Kia EV9 named 2024 World Car of the Year

A jury of 100 car journalists from 29 countries have handed the Kia EV9 the prestigious 2024 World Car of the Year award.

Kia’s battery-electric family SUV was also named best EV in this year’s WCOTY.

In the 11 years the World Car of the Year program has been running, Kia has now racked up four major awards.

This latest one follows the Kia EV6 GT taking out World Performance Car of the Year in 2023, while in 2020 the US-spec Telluride won World Car of the Year and the Soul EV was named Best Urban Car.

“We are hugely honoured that the 2024 EV9 has been named the World Car of the Year and World Electric Vehicle,” said Kia president and CEO of Kia Ho Sung Song.

“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 in the 2024 WCOTY include the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N that won World Performance Car, beating the BMW M2.

The Volvo EX30, meanwhile, picked up the Best Urban Car award, beating the BYD Dolphin and Lexus LBX, while the latest BMW 5 Series (including the i5 EV) was awarded World Luxury Car.

Finally, the latest-generation Toyota Prius (not sold in Australia) beat both the Ford Bronco and the Ferrari Purosangue in the looks department, voted World Car Design of the Year.

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