KIA EV3 NAMED “GREEN CAR OF THE YEAR®”AND CARNIVAL HYBRID NAMED “GREEN MINIVAN OF THE YEAR™” BY GREEN CAR JOURNAL
PR Newswire
IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 8, 2026
- Prestigious awards underscore Kia’s focus on electrified vehicles across segments and reinforce the popularity of Kia’s electrified and hybrid models
IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Two Kia models were recognized by Green Car Journal in the publication’s annual “Green Car Awards™”. The all-new, all-electric 2027 Kia EV3 took overall honors as the “Green Car of the Year®” and the 2026 Carnival Hybrid was named “Green Minivan of the Year®”.
“Having both the EV3 and Carnival Hybrid recognized highlights the breadth of Kia’s electrified lineup,” said Eric Watson, vice president, sales, Kia America. “The EV3 expands access to all-electric mobility with compelling design, technology, and range, while the Carnival Hybrid delivers the efficiency and practicality families demand. Together, they represent Kia’s commitment to offering the right vehicle for every customer.”
Kia’s most attainable EV, the all-new 2027 Kia EV3 is designed to further expand electric vehicle adoption by delivering EV9-inspired design, advanced technology, and everyday practicality in a nimble SUV package. Based on the 400V Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the EV3 features an energy-dense battery allowing up to 321 miles of range on certain trims and can charge from 10–80% in approximately 31 minutes on a 350kW DC fast charger (no adapter required for NACS). The EV3 will be available in Kia showrooms nationwide in late 2026.
The 2026 Carnival Hybrid provides customers with a unique blend of innovative technology and world-class design, without sacrificing horsepower and efficiency. The Carnival turbo-hybrid offers 242 horsepower and is rated at an EPA estimated combined 33 MPG. Equipped with select advanced driver assistance features and a spacious cabin with seating for up to eight passengers and up to 145.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first row, the Carnival Hybrid is the obvious choice for families on the move.
About the Green Car Awards™ Widely recognized as the most important environmental awards in the automotive field, the Green Car Awards™ are presented by the award-winning Green Car Journal and GreenCarJournal.com, which have focused on the intersection of automobiles, energy, and environment since 1992.
Kia America – about us
Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys. Kia is recognized as one of the TIME World’s Most Sustainable Companies of 2026. Kia serves as the “Official Automotive Partner” of the NBA and WNBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric vehicles sold through a network of nearly 800 dealers in the U.S., including several SUVs proudly assembled in America*.
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* The 2026 and 2027 all-electric EV6 and EV9 all-electric three-row SUV, Sportage (excluding PHEV model), Sorento (excludes HEV and PHEV models), and Telluride are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.
SOURCE Kia America



