Kia wins two 2025 What Car? Electric Awards

Posted 4 September 2025

Kia is celebrating another major success, after winning two categories at the 2025 What Car? Electric Car Awards.

The brand’s newest electric SUV, the Kia EV3, was named Best Electric Small SUV, while the ever-popular Kia Sportage collected the award for Best Used Hybrid Family SUV.

Recognition from a trusted name

The What Car? Awards are among the most respected in the motoring industry, with expert judges assessing vehicles on efficiency, comfort, usability, safety, and value for money. For Kia, taking home two trophies highlights the strength of its line-up for both new and used buyers.

Steve Huntingford, Editor of What Car?, praised the EV3 as “a relaxing car to drive, with plush ride comfort and an excellent view of the road.” He also noted that even the smaller of the two battery options delivers impressive range, making the EV3 stand out in its class.

On the Sportage, judges were impressed by the model’s blend of comfort, interior quality, and electric range on the plug-in hybrid version, as well as the reassurance of Kia’s seven-year warranty for used buyers.

Kia EV3 – leading the small electric SUV segment

Launched earlier in 2025, the Kia EV3 has quickly become the brand’s fastest-selling electric model and the UK’s best-selling EV in the retail market. Designed to be practical, efficient, and accessible, the EV3 comes in three trim levels – Air, GT-Line, and GT-Line S – with the entry-level Air model offering two battery choices.

Drivers can opt for the standard 58.3kWh battery or a long-range 81.4kWh version, delivering up to 375 miles on a single charge (WLTP). The EV3 also benefits from Kia’s latest connected technology, a high seating position for great visibility, and the refined, quiet drive that many EV drivers are looking for.

These qualities helped the EV3 secure not only this latest award, but also the titles of UK Car of the Year and World Car of the Year 2025.

Kia Sportage – a proven family favourite

The Kia Sportage remains one of the UK’s best-selling cars overall, and continues to be the country’s favourite family SUV. Since its launch in 2022, the fifth-generation Sportage has introduced hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, alongside a refreshed design and advanced technology.

In its plug-in hybrid form, the Sportage offers an electric-only range of up to 43 miles, ideal for shorter commutes or city driving, while retaining the practicality of a family SUV. Judges highlighted its spacious interior, comfort on long journeys, and the added reassurance of Kia’s long warranty coverage – a key factor for used buyers.

Strength across the range

These latest awards underline Kia’s momentum in both the electric and hybrid markets. With the EV3 leading the charge for compact electric SUVs and the Sportage proving its long-term appeal, Kia is offering strong choices for drivers across all segments.

Looking ahead, the EV3 will soon be joined by new electric models including the EV4 and EV5, giving UK customers even more options as Kia continues to expand its electrified line-up.