Winners Announced at NYIAS: Kia EV6, Volkswagen ID. Buzz, BYD, Porsche 911 Carrera GTS, and Volvo
**2025 Kia EV3 Crowned World Car of the Year**
The Kia EV3 has been named the 2025 World Car of the Year, marking a significant achievement for the South Korean automaker. This is the fourth consecutive year a Hyundai model has won at the World Car Awards, and the third overall win for Kia.
The EV3 stood out from the competition due to its bold design, innovative cabin experience, and impressive performance. The compact electric SUV was recognised for its award-winning aesthetics, which balance emotional appeal and logical functionality under Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ philosophy.
The EV3's distinctive exterior features Kia’s signature Tiger Face front, vertical headlamps, Star Map lighting, and a sculpted tailgate. Inside, the cabin is designed for openness and calm, accommodating five passengers comfortably and emphasizing intuitive smart utility.
One of the highlights of the EV3's interior is the living space concept, which reimagines the interior as a “living space on wheels.” This concept is realised through a practical five-seat layout, sliding center console table, and ultra-wide panoramic display that integrates driving data with entertainment.
The EV3 offers a best-in-class WLTP range of up to 604–605 km (375–376 miles), while the Standard Range model achieves up to 436 km (271 miles). It supports ultra-fast charging—from 10% to 80% in just 31 minutes—delivering real-world practicality for daily and long-distance driving.
Equipped with a 2WD single electric motor producing 150 kW (204 hp) and 283 Nm of torque, the EV3 accelerates from 0–100 km/h in 7.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 170 km/h (106 mph). It is available with either a 58.3 kWh or 81.4 kWh battery pack, depending on the variant.
The EV3's technology and user experience are designed to enhance everyday life, with a focus on connectivity, entertainment, and intuitive controls. It is backed by Kia’s seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, reflecting confidence in reliability and service support.
The EV3's design excellence was further underscored by the Red Dot Design Award: Best of the Best, which it won in Product Design. This award recognised the EV3 for its balance of emotional appeal and logical functionality.
Other notable mentions include the Volkswagen ID. Buzz, which was praised for its blend of nostalgic design cues with contemporary electric vehicle aesthetics. The Volkswagen ID. Buzz won the 2025 World Car Design of the Year award.
The 2025 World Car Awards recognise design innovation, urban mobility solutions, high-performance engineering, and luxury advancements. The BMW X3 and Hyundai Inster/Casper Electric were among the top three finalists for the 2025 World Car of the Year. The 2025 World Luxury Car and World Electric Vehicle awards were given out during the same ceremony, with the Volvo EX90 and Hyundai Inster taking the respective titles.
The BYD Seagull, also known as the Dolphin Mini, won the 2025 World Urban Car title. The New York International Auto Show hosted the 2025 World Car Awards ceremony.
- The 2025 Kia EV3's triumph in the World Car of the Year competition highlights its success in the automotive industry and the finance sector.
- The EV3's similar win to previous Hyundai models showcases the strong presence of South Korean automakers in the transportation industry.
- The EV3's innovative design, practical features, and advanced technology showcase its influence on lifestyle and technology trends.
- The award-winning design of the EV3 extends to fields beyond automotive, as it also received the Red Dot Design Award: Best of the Best, demonstrating its impact on design and aesthetics across various industries.
