Nissan Roox is Japan’s Car of the Year 2026

Nissan has taken top honours in Japan’s automotive world, with its stylish city car, the Roox, being named Car of the Year for 2026.

The accolade, awarded by the Automotive Researchers and Journalists Conference of Japan (RJC), celebrates the Roox for its clever balance of visibility, convenience, fuel efficiency and refined performance.

The Roox is no ordinary compact. Falling under Japan’s Kei car category, it adheres to strict size limits—no longer than 3.4 metres and no wider than 1.48 metres—yet manages to feel remarkably spacious. Kei cars are beloved for their lower taxes, reduced parking fees and nimble handling in Japan’s bustling cities, and the Roox takes these benefits to new heights.

Inside, Nissan has worked wonders. Despite its petite frame, the Roox boasts an interior length of 2.35 metres, offering room for four adults and even space for four 48-litre suitcases. Designers embraced a concept they call “breeze,” using light and airflow to create a cabin that feels airy and inviting, almost like a living room on wheels.

The Roox’s playful exterior is matched by thoughtful details that make everyday life easier. Rear sliding doors open a generous 650 mm, aided by large grab handles borrowed from Nissan’s larger Serena minivan. The rear seats slide by up to 320 mm, making it simple for parents to reach children, while a one-touch lever allows quick adjustments for boot access.

Safety and convenience are at the heart of the Roox’s appeal. It introduces features never before seen in a Kei car, such as the Intelligent Around View Monitor with Invisible Hood View, giving drivers a virtual peek through the engine bay to spot hidden hazards. A 3D View and Front Wide View further enhance visibility at tricky junctions. Add to this Nissan’s ProPILOT system and intelligent braking, blind spot alerts and cross-traffic warnings, and the Roox feels reassuringly advanced.

For the first time, the Roox offers NissanConnect as an option, bringing Google Maps, Assistant and Play into the cabin. Paired with an optional drive recorder, it even supports remote photo capture via smartphone—a neat touch for tech-savvy drivers.

Currently exclusive to Japan, the Roox is more than a city car; it’s a statement of what small cars can achieve. With its blend of practicality, innovation and charm, it’s easy to see why Nissan’s latest creation has captured the spotlight—and why its influence will soon be felt far beyond Japan.