The best cars of 2023 in Lithuania and Europe

What is the best car to buy right now? The definition of "best" varies for everyone depending on their needs, preferences, and perspective. However, sometimes expert recommendations can provide valuable guidance. Today, we’ll explore some of the top-rated cars in Lithuania, those highly evaluated in the European Car of the Year awards, and also take a closer look at the best-rated electric vehicles.

While EVs were a rarity in "best car" competitions not long ago, their numbers are steadily increasing. In this overview, you’ll see both electric and non-electric car names—after all, fuel or energy source isn’t always the key factor in determining quality. This will give a comprehensive view of the cars dominating the market.

Let’s begin with the best cars in Europe, compare those to Lithuania’s preferences, and conclude with a focus on electric vehicles.

European Car of the Year 2023

Since 1964, the European Car of the Year (ECOTY) awards have been a prestigious annual event. Held 59 times to date, this event is a significant milestone for the automotive industry. Cars that make it to the final rankings proudly showcase their achievement—even the last spot is not easily earned.

How is the winner selected? Automotive journalists participate in a voting process. This year, 57 journalists from 22 European countries cast their votes, each with 25 points to distribute among their chosen vehicles. The top-ranked car must receive at least one point more than the second-ranked vehicle, ensuring no ties for first place. Alongside their votes, journalists must provide written justifications for their choices.

In 2023, the Jeep Avenger, an electric vehicle, emerged as the winner with 328 points, being chosen as the top car 21 times out of 57. This is Jeep’s first fully electric model, marking an impressive entry into the EV market.

The top European cars of 2023 are:

• Jeep Avenger – 328 points
• Volkswagen ID.Buzz – 241 points
• Nissan Ariya – 211 points
• Kia Niro – 200 points
• Renault Austral – 163 points
• Peugeot 408 – 149 points
• Subaru Solterra/Toyota bZ4X – 133 points each

Notably, five of the seven top vehicles are electric, with three available as hybrids.

Lithuanian Car of the Year 2023

In Lithuania, the Car of the Year is also chosen by a panel of ten expert automotive journalists, organized by the Lithuanian Auto Journalists Club. They receive insights from consultants and conduct numerous tests to make their decision. Besides the main award, there are additional categories like Best Family Car, Most Impressive Design, and Electric Car of the Year.

Category Winners:

• Sportiest Car – Audi RS3
• Best Design – Volkswagen ID.Buzz
• Best Business Car – Mercedes EQS
• Best Company Car – Škoda Fabia
• Best 4×4 – Mercedes-Benz GLC
• Innovation of the Year – Mercedes-AMG EQE
• Best Family Car – Honda Civic
• Electric Car of the Year – Renault Megane E-TECH
• People’s Choice – Alfa Romeo Tonale

The overall Lithuanian Car of the Year 2023 was awarded to the Citroen C5 X.

What Are the Best Electric Cars?

With the rising focus on electrification, more electric vehicles are entering these competitions and receiving high praise. Numerous organizations, blogs, and associations compile their own lists of the best EVs, which can serve as a helpful guide for potential buyers.

Well-known portal Cars.com named the Hyundai Ioniq 5 as the Best Electric Vehicle of 2023, with Chevrolet Bolt EV and Ford F-150 Lightning as finalists.

Top Gear ranked the Porsche Taycan as the top EV, followed by Tesla Model 3 and Hyundai Ioniq 5.

Check out our own blog post for the most anticipated EVs of the year for more inspiration on what’s coming next!