By Ashley Reyes
SEMA has opened entries for the 2026 SEMA Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year Award, which recognizes a feature vehicle at the SEMA Show that demonstrates exceptional engineering. Builders can now enter online.
Now in its fourth year, the SEMA Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year Award honors and celebrates a build that demonstrates quality engineering throughout the entire vehicle or an aspect of the vehicle that goes beyond physical appearance.
The award also aims to inspire more engineers to enter the automotive aftermarket by highlighting their impact on the automotive specialty-equipment industry and spotlighting the relationship between a vehicle's design and engineering.
"Behind every exceptional build are innovators who dare to challenge the status quo and turn bold ideas into reality," said SEMA Manager of Recognition Programs Joe Escobar. "The Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year Award celebrates the ingenuity and technical brilliance that drive our industry forward, giving engineers the recognition they deserve on the aftermarket's biggest stage."
To be considered for the award, builders must upload a photo, video, description of the engineering content included in the build and the location of the displayed vehicle at the SEMA Show with their submission. Entries are being accepted until Wednesday, October 28, at this link.
The SEMA Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year Award winner will be announced at SEMA Central on Thursday, November 5, during the SEMA Show.
The 2026 SEMA Show is set for November 3-6, in Las Vegas. Interested exhibitors can buy a booth and learn more at semashow.com/exhibitor. Attendee and buyer registration is now open online. For more information, visit semashow.com.
SEMA Fest has been confirmed for Friday, November 6, 2026, and industry members will get the lowest rate on tickets through the registration portal and Attendee Resource Center. Sign up for updates at semafest.com.
