In a triumphant continuation of its design excellence, Kia’s all-electric compact SUV, the Kia EV3, has won the prestigious ‘Best of the Best’ title at the 2025 Red Dot Award: Product Design in the Cars and Motorcycles category. This elite accolade is the highest distinction awarded in the globally recognized Red Dot competition, affirming Kia’s position at the forefront of electric vehicle innovation and design.
With this win, Kia completes a design hat-trick: the EV9 took top honors in 2024, and the EV6 earned the same distinction in 2022. Together, these victories establish Kia as a consistent force in the international design arena and a pioneer in design-led, sustainable mobility solutions.
A Design-Driven Victory Of Kia EV3
“It is a tremendous honor to receive the 2025 Red Dot ‘Best of the Best’ design award for the Kia EV3, especially after the success of the EV9,” said Karim Habib, Executive Vice President and Head of Kia Global Design.
Red Dot Award: A Global Standard in Design Excellence
Established as one of the world’s most influential design competitions, the Red Dot Award honors excellence across product, communication, and concept design. The ‘Best of the Best’ is awarded only to the most groundbreaking designs that push boundaries and set new industry standards. Kia will officially receive the award at the Red Dot Gala on July 8, 2025, held at the Aalto Theater in Essen, Germany.
‘Opposites United’: Design Philosophy with Purpose
The Kia EV3 is a bold expression of the brand’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy, which fuses seemingly contrasting elements — nature and technology, simplicity and complexity — into a harmonious, forward-looking form.
This philosophy is visible in the EV3’s faceted, folded surfaces, strong architectural graphics, and the innovative material solutions used throughout the vehicle. The result is a product that balances emotional appeal with logical function, tailored for today’s conscious and connected consumers.
Key Design Highlights of the Kia EV3
Exterior: Confidence in Compact Form
- The EV3’s robust stance, marked by broad shoulders and clean lines, gives it a powerful visual identity despite its compact size.
- A seamlessly integrated C-pillar and tailgate glass delivers a high-tech, cohesive appearance.
- Vertical LED headlamps placed at the outer edges of the front end emphasize width and give the vehicle a futuristic, assertive look.
Interior: A Living Space on Wheels
- A panoramic widescreen display merges infotainment and driving data for a sleek, unified interface.
- The center console features a sliding table and ample storage, making the interior as functional as it is elegant.
- Materials and surfaces throughout the interior reflect Kia’s commitment to sustainability and innovation, using up to 10 smart material solutions that are environmentally conscious yet premium in feel.
Kia’s Growing Influence in Global Automotive Design
With the EV3 joining the award-winning ranks of the EV6 and EV9, Kia continues to solidify its design credentials on a global scale. These achievements highlight how Kia’s holistic design approach — one that integrates sustainability, user experience, and forward-thinking aesthetics — is shaping the future of electric mobility.
Each award-winning model underlines Kia’s strategic shift toward electrification, backed by cutting-edge design that connects emotionally with users while meeting the practical demands of modern life.
Conclusion: A Future-Ready Icon of Compact Electric Mobility
The Kia EV3’s ‘Best of the Best’ win at the 2025 Red Dot Awards is more than just a trophy — it’s a global acknowledgment of design leadership and innovation. From its bold exterior lines to its thoughtfully designed interior, the EV3 stands as a symbol of how compact electric vehicles can be stylish, sustainable, and supremely functional.
With this win, Kia not only strengthens its place among the world’s top automotive design brands but also inspires the next generation of EVs — made for people, powered by progress, and shaped by design.