Judges for the UK Car of the Year awards have revealed the seven category winners for 2025, with the Kia EV3 taking the overall top prize.
The jury comprises 30 automotive experts, including heycar senior editor David Ross. All have carefully selected the standout cars that they've driven over the past year. The winners span seven categories, covering small and family cars, three different crossover SUV sizes, and performance cars.
The overall champion was the winner of the Small Crossover category, the Kia EV3. It's the second year in a row that Kia has taken the top prize; last year's winner was the Kia EV9.
For the third year in a row, UK Car of the Year is proudly sponsored by heycar.
UKCOTY 2025 category winners
The winners of the seven categories are as follows:
- Small car: Suzuki Swift
- Family car: Skoda Superb
- Small crossover: Kia EV3
- Medium crossover: MINI Countryman
- Large crossover: Hyundai Santa Fe
- Executive car: Polestar 4
- Performance car: Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
Small Car: Suzuki Swift
The Suzuki Swift wins the Small Car category award. It's the most budget-friendly of the winners, but its appeal extends beyond affordability with a fuel efficient mild-hybrid engine that showcases some smart engineering for petrol power in an age of more complex electrification.
Family Car: Skoda Superb
The Skoda Superb takes the Family Car prize, demonstrating excellence in what is fairly conventional car design – there are no gimmicks here. It offers long-range plug-in hybrid options alongside efficient petrol and diesel engines, and proves that internal combustion still has a place in today’s market.
Small Crossover: Kia EV3
With compact SUVs in high demand, the Kia EV3 stands out in the Small Crossover category. Its bold design, spacious and modern interior, competitive pricing, and impressive battery range make it fantastic all-round performer.
Medium Crossover: MINI Countryman
The latest MINI Countryman has grown in size, so much so that it now fits into the Medium Crossover category. Its larger dimensions improve interior space, and with both petrol and electric variants available, it offers flexibility for different driving needs.
Large Crossover: Hyundai Santa Fe
The Hyundai Santa Fe has undergone a radical reinvention, earning it the Large Crossover title for 2025. Its unique styling and ultra-comfortable interior – dubbed by some as a ‘living room on wheels’ – set it apart.
Executive Car: Polestar 4
Electric vehicles are beginning to own the Executive category, and this year’s winner, the Polestar 4, is a standout. It boasts a distinctive, rear-windowless design while offering a spacious and premium environment for passengers. It also retains the engaging drive and impressive battery range found in its predecessor, the Polestar 2.
Performance Car: Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
Performance cars always generate excitement among petrolheads, but for 2025 an electric car, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, has taken the crown. As the world’s first electric hot hatch, it sets new standards for driving dynamics in electric cars, and proves that battery-powered vehicles can be just as thrilling as their petrol-powered counterparts.
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