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By David Lewis | 12 January 2026
The Kia PV5 has been named Best New Van at the inaugural 2026 Van Reviewer Awards, marking another major milestone for Kia’s new electric van.
The award is the first of 2026 for the PV5 and recognises Kia’s clean-sheet approach to electric commercial vehicles. Judges praised the PV5 for its flexibility, efficiency and its role in Kia’s wider Platform Beyond Vehicle, or PBV, strategy.
The Van Reviewer judging panel said the PV5 was the most significant new van of the year. They highlighted its purpose-built electric platform, software-led architecture and ability to support multiple body styles and conversions. Over-the-air updates and seamless integration with fleet systems were also cited as key strengths.
George Barrow, Editor of Van Reviewer, said the PV5 shows how seriously Kia has taken its entry into the light commercial vehicle market. He said the van had been designed from the ground up around electrification and software, setting a high benchmark for competitors.
The PV5’s efficiency has already been proven in real-world conditions. In September 2025, the PV5 Cargo set a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for the greatest distance travelled by a fully loaded electric van on a single charge. The vehicle covered 430.84 miles while carrying its maximum payload.
The PV5 Cargo is Kia’s first purpose-built electric light commercial vehicle. It is built on Kia’s new Electric-Global Modular Platform for Service, known as E-GMP.S. In the UK, the PV5 Cargo is available in Essential and Plus trims, with a choice of a 51.5kWh or 71.2kWh battery. Prices start from £27,645 excluding VAT. The Government Plug-in Van Grant reduces the cost by up to £5,000. The PV5 Passenger is initially offered with five seats and qualifies for the UK Electric Car Grant. On-the-road pricing for the PV5 Passenger starts from £32,995, excluding the grant.
Further PV5 variants are planned, including Crew, Chassis Cab and Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle versions.
The Van Reviewer award adds to a growing list of accolades for the PV5. The model has already been named 2026 Van of the Year by Electrifying.com, What Van?, Parkers and The Sun. The PV5 Passenger was also named Family Car of the Year by BBC TopGear.com. Most recently, the PV5 was awarded the overall 2026 International Van of the Year title.
Discover why the Kia PV5 electric van is already turning heads
The Kia PV5 Cargo and Passenger are available to order now through TMS Kia’s dedicated PBV Centre on Melton Road, Leicester.
For businesses and families in Leicester, Hinckley, Loughborough and across the Midlands, the PV5 offers a practical electric option with low running costs, strong safety credentials and growing industry recognition.
