#United States #Irvine #Kia #Car and Driver #Editors' Choice

Kia Dominates 2026 Car and Driver Editors' Choice Awards

In an impressive celebration of automotive excellence, Kia has had five of its models honored with the coveted Editors' Choice Awards from Car and Driver for 2026. This recognition serves as a testament to Kia's unwavering commitment to delivering outstanding performance, value, and driving enjoyment across a diverse range of vehicle segments.

The award-winning models include:

• - Kia Carnival and Kia Carnival Hybrid (2026)
• - Kia EV6 (2026)
• - Kia EV9 (2026)
• - Kia K5 (2026)

This latest accolade follows a string of previous wins for these models, with the K5 sedan notably maintaining its spot on the list since its debut in 2021. The achievement reflects Kia's strategic focus on crafting vehicles that not only meet the lifestyle needs of drivers but also provide exceptional value.

Eric Watson, Vice President of Sales at Kia America, stated, "These results reflect the intention behind the design, engineering, and manufacturing of our vehicles. Across five different segments, our aim remains consistent: to develop vehicles that are engaging to drive, practical to own, and competitively priced."

To be eligible for the Editors' Choice Award, vehicles must undergo rigorous testing and evaluation, achieving a minimum score of 9 out of 10 stars. This evaluation is derived from instrumental tests, hands-on assessment, and expert analysis of each vehicle's mission fulfillment, value, and driving experience. As noted by Tony Quoirga, Editor-in-Chief of Car and Driver, "To win an Editors' Choice award, a vehicle must be rated the best in its class by our editors. It’s the ideal resource for car buyers looking for models that deserve their attention; if it’s on the Editors' Choice list, it’s worth a closer look."

The awarded vehicles showcase Kia's ability to manufacture family-friendly options, such as the versatile Carnival minivan, as well as the sedan K5. Additionally, the recognition of the EV6 and EV9 emphasizes Kia's strength in producing attractive and practical electric vehicles.

From sedans and family minivans to high-tech electric SUVs, the Editors’ Choice award winners for 2026 epitomize the belief of Car and Driver that the best vehicles successfully blend exceptional value with an exhilarating driving experience.

For more information about the full list of award winners, head over to CarandDriver.com.

About Kia America

Kia America, headquartered in Irvine, California, continues to shine in automotive quality surveys. The company garnered recognition as one of the world's most sustainable companies, according to TIME in 2024. Additionally, Kia serves as the Official Automotive Partner of the NBA and WNBA, providing a lineup of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric vehicles through a network of nearly 800 dealerships in the United States. Notably, several of Kia's SUVs are proudly built in the USA.

For media inquiries, including images, visit Kia Media. You can also sign up for personalized email notifications about press releases upon publication at Kia News Alert.