Kia EV9 triumphant in car of the year awards

The Kia EV9 has scooped two major awards from two different panels of motoring journalists and experts.

Coinciding with International Women's Day, the electric seven-seat SUV has been named as 'World's Best Car of 2024' by Women's Worldwide Car of the Year (WWCOTY). A panel of 75 female motoring journalists, from 52 countries across five continents, named the car as the best from a field of 63 contenders. 

The judges cited the car's affordability, user-friendliness, and widespread appeal. It received extra marks for its family-friendly interior, and for its range and energy efficiency.

At the same time, the UK's top motoring journalists also named the EV9 as UK Car of the Year (UKCOTY). It's the third year running that an electric car has taken the UK's highest car of the year gong.

Nearly half of the 30-strong judging panel voted for the EV9, with UKCOTY Co-Chairman, John Challen, saying: “The uberpractical Kia EV9 could be the vehicle that gets more drivers out of their petrol or diesel car than any other model. 

"Seven seats, loaded with technology, premium quality and enough miles from the battery to cure almost every case of range anxiety – plus it’s fantastic to drive, too. The fact that nearly half of our judging panel chose the Kia as the UK Car of the Year 2024 is a massive vote of confidence in what is a seriously impressive and hugely appealing car.”

The Volvo EX30 took home the Small Crossover category award, the Fisker Ocean was named Medium Crossover of the Year, while the BMW i5 and Hyundai Ioniq 6 were voted as Executive Car and Family Car of the Year, respectively.