Kia today announced that the Kia PV5 Passenger has been named “Family Car of the Year” at the 2026 BBC TopGear.com Awards, one of the most influential automotive accolades, presented annually by BBC Top Gear. Held at White City House in London, the ceremony celebrates the most innovative and impactful vehicles introduced each year across different categories.
The BBC TopGear.com distinction highlights Kia’s rise in electrified mobility and builds on the brand’s recent success at the BBC TopGear.com Awards. The PV5 Passenger follows Kia’s previous Manufacturer of the Year awards in 2022, as well as a series of awards for its EV6 (2021), EV9 (2023) and EV3 (2024) electric models – each hailed for their practical, forward-looking vision. After winning the title of “2026 International Van of the Year”, this new distinction confirms the PV5’s ability to appeal to both the utility and private segments.
This year’s result highlights Kia’s PBV range that redefines what modern families expect from an electric vehicle — combining space, efficiency, flexibility and value, setting a new standard for the segment. “ The PV5 Passenger represents a new chapter for accessible and practical electrified mobility in Europe. Its spacious design, modularity and driving pleasure demonstrate how PBVs can really improve the daily lives of families. This recognition from Top Gear validates our direction and strengthens our momentum as we grow Kia’s PBV range into the region,” said Marc Hedrich, President & CEO, Kia Europe.
Why the PV5 Won: Exceptional Space, Comfort and Value
« The PV5 offers a rare combination of generous space, refined comfort and remarkable efficiency, all with a price/quality ratio that is difficult to match. Its design is thoughtful, designed for families, and executed with clarity and consistency “, explained Jack Scarlett, Contributor, BBC Top Gear, from the PV5 2025 Review.
Top Gear editors particularly highlighted:
- An exceptionally spacious and versatile interior, offering MPV-like practicality in a compact size
- Smooth, refined ride, rare for a vehicle of similar size or shape
- High efficiency and everyday driving, made possible by Kia’s dedicated PBV platform
- A remarkable price/performance ratio, offering significantly better value than leading competitors
By bringing together these advantages, the PV5 stands out as a particularly convincing new option for families looking for accessible and functional electric mobility.
PV5: a new approach to family mobility
Built on Kia’s scalable Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) architecture, the PV5 ushers in a new concept of modular electrified mobility, designed to adapt to a multitude of lifestyles.
Building on Kia’s family vehicle heritage – from the practicality of the Bongo to the space and functionality of the Carnival – the PV5 continues that lineage with a decidedly forward-looking interpretation.
The Passenger version is offered in a five-seat configuration, offering generous cabin and cargo space, with the level of refinement expected of Kia’s latest electric vehicles. Six- and seven-seater versions will follow, offering more flexibility for families according to their needs.
The strong points of the PV5 for families
- Flexible space: reclining and folding second-row seats, multiple storage solutions – including a luggage tray, the Kia AddGear accessory system and compatibility with a roof rack – to suit all uses, from daily errands to outdoor trips.
- Quiet and reassuring driving: an interior described as “silent, even by EV standards”, combined with advanced driving aids such as forward collision avoidance assistance, lane keeping assist or parking collision avoidance assistance.
- Connected Experience: Dedicated IVI PBV and App Market system offering real-time navigation and downloadable apps, while internal and external V2L features make it easy to use electronic devices on the go or outdoors.
According to press release
