These latest awards mark another significant milestone in Kia’s rapid ascent within the UK light commercial vehicle (LCV) sector.
Kia PV5 Cargo: ‘Best Small Electric Van’ and ‘Van of the Year’
The PV5 Cargo’s recognition by What Car? and taking both ‘Best Small Electric Van’ and the ‘Van of the Year’ accolade places it firmly at the forefront of the UK’s electric light commercial vehicle market, reinforcing Kia’s commitment to delivering purpose-built, future-ready mobility solutions for businesses of all sizes.
Judges praised the PV5 Cargo for its blend of payload-accommodating size and versatility, ease of use, and long-distance comfort, all at an accessible price.
Steve Huntingford, What Car? Editor, said: “The new Kia PV5 combines the payload capabilities businesses will expect, with the sort of ease of use and long-distance comfort they might not. Its real-world range strikes a good balance between being enough for a full day of work without pushing costs too high, and thanks to fast charging capabilities, downtime for fleets is kept to a minimum. The PV5 is also backed up by one of the most comprehensive aftercare packages around, providing long-term reassurance for operators. And yet despite all of this, it’s very well priced.”
PV5 Passenger: ‘Best Van-Based MPV’
Already named ‘MPV of the Year’ at the 2026 What Car? Car of the Year Awards, the PV5 Passenger has further picked up ‘Best Van-Based MPV’ at the latest and more commercially focused What Car? Van and Commercial Vehicle Awards.
Upsetting the status quo, the PV5 Passenger was commended for its car-like refinement, passenger comfort, and composed ride. With long range – up to 256 miles – and ample space for five adults plus luggage, the PV5 Passenger is formidable and versatile electric people carrier.
Huntingford commented: “It’s an exceptionally difficult challenge for a van-based MPV to offer all the comfort and refinement car buyers expect, but it’s one which the Kia PV5 has mastered. With flexible, comfortable seating, a quiet yet composed ride and a long range, the PV5 will fit seamlessly into the lives of many larger families. And, as with the rest of Kia’s car range, the PV5 is backed up by the brand’s impressive seven-year warranty.”
Paul Philpott, President and CEO, Kia UK, commented on the triple win saying “What Car? Is one of the most trusted and dependable publications for UK motorists and recognition in their annual Van and Commercial Vehicle Awards is very rewarding, particularly as this is Kia UK’s first win in these particular awards. The PV5 Cargo and Passenger have both seen huge success in the UK since customer deliveries began in Q4 2025, and these awards represent yet more clear evidence of the quality and competitiveness of our first commercial vehicles.”
The Kia PV5
The Kia PV5 is currently offered in Cargo and Passenger forms and is designed to be highly modular for either commercial or personal use. All PV5 variants are powered by a single front-mounted motor, with a choice of standard-range 51.5kWh or long-range 71.2kWh battery options. The latter is capable of up to 258 miles (PV5 Cargo ‘Plus’ 71.2kWh, WLTP combined) on a single charge, with rapid DC charging taking less than 30 minutes, 10-to-80%.
Both the PV5 Cargo and Passenger can be specified in two simple grades, ‘Essential’ or range-topping ‘Plus’, ensuring every choice is kept simple and highly equipped. Furthermore, every PV5 comes with Kia’s industry-leading seven-year/100,000-mile warranty as standard.
Following the PV5, Kia plans to launch the PV7 in 2027, and the PV9 in 2029.
