Kia EV3 Named Car of the Year and Best Mainstream Electric Vehicle
Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Santa Fe Honored as Best Car for City Drivers and *Best 7-Seater*
London, June 20, 2025 (Korean Time) – Hyundai Motor Group has achieved a remarkable milestone at the 2025 Driver’s Choice Awards, hosted by AutoTrader, the UK’s largest automotive marketplace. The Group’s vehicles claimed four top honors, including the coveted Car of the Year title for the Kia EV3, alongside category wins for the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Santa Fe.
Award-Winning Excellence
The Kia EV3 triumphed over competitors such as the BMW iX3 and Renault Scenic E-Tech to secure AutoTrader’s 2025 Car of the Year, as well as the Best Mainstream Electric Vehicle award. Its blend of affordability, premium features, and innovative design resonated strongly with British consumers.
Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 was recognized as the Best Car for City Drivers, praised for its smooth ride and exceptional visibility, while the Santa Fe earned the *Best 7-Seater* award for its spaciousness, practicality, and refined styling.
Customer-Centric Recognition
The Driver’s Choice Awards hold significant weight as they reflect the authentic opinions of over 220,000 UK car owners, surveyed by AutoTrader across 25 categories.
EV3 owners highlighted its standout design, user-friendly technology, and value, calling it “the best electric vehicle in its price range.”
Ioniq 5 drivers lauded its dynamic performance, comfort, and striking aesthetics.
Santa Fe customers noted its premium-level features at a competitive price, stating it “rivals luxury SUVs without the premium cost.”
Industry Acclaim
Erin Baker, Editorial Director at AutoTrader, commended Hyundai Motor Group’s achievements:
“The Kia EV3 redefines affordability in the EV market without compromising on premium qualities. The Ioniq 5 excels in urban agility, while the Santa Fe delivers unmatched versatility for families.”
A Legacy of Global Accolades
This latest recognition adds to Hyundai Motor Group’s growing list of international awards:
Kia EV3: Previously named 2025 UK Car of the Year, World Car of the Year, and winner of top honors in Finland, Denmark, and Germany.
Hyundai Ioniq 5: A decorated EV, with past wins including 2022 World Car of the Year and UK Car of the Year.
Hyundai Santa Fe: Honored as World Women’s Car of the Year and Top Gear’s SUV of the Year.
About AutoTrader
As the UK’s leading automotive platform, AutoTrader connects 80% of the nation’s car dealers. Since 2017, its Driver’s Choice Awards have celebrated vehicles based on real owner feedback, making them a trusted industry benchmark.
Official Statement
A Hyundai Motor Group spokesperson remarked:
“Winning AutoTrader’s 2025 Car of the Year with the Kia EV3, alongside accolades for the Ioniq 5 and Santa Fe, reaffirms our commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. These awards, chosen by British drivers, inspire us to continue delivering exceptional mobility solutions.”
Hyundai Motor Group’s latest achievements underscore its leadership in design, technology, and consumer trust, further solidifying its position in the global automotive market.
Media Contact
Song Tae-won
JoongAng Economy News