The Kia EV3 has been awarded the 2025 World Car of the Year at the New York International Auto Show.
Kia’s compact electric SUV, the EV3, has been awarded the prestigious 2025 World Car of the Year title at the New York International Auto Show. This marks the second consecutive year Kia has secured the top honor, following the EV9’s win in 2024.
The EV3 triumphed over strong contenders, including the BMW X3 and Hyundai Inster/Casper Electric, to clinch the award. It was also a finalist in two other categories: World Electric Vehicle and World Car Design of the Year.
Eligibility Criteria for World Car of the Year
To qualify for the World Car of the Year award, vehicles must meet specific criteria:
- Production Volume: At least 10,000 units produced annually.
- Pricing: Priced below the luxury-car level in their primary markets.
- Market Availability: Available for sale in at least two major markets (China, Europe, India, Japan, Korea, Latin America, USA) across two separate continents between January 1, 2024, and March 30, 2025.
Innovative Design and Performance
Built on Kia’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the EV3 offers two battery options: a standard 58.3 kWh pack and a long-range 81.4 kWh pack, delivering up to 605 km on a single charge. Fast-charging capabilities allow the battery to charge from 10% to 80% in just 31 minutes.
The EV3 features a bold exterior design and a spacious, tech-forward interior equipped with Kia’s AI Assistant, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and over-the-air (OTA) updates. These attributes have contributed to its recognition as a leader in the compact EV SUV segment.
Global Recognition
In addition to the World Car of the Year award, the EV3 has garnered accolades such as the UK Car of the Year 2025 and DrivingElectric’s 2025 Car of the Year, highlighting its global appeal and Kia’s commitment to electric mobility.
