Kia PV5 Named "Van of the Year" at 2026 What Van? Awards in the UK

Awarded for Two Consecutive Years Following Last Year's "Model to Watch" Honor

Kia's first dedicated electrified PBV (Purpose-Built Vehicle), the "The Kia PV5," has achieved remarkable success by winning consecutive awards at major overseas commercial vehicle competitions.

On December 3 (local time), Kia announced that the PV5 Cargo model was selected as "Van of the Year" and "Compact Van of the Year" at the "2026 What Van? Awards," hosted by the UK’s leading commercial vehicle media outlet, What Van?.

The PV5 was named a "Model to Watch" at last year's "2025 What Van? Awards," and has now been recognized at the What Van? Awards for two consecutive years, once again proving its outstanding competitiveness.

The What Van? Awards is a ceremony that selects the best brands, vehicles, and companies in the UK’s light commercial vehicle market, with evaluations conducted by a panel of light commercial vehicle experts from across the country.

James Dallas, Editor-in-Chief of What Van?, commented, "The Kia PV5 Cargo is an electric van meticulously developed based on thorough research. Its versatile design and excellent driving range have immediately placed it at the top of its class."

Paul Philpott, President and CEO of Kia UK, stated, "The PV5 delivers exceptional value to customers with its flexible platform and advanced electrified powertrain, setting a new standard in the light commercial vehicle market. By fully leveraging the strengths of the PV5, Kia's first dedicated electrified PBV, we will continue to lead the electrification of the commercial vehicle sector."

In last month's What Van? review, the PV5 received high praise for its stable ride comfort and precise yet comfortable handling. It was also highly rated for its practical design and excellent quietness, achieving a perfect score of 10 out of 10-the only perfect score among all electric light commercial vehicle reviews by What Van? this year.

The PV5 continues its winning streak, having received the "2026 International Van of the Year" award, the highest honor in the commercial vehicle industry, last month. The PV5 Passenger model was named "Family Car of the Year" at the "2026 TopGear Awards," hosted by the prominent UK automotive media outlet TopGear. The PV5 Cargo model also set a Guinness World Record as the electric light commercial vehicle with the longest driving range on a single charge-693.38 kilometers-while carrying its maximum payload.

Starting with the PV5, Kia plans to continue expanding its PBV lineup with the launch of the PV7 in 2027 and the PV9 in 2029.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.