2025 Kia Awards: Excellence Across The Lineup

Kia 2026 World Car of the Year


When it comes to earning recognition from the automotive industry’s most respected voices, Kia continues to set the standard. In 2025, the brand earned an impressive collection of honors from both Car and Driver and Consumer Reports, with multiple models recognized for their exceptional quality, performance, and reliability.

2025 Kia Awards: Car And Driver

Seven Kia models were honored with 2025 Car and Driver Editors’ Choice Awards, representing the publication’s annual honor roll of automotive excellence. These awards recognize vehicles that excel in performance, value, and mission fulfillment. With nearly 500 models tested across 45 market segments, earning a spot on this list is no small achievement.

The 2025 Car and Driver winners include:

  • Kia K5: A dynamic sedan that delivers style and substance
  • Kia EV6: An electric vehicle that redefines what’s possible
  • Kia EV9: A three-row electric SUV with impressive capability
  • Kia Niro Hybrid: Fuel efficiency meets practicality
  • Kia Carnival and Kia Carnival Hybrid: Family-friendly minivans with premium features
  • Kia Telluride: A six-time winner, also earning a spot on Car and Driver’s 10 Best Trucks and SUVs list
2025 Kia K5

2025 Kia Sportage

2025 Kia Awards: Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports also recognized Kia reliability and excellence by naming five models to its Recommended SUVs and Sedans of 2025 list, including multiple Car and Driver winners—the Telluride, Carnival, and K5. Two additional models earned Consumer Reports’ stamp of approval:

  • Kia Sorento: A versatile three-row SUV for families
  • Kia Sportage: A compact SUV that combines performance and value

What makes these combined accolades particularly impressive is that they span the entire Kia lineup—from sedans to SUVs to minivans, and from traditional gasoline engines to hybrids. This versatility proves that Kia delivers exceptional design, quality, and performance regardless of the vehicle type or powertrain you choose.


Kia Safety Ratings From IIHS

Every year, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awards the best vehicles for safety in certain size categories. For the 2025 model year, numerous Kia models have earned the Top Safety Pick+ award. To earn this award, a vehicle needs to meet the following criteria: 

  • Good rating in the small overlap front test
  • Good rating in the updated moderate overlap front test
  • Good rating in the updated side test
  • Acceptable or good headlights standard
  • Acceptable or good in the pedestrian front crash prevention test

Here are the Kia models that have won this award:

2026 Kia Sorento 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+

2025 Kia EV9 Performance

EV9 Wins Cars.com’s Best Electric Vehicle Award Of 2025

Despite debuting in the 2024 model year, this Kia electric SUV has won over Cars.com editors with its competitive range, outstanding charging capabilities, and practical cabin controls. The 2025 EV9 is also praised for being a well-rounded electric SUV with an approachable starting price, unlike other three-row luxury EVs on the market.


Telluride Recognized As One Of The Highest Quality Midsize Vehicles By J.D. Power

Based on feedback from drivers who have owned or leased their new car for 90 days, the J.D. Power Quality ratings focus on experienced problems to predict a model’s durability over time. Since the 2025 Kia Telluride experienced fewer issues than other midsize vehicles, it is recognized as one of the highest quality models in the size category. This award attests to the impressive quality Kia vehicles offer.

2025 Kia Telluride

2025 Kia EV3

Kia EV3 Wins 2025 World Car Of The Year Award

The EV3 has been crowned as the 2025 World Car of the Year at the prestigious World Car of the Year awards. Inspired by the flagship EV9, this all-electric Kia SUV is a bold, compact SUV that offers an accessible package without compromising performance or features. You can enjoy a segment-leading range of up to 375 miles, fast-charging capabilities, signature exterior lighting, and more from the 2025 EV3.

This award doesn’t just recognize this model—it is also a global stamp of approval of the automaker’s vision for the future of electric vehicles. It is also the sixth win at the World Car Awards for Kia since 2020.


Explore The Esteemed Kia Lineup In San Diego

Are you ready to upgrade your driving experience with one of these award-winning Kia models? Visit Kearny Mesa Kia today to explore the lineup in person and discover why industry experts consistently rank Kia vehicles among the best options on the market. 

In the meantime, please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions about our inventory, new vehicle specials, or financing options. Our team is here to ensure your car-buying experience is as exceptional as the vehicle itself.

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