In a triumphant moment for the South Korean marque, the Kia EV3 has officially clinched the coveted title of 2025 World Car of the Year at the prestigious World Car Awards, held during the 2025 New York International Auto Show. The accolade is a resounding affirmation of Kia’s continued leadership in design innovation, sustainable mobility, and cutting-edge technology.
A Global Benchmark for Excellence
Selected by an esteemed panel of 96 international automotive journalists from 30 nations, the World Car Awards serve as a benchmark for excellence in the fast-evolving world of mobility. In such a competitive landscape, the EV3’s standout victory reinforces Kia’s commitment to pushing boundaries—delivering high-end electrification and intelligent design to a broader audience.
“It is an immense honor for everyone at Kia that the EV3 has been awarded the 2025 World Car of the Year title,” said Ho Sung Song, President and CEO at Kia. “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.”
Compact in Size, Grand in Innovation
Inspired by the bold spirit of its larger sibling, the EV9, the all-new EV3 delivers an uncompromising electric SUV experience in a compact format. Aimed squarely at the next generation of EV adopters, the EV3 combines forward-thinking aesthetics with practical functionality, making it a benchmark for the segment.
Its bold and progressive exterior is matched by an ingeniously practical interior, maximising comfort and utility without compromising on space. From everyday urban commuting to extended weekend escapes, the EV3 is engineered to suit the dynamic lifestyles of modern drivers.
With a class-leading range of up to 375 miles, the EV3 challenges preconceptions about compact EV capability. Its ability to recharge from 10-to-80% in just 31 minutes* ensures it remains as convenient as it is forward-thinking.
On the inside, drivers benefit from a sophisticated suite of AI-driven features, including Kia’s AI Assistant, as well as a robust ADAS package and seamless Over-the-Air (OTA) updates—enhancing safety, connectivity and overall ease of ownership.
A Legacy of Global Recognition
The EV3’s latest win brings Kia’s total tally at the World Car Awards to six since 2020—a testament to the brand’s transformation into a global innovator in electric mobility:
- Kia EV9 – 2024 World Car of the Year
- Kia EV9 – 2024 World Electric Vehicle
- Kia EV6 GT – 2023 World Performance Car
- Kia Telluride – 2020 World Car of the Year
- Kia Soul EV – 2020 World Urban Car
Each victory reflects Kia’s multi-dimensional approach to mobility—where design, technology, and sustainability converge to create vehicles that genuinely inspire.
A Bright Future for Electric Mobility
With the EV3 now taking its place among the greats, Kia continues to shape the future of mobility. Its achievement at the 2025 World Car Awards not only honours a remarkable vehicle but signals a continued evolution in what drivers can expect from the compact EV segment.
For more information about the Kia EV3 and the brand’s growing electrified lineup, visit Kia’s official website.
*Charging times may vary depending on conditions and charger specifications.
