EVs Take Center Stage at 2025 World Car Awards, Yet Most Are Unavailable for American Buyers | Carscoops

      Electric vehicles were the clear winners at the 2025 World Car Awards held in New York, clinching victories in five categories.

      The Kia EV3 was awarded World Car of the Year and is set to launch in the United States.

      All the winners were EVs except for the hybrid Porsche 911 Carrera GTS.

      The World Car Awards took place during the New York Auto Show, showcasing a truly international selection of vehicles, many of which are not available in the U.S.

      Despite this, the Kia EV3 received the title of 2025 World Car of the Year, outperforming the BMW X3 and Hyundai Inster. This marks Kia's second consecutive win, following last year's recognition of the EV9.

      Although the EV3 is not yet available in the U.S., its arrival is anticipated, barring any tariff issues. We tested it earlier this year and were quite impressed.

      Additionally, the Volvo EX90 was recognized as the 2025 World Luxury Car, defeating the Porsche Macan and Porsche Panamera.

      Starting at $79,995, the electric crossover features a 111 kWh battery, a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system generating 402 hp (300 kW / 408 PS), and 568 lb-ft (769 Nm) of torque. This allows it to accelerate to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 5.7 seconds and offers a range of up to 310 miles (499 km) on a single charge.

      Next, the Hyundai Inster / Casper Electric was named World Electric Vehicle. This compact urban crossover has 113 hp (85 kW / 115 PS) and is mainly sold in the East.

      The trend of electric vehicles continued with the BYD Seagull / Dolphin Mini being awarded World Urban Car. Priced under $10,000 in China, the Seagull Intelligent Driving Edition boasts a range of up to 252 miles (405 km).

      The title of World Car Design of the Year also went to an EV, the Volkswagen ID. Buzz, which has been in circulation for a few years. It won over the Kia EV3 and the Toyota Land Cruiser / Land Cruiser 250.

      Finally, the only non-EV to receive an award was the Porsche 911 GTS, named the 2025 World Performance Car.

      The sports car has a starting price of $169,800 and features a hybrid powertrain that includes a turbocharged 3.6-liter flat-six engine, an electric motor, and a small battery pack. This setup results in a combined output of 532 hp (397 kW / 539 PS) and 449 lb-ft (608 Nm) of torque, allowing the coupe to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in just 2.9 seconds and achieve a top speed of 194 mph (312 km/h).