The big winners of the year at the World Car Awards 2025

The 2025 edition of the World Car Awards has once again highlighted the brands that have made the most progress in transforming the automotive industry, with a clear focus on electrification, technological innovation and functional design. This year's big winners include the Kia EV3, voted World Car of the Year, and the Hyundai INSTER, honoured as World Electric Car 2025.

The judging panel, made up of 96 specialised journalists from 30 countries, evaluated dozens of models recently launched on the global market. The selection took into account criteria such as performance, environmental impact, comfort, safety, connectivity and value for money, elements that are increasingly important in a sector that is constantly reinventing itself.

The main highlight was the new Kia EV3, a 100% electric compact SUV that combines up to 605 kilometres of autonomy with fast charging in just 31 minutes. With a versatile interior and technologies such as artificial intelligence, over-the-air updates and advanced driving assistance systems, the EV3 shows that it is possible to combine sophistication and sustainability in an affordable proposition. This distinction has already been highlighted in our article Kia EV3 voted Car of the Year 2025.

In the field of electric city cars, the Hyundai INSTER was the big winner, showing how a smaller model can offer a complete and efficient driving experience. With a distinctive design, fast charging and a range of up to 370 kilometres, the INSTER is an excellent choice for those looking for intelligent urban mobility. You can find out more in our article Hyundai INSTER shines at the World Car Awards and reinforces electric leadership.

These awards reinforce the commitment of the Hyundai Motor group, which includes Kia and Hyundai, to sustainable innovation and the creation of solutions that meet the real demands of drivers around the world. Both the Kia EV3 and the Hyundai INSTER demonstrate that the future of mobility has arrived and is within everyone's reach.

The list of finalists also included models from manufacturers such as BYD, Volvo, BMW and Toyota, but it was the Korean group that ended up dominating this year's ceremony, consolidating its presence as a global benchmark in the electrification of the automotive sector.

World Car Awards 2025 Winners:

Car of the Year: Kia EV3

World's Best Electric Car: Hyundai Inster

City Car: BYD Seagull

Luxury Car: Volvo EX90

Performance Car: Porsche 911 Carrera GTS

Design: Volkswagen ID. Buzz