Kia is four-midable at the 2024 What Car? Awards

Kia has won four awards at the 2024 What Car? Car of the Year Awards, including major prizes for the Kia Sportage and Kia EV6. 

The Sportage SUV claimed its second consecutive triumph in the 'Best Family SUV' category and the Kia EV6 was named as 'Best Family SUV'. 

The new Kia EV9 came away with the prize for the 'Best Electric 7-Seater', while Kia as a brand took home the 'Tow Car Award' for its range of towing-capable cars.

For the second time in two years, What Car? has rated the Kia Sportage as the 'Best Family SUV' on the market, in one of the most hotly contested categories.

The publication's judging panel, which is made up of a team of expert road testers, commented: “The Kia Sportage has a more comfortable ride than key rivals, yet it inspires confidence on winding roads, thanks to strong grip and accurate steering. 

“You also get a smart-looking and user-friendly interior that offers a properly elevated driving position. And no matter where in the car you're sitting, there's plenty of head and leg room, and the Sportage feels pleasingly airy.” 

The Sportage continues to be Kia's best-selling model from its ever-expanding range. Over 36,000 models were sold in 2023, making it the fourth-best selling car in the UK overall. 

The Sportage is available with petrol, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options, making it a popular choice for its versatility and practicality.

The luxurious Kia EV6 captured the 'Best Family Electric SUV' prize ahead of several newcomers in an increasingly competitive segment. 

It was in 2022 that What Car? named the EV6 as its overall Car of the Year, but the judging panel clearly still holds the 328-mile range crossover in very high regard. 

“Two years after it was named What Car? Car of the Year, the Kia EV6 continues to blend a great battery range, fast charging, a fine ride and handling balance and generous equipment levels for a competitive price better than any rival,” they said. “Plus, despite its sleek looks, it's a practical choice, offering loads of space in both the front and the rear, and a good-sized boot.” 

Drivers have the choice between rear-wheel and all-wheel drive specifications, all with electric driving ranges in excess of 300 miles, and 18-minute charge times. 

Step up to the high performance, dual motor Kia EV6 GT, and experience acceleration from 0-62mph in a blink-and-you'll-miss-it 3.5 seconds.

Launched in the second half of last year, the new EV9 is Kia's first ever seven-seat electric SUV and has clearly made a big impression on the motoring landscape.

The What Car? judges praised the EV9 for its capabilities and value-for-money, compared to its market rivals. They said: “Most seven-seat electric SUVs are either ludicrously expensive or not as practical as you might expect, but the Kia EV9 is different, offering comfortable seating for seven adults in a package that - while far from cheap - is well priced next to its rivals. And with a generous official range, the EV9 can tackle long trips without you having to worry about where the next charge is coming from. 

The entry-level EV9 'Air' has the capability to travel 349 miles from a single charge! The all-wheel drive GT-Line and GT-Line S specs can still comfortably clear 300 miles too (313-mile WLTP Combined). 

The six-seat version of the Kia EV9 features two “Captain's Chairs” in the middle row, allowing for maximum comfort and even the ability to rotate 180 degrees when the car is stationary. 

Despite its extensive range, the EV9 takes as little as 24 minutes to charge 10-80%, while just 15 minutes of rapid charging can add 150 miles worth of range. .

The fourth and final award in Kia's haul is the 'Tow Car Award'. It is usually reserved for an individual vehicle to win, but this year Kia as a brand was recognised for its wide range of towing-capable cars. 

The Kia Sportage, Sorento, EV6, Niro and EV9 models all offer a high towing capacity. The latter offers a braked towing capacity of up to 2,500kg in all-wheel drive, dual-motor format. 

The judges said: “What Car? and the experts and The Camping and Caravanning Club team up every year to find the best tow cars. However, instead of singling out an individual model, this year the judges felt that Kia as a brand was most deserving of the award for the way it consistently builds brilliant tow cars, whether you want a diesel, a hybrid or even a fully electric car.”

Commenting on the awards win, Kia UK President & CEO Paul Philpott said: “What Car? is one of the most trusted and reliable names for UK motorists, and recognition in the annual 'Car of the Year' awards is a powerful endorsement. 

“We are therefore immensely proud to see three of our cars recognised as best-in-class in 2024, and our wider model line-up for their towing capabilities. The Sportage, in particular, continues to be a top performer for families everywhere, while the award-winning EV6 and EV9 represent the benchmark in their respective segments as more buyers go electric for the first time.” 

All new Kia cars, whether petrol, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or fully electric, come with an industry-leading 7-year/100-000-mile warranty as standard.