Lightning struck twice for Kia at the prestigious World Car Awards today. In a remarkable feat solidifying its electric vehicle leadership, the all-new Kia EV3 compact electric SUV was named the 2025 World Car of the Year at a New York International Auto Show ceremony.
This coveted title arrives exactly twelve months after Kia’s larger flagship, the EV9, secured both the World Car of the Year and World Electric Car awards on the very same stage, marking an unprecedented back-to-back overall victory for the South Korean automaker in this globally recognised competition.
The EV3 triumphed over a diverse and highly competitive field, ultimately prevailing against fellow top-three finalists, the BMW X3 and the Hyundai Inster/Casper Electric.
Award presenters noted the particularly strong “variety” in this year’s contenders, highlighting innovative engineering, captivating design, cutting-edge technology, driving dynamics, comfort, and sustainability efforts across the nominated vehicles.
Accepting the award, Steven Center, COO & EVP of Kia America, acknowledged the significance of the consecutive wins.
“It was just 12 months ago that our EV9 was named World Electric Car and World Car of the Year on this very same stage… an experience we considered to be once in a lifetime,” he remarked, expressing deep gratitude to the global panel of judges.
Center emphasised that the award is a “testament to the energy and passion of Kia’s global team members,” crediting their dedication to automotive design and engineering.
He highlighted the EV3’s embodiment of Kia’s “Opposites United” design philosophy, praising its “strong visual character, class-leading functionality, and advanced digital technology.”
This victory underscores Kia’s strategic commitment to electrification and its goal of creating “inspiring, sustainable, and customer-centric vehicles for all drivers.” While the EV9 showcased Kia’s capabilities in the larger, premium EV segment, the EV3’s win demonstrates the brand’s ability to translate that award-winning formula into the crucial, high-volume compact SUV market.
“Our commitment… remains firm,” Center stated, assuring that the EV3 is part of a larger wave. “I can assure you there are many new groundbreaking Kia vehicles on the horizon… but for today, we celebrate EV3.”
While the EV3 captured the top overall prize, the World Car Awards also recognized excellence across various categories. Other winners celebrated at the New York Auto Show included standout models like the Hyundai Inster/Casper, Porsche 911 Carrera GTS, Volvo EX90, BYD Seagull, and the VW ID. Buzz, reflecting the breadth of innovation across the global automotive industry.
The Kia EV3’s crowning achievement as 2025 World Car of the Year not only brings another major accolade to the brand but also sends a powerful message about the increasing prominence and appeal of accessible, well-designed electric vehicles in the mainstream market.
