CV Show 2026

Kia scores double top at 'What Van?' Awards

Kia scores double top at 'What Van?' Awards

Kia’s PV5 Cargo has won both Van of the Year and Compact Van of the Year at the 2026 'What Van?' Awards, praised for its design, strong range and class-leading driving experience.

Published 11 Dec 2025By CV Show News

The Kia PV5 Cargo has been named both the ‘Van of the Year’ and ‘Compact Van of the Year’ at the 2026 What Van? Awards.

The awards celebrate the best brands, products and businesses in the LCV industry, with a glamourous awards event hosted at the London Hilton Bankside hotel. Awards are evaluated by a panel of independent experts from across the UK LCV sector.

The PV5 Cargo was praised for its sophisticated design and strong single-charge driving range, while also earning high marks for comfort, precise steering, cabin quietness and overall drivability. It also received a perfect 10/10 score in a separate review published by What Van?, the only electric LCV to achieve this year-to-date, further validating its standout product capabilities.

Commenting on behalf of the judging panel, James Dallas, editor of What Van?, said: “‘The Kia PV5 Cargo is a well-researched and meticulously developed electric van that has immediately gone to the top of its class with its sophisticated, versatile design coupled with outstanding battery range.”

Paul Philpott, president & CEO of Kia UK, added: “Winning ‘Van of the Year’ at the What Van? Awards is a tremendous endorsement for the PV5 that arrives just as the very first units arrive in the UK. We believe PV5 sets new benchmarks for the industry, thanks to its flexible platform, advanced electrified powertrain, and great value for customers. We are immensely proud of this new product, and our new UK network of dedicated PBV dealerships will lead the way in demonstrating its strengths to customers as we seek to lead electrification efforts in the light commercial vehicle sector.”

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