Global automobile company Kia has bagged three honours at the 2026 Golden Steering Wheel Awards, becoming the first non-European carmaker to win three awards in a single year in the prestigious competition's 50-year history.
Organised by German publications AUTO BILD and BILD am SONNTAG, the Golden Steering Wheel is one of the country's most prestigious automotive awards. This year's competition began with 90 new models nominated by the editorial teams of both publications. Readers subsequently selected 27 finalists, with three models competing in each of the nine vehicle categories.
The finalists were assessed by a jury comprising automotive experts and prominent personalities from entertainment, sport and the media.
Kia's three victories span both electric and petrol-powered vehicles, highlighting the automaker's diverse product portfolio and commitment to providing customers with vehicles that meet different mobility needs.
The Kia K4 Sportswagon claimed the award in the compact car category, beating the VW ID.3 Neo and Cupra Born. In the compact SUV category, the Kia EV5 emerged victorious ahead of the Audi Q3 and Cupra Formentor VZ5.
The third award went to the Kia EV2, which was named 'Best Car Under €30,000'. Winners in this category were determined through assessments of vehicles across three German-market price brackets, taking into account base prices, standard equipment, warranties, optional extras and driving experience.
"It is an honor for Kia to become the first non-European brand to win three Golden Steering Wheel Awards in a single year in the 50-year history of this prestigious award," said Ho Sung Song, President and CEO of Kia Corporation. "This achievement reflects the strength of Kia's product lineup and our commitment to offering customers meaningful choices. Europe remains central to Kia's future, and receiving this recognition in Germany makes this achievement especially meaningful for us."
The 2026 awards featured a 23-member jury, including nine-time World Rally Champion Sébastien Ogier, former World and European Rally Champion Isolde Holderied, current racing driver David Schumacher, tennis legend Boris Becker and former news anchor Jan Hofer.
The judges evaluated the shortlisted vehicles at the DEKRA-Lausitzring racetrack, assessing criteria such as handling, comfort, ease of use, build quality and everyday practicality. Sustainability and value for money also featured in the evaluation process.
Commenting on Kia's performance, Robin Hornig, editor-in-chief of AUTO BILD, said: "The fact that Kia has prevailed in three vehicle and price categories, with both all-electric and gasoline-powered models, shows that the brand offers the best overall package across various categories."
The detailed results of the 2026 Golden Steering Wheel Awards will be published in issue 46/2026 of BILD am SONNTAG and issue 46/2026 of AUTO BILD.
With its latest three victories, Kia has now accumulated eight Golden Steering Wheel awards. Its previous successes include the XCeed, which won Best Car Under €35,000 in 2019; the Sorento, which claimed the Large SUV category in 2020; the Niro EV in the Compact SUVs category in 2022; the EV9, named Family Car in 2023; and the EV3, which won Best Car Under €40,000 in 2024.
Soohang Chang, President and CEO of Kia Europe, said the latest recognition demonstrates the strength and diversity of the company's European vehicle range.
"Three Golden Steering Wheel awards across three very different categories demonstrate the strength and variety of Kia's product portfolio in Europe," Chang said.
"The EV2, EV5 and K4 Sportswagon address different customer needs, but share the same approach: distinctive design, useful technology and everyday practicality. We are especially proud of the EV2, which is developed, engineered and built in Europe. The recognition here in Germany is particularly meaningful and encourages us to continue responding to the diverse needs of European customers as mobility evolves."
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