Kia has done it again. The all-electric Kia EV3 has officially been crowned the 2025 World Car of the Year, announced live at the World Car Awards during the New York International Auto Show. It's a huge win—not just for Kia, but for anyone looking for an electric vehicle that’s practical, stylish, and forward-thinking.
Chosen by a jury of 96 motoring journalists from 30 countries, the EV3 impressed judges with its standout mix of smart design, advanced tech, and real-world range—all wrapped up in a compact SUV package that feels ready for everyday life.
“It is an immense honour for everyone at Kia that the EV3 has been awarded the 2025 World Car of Year title. This award highlights Kia’s global leadership in providing design-led, technologically advanced, sustainable mobility solutions and how the EV3’s class-leading attributes redefine the user experience for customers worldwide,” said Ho Sung Song, President and CEO at Kia.
The EV3 is Kia’s latest entry into the electric SUV space, and while it may be smaller than the EV9, it’s no less ambitious. Built for drivers who want something efficient and versatile without giving up comfort or technology, the EV3 takes a lot of the premium features found in larger EVs and scales them down for everyday use.
With a range of up to 605 km (WLTP) and fast charging that gets you from 10 to 80 percent in about half an hour, the EV3 isn’t just designed to look good—it’s built to make electric driving easier. Inside, there’s plenty to like too: the cabin feels open and modern, with flexible seating, smart storage, and a clean, user-friendly layout.
Tech-wise, it’s right on the cutting edge. You’ll find Kia’s AI-powered assistant, a full suite of driver assistance systems, and over-the-air software updates that keep things fresh long after you’ve left the dealership.
This latest award adds to what’s become a growing list of global wins for Kia in recent years. The brand has now picked up multiple World Car Awards since 2020, including:
The EV3’s success shows that Kia isn’t just keeping up in the electric race—they’re setting the pace. And if this is the future of everyday electric driving, it’s looking pretty exciting.