Kia’s all-electric EV3 SUV has been named this year’s World Car of the Year at the 2025 World Car Awards, the carmaker said on April 16.
This marks the fourth consecutive year Hyundai Motor Group has claimed the prestigious title, following the Ioniq 5 in 2022, the Ioniq 6 in 2023, and the EV9 in 2024. The World Car of the Year title is considered one of the three most prestigious global automotive honors, alongside the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year and the European Car of the Year.
In addition to the EV3’s top honor, Hyundai’s Casper Electric was awarded World Electric Car of the Year at the awards ceremony held at the New York International Auto Show on April 16. “This once again proves the world-class excellence of our electric vehicles,” a group official said.
Both the EV3 and Casper Electric are compact SUVs launched in South Korea in the second half of 2024. Despite their relatively small size, they have received strong reviews for their spacious interiors and well-equipped feature sets. According to market research firm Carisyou Data Institute, the two models ranked first and second in domestic EV sales in the first quarter of 2025.
“This award highlights Kia’s global leadership in sustainable mobility solutions, driven by innovative technology and outstanding design,” said Kia CEO Song Ho-sung.
To qualify for the World Car Awards, vehicles must sell at least 10,000 units annually across a minimum of two continents. This year’s jury consisted of 96 automotive journalists from 30 countries, including South Korea, the United States, Germany, China, Japan, and India.
