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Kia has added two more accolades to its growing collection of industry honours, with the Kia EV3 and Kia Sportage securing victories at the 2025 What Car? Electric Car Awards.
The EV3 was crowned Best Electric Small SUV, while the Sportage was recognised as the Best Used Hybrid Family SUV. These latest awards follow earlier successes at the 2025 What Car? Awards in January, where the EV3 was also named Best Small Electric SUV and the Sportage celebrated as Best Family SUV.
Paul Philpott, President and CEO of Kia UK Limited, expressed delight at the recognition:
“It is a great honour to receive yet more recognition for the EV3 and Sportage from What Car?, with the EV3 being celebrated back in January and the Sportage for multiple years across a number of categories. What Car?’s great reputation as an independent, influential and respected publication for car buyers gives these awards more meaning.”
The Kia EV3 has quickly redefined the compact electric SUV market, becoming the brand’s fastest-selling electric vehicle to date, as well as the UK’s best-selling EV in the retail market in 2025.
Steve Huntingford, Editor of What Car?, praised the model’s design and performance:
“The EV3 is a relaxing car to drive, because its ride is downright plush, while wind, road and motor noise are kept to a minimum at all times. You sit higher than you do in rivals, too, with this providing the sort of excellent view that many SUV buyers are after. And even the smaller of the two batteries on offer delivers an impressive range, so the EV3 offers excellent value.”
The EV3 is also the reigning UK Car of the Year and World Car of the Year in 2025. Remarkably, this marks the second consecutive year Kia has held both prestigious titles, following the EV9’s triumph in 2024.
Meanwhile, the Kia Sportage continues to dominate as the brand’s best-selling model across the UK, Europe, and global markets. It is currently the UK’s second best-selling car year-to-date and remains the nation’s most popular family SUV.
Launched in its fifth generation in 2021, the Sportage was the first in its lineage to offer hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains. Huntingford highlighted its enduring appeal:
“Like any Sportage, the PHEV version combines impressive ride comfort with a smart, spacious and user-friendly interior. Plus, you get the added bonus of a 43-mile (WLTP) electric range. The fact that your used Sportage will still be covered by the original manufacturer warranty also makes it very appealing.”
In 2025, the Sportage received a mid-life refresh, showcasing a new exterior and interior design and adopting advanced technologies from Kia’s latest electric models, including the EV3, EV6, and EV9.
With these awards further validating Kia’s innovation and customer-focused design, the company continues to strengthen its reputation as a leader in the electrified and full EV space.
The recognition of both the EV3 and Sportage underscores Kia’s commitment to offering versatile, reliable, and future-focused vehicles across its line-up.
