Kia EV3 crowned UK Car of the Year 2025

Gareth Herincx

53 mins ago
Auto News

Kia EV3

Kia has pulled off the double by winning the UK Car of the Year Awards two years in a row.

Following on from the Kia EV9’s triumph in 2024, the EV3 has been named overall victor in 2025. It’s also the fourth year in succession that the top prize has gone to an electric vehicle.

The EV3 won its Small Crossover category and then beat the winners of the six other categories.

As a member of the UKCOTY jury, I played a small part in picking Britain’s best cars of 2025, and I’d like to congratulate all the winners.

Paul Philpott of Kia UK (left) with UKCOTY's John Challen
Paul Philpott of Kia UK (left) with UKCOTY’s John Challen

“Securing back-to-back successes in this competition has only been achieved once before, which shows the outstanding attributes and appeal of the Kia EV3,” said John Challen, co-chairman, UK Car of the Year Awards.

“Kia has successfully grown its EV portfolio and the specification, driving range, and distinctive styling are all EV3 elements that impressed our panel of experts.”

Receiving the winner’s trophy, Paul Philpott, president and CEO, Kia UK, said: “We’re delighted to once again be victorious winning the outright UK Car of the Year Award with EV3. This follows our success in 2024 with EV9.

“These consecutive awards clearly demonstrate Kia’s strong leadership in electrification, the genuine demand from UK customers, and the quality of our product line up.”

UK Car of the Year Awards 2025 category winners:

  • Small Car – Suzuki Swift
  • Family Car – Skoda Superb
  • Small Crossover – Kia EV3
  • Medium Crossover – MINI Countryman
  • Large Crossover – Hyundai Santa Fe
  • Executive Car – Polestar 4
  • Performance Car – Hyundai Ioniq 5 N

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Kia EV9 crowned ‘UK Car of the Year 2024’

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Kia’s flagship EV9 SUV has triumphed at the UK Car of the Year Awards, winning the overall title and the ‘Large Crossover’ category.

Celebrating the best new vehicles available to UK customers today across eight categories, the UK Car of the Year jury is made up of 30 journalists working across the UK on automotive, business and tech publications. Eligible cars for the awards must have been launched within the past 12 months.

Judges praised the EV9 for several factors, including its innate practicality, modern design, and long electric driving range.

“The uberpractical Kia EV9 could be the vehicle that gets more drivers out of their petrol or diesel car than any other model,” said John Challen, co-chairman of the UK Car of the Year Awards.

“Seven seats, loaded with technology, premium quality and enough miles from the battery to cure almost every case of range anxiety – plus it’s fantastic to drive, too.

“The fact that nearly half of our judging panel chose the Kia as the UK Car of the Year 2024 is a massive vote of confidence in what is a seriously impressive and hugely appealing car.”

The streamlined Hyundai Ioniq 6 took the runner-up spot, while the final podium place went to Volvo’s EX30.

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Hyundai Ioniq 5 crowned UK Car of the Year 2022

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The ground-breaking Hyundai Ioniq 5 has been named UK Car of the Year 2022 by a panel of 29 motoring journalists.

The futuristic EV finished ahead of the Skoda Enyaq, with BMW’s iX and the Porsche Taycan taking joint third place.

“The Ioniq 5 feels like the future of motoring, only it’s here today,” said John Challen,” director of the UK Car of the Year Awards. “The design, performance and practicality make it a fantastic proposition for those looking for an EV – and also a very worthy winner of the title UK Car of the Year 2022.”

Ashley Andrew, managing director of Hyundai UK, added: “The Ioniq 5 has really captured the attention of UK consumers, offering a stylish, premium full EV experience that appeals to almost every type of new car buyer.

“Its innovative layout means its spacious enough for large families, its efficient zero emissions powertrain is perfect for company car buyers and its luxurious eco-friendly interior elevates Hyundai into a genuine premium product.”

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 was also named Best Family Car, at the UK Car of the Year Awards, earlier this month. Electric vehicles picked up five of the nine categories:

UK Car of the Year Awards 2022 category winners

  • Best City Car – Fiat 500-e
  • Best Supermini – Škoda Fabia
  • Best Small Hatch – Kia Ceed
  • Best Family – Hyundai Ioniq 5
  • Best Estate – Genesis G70 Shooting Brake
  • Best Small Crossover – Toyota Yaris Cross
  • Best Medium Crossover – Škoda Enyaq
  • Best Large Crossover – BMW iX
  • Best Luxury – Porsche Taycan
  • Best Performance – Hyundai i20N

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