News releasesStatementsFuel pricesPotholes & roadsService, maintenance & repairRoad safetyRAC newsElectric vehiclesAdverse weatherChancellor's BudgetsCivil enforcementConnected & autonomous vehiclesCrimeDriving in EuropeHeadlight glareInsuranceLearning to driveParkingReport on MotoringTaxationTraffic predictionsCampaigns
News releasesRAC news

Kia EV2 awarded RAC Car of the Year 2026

Inaugural RAC New Car Awards has nine categories and covers petrol, hybrid and electric models

RAC CEO Dave Hobday (left) with Kia UK President and CEO, Paul Philpott (right). Image credit: RAC
RAC CEO Dave Hobday (left) with Kia UK President and CEO, Paul Philpott (right). Image credit: RAC

The Kia EV2 has been crowned the RAC Car of the Year 2026, beating its rivals to take the top honour in the first-ever RAC New Car Awards.

As well as taking victory in the overall Car of the Year category, the EV2 also claimed the Best Small Electric Car prize, with RAC judges praising its affordable pricing, comfort, technology and range.

The judging process for selecting the overall RAC Car of the Year 2026 involved a team of RAC experts including RAC Patrol of the Year Ross Templeman and RAC Mobile Mechanic of the Year Jack Halstead.

To be eligible for inclusion in the RAC New Car Awards, all vehicles must have been on sale and available in UK showrooms by the time of shortlisting on 30 June. If the RAC wasn't able to test a car in right-hand drive form on UK roads by this time it didn't feature, ensuring the winning models are absolutely fit for purpose for British car buyers.

RAC Drive Editor Dan Powell said: “Quite simply, the Kia EV2 is the best small electric car we've driven to date. Sensibly priced and easy to live with, it’s a car that sets new standards for comfort, refinement and range.

“That premium feel is reflected in the way it drives, while its generous levels of standard equipment make the EV2 outstanding value. Put simply, the EV2 is the benchmark by which all small electric cars are now judged.

“We’d like to congratulate the winners across all our award categories, and hope these help guide drivers to make the most informed decision when it comes to choosing their next vehicle.”

Paul Philpott, President and CEO, Kia UK, said: “To win the RAC Car of the Year 2026 is a major achievement for Kia. Recognition from one of the UK’s most trusted motoring organisations, and from a judging panel with extensive automotive expertise, makes these awards especially meaningful.

"Winning Car of the Year and Best Small Electric Car not only highlights the exceptional qualities of the EV2, but also our commitment to making electric mobility more accessible to a wider audience. It also demonstrates that compact, affordable electric vehicles can deliver the technology, practicality and driving experience that drivers expect.”

BMW collected two trophies at the RAC New Car Awards, with the BMW i7 and iX3 coming out on top in their individual categories. The Nissan Qashqai took the Best Family Car award, while the Fiat Grande Panda claimed the prize for Best Small Car and Hyundai Sante Fe for Best Large SUV.

For more details on the RAC New Car Awards, visit www.rac.co.uk/drive/car-reviews/new-car-awards/

 

The full list of 2026’s winners

RAC Car of the Year 2026
​Winner: Kia EV2

Best Family Car

Winner: Nissan Qashqai

Highly Commended: Citroen C5 Aircross and Honda Civic

Best Small Electric Car

Winner: Kia EV2

Highly Commended: MG4 Urban EV and Renault 4 E-Tech

Best Small Car

Winner: Fiat Grande Panda

Highly Commended: Skoda Fabia and Toyota Aygo X

Best Small SUV

Winner: Dacia Duster

Highly Commended: Citroen C3 Aircross and Volkswagen T-Roc

Best Midsize Electric Car

Winner: Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake

Highly Commended: Renault Scenic E-Tech and Skoda Elroq

Best Sports Car

Winner: Porsche 911

Highly Commended: BMW M2 and Mazda MX-5

Best Large SUV

Winner: Hyundai Santa Fe

Highly Commended: Land Rover Defender and Peugeot 5008

Best Large Electric Car

Winner: BMW iX3

Highly Commended: Mercedes-Benz GLC and Volkswagen ID.7 Tourer

Best Luxury Car

Winner: BMW i7

Highly Commended: Porsche Panamera and Range Rover

 

 

Press team

Press team

For journalist enquiries only

 

Share

Latest stories

Website preview
Price of diesel reaches record high
RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: "The average price of a litre of diesel has now reached the highest level in UK history at 199.18p, in what will be a financial blow to households and businesses that use their vehicles regularly. The cost of filling up an average family car is now almost £110, £31 more than it was at the start of the US/Iran conflict. By eclipsing the previous highest price of 199.09p seen in June 2022, the diesel price has entered new uncharted territory. This spells pain not only at the pumps for drivers, but for everyone who buys goods or services that rely on diesel lorries and vans; undoubtedly these increased costs will be passed on to consumers.
media.rac.co.uk
Website preview
Diesel teeters on brink of all-time high
RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: "The average price of diesel is teetering on the brink of a new all-time high at 198.32p, taking the cost of a 55-litre fill-up for a family car to £109.
media.rac.co.uk
Website preview
Record diesel price looms
RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: "The price of diesel continues to move steadily towards a new all-time high. A litre now averages 197.31p across the country, meaning it's just under 2p (1.78p) from surpassing the 199.09p record set on 25 June 2022, although we’re aware of many forecourts already charging in excess of this.
media.rac.co.uk

Get updates in your mailbox

By clicking "Subscribe" I confirm I have read and agree to the Privacy Policy.

About RAC Media Centre

The RAC Media Centre provides journalists and news outlets with the latest motoring-related news, comment, data and research.

About the RAC

The RAC is an iconic British driving services brand and has been championing drivers since 1897. Today it is one of the UK’s most trusted names, providing complete peace of mind ® to over 15 million drivers across breakdown cover, insurance, and mobile servicing and repairs.

Its nationwide patrol force attends more than two million breakdowns every year, while its position as the UK’s leading independent insurance broker helps motorists find the right cover with confidence. The RAC has also reshaped the service, maintenance and repair market with its Mobile Mechanics, who carry out servicing and repairs at drivers’ homes or workplaces.

Committed to innovation, the RAC is fully electric ready with mobile EV charging technology for stranded drivers, and a suite of digital and data‑led solutions that make motoring easier and more affordable for consumers and fleets. These services come together in myRAC – the all‑in‑one app for vehicle maintenance, cheaper fuel finding and breakdown assistance.

Contact

media.rac.co.uk