The Kia EV3 is the 2025 World Car of the Year. But don’t rush out to try to buy one. Kia hasn’t imported its smallest EV to the U.S.
Yet.
The EV3 is an all-electric subcompact SUV with angular lines like those that make the brand’s 2024 EV9 3-row SUV so distinctive. Inside, it gets trick rear seats, much like the “magic seats” of the now-defunct Honda Fit. They fold flat like the rear seats in most SUVs, or flip their seat cushions up to allow you to carry taller items.
Kia plans to sell the small electric vehicle (EV) in the U.S., likely as a 2026 model, but it’s already available in Europe.
A jury of 96 automotive journalists from 30 countries named it the 2025 World Car of the Year yesterday at the New York International Auto Show.
Other Awards for Porsche, Volvo, Volkswagen
The jury awarded six cars in total, three of which are currently sold in the U.S.
Among the winners:
- World Luxury Car of the Year: Volvo EX90
- World Performance Car of the Year: Porsche 911 Carrera GTS
- World Electric Vehicle of the Year: Hyundai Inster/Casper Electric (not sold in the U.S.)
- World Urban Car of the Year: BYD Seagull/Dolphin Mini (not sold in the U.S.)
- World Car Design of the Year: Volkswagen ID. Buzz