Hyundai Motor and Kia‘s electric vehicles, the INSTER and EV3, have advanced to the 2025 World Car Awards (WCA) finals. Industry watchers are eager to see if the Korean automakers can claim the top prize for the third year running, following the Ioniq 6‘s win in 2023 and the EV9‘s victory last year.
The WCA announced on Tuesday that the 2025 World Car of the Year (WCOTY) finalists are the INSTER, EV3, and BMW X3. The winner will be unveiled via live stream during the New York International Auto Show on April 16.
The INSTER and EV3 compete against the Porsche Macan Electric in the Electric Vehicle category. The EV3 has also earned a spot in the Design category, where it will compete with the Toyota Land Cruiser and Volkswagen ID. Buzz.
Other notable contenders in the luxury car segment include the Porsche Macan, Porsche Panamera, and Volvo EX3t, while the BMW M5, Porsche 911 Carrera GTS, and Porsche Taycan Turbo GT are vying for the Performance Car title.
Established in 2004, the WCA jury consists of over 90 automotive journalists from 24 countries, including the United States, South Korea, Japan, China, and India. Winners are selected through a confidential voting process.
The WCA honors vehicles in five categories: World Car of the Year, Urban Car, Luxury Car, Performance Car, and Car Design of the Year. The World Car of the Year is recognized as one of the automotive industry’s ‘Big Three‘ honors, alongside the North American Car of the Year and the European Car of the Year awards.
If either the INSTER or EV3 wins, Hyundai and Kia will achieve a historic three-year winning streak, following the success of the Ioniq 6 in 2023 and the EV9 last year.
