Kia Enjoys Major Awards Success in Early 2026

Kia has begun 2026 with strong momentum, securing multiple high-profile accolades across two of the UK’s most respected automotive awards programmes. Recognition at the What Car? Car of the Year Awards and the UK Car of the Year Awards highlight the brand’s continued growth, strong market performance and expanding product line-up across passenger cars, electric vehicles, and new mobility segments.

Four Wins at the 2026 What Car? Awards

At the 2026 What Car? Car of the Year Awards, Kia claimed four major honours, underlining the breadth of its model range. The Sportage was named Family SUV of the Year for the fourth consecutive year, while the EV3 collected Small Electric SUV of the Year. Kia also secured MPV of the Year with the PV5 Passenger, and the EV9 received recognition as Best electric seven-seat SUV.

Paul Philpott, President and CEO of Kia UK, said: “What Car? is one of the most highly-respected and dependable publications for UK motorists, and recognition in their annual Car of the Year Awards is one of the greatest endorsements any brand or vehicle can receive.” He added that the repeat success of the Sportage and EV3 demonstrates how well both models meet the needs of UK customers.

Sportage Continues Its Dominance

The Kia Sportage’s fourth consecutive Family SUV of the Year title reinforces its position as one of the UK’s most popular vehicles. Updated in 2025 with a refreshed design, modern technology, and a simplified trim structure, the Sportage continues to impress judges with its balance of comfort, agility, and value.

The What Car? judging panel commented: “Refreshed in 2025, it strikes a superb balance between comfort and agility, and features a practical, smartly finished interior. As a bonus, you get all of this for a very tempting price.” In 2025, the Sportage was Kia’s best-selling model in the UK and the country’s best-selling SUV.

EV3 Recognised as Small Electric SUV of the Year

The Kia EV3 repeated its category success by once again being named Small Electric SUV of the Year. Judges praised its practicality, generous interior space, and comfortable ride, noting that it continues to lead its class despite growing competition.

Commenting on the model, the judges said: “Since winning this award last year, the Kia EV3 has faced a tranche of talented new rivals, and yet it undoubtedly remains the best car of its kind.” The EV3 was also Kia’s best-selling electric vehicle in the UK during 2025 and became one of the fastest-selling EVs in the brand’s history.

PV5 Passenger and EV9 Earn Further Praise

Kia’s expansion into new segments was also recognised, with the PV5 Passenger winning MPV of the Year. Judges praised its spacious interior, clever storage solutions, and user-friendly technology, calling it “a superb all-round package.” The PV5 Passenger was launched in 2025 and marked Kia’s entry into the electric MPV and light commercial vehicle markets.

Meanwhile, the EV9 was named Best electric seven-seat SUV, with judges highlighting its ability to seat seven adults comfortably while still offering strong real-world electric range and fast charging capability.

UK Car of the Year Awards Recognition

Kia’s award success continued at the UK Car of the Year Awards, where another of the brand’s electric models was recognised in its category. Judged by a panel of experienced UK motoring journalists, the awards focus on real-world usability, design, and value, with an overall winner announced later in the process.

Awards Reflect Kia’s Growing Strength

Together, these accolades underline Kia’s strong position in the UK market and its ability to deliver award-winning vehicles across multiple segments. From best-selling family SUVs to innovative electric and multi-purpose vehicles, Kia’s continued recognition highlights its focus on practicality, value, and customer appeal as it moves through 2026.

© Norton Way Group.

Reg Office:

173 Cross Lane Salford Manchester M5 4AP

Reg. Company Number: 00730865

VAT Reg. No. 732242465

Financial Disclosure

Norton Way Motors Ltd is registered in England No: 00730865. Registered at: 173 Cross Lane Salford Manchester M5 4AP. VAT Registration No: 732242465.

Norton Way Motors Ltd is also authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for consumer credit purposes. We offer a range of vehicle finance facilities through a panel of carefully selected third-party lenders. We do not provide customers with independent finance advice and will not offer facilities from lenders outside of this panel. Norton Way Motors Ltd is a broker for finance and not a lender. The lenders that we use are given first right of refusal. This is because these lenders will pay us a commission for introducing you to them. Commission may be calculated based on either a fixed amount relating to the vehicle you are purchasing, a percentage of the amount of finance you are borrowing, or a combination of both. We may also get paid an additional fixed commission if you are a returning customer. Different finance lenders may pay different commissions for such introductions. Such payments will not affect the amount you pay under any finance agreement, all of which are set by the lender. We will inform you of the amount of commission that we will earn in good time. We will require your consent for us to receive this commission. Our approach is to introduce you to a lender on our panel who will offer you the best package taking into account eligibility, product suitability, as well as interest rates and other factors. Our aim is to secure the best deal that you are eligible for. You do not have to take our finance as it is available through other distributors. You can arrange funding for your vehicle elsewhere and it may be cheaper.

Social media

Featuring the latest news, stories and updates.