The winners of the 2025 World Car Awards have been unveiled at the New York International Auto Show, with Kia’s EV3 claiming the coveted World Car of the Year title. The announcement marked the culmination of a months-long evaluation process led by 96 automotive journalists from 30 countries, overseen by audit firm KPMG.
This marks Kia’s third World Car of the Year victory, following wins for the EV9 in 2024 and the Telluride in 2020. The EV3’s success also brings the brand’s total World Car Awards tally to six since the programme began in 2004. The compact electric SUV triumphed over finalists including the BMW X3 and Hyundai Inster/Casper Electric, shortlisted from an initial pool of 52 vehicles.
Kia EV3 - World Car of the Year
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Ho Sung Song, Kia’s President and CEO stated the accolade “underscores Kia’s commitment to delivering innovative, sustainable mobility solutions” and praised the EV3’s role in “reshaping customer expectations globally”. The model, which entered markets in late 2024, meets the competition’s criteria of affordability, production volume, and availability across multiple continents.
The World Car Awards, now in its 21st year, mandates that eligible vehicles avoid luxury pricing and achieve annual production of at least 10,000 units.
Jurors, who test-drive contenders as part of their professional roles, highlighted the EV3’s balance of range, technology, and accessibility in a growing electric vehicle (EV) market. Analysts note Kia’s strategic focus on EVs aligns with broader industry shifts, as brands vie to dominate the affordable EV segment.
The 2025 ceremony also marked two decades of collaboration between the World Car Awards and the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS), which is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year. NYIAS President Mark Schienberg called the awards “a testament to automotive excellence,” while Brembo CEO Daniele Schillaci emphasised their role in “driving innovation,” referencing the braking specialist’s ongoing partnership with the event.
Volvo EX90 - World Luxury Car
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Kia’s victory with the EV3 reinforces its position in an increasingly competitive EV landscape. Industry observers suggest the win could bolster consumer confidence in compact electric SUVs, a segment projected to grow significantly by 2030. With the World Car Awards now concluded, attention turns to how rivals will respond in next year’s cycle.
The 2025 awards coincide with a surge in EV adoption, with global sales expected to surpass 20-million units this year. Kia’s EV3, featuring a 400-kilometre range and AI-driven infotainment, is positioned to capitalise on this trend.
WCA 2025
KIA EV9 – 2025 WORLD CAR OF THE YEAR
VOLVO EX90 – 2025 WORLD LUXURY CAR
PORSCHE 911 CARRERA GTS – 2025 WORLD PERFORMANCE CAR
HYUNDAI INSTER / CASPER ELECTRIC – 2025 WORLD ELECTRIC VEHICLE
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BYD SEAGULL / DOLPHIN MINI – 2025 WORLD URBAN CAR
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VOLKSWAGEN ID. BUZZ – 2025 WORLD CAR DESIGN OF THE YEAR
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