The Kia EV9 surpassed its competitors, including the BYD Seal and Volvo EX30, to clinch the 2024 World Car of the Year title. Criteria for this award include production exceeding 10,000 units annually, availability in at least two major markets, and pricing below luxury options in similar regions. A panel comprising 100 automotive experts from 29 countries evaluated a total of 38 vehicles to determine the winner.
In addition to winning the World Car of the Year, the Kia EV9 also secured the title of World Electric Vehicle, outrunning finalists like the BMW i5 and again, the Volvo EX30. This category saw 32 vehicles vying for top honors.
Other awards presented at the show included the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N winning World Performance Car against stiff competition; BMW's 5 Series and i5 shared the World Luxury Car title; and Volvo's EX30 was named World Urban Car. The show also celebrated design prowess with Toyota Prius winning against competitors such as Ford Bronco and Ferrari Purosangue for 2024 World Car Design of the Year out of 71 entries.
The EV9 is the 21st winner of the World Car of the Year trophy, breaking a three-year lockout by Korean brands, with the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and Ioniq 5 winning in 2023 and 2022. The Kia Telluride was named World Car of the Year in 2020.
Previous World Car of the Year winners
- 2023: Hyundai Ioniq 6
- 2022: Hyundai Ioniq 5
- 2021: Volkswagen ID.4
- 2020: Kia Telluride
- 2019: Jaguar I-Pace
- 2018: Volvo XC60
- 2017: Jaguar F-Pace
- 2016: Mazda MX-5
- 2015: Mercedes C-Class
- 2014: Audi A3
- 2013: Volkswagen Golf
- 2012: Volkswagen up!
- 2011: Nissan Leaf
Source: WCOTY
