Kia’s flagship EV9 crossover has been declared UK Car of the Year 2024, recognising its leading levels of practicality and quality.

Paul Philpott (centre), president and CEO, Kia UK, with Karen Hilton, CEO of Heycar UK, and Fleet World’s very own John Challen

The seven-seat SUV ensures that electric vehicles have won the main prize at the UK Car of the Year Awards for three years running.

Kia’s stablemate, Hyundai, took the runner up slot with its Ioniq 6, while the final podium place went to another EV crossover, Volvo’s EX30.

However, the Kia EV9 was a clear winner – nearly half of the 30-strong jury chose it as their UK Car of the Year for 2024.

John Challen, Fleet World editor and co-chairman of the UK Car of the Year Awards, said: “The uber-practical 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.

“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.”

Fellow UK Car of the Year Awards director Alisdair Suttie continued: “The Kia EV9 is simply a superb family car thanks to seven seats as standard and a cabin that’s packed with equipment. There’s no need to look beyond the entry-point model as it’s so generous with kit, comfort and, importantly, driving range. It does it all and does it brilliantly.”

Taking delivery of the winner’s trophy, Paul Philpott, president and CEO, Kia UK, said: “It is a huge honour for Kia UK to be awarded a category win as well as the title of UK Car of the Year 2024 at 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,” added Philpott.

Karen Hilton, CEO of Heycar UK – sponsor of the UK Car of the Year Awards – said: “Congratulations to the Kia EV9 – a very well-deserved winner of UK Car of the Year 2024! Kia is no stranger to electric cars, but the EV9 ushers in a new dawn for the brand. It’s a proper family seven-seater with an impressive range and has caused quite a stir among car buyers. Kia continues to go from strength to strength and, while this is the brand’s first overall UK Car of the Year win, we doubt it will be its last.”

Full list of UK Car of the Year Awards 2024 category winners:

Small Car – Renault Clio

Family Car – Hyundai Ioniq 6

Small Crossover – Volvo EX30

Medium Crossover – Fisker Ocean

Large Crossover – Kia EV9

Executive Car – BMW i5

Performance Car – Honda Civic Type R