UDPATED: The Kia EV9 has been named the World's Best Car for 2024 by the Women's Worldwide Car of the Year judging panel.

A total of 75 women motoring journalists from 52 countries across five continents chose the winning vehicle from an initial 63 eligible candidates.

This significant announcement is intentionally announced on International Women's Day, acknowledging the connection between females and automobiles in many countries.

The EV9 was named one of five finalists, taking out the best SUV title. The other finalists were: the Volvo EX30 (Family Car), BMW 5 Series (Large Car), Volkswagen Amarok (4X4/ute) and Aston Martin DB12 is the Exclusive Car winner.

The judges then had to vote for the overall winner, with the EV9 large electric SUV taking the prestigious title.

Kia New Zealand’s general manager, Todd McDonald, said the company was “thrilled that the WWCOTY judges have recognised the EV9 as the overall winner”.

“It is a groundbreaking fully electric vehicle, one which offers incredible levels of versatility and functionality,” he said.

“It features a striking design, is laden with technology, delivers unheralded performance, is spacious and comfortable plus offers seating for seven people. It is the ultimate in terms of no-emission, sustainable personal mobility."

Among the Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year judges is AutoMuse Founder, Liz Dobson, who noted that all the finalists were available in New Zealand.

The winner, EV9, went on sale here in October 2023 with three models available; the $105,990 EV9 Light Standard Range, the $115,990 EV9 Earth AWD Long Range, and the $134,990 GT-Line AWD Long Range. 

Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year executive president, Marta Garcia, said the voting this year was “particularly difficult due to the excellent level of all the candidates”.

“Each of the finalists had sufficient merit to win the trophy. The Kia EV9 has won out over its rivals because it is a vehicle capable of satisfying the needs of consumers everywhere." 

After careful analysis and thorough examination, the verdict overwhelmingly favoured the Kia EV9 as the leading choice in electric SUVs. It is the first in this segment to have a seven-seat capacity.

Despite its considerable length of 5 meters, the vehicle excels in aerodynamics, contributing to its exceptional performance. Notably, the Kia EV9 showcases a cutting-edge design, incorporating advanced technology and offering both bidirectional charging and ultra-fast charging capabilities.

Australian judge Liz Swanton said,“The EV9 excited me about the future possibilities for multi-purpose electric vehicles. It was hard to believe this large, comfortable and versatile vehicle did not need a tank of petrol or diesel.”