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By Moses Akaigwe
Kia’s all-electric EV9 has won the Best Large SUV category at the Fleet News Awards 2026 for the second consecutive year. The seven-seat flagship earned recognition for its versatility, real-world efficiency, and suitability for high-mileage business use.
Highlights
The EV9 won Best Large SUV at the Fleet News Awards 2026, defending its 2025 title, even as judges praised its premium positioning at competitive pricing.
Kia earned finalist spots in four categories, including the EV3, EV6, and PV5 commercial vehicles..
Interestingly, the EV9 sits atop a UK electric lineup that now spans six models, from the EV2 to the EV9 GT.
Judges Highlight Value and Versatility
The Fleet News Awards judging panel called the EV9 a standout in the large SUV segment.
The jurists noted its six- or seven-seat flexibility and said it delivers premium quality at accessible pricing.
Judging took place over four days. Alison Moriarty chaired the manufacturer and supplier categories. Nigel Morris, director of employment tax at Ernst and Young, served as assessor.
Kia fleet presence expands
Dave Williams, Head of Fleet at Kia UK, said the award reflects the breadth of the brand’s electric lineup and its relevance to business customers. He noted that the EV9 continues to impress despite being one of the older electric models in Kia’s range.
Kia was shortlisted across four award categories. Finalists included the EV3, EV6, EV9, and the PV5 — Kia’s first dedicated electric commercial vehicle.
EV9 trim and drivetrains options
The EV9 is offered in Air, GT-Line, and GT-Line S specifications in the UK. The Air trim features rear-wheel drive. GT-Line and GT-Line S versions come standard with all-wheel drive. The GT-Line S model offers a choice of seven- or six-seat configurations.
The recently launched EV9 GT adds a high-performance variant to the lineup. It joins an electric range that now includes the EV2, EV3, EV4, EV5, and EV6.
Growing portfolio
Stephen Briers, Editor of Fleet News, said the standard of entries was high across all categories.
He noted that an expanding range of vehicle models made judging more competitive than in previous years.
Kia’s fleet award results underscore its expanding presence in the UK electric vehicle market. The brand now covers passenger cars, SUVs, and commercial vehicles under its EV umbrella.
The Kia brand is represented in Nigeria by Kia Motors Nigeria, which assembles some of the vehicles at a plant located in the Isolo area of Lagos.
