MotorTrend names 2026 software-defined vehicle finalists
MotorTrend has announced the finalists for its 2026 Software-Defined Vehicle Innovator Awards, an annual programme that highlights companies shaping the software architectures behind next-generation vehicles. The awards are organised in partnership with QNX, a division of BlackBerry Limited, and Vector, and will culminate in a gala event at CES 2026 in Las Vegas.
Broad mix of OEMs and technology suppliers
According to MotorTrend, finalists span 23 companies drawn from across the automotive and technology ecosystem. The list includes established vehicle manufacturers such as Audi, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Honda Motor Co, Mercedes-Benz AG, Tesla, and Toyota Motor North America, alongside newer EV-focused players including Nio, Rivian and Xiaomi Technology.
On the supplier and technology side, the finalists also feature companies such as Qualcomm Technologies, LG Electronics, KPIT Technologies, Cummins, Google, Jaguar Land Rover, Motional, SDVerse, and Range Energy. MotorTrend said the breadth of nominees reflects the expanding role of software-defined vehicle approaches across powertrain control, infotainment, ADAS and fleet-level software platforms.
Winners will be selected across three categories, Pioneer, Leader, and Expert, by a jury drawn from MotorTrend’s editorial team.
Awards to be presented at CES 2026
The winners of the 2026 software-defined vehicle innovator awards will be revealed at the fourth annual SDV Innovator Awards Gala, held in partnership with QNX and Vector during CES 2026. The event is scheduled for 6 January 2026 in Las Vegas.
MotorTrend positions the awards as a way to recognise companies that are redefining automotive development through software-centric design, particularly as vehicles increasingly rely on updatable platforms, centralised compute, and cloud-connected services.
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