Kia EV3 wins 2025 World Car of the Year title

Kia has done it again. The recently released compact electric SUV, the EV3, has been awarded the 2025 World Car of the Year title. 

That follows EV9 winning the same accolade in 2024. It also took out the World EV of the Year title in 2024.

The announcement was made yesterday at the New York International Auto Show.

EV3 beat 52 other contenders, earning top-three finalist positions in three major categories.

Judges praised the EV3 for its innovative design, advanced technology, and commitment to sustainable mobility.

The EV3, which offers range of up to 605km per charge (WLTP), features an AI Assistant and over-the-air updates. It offers 485L of luggage capacity, 25 in the frunk.

This award follows the EV3’s recent recognition in the 2025 Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year Awards, where it won the Compact SUV category.

Ho Sung Song, President and CEO at Kia, remarked: “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. 

“The EV3’s class-leading attributes redefine the user experience for customers worldwide” he added. 

Volkswagen’s ID Buzz won the World Car Design of the Year for 2025. Hyundai’s Inster won the World EV of the Year, 2025.