South Korea's second-largest carmaker Kia said the EV3, its small electrified SUV, has been crowned UK Car of the Year 2025.

The UK Car of the Year Awards is an independent accolade judged by a panel of leading UK journalists from the automotive, business, and technology industries.

Topping the small crossover category on Feb. 20, Kia’s EV3 secured its spot as the finalist by surpassing global competitors including Hyundai Motor Group, Suzuki and Skoda.

This marks the second consecutive year that a Kia EV has won the title, following the success of the Kia EV9 in 2024, which triumphed in the large crossover category. The EV3 has also been recognized as a finalist for the European Car of the Year 2025.

“Kia has successfully expanded its EV portfolio, following the success of the EV6 and the UK Car of the Year 2024, the EV9. The specifications, driving range and distinctive designs were the biggest attributes that impressed our strong field of panelists,” stated John Callen, co-chairman of the awards.

“We are certain our EV3 will continue being a popular and accessible choice for the growing number of people in the UK who are willing to switch to EVs,” added a Kia official.

Introduced last May, Kia has maintained its momentum with the EV3, having sold 15,537 vehicles in the domestic market as of February and 54,130 vehicles overseas as of January this year.

By Park Soo-bin (spark@heraldcorp.com)