Kia EV3 and Carnival Hybrid Claim Top Green Car Journal Honors

Validating its multi-powertrain retail strategy, Kia America earns top accolades from Green Car Journal for its all-electric EV3 crossover and Carnival Hybrid.

Kia America has earned dual honors at the annual Green Car Awards presented by Green Car Journal. The all-new, fully electric 2027 Kia EV3 was named overall “Green Car of the Year,” while the 2026 Kia Carnival Hybrid secured “Green Minivan of the Year” honors.

For retail dealership principals, automotive analysts, and commercial fleet purchasers, the recognition underscores Kia’s expanding footprint across affordable EV and hybrid segments.

“Having both the EV3 and Carnival Hybrid recognized highlights the breadth of Kia’s electrified lineup,” said Eric Watson, Vice President of Sales at 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.”

Built on the 400V Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the 2027 Kia EV3 delivers up to 321 miles of EPA-estimated range on select trims, featuring 10–80 percent DC fast-charging in approximately 31 minutes. The model will arrive at dealerships in late 2026. Meanwhile, the 2026 Carnival Hybrid pair a turbo-hybrid system generating 242 horsepower with an EPA-estimated combined fuel rating of 33 MPG.