A new brand and model name will be engraved on the trophy "International Van of the Year" for 2026: For the first time, the Korean car manufacturer Kia has won the most prestigious award in the light commercial vehicle sector with its new PV5. The 26 members of the jury of "International Van of the Year" (IVOTY), including the German representative for HUSS-VERLAG's Test + Technology LOGISTRA division, Johannes Reichel, chose the PV5 clearly as the new titleholder for 2026.
The Kia PV5 is a fully electric modular van concept, part of the new PBV model range (Platform Beyond Vehicle) from the Asian manufacturer, and based on a special skateboard platform for electric vehicles called E-GMP.S. It impressed the jury tests with high space and energy efficiency, easy handling, high comfort, as well as state-of-the-art driver assistance and connectivity.
Another newcomer, the Farizon SV from China, took second place, while the Ford E-Transit Courier completed the podium as the third fully electric model. For the jury, this also expresses a growing number of fully practical and also economical zero-emission vans and a strong sign of the industry's will to decarbonize. The Volkswagen Transporter and the newest Crafter as well as the MAN TGE were also in the closer shortlist as was the Ford Transit Connect PHEV and the revised Ford E-Transit.
Ceremonial award ceremony in Lyon
At the award ceremony as part of the
Solutrans 2025 Gala Dinner at EurExpo in Lyon, Jarlath Sweeney, chair of IVOTY, congratulated Kia on its first victory:
“Congratulations to Kia on winning the 34th International Van of the Year Award for 2026. The PV5 is the first in a series of new light commercial vehicle models that the Korean brand is set to bring to the market in the coming years, so we will hear much more from Kia in due course. As we know, Kia vehicles have already received numerous awards; now it is time that the new van division of this brand receives its deserved recognition. Interestingly, Farizon and its SV model secured the second place, and we welcome this brand of the Geely Group to the European market.”
Both Marc Hedrich, President of Kia Europe, and Sangdae Kim, Executive Vice President and Head of the PBV Division at Kia Corporation, were present at the Solutrans Gala and accepted the trophy on stage from Jarlath Sweeney. Marc Hedrich, President and CEO of Kia Europe, stated:
“We have believed in the Kia PV5 since its market introduction, but this recognition honors us greatly: earlier this year the PV5 concept was honored with the Red Dot Design Award. A few weeks ago we set a Guinness World Record, thereby proving the performance and advanced technology of the Kia PV5. Winning the prestigious International Van of the Year Award is a great honor
and a strong validation by some of the most respected journalists in the LCV industry – especially since the first vehicles are just arriving in Europe. Although Kia is new to the LCV market, this award confirms the company’s willingness to deliver technology, design and practicality, and strengthens our position as a leading provider of mobility solutions. Our sincere thanks go to the IVOTY jurors for this recognition and to all Kia employees for their commitment.”
Sangdae Kim, Executive Vice President and Head of the PBV Division at Kia Corporation, added:
“In 2022 we established our PBV division with a clear goal: to redefine the LCV market through innovation, which Kia has always stood for. The Kia PV5 realizes this vision, and the award as "International Van of the Year" for our first PBV model confirms that we are on the right track. The PV5 was developed with active consideration of customer wishes, with every detail carefully aligned to the real-world requirements of daily business. This award is an important milestone, but our journey to provide significant value to our customers continues as we expand the PBV product range.”
In pickups, the Ford Ranger PHEV is clearly leading the way
In the selection for the “International Pick-up of the Year” (IPUA), Ford Pro secured the award for the fourth time in the fifteen-year history with its newly developed Ranger PHEV. It is the first
time that a hybrid powertrain has been awarded by the jury, which consists of members of the International Van of the Year Award (IVOTY) group. The HUSS-VERLAG provided the German member for the voting.
The determination of the overall winner of the pickup trucks for 2026/27 was decided after an extensive onroad/offroad test program that took place last month in Bulgaria. There were a number of other 4x4 double-cab candidates competing for the top prize, namely INEOS, Foton and Maxus, with the latter two Chinese brands impressing the jury with their performance during the tests. In the end Ford amassed the most points, followed by the INEOS Grenadier Quartermaster in second place and the Foton V9 in third. Performance with even higher efficiency and lower fuel consumption.
“The new Ranger PHEV offers outstanding, class-leading performance with even higher efficiency and lower fuel costs for everyday use, and seamlessly combines a 2.3-liter EcoBoost gasoline engine with a 75-kW battery motor. With a range of EV drive modes, you can drive with gasoline, battery power, or a combination of both. With 281 hp, 697 Nm of torque and a maximum towing capacity of up to 3,500 kg, there are no compromises on the Ranger's legendary ruggedness and performance,” explained Jarlath Sweeney, chairman of IVOTY & IPUA.
The announcement and presentation of the trophy took place on November 19 at the Solutrans 2025 Gala Dinner in EurExpo
