Kia EV3 (Image courtesy of the Korea Automobile Journalists Association)
SEOUL, Feb. 21 (Korea Bizwire) — The Kia EV3, a compact electric SUV, has been awarded the title of ‘2025 Car of the Year’ by the Korea Automobile Journalists Association (KAJA), marking a significant milestone for Kia’s push toward the mass adoption of electric vehicles.
KAJA, comprising 59 media outlets across newspapers, television, radio, and automotive publications, announced on February 20 that the EV3 received 75.53 points out of a possible 100 in the final evaluation, securing the top honor.
The competition featured 15 models from 12 brands, assessed across 10 categories, including exterior design, interior quality, driving dynamics, acceleration, and user convenience. The EV3 not only claimed the top award but also won ‘Electric Vehicle of the Year’ and ‘Innovation of the Year,’ making it a triple award winner.
Designed to lead the charge in mainstream EV adoption, the EV3’s long-range model features an 81.4 kWh battery, offering a driving range of up to 501 kilometers on a single charge. It is also the first Hyundai Motor Group EV to incorporate i-Pedal 3.0, allowing drivers to accelerate, decelerate, and stop using only the accelerator pedal in all regenerative braking modes.
In other categories, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class was named ‘Imported Car of the Year,’ while Renault’s Grand Koleos won ‘SUV of the Year.’ Lexus’ LM 500h took home ‘Utility Vehicle of the Year,’ MINI’s Countryman won ‘Design of the Year,’ and Porsche’s Taycan was honored as ‘Performance Car of the Year.’
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
