November, and today, December 7, the winner was announced, in addition, the organizers handed out awards in related categories. By the way, the competition has been held since 1980, the jury consists of Japanese journalists and auto experts (this year there are 60 of them). According to the rules, the main condition for participation is the presence of the car on the Japanese market during the period from November 1 of the previous year to October 31 of the current year.
Finalists of the Japanese Car of the Year
So, the fifth-generation Toyota Prius hybrid was recognized as the best car in Japan for the 2023-2024 season: the model received 360 points, and this is 2.4 times more than the result of its closest pursuer, the BMW X1 crossover. The jury appreciated the revolutionary shift in the design of the Prius, the experts also liked its dynamic characteristics and maneuverability.
Toyota Prius < p>Results of the competition Car of the Year in Japan 2023-2024
Toyota Prius – 360 points
BMW X1 – 150 points
Honda ZR-V – 100 points
Toyota Alphard/Vellfire – 90 points
Nissan Serena – 60 points
Mitsubishi Delica Mini – 60 points
Subaru Crosstrek – 56 points
Abarth 500e – 42 points
Volkswagen ID.4 – 24 points
Maserati Grecale – 18 points
The BMW X1, which took second place in the main competition, was not left without an award: the “German” was named the best imported car in Japan. The crossover was awarded this title, among other things, for its market-appropriate dimensions and wide range of versions. The most beautiful car in Japan, despite some praise for the design of the Toyota Prius, was the Mitsubishi Delica Mini kei car: the jury, in particular, noted the “sweet and attractive facial expression.”
BMW X1 1/2 
Mitsubishi Delica Mini 2/2
Finally, the Nissan Serena minivan was recognized as the most technologically advanced car in the country — for the presence of the ProPilot 2.0 autopilot in expensive versions, which allows you to move along the highway without hands on the steering wheel (but the electronics will still follow the driver’s gaze – it should be aimed at the road). In addition, resistance to cross winds was noted; the 1.4 motor included in the e-Power hybrid installation also received high marks. » />Nissan Serena
Recall that the main award of the last season 2022-2023 went to the twin electric subcompacts Nissan Sakura and Mitsubishi eK Cross EV.