Kia Triumphs with Triple Win at the 2025 What Car? Awards

Family SUV of the Year, Best Small Electric SUV, & Readers’ Choice Award

Kia had started 2025 on a high, collecting three major category wins at the prestigious What Car? Car of the Year Awards. Kia’s line-up, consisting of family SUVs to ground-breaking electric models, continues to impress both judges and drivers, cementing its place as one of the most trusted and innovative automotive brands globally.

Kia Sportage – Family SUV of the Year

The Kia Sportage has dominated the competition and was crowned the Best Family SUV of the Year at the 2025 What Car? Awards. Gaining recognition for its perfect combination of style, comfort, and everyday practicality.

Blending sleek design with family-friendly functionality, the Sportage offers a smooth, confident drive enhanced by efficient and class-leading technology. Its spacious interior, which feels modern and premium, provides plenty of room for passengers to stretch out, while the generous boot capacity makes it easy to pack everything from weekly groceries to sports gear and holiday luggage. High-quality materials and clever storage solutions are paired with advanced technology, including a fully digital instrument cluster, seamless infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and dual-zone climate control. Pair this all with Kia’s seven-year warranty and practical safety features, and the Sportage is a clear standout choice for all Kiwi families.

Kia EV3 – Best Small Electric SUV

One of Kia’s most recent electric models, the EV3 Standard Range Air, like the Kia Sportage, dominated the competition and was crowned the Best Small Electric SUV of the Year at the 2025 What Car? Awards. Proving that compact electric vehicles can still deliver big practicality and long-range confidence.

Despite its compact footprint, the EV3 impresses with 460 litres of boot space plus an additional 25-litre front storage area – ideal for charging cables, day-to-day essentials, or even extra weekend gear. Inside, it feels spacious and cleverly designed, making it as comfortable for city commuting as it is for longer road trips.

Safety is another highlight. With a 5-star ANCAP safety rating and advanced features such as Forward Collision Assist, Lane Keep Assist, and Smart Cruise Control, the EV3 is built to give Kiwi drivers and their families extra reassurance on the road.

Performance is equally impressive. All trims deliver 150 kW of power and 283 Nm of torque through front-wheel drive, while offering up to 605 km (WLTP range, depending on variant). Drivers also benefit from premium technology including a 12.3-inch digital cluster, seamless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and dual-zone climate control.

On the road, the EV3 feels every bit like a true SUV. With its comfort-focused suspension, upright seating position, and smooth, confident ride, it makes both urban drives and open-road journeys effortless.

Kia EV4 – Readers’ Choice

Gaining more than double the votes of its closest rival, thousands of What Car? readers voted for the car they are most looking forward to in 2025, the EV4 is already making headlines ahead of its full launch. Positioned as a stylish fastback SUV, it shares its platform with the EV3 but adds more space, broader appeal, and innovative technology.

The What Car? Awards are recognised as one of the most prestigious honours in the automotive world, and Kia has once again proven its excellence with multiple wins in 2025. From the family-friendly Sportage to the cutting-edge EV3 and the highly anticipated EV4, Kia continues to lead the way in design, innovation, and driver satisfaction.

At Hastings Kia, we’re proud to bring these award-winning models to Hawke’s Bay. Whether you’re ready to experience the practicality of a family SUV, make the switch to a small electric SUV, or get excited about the next generation of EV driving with the EV4, there’s a Kia to suit every lifestyle.

We invite you to explore the range, book a test drive, and experience first-hand why Kia is winning both awards and the hearts of drivers across New Zealand.

This blog is not affiliated with or endorsed by Kia, any other vehicle manufacturer, or The Car Company (HB) Ltd – Hastings Kia. The information presented in this blog is provided by a private third-party source and is for general informational purposes only and reflects publicly available data at the time of writing. While we strive for accuracy, specifications, pricing, and availability are subject to change without notice. All trademarks and product names mentioned are the property of their respective owners. Readers are advised to verify details with authorised dealers before making purchasing decisions. No part of this content may be reproduced or republished without prior written consent.