EVs from Kia, Hyundai, Volvo and VW sweep 2025 World Car Awards

New York played host to the 2025 World Car Awards, and the results sent a clear message: the automotive future is electric. Across nearly every category, battery-powered vehicles took home top honors, showing the growing global appeal of electric cars. Unfortunately for American consumers, the celebration comes with a tinge of disappointment, as many of these award-winning EVs aren't currently available for purchase in the United States.

The coveted World Car of the Year title went to the Kia EV3. This victory marks Kia's second consecutive win, following the EV9's triumph last year. The EV3 outshone strong contenders like the BMW X3 and the Hyundai Inster. The specific details for the US version are yet to be fully revealed, but the anticipation is building up.

Luxury also went electric, with the Volvo EX90 claiming the 2025 World Luxury Car Award. This large electric SUV impressed the judges, beating established luxury models like the Porsche Macan and Mercedes EQS SUV. The EX90 has a powerful 111 kWh battery, a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system producing 300 kW (408 PS), and 567 lb-ft of torque. This allows the vehicle to accelerate to 60 mph in a swift 5.7 seconds and offers a substantial driving range of up to 311 miles on a single charge.

The Hyundai Inster, also known as the Casper Electric in some regions, earned the title of 2025 World Electric Vehicle. This compact urban crossover, with its 85 kW (115 PS) motor, is primarily available in Eastern and European markets. The BYD Seagull, or Dolphin Mini in some markets, was named the 2025 World Urban Car. This small hatchback, priced around $10,000 in China, offers an impressive range of up to 252 miles.

Design recognition also went to an electric vehicle, with the Volkswagen ID. Buzz taking home the 2025 World Car Design of the Year award. This electric van, with its retro-inspired styling, beat out the Kia EV3 and the Toyota Land Cruiser/Land Cruiser 250. While the ID. Buzz has been available for a couple of years in some markets, and its win underscores the enduring appeal of well-executed electric car design.

Interestingly, the only non-electric vehicle to receive an award was the Porsche 911 Carrera GTS, which was crowned the 2025 World Performance Car. This sports car combines a turbocharged 3.6-liter flat-six engine with an electric motor and a small battery. This setup delivers a combined output of 397 kW (539 PS) and 448 lb-ft of torque, enabling it to reach 60 mph in a blistering 2.9 seconds and achieve a top speed of 194 mph.

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