Kia PV5 named Family Car of Year at BBC TopGear.com Awards

Kia PV5 Passenger / Courtesy of Kia

Kia said Thursday that its PV5 Passenger electric van has been honored as Family Car of the Year at the 2026 BBC TopGear.com Awards, one of the world’s most influential automotive recognitions presented annually by popular TV show “Top Gear.”

According to the awards, its judges selected the PV5 Passenger for its spacious and versatile interior, smooth driving for an electric family car and remarkable price value compared to key rivals.

“The PV5 offers an uncommon blend of generous space, refined comfort and impressive efficiency, all delivered with standout value,” Top Gear contributor Jack Scarlett noted in the PV5 review. “Its design is thoughtful, family-focused and executed with real clarity and purpose.”

Kia said the recognition bears greater significance as it comes just a week after the PV5 was unanimously voted the 2026 International Van of the Year by 26 judges.

The carmaker also noted that the TopGear.com award is especially meaningful because the PV5 became the first small commercial van to be named Family Car of the Year, a category previously dominated by SUVs and passenger cars.

Kia said the achievement reflects the company’s long-standing philosophy of prioritizing practicality and space efficiency, which was realized in its Bongo light duty truck and Carnival SUV and has also been well-implemented in the PV5.

“The PV5 Passenger represents a new chapter for accessible and practical electrified mobility in Europe,” Kia Europe CEO Marc Hedrich said. “This recognition from Top Gear validates our direction and strengthens our momentum as we expand Kia’s purpose-built vehicle lineup across the region.”

Meanwhile, Hyundai’s Casper Electric was named Supermini of the Year at the awards.