Kia EV3 crowned Car of the Year at Auto Trader Drivers’ Choice Awards

Kia’s EV3 has been named ‘Car of the Year’ and ‘Best Mainstream Electric Car’ at the 2025 Auto Trader Drivers’ Choice Awards – a standout double victory in one of the UK’s most consumer-driven automotive accolades.

The awards, formerly known as the Auto Trader New Car Awards, are based entirely on the real-world feedback of more than 225,000 UK car owners, who rated their vehicles across 16 criteria including reliability, performance, design, running costs, and overall satisfaction.

Launched as Kia’s most affordable EV, the EV3 starts from £33,005 and offers up to 375 miles of WLTP combined range. The car was praised for delivering strong value, stylish looks, and premium features – all in a practical, family-friendly package.

Erin Baker, editorial director at Auto Trader, commented: “It may be Kia’s most affordable EV, but the EV3 still packs a premium punch. Owners rated it highly for its quality, features, and ease of use – one even told us it stood out above all others in their price bracket. It’s quirky, futuristic, and a joy to drive. A very well-deserved win.”

The win adds to the EV3’s growing list of accolades, which already includes UK Car of the Year and World Car of the Year 2025. Kia UK president and CEO Paul Philpott welcomed the news.

“It’s hugely rewarding to see real customers vote the EV3 their Car of the Year. That endorsement is also reflected in its strong UK sales performance. This recognition boosts momentum ahead of the launches of the EV4 and EV5 later this year.”

The winners for the Autotrader Drivers’ Choice Awards 2025 are: 

Car of the Year – Kia EV3 – Electric vehicle

Best Car for Families – BMW i4 – Electric vehicle

Best Car for City Drivers – Hyundai IONIQ 5 – Electric vehicle

Best Value New Car – Omoda 5

Best Car for Long Distances – Renault Scenic E-Tech – Electric vehicle

Most Fun to Drive – Porsche Macan – Electric vehicle

Best Car for New Drivers – Volkswagen Golf

Best Car for Dog Owners – Skoda Enyaq – Electric vehicle

Best 7-seater – Hyundai Santa Fe

Best Car for Towing – Volvo XC60

Most Loved Car – Land Rover Defender 110

Best Plug-in Hybrid Car – Toyota RAV4

Best Mainstream Electric Car – Kia EV3 – Electric vehicle

Best Premium Electric Car – BMW iX3 – Electric vehicle

Best Luxury Car – Porsche 911

Most Loved Brand – BYD

Most Reliable Brand – Lexus

Car Brand with the Best Tech – Tesla

Best Value Brand – Dacia

Editor’s Choice Erin Baker – Renault 5 – Electric vehicle

Editor’s Choice Rory Reid – Ferrari 12Cilindri

Sustainability Initiative Award – Renault

Best Home Charger – Myenergi

Most Anticipated Car – Jaguar 00 - Electric vehicle

Media Campaign of the Year – JLR “House of Brands – RR Sport Editon 1”

Baker added: “It’s been an exciting time recently for car buyers as many brilliant and unique models including fully electric options have been released or updated by well-known automotive brands.

“Not only this but new entrants from across the globe have emerged over the last twelve months that have started to capture the attention of consumers and challenge the more established brands.”