Kia has been awarded three category wins in the EcoCar Electrified Top 50, with a total of five models featured in the list – representing 10% of the whole list, more than any other brand. This recognition reflects Kia’s continued progress in the electrified vehicle segments, from the launch of the Soul EV in 2014 to the introduction of the EV2 in 2026.
The annual Top 50 list, compiled by the editorial team at Diesel&EcoCar Magazine, highlights the most significant vehicles and brands shaping the future of motoring. Judged on innovation, performance, efficiency and real-world appeal, the awards showcase the best electrified vehicles currently available in the UK market.
Top 50 highlights:
- Kia Sportage: ranked 4th overall and named ‘Best Hybrid Medium SUV’
- Kia EV2: ranked 5th, winning ‘Best Electric Compact SUV’
- Kia PV5 Passenger: ranked 10th, awarded ‘Best Electric MPV’
- Kia EV3: ranked 11th, recognised for its premium interior quality and technology
- Kia EV9: ranked 29th, celebrated for exceptional price and high-value feel
The Kia Sportage: 4th place and ‘Best Hybrid Medium SUV’
The Kia Sportage remains a UK, European and global best-seller and is currently the UK’s second best-selling vehicle in 2026. Available in both internal combustion engine (ICE) and hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) variants, the Sportage combines versatile powertrain choices with sensible and practical packaging; all key considerations in the UK’s competitive compact SUV market.
Ian Robertson, Editor and Publisher of Diesel&EcoCar Magazine: “The Sportage is one of those rare cars that just keeps getting better. Its bold exterior design is matched by a well-appointed interior brimming with technology. Hybrid models are on sale now, with plug-in hybrid editions set to arrive soon. The hybrid editions bag our award for Best Hybrid Medium SUV, thanks to its strong efficiency figures while remaining genuinely enjoyable to drive. Backed by Kia's seven-year warranty, it quite simply is one of the UK's most compelling family SUVs.”
The Kia EV2: 5th place and ‘Best Electric Compact SUV’
Released earlier this year, the Kia EV2 is the brand’s newest entry point into its electric line-up. Sitting within the B-SUV compact vehicle segment, the EV2 sits alongside the Kia Stonic, offering buyers a choice of petrol and electric powertrains. Reservations for the Kia EV2 in the UK are now open.
Full UK pricing and specifications for the Kia EV2 were announced earlier this year.
The EV2 is also offered with a standard-range 42.2kWh battery pack, equipped exclusively to a limited launch variant of EV2, the ‘First Edition’.
Robertson commented: “The EV2 brings the brand's bold design language to the compact SUV segment at an accessible price, without compromising on quality or technology. The driving range is competitive, the interior feels a cut above rivals at this price point, and the driving experience is refined and assured. As our Best Electric Compact SUV, it's proof that Kia's EV momentum shows no signs of slowing down. Reaching UK showrooms now, it’s going to sell like hotcakes.”
The Kia PV5 Passenger: 10th place and ‘Best Electric MPV’
Kia’s PV5 is the brand’s first PBV (Platform Beyond Vehicle), and it enters the light commercial vehicle and electric MPV sectors with a flexible passenger-focused version of PV5, or a panel van available in L1/H1, L1/H2 and L2/H2 configurations.
Roberston said: “The PV5 brings fresh thinking to the electric MPV segment. Practical, versatile and impressively well-equipped, it offers families and business users alike a compelling reason to go electric. Space is extremely generous throughout, the driving experience is smooth and refined, and range is sufficient for real-world use. As our Best Electric MPV, it demonstrates that the humble people carrier has a bright and electrified future ahead of it.”
These awards continue a string of success for Kia in the annual EcoCar Electrified Top 50, as last year the brand was named ‘Most Influential Electrified Car Marker’, and the EV3 was named ‘Best Electric Compact SUV’, being succeeded by the EV3. Moreover, the Niro HEV and PHEV collected ‘Best Hybrid Medium SUV’ and ‘Best Plug-in Hybrid Medium SUV’ respectively.
Kia’s performance in this year’s EcoCar Electrified Top 50 underlines its strategic focus on electrification, design excellence and customer-first innovation. With multiple category wins and a diverse range of recognised models, Kia continues to lead the transition towards a cleaner, smarter and more sustainable future for mobility.
The Sportage, EV2 and PV5 all play crucial roles in Kia’s HEV and EV line-ups; and by 2030, Kia plans to increase its total global EV line-up to a total of 14 vehicles, consisting of passenger cars and PBVs, whilst continuing to expand its hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) portfolio, reflecting the differing pace of electrification across global markets.