Kia Wins Three Golden Steering Wheel Awards In 2026

Kia has won three awards at the 2026 Golden Steering Wheel awards in Germany, with the EV2, K4 Sportswagon and EV5 securing recognition across three vehicle categories.

The Kia EV2 was named ‘Best Car Under €30,000’, the K4 Sportswagon won the ‘Compact Class’ category, while the EV5 received the award in the ‘Compact SUV Class’. The wins make Kia the first non-European automaker to secure three awards in a single year in the competition’s 50-year history.

Organised by German publications AUTO BILD and BILD am SONNTAG, the Golden Steering Wheel awards shortlist 90 new models before readers select finalists across nine vehicle categories. The finalists are subsequently evaluated by a jury comprising automotive experts and public figures.

Kia EV2, K4 Sportswagon and EV5 win respective categories

The K4 Sportswagon won the Compact Class category ahead of the Volkswagen ID.3 Neo and Cupra Born. The EV5 secured the Compact SUV award, beating the Audi Q3 and Cupra Formentor VZ5.

The EV2 received the third award in the Best Car Under €30,000 category. Vehicles in the price-based categories are evaluated on parameters including base price, standard equipment, warranty, optional features and driving experience.

The 23-member jury evaluated the finalists at the DEKRA-Lausitzring racetrack. Assessment criteria included handling, comfort, ease of use, build quality, everyday practicality, sustainability and value for money.

Kia Corporation president and CEO Ho Sung Song said the three awards reflected the company's product range across electric and internal combustion engine segments. Kia Europe president and CEO Soohang Chang said the EV2, EV5 and K4 Sportswagon cater to different customer requirements through their respective powertrain and body-style configurations.

According to AUTO BILD editor-in-chief Robin Hornig, Kia's wins across three categories demonstrate the competitiveness of its products in different segments.

Kia EV2, K4 Sportswagon and EV5: Key specifications

The EV2 is Kia's entry-level electric model for Europe. Introduced in April 2026, the B-segment SUV is developed for the European market and manufactured at the company's plant in Žilina, Slovakia.

Measuring 4.06 metres in length, the EV2 offers sliding rear seats and up to 403 litres of cargo capacity, depending on the variant. It has a claimed driving range of up to 453 km.

The K4 Sportswagon, launched in Europe in May 2026, measures nearly 4.70 metres in length and offers 604 litres of cargo capacity. Its feature list includes an AI assistant, video streaming, Wi-Fi hotspot, digital car key and head-up display, depending on the variant.

The model is powered by turbocharged petrol engines producing between 85 kW and 132 kW (115-180 PS). Kia claims a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 8.4 seconds and a top speed of up to 210 km/h.

The EV5, launched in Europe in December 2025, is a 4.61-metre-long electric SUV. It is available with front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations, with a claimed driving range of more than 550 km and towing capacity of up to 1,800 kg, depending on the configuration.

The EV5 GT produces 225 kW (306 PS) and accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds. It also receives model-specific features such as Virtual Gear Shift, electric Active Sound Design and dedicated suspension tuning.

All three models receive Kia's seven-year manufacturer warranty in Europe. The EV2 and EV5 additionally come with an eight-year battery warranty, limited to 160,000 km.

Kia's European lineup includes 14 passenger car nameplates

Kia's European passenger vehicle portfolio comprises 14 nameplates, including six all-electric models ranging from the EV2 to the EV9.

The EV3, EV4, EV5, EV6 and EV9 are also offered in GT variants. The remaining eight nameplates feature hybrid, plug-in hybrid, diesel or petrol powertrains, with the lineup spanning the Picanto city car to the Sorento SUV.