Kia became the first non-European brand to score a hat trick at the 2026 Golden Steering Wheel Awards, Germany’s most prestigious auto awards.
Kia wins big at the 2026 Golden Steering Wheel Awards
The Korean automaker won a triple crown at the 2026 Golden Steering Wheel Awards, with the EV2, K4 Sportswagon, and EV5 taking first in their class.
This is the first time a non-European brand has won three Golden Steering Wheel Awards in a single year in the prestigious award’s 50-year history.
The award is organized by AUTO BILD and BILD am SONNTAG with 90 new models nominated this year. Readers chose 27 finalists, three in each of the nine classes, which were then tested by a panel of celebrities and auto experts.
The judges tested the vehicles at the DEKRA-Lausitzring racetrack. Vehicles were judged on handling, comfort, ease of use, quality, and everyday practicality, as well as the sustainability and value they offer.
Kia won across three very different categories with the fully electric EV2 and EV5, alongside the gas-powered K4 Sportswagon.
The EV2, Kia’s entry-level electric SUV, won the award for the “Best Car Under €30,000.” Developed specifically for Europe, the compact EV is only 4.06 meters long, but offers up to 403 liters of cargo space.
It also offers a WLTP driving range of up to 453 km (281 miles), which is among the longest in its class.
Kia’s EV5 beat out the Audi Q3 and Cupra Formentor VZ5 in the compact SUV category. Launched in December, the EV5 is about the size of the Sportage.
It’s available with front- and all-wheel-drive powertrains and offers a range of over 550 km (341 miles). Depending on the configuration, the EV5 can tow up to 1,800 kg (about 4,000 lbs).
Lastly, the Kia K4 Sportswagon, launched in May, outperformed the new Volkswagen ID.3 Neo and Cupra Born in the compact class.
In Europe, Kia offers a full lineup of all-electric vehicles, from the entry-level EV2 to the EV3, EV4, EV5, EV6, three-row EV9, and PV5 van.
Sadly, Kia has no plans to sell the EV2 or EV5 in the US, but its popular EV3 (see our review) is now available. In 2024, the Kia EV3 won the Golden Steering Wheel award for “Best Car under €40,000.”
The 2027 Kia EV3 starts at $29,890, making it among the most affordable EVs in the US. It’s available in five trims and two battery packs.
The base Kia EV3 Light has a 58.3 kWh battery that provides up to 221 miles of range, while the Wind, Land, GT-Line, and GT use an 81.4 kWh battery for up to 321 miles of range.
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