The Kia EV9 clinched the title of the 2024 World Car of the Year at the New York Motor Show. Alongside its top honor, Kia’s flagship EV also secured the title of the World Electric Vehicle of the Year award.

The EV9 made its global debut in March 2023. However, the brand plans to launch the vehicle in the Indian market for sale later this year. Interestingly, the EV9 emerged as the winner of the 2024 Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year award earlier this month.

Kia: Recent Accolades

Among 38 vehicles selected worldwide, the EV9 earned a place in the top three in the World Car of the Year category. The remaining two finalists were the BYD Seal and the Volvo EX30. Before announcing it as the winner, the World Car Awards praised the Kia EV9’s innovative design, roomy seven-seater interior, and competitive pricing.

With these awards, Kia adds its fourth and fifth titles to its collection at the World Car Awards. It previously bagged:

• The Car of the Year award in 2020 – Telluride
• The Urban Car of the Year award in 2020 – Soul EV
• The Performance Car of the Year in 2023 – EV6 GT

Ho Sung Song, President and CEO at Kia, said to the media, “We are hugely honored that the 2024 EV9 has been named the World Car of the Year and World Electric Vehicle. This triumph is a testament to our unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology and design excellence. The Kia EV9’s continued success will drive us to keep delivering exceptional vehicles that redefine the driving experience for customers around the world.”

Other Winners

• The World Luxury Car of the Year – BMW i5 / 5 Series
• The Performance Car of the Year award – Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
• The World Urban Car of the Year – Volvo EX30
• The World Car Design of the Year – Toyota Prius

BMW’s sedan competed against its rival, the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the all-electric Mercedes EQE SUV in the category. Also, taking home the Performance Car award, the new Hyundai Ioniq 5 N defeated the BMW M2 and the BMW XM.

The Volvo EX30 emerged victorious in the World Urban Car category, prevailing over the Lexus LBX and BYD Dolphin. Moreover, the Prius faced tough competition from the new Ford Bronco and the Ferrari Purosangue in the category.

WCOTY Criteria

For eligibility in the overall World Car of the Year award, the vehicle must be:

• Manufactured in at least 10,000 units each year.
• Priced lower than luxury car level in their primary markets.
• Available for purchase in a minimum of two major markets (including China, Europe, India, Japan, Korea, Latin America, and the USA) across two separate continents during the period from January 1, 2023, to March 30, 2024.

Moreover, a jury of 100 esteemed automotive journalists from 29 nations selects the winner of the World Car of the Year title.