The Kia EV3, an electric compact crossover that isn’t even available for sale in the United States yet, has made a significant splash at the New York Auto Show. It clinched the prestigious 2025 World Car of the Year award, judged by a panel of 96 esteemed journalists from across the globe. This victory underscores Kia’s commitment to electric vehicle innovation and design, marking another triumph for the Korean automaker in the EV sector. Alessandro Lago, director of Motor1 Italia and InsideEVs Italia, was among the jury members who recognized the EV3’s exceptional qualities.
The Kia EV3’s win is particularly noteworthy given its impending arrival in the U.S. market in 2026. This compact crossover, measuring 4.3 meters in length, offers two battery options (58 kWh or 81 kWh) paired with a 204-hp motor. The result is a range of 414 km to 605 km, catering to diverse driving needs. Currently produced in South Korea, the location for U.S. model production remains to be determined. The EV3’s victory builds on Kia’s previous success, with the EV9 winning the same award in 2024, solidifying Kia’s position as a leader in the electric vehicle market.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Length | 4.3 meters |
| Battery Options | 58 kWh or 81 kWh |
| Motor Power | 204 hp |
| Range | 414 km – 605 km |
The 2025 World Car Awards recognized excellence across various categories, highlighting the best in electric vehicles, luxury cars, performance vehicles, urban cars, and design. Here’s a detailed look at each category winner:
The Hyundai Inster took home the World Electric Vehicle award, succeeding the Kia EV9. This small Korean car, priced under 25,000 euros, boasts a claimed maximum range of approximately 250 miles (400 km) on the WLTP cycle. The finalists included the Kia EV3 and Porsche Macan, showcasing the Inster’s competitive edge in the electric vehicle market.
The Hyundai Inster claims a maximum range of about 400 km.
The Volvo EX90 was named World Luxury Car 2025, surpassing the Porsche Macan and Porsche Panamera. This Swedish electric SUV, new to the luxury EV scene, offers a promising claimed range of 373 miles (600 km), combining luxury with sustainable driving.
The Volvo EX90 is the company’s largest electric and claims 600 km range.
In the sports car category, the Porsche 911 Carrera GTS emerged victorious. This model is the first in the 911 history to feature a hybrid powertrain, delivering a total of 541 hp. It outperformed the BMW M5 and the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT, the most powerful Porsche ever produced.
The new Porsche 911 GTS is the first to feature a hybrid powertrain.
The BYD Seagull won the World Urban Car award, beating out the Hyundai Inster and electric Mini Cooper. This Chinese city car is set to arrive in Europe with 75 hp and a claimed maximum range of about 185 miles (300 km), offering an affordable and efficient urban mobility solution.
The BYD Seagull will arrive in Europe by the end of 2025.
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz secured the World Car Design award, celebrated for its retro-inspired design that pays homage to the iconic Microbus. The finalists included the Kia EV3 and Toyota Land Cruiser, highlighting the ID. Buzz’s distinctive and appealing aesthetic.
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz has won the World Car Design 2025 award.
In addition to the vehicle awards, the jury also recognized outstanding contributions to the automotive industry by naming Stella Li, Executive Vice President of BYD, as the World Car Person of the Year 2025. This award, announced in January, was presented at the New York Auto Show, celebrating Li’s significant impact on the electric vehicle landscape.
Stella Li, Executive Vice President of BYD.
