Kia’s PV5 bags ‘2026 International Van of the Year’ title

MANILA: The Kia PV5 was hailed as the 2026 International Van of the Year (IVOTY).

According to the Korean automaker, the recognition was given in Lyon, France after jurors made up of 26 commercial vehicle journalists globally.

The aforementioned model is the first-ever electric van to receive such an accolade. Aside from that, it is also the initial Korean model and the second Asian brand to receive the accolade in the competition’s 34-year history.

“Congratulations to Kia for winning the prestigious 34th International Van of the Year Award,” IVOTY Chair Jarlath Sweeney said.

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“The all-electric Kia PV5 sets a new benchmark for innovation, efficiency, and all-round capability in the light commercial vehicle segment. It combines zero-emission performance with versatility and practicality, redefining what businesses can expect from a modern van. Kia has long been celebrated for its award-winning cars, and now, its van division is making an equally powerful impact on the industry,” the official added.

The recent win builds on Kia’s previous awards in the World Car of the Year for the EV6 and EV9.

For his part, Kia Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer Ho Sung Song expressed appreciation over the award.

Built on a Electric-Global Modular Platform for Service (E-GMP.S), the Kia PV5 is powered by electric motors and an energy bank that lets the vehicle cover as far as 416 kilometers (based on Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure standards). Its maximum payload capacity is up to 790 kilograms.

Further, the vehicle also holds the Guinness World Records for the “the greatest distance travelled by a light-duty battery-powered electric van with maximum payload on a single charge” after achieving 693.38 kilometers.

“Kia has long stood at the forefront of EV innovation, and the PV5 brings that leadership into the commercial vehicle space with purpose. We developed the PV5 by listening closely to our business customers and by focusing on creating a vehicle that is both highly practical and distinctly Kia in its refined, modern design and functionality. Moreover, the PV5 brings innovation in the traditional LCV production through our conveyor and cell integrated manufacturing system enabling environmental modification process. To have the PV5 named International Van of the Year in its debut is an exceptional honor. It reinforces our belief that Kia can redefine this segment and continue shaping the future of smart, sustainable and electric mobility for businesses around the world,” the brand’s head honcho said.

Meanwhile, Kia Europe President and CEO Marc Hedrich also said that the honor serves as a “strong endorsement from some of the most respected journalists in the LCV industry, especially as the first vehicles are just arriving in Europe.”

“Though new to the LCV market, this achievement confirms Kia’s readiness to deliver engineering, design and practicality to strengthen our position as a leading mobility solutions provider. Our sincere thanks go to the IVOTY jurors for this recognition and to all Kia employees for their dedication,” he said.

The Kia EV5 is available in three battery options (43.3, 51.5, and 71.2 kilowatt-hour capacity).

Among its safety and driver-assistive features are:

• Reinforced multi-load-path body structure
• Surround View Monitoring
• Lane Keeping Assist

Retailed in Cargo Long and Passenger Five-Seater versions across Europe, the Kia PV5 will be joined from 2026 by new variants, including a Chassis Cab, Cargo Standard (L1H1) and High Roof (L2H2). Additional PBV models will follow — such as the larger PV7 and PV9 — to strengthen the marque’s vision to build a full-scale, next-generation PBV ecosystem.

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