Kia’s EV3 has clinched the prestigious World Car of the Year (WCOTY) title at the 2025 World Car Awards, marking a significant milestone for the automaker. This victory follows last year’s win by the larger EV9 electric SUV, solidifying Kia’s dominance in the electric vehicle (EV) market for two consecutive years. The EV3’s triumph is particularly noteworthy as it showcases the model’s competitiveness in the hotly contested global compact SUV segment.
With this latest accolade, Kia has now secured the top WCOTY honor three times. The EV3 joins the ranks of the Telluride (2020) and EV9 (2024), further cementing Kia’s reputation for EV innovation and global market strength. The automaker’s impressive track record also includes wins in various World Car Awards categories, such as the Soul EV at the 2020 World Urban Car and EV6 GT at the 2023 World Performance Car, amassing a total of six awards over the past six years.
The EV3 emerged victorious among 52 contenders, outperforming rivals such as the Hyundai Casper Electric and BMW X3. As Kia’s compact electric SUV offering, the EV3 embodies the brand’s strategy to democratize EVs by delivering advanced technology and features at an accessible price point.
Kia offers the EV3 in two configurations: a long-range version with an 81.4 kWh battery, boasting a WLTP-rated range of 376 miles, and a standard model equipped with a 58.3 kWh battery. The EV3 supports ultra-fast charging, capable of replenishing from 10% to 80% in approximately 31 minutes using a 350 kW charger.
The EV3 introduces the Hyundai Motor Group’s first i-Pedal 3.0 system, allowing for one-pedal driving with acceleration, deceleration, and stopping capabilities across all regenerative braking levels. Additional highlights include a spacious interior, versatile storage solutions, an integrated panoramic display, and cutting-edge driver assistance technologies.
The EV3’s excellence has been recognized globally, with recent wins including 2025 Car of the Year titles in the UK, Finland, and Denmark, as well as the 2025 World Women’s Car of the Year. In South Korea, the EV3 has also claimed the 2025 Car of the Year and Electric SUV of the Year awards.
President and CEO of Kia, Song Ho-sung, expressed pride in the EV3’s achievement, stating that winning the World Car of the Year at the esteemed World Car Awards is a tremendous honor for the EV3. He emphasized that the EV3 exemplifies Kia’s commitment to delivering sustainable mobility solutions globally, backed by cutting-edge technology and striking design.
The World Car Awards stands alongside the North American Car of the Year and European Car of the Year as one of the automotive industry’s most prestigious accolades. The rigorous selection process involves a panel of 96 automotive journalists from 30 countries, ensuring a comprehensive global evaluation of the contenders.
