Kia EV4, PV5 and Hyundai MobED Honoured at 2026 Red Dot Design Awards

Kia Corporation and Hyundai Motor Group have secured major recognition at the 2026 Red Dot Design Awards, reinforcing their leadership in innovative mobility and design excellence.

The Kia EV4 received the competition’s highest accolication, the prestigious “Best of the Best” award, while the Kia PV5 earned a “Winner” distinction. Hyundai Motor Group’s advanced mobile robot platform, MobED, was also recognised with a “Winner” award.

The achievements highlight the growing global influence of Kia’s “Opposites United” design philosophy, which focuses on combining emotional appeal, sustainability and user-focused innovation.

Karim Habib, Executive Vice President and Head of Kia Global Design, said the awards demonstrate the brand’s commitment to creating meaningful mobility experiences.

“It is an honour for Kia to once again be recognised by the Red Dot Design Award, especially with the EV4 achieving the highest distinction,” Habib said. “These awards reflect the impact of our ‘Opposites United’ philosophy in shaping mobility solutions that are both relevant and meaningful, delivering intuitive and seamless experiences for our users.”

He added that both the EV4 and PV5 showcase Kia’s ability to balance bold design with everyday practicality.

Kia EV4 Earns ‘Best of the Best’

The Kia EV4 was praised for its fresh interpretation of the traditional saloon segment. Designed under the brand’s “Opposites United” philosophy, the EV4 introduces a dramatic fastback-inspired silhouette that challenges conventional sedan styling.

Its hatchback variant further broadens the vehicle’s appeal by combining compact proportions with enhanced practicality, particularly for European customers seeking versatility without compromising design.

The judges recognised the EV4 for redefining expectations within the saloon category while maintaining strong functionality and visual impact.

Kia PV5 Highlights Modular PBV Vision

The Kia PV5 received a “Winner” award for showcasing the company’s evolving Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) strategy and modular design approach.

Built with a shared front-end architecture and adaptable rear modules, the PV5 has been developed for multiple applications and customer needs. The lineup includes Passenger, Cargo, Crew and WAV (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle) variants, each optimised for space, usability and flexibility while maintaining a cohesive design identity.

The latest recognition follows the PV5’s recent Gold award at the 2026 iF Design Awards, adding to the vehicle’s growing list of international honours.

Kia’s Continued Design Success

Kia’s strong performance at leading global design competitions reflects the consistency of its long-term design strategy.

The brand’s recent Red Dot “Best of the Best” winners include:

EV6 (2022)
EV9 (2024)
EV3 (2025)
EV4 (2026)

Hyundai MobED Also Recognised

Hyundai Motor Group’s Robotics LAB earned a Red Dot “Winner” award for MobED (Mobile Eccentric Droid), an advanced robotic mobility platform designed to navigate a wide range of terrains and environments.

MobED incorporates Hyundai’s “Refined Edge” design philosophy, which focuses on improving how robotic systems interact with people and integrate naturally into everyday spaces.

The platform features proprietary Drive and Lift (DnL) technology alongside an innovative Eccentric Wheel mechanism, allowing it to move stably across uneven surfaces, curbs and inclines.

Combined with AI-based control systems, MobED delivers adaptable mobility for diverse real-world applications while maintaining a distinctive, approachable design.

Originally unveiled as a concept at CES 2022, the production-ready MobED platform was officially introduced in 2025.

About the Red Dot Design Award

Founded in 1955, the Red Dot Design Award is organised by Germany’s Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen and is regarded as one of the world’s leading international design competitions.

Entries are evaluated by an independent panel of global design experts across criteria such as innovation, functionality and quality. The “Best of the Best” distinction represents the competition’s highest honour and is reserved for the most groundbreaking and forward-thinking designs.

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