Quick Overview
- Kia EV3 bags the 2025 World Car of the Year title at the New York International Auto Show
- Boasts a best-in-class 605 km range and rapid 31-minute charging
- Features bold design, advanced AI, and segment-leading technology
Kia has officially added another feather to its electric hat. At the 2025 World Car Awards held during the New York International Auto Show, the Kia EV3 was declared the 2025 World Car of the Year. The award comes courtesy of a 96-member jury of automotive journalists representing 30 countries — a solid global endorsement for the compact electric SUV.
Kia’s winning streak continues with this title, adding to its impressive record of six World Car Awards since 2020. Last year, it was the bigger Kia EV9 grabbing headlines. Now, its younger, more compact sibling has stepped up to the podium.
What Makes the EV3 Stand Out?
The EV3 is essentially the distilled spirit of Kia’s flagship EV9, packed into a smaller, more city-friendly form. Its bold and progressive design, both inside and out, makes it hard to miss in the compact SUV segment. While compact in size, it doesn’t compromise on range — delivering an impressive 605 km on a full charge (WLTP, 81.4 kWh variant) and juicing up from 10% to 80% in just 31 minutes. That’s proper road-trip-friendly stuff.
Inside, Kia has focused on usability and space. The cabin gets a futuristic touch with an AI-powered assistant, cutting-edge ADAS features, and over-the-air software updates to keep the EV3 fresh long after you drive it home.
Who Does It Compete With?
The EV3 will square up against rivals like the Hyundai Kona Electric, MG ZS EV, BYD Atto 3, and the upcoming Tata Curvv EV in India. Internationally, it also battles the Volkswagen ID.4 and Peugeot e-2008 — and early reviews suggest the Kia is more than ready to play ball.
Final Thoughts
Kia seems to be on a roll, turning its EV lineup into an award-magnet. The EV3 isn’t just another pretty electric SUV — it’s proof that practical EVs can be fun, futuristic, and worthy of global recognition. Now, let’s hope that 31-minute charging becomes as common as charging your phone. Because honestly, who’s got time for slow chargers when the open road (or the city’s potholes) is calling?