- Kia PV5 Cargo named both ‘Van of the Year’ and ‘Compact Van of the Year’
- Judges praise refined driving performance, exceptional comfort and quietness, urban-friendly agility and outstanding value
- Recognized for refined driving performance, exceptional comfort and quietness, urban-friendly agility and strong customer value
- Latest accolades further strengthen Kia’s rapidly rising presence in the global LCV and PBV markets
The Kia PV5 Cargo has achieved a double victory at the 2026 What Van? Awards, claiming both ‘Van of the Year’ and ‘Compact Van of the Year’.
The annual What Van? Awards highlight the most capable, innovative and high-performing models across the light commercial vehicle sector, with winners selected by an independent panel of veteran LCV experts. The PV5 Cargo’s strong performance confirms its arrival as a highly competitive global contender in the electric commercial vehicle sector.
This achievement follows a standout result in a separate 2025 What Van? Review published in November 2025, which awarded the PV5 a perfect 10/10 score — making it the only electric LCV to receive such a rating this year. The review highlighted the PV5’s exceptional real-world performance.
“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 Centres will lead the way in demonstrating its strengths to customers as we seek to lead electrification efforts in the light commercial vehicle sector.” — Paul Philpott, President & CEO of Kia UK.
Why did the PV5 win? An exceptional real-world performance
In the awards evaluation, the PV5 Cargo demonstrated a balance of range, capability and practicality suited for diverse commercial operations. Its refinement, usability and driving characteristics position it as a compelling alternative to traditional ICE and EV vans in the market.
“The Kia PV5 Cargo is a well-researched and meticulously developed electric van that immediately jumps to the top of its class. Its sophisticated, versatile design and outstanding real-world range make it an exceptional product.” — James Dallas, Editor of What Van?
What sets the PV5 apart globally?
Early this year, What Van?’s 2025 Review highlighted a range of strengths that contributed to the PV5’s high rating, including real-world usability, cabin comfort, dynamic stability and value considerations — all traits that reinforce the model’s competitive position within the global eLCV segment.
The evaluation also emphasized the PV5’s modern, functional design tailored specifically for commercial use, along with an interior that delivers passenger-car-level technology through dual displays, Android Automotive OS and over-the-air capability. Its low center of gravity enables a highly stable and quiet EV driving experience, while flexible body configurations — spanning Cargo, Crew and Chassis-Cab options in multiple lengths and heights — offer practical versatility for diverse operational needs. Comprehensive standard features, including advanced safety systems, LED lighting, a rear camera and climate-comfort technologies, further enhance the PV5’s appeal for global commercial customers.
The PV5 has also been recognized for its broader contribution to the electrified commercial segment. Its success at the What Van? Awards follows earlier recognition as the 2026 International Van of the Year (IVOTY), a significant milestone in its first year of global market entry. In addition, the PV5 Passenger earned ‘Family Car of the Year’ at the BBC TopGear.com Awards 2026. Together, these achievements highlight the PV5’s emergence as a next-generation commercial EV that delivers practicality, refinement and long-distance capability.
PV5 Cargo: Range, capability and real-world validation
The PV5 Cargo is engineered to support diverse commercial needs across global markets. At launch, it is offered in L2/H1 format with two battery options.
Key specifications[1] include:
- Long Range (71.2 kWh): up to 258 miles WLTP, 690 kg payload
- Standard Range (51.5 kWh): up to 184 miles WLTP, 790 kg payload
- Load volume: 4.4 m³
- Motor output: up to 120 kW and 250 Nm
- Future variants: L1/H1, L2/H2, Crew, and Chassis Cab launching in 2026
Real-world capability was further proven in October 2025, when the PV5 Cargo achieved a Guinness World Records™ title for the greatest distance travelled by a light-duty battery-electric van with maximum payload on a single charge, covering 430.84 miles (693.38 km).
Supported by Kia’s PBV strategy, the PV5 Cargo provides a practical, durable and efficient solution for fleets and operators seeking versatile electric mobility tailored to commercial demands.
Following the lead established by the PV5, Kia plans to introduce the larger PV7 in 2027 and the PV9 in 2029.
[1] Based on the UK model. Specification may vary by market.
