Kia EV9 named UK Car of the Year 2024

The Kia EV9 has been named ‘UK Car of the Year 2024’ in awards that celebrates the best new vehicles available to UK customers today across eight categories.

The UK Car of the Year jury is made up of 30 journalists working across the UK on automotive, business and tech publications. Eligible cars for the awards must have been launched within the past 12 months.

In addition to winning the overall award, the EV9 secured victory in the ‘Large Crossover’ category. Judges praised the EV9 for several factors; in particular its innate practicality, modern design, and long electric driving range.

The EV9 has a range of up to 349 miles (WLTP Combined) from its standard 99.8kWh battery, complete with ultra-fast charging capability.

“The uberpractical Kia EV9 could be the vehicle that gets more drivers out of their petrol or diesel car than any other model. Seven seats, loaded with technology, premium quality and enough miles from the battery to cure almost every case of range anxiety – plus it’s fantastic to drive, too,” said John Challen, co-chairman, UK Car of the Year Awards. “The fact that nearly half of our judging panel chose the Kia as the UK Car of the Year 2024 is a massive vote of confidence in what is a seriously impressive and hugely appealing car.”

“It looks great, has a lovely interior, is practical and the first car to combine ability to carry seven people with a genuine usable range,” judge Paul Barker, Managing Editor of Carwow added.

“The EV9 shows Kia’s seemingly limitless ambition knows no bounds. A great option for large families, featuring six or seven seats and plenty of flexibility to adapt to load-carrying requirements. But, also luxurious enough to lure drivers out of premium-brand SUVs,” Alex Grant, a fleet-focused journalist commented.

Tech journalist Rob Clymo said: “The EV9 makes total sense for anyone with people to move and it drives better than you’d expect, with a topping of great tech for good measure.”

Paul Philpott, President & CEO of Kia UK, commented on the win: “It is a huge honour for Kia UK to be awarded a category win and the overall ‘Car of the Year’ accolade in this year’s UK Car of the Year Awards. We’re delighted that the judges agree just how impressive the EV9 is. The recognition is made all the more significant, having been judged by some of the UK’s most influential and respected journalists from across automotive, business and technology industries. We are grateful to the judges for their hard work appraising this year's contenders.

“This well-respected award also gives our 190-strong UK dealer network a boost, as it continues to support customers on their electrification journey and deliver them the UK’s best car.”