A Korean MPV has been crowned family car of the year for 2026 by a prestigious automotive publication, beating competition from European rivals. Every major motoring title runs its own awards programme to recognise the finest new cars available in the UK, with categories spanning everything from compact hatchbacks to large SUVs, culminating in an overall winner.
Among the most keenly anticipated is the family car category, given the importance of practical, affordable vehicles for households up and down the country. As a result, the winner of this category carries considerable prestige. In this instance, Auto Express awarded the all-electric Kia PV5 Passenger its 2026 family car of the year title. The PV5 Passenger is a van-derived MPV, meaning it is built on a commercial vehicle platform but equipped with passenger comfort firmly in mind, reports the Mirror.
Explaining their decision, the reviewers commented: “Van-derived MPVs have long been popular with buyers looking to get the most space for their money, but there has always been a compromise.
“That all changes with the Kia PV5 Passenger, that manages to deliver acres of space and a driving experience that is more like a family hatch than a commercial vehicle.
“The all-electric powertrain contributes to its award-winning appeal… On the road, the PV5 Passenger is a doddle to drive… the PV5 is a new take on the family car that redefines the class.”
The PV5 came out on top ahead of the seven-seat Romanian Dacia Jogger and Czech Skoda Octavia, which were commended for value for money and practicality respectively.
Auto Express was not the only publication to champion the model, with Reach journalist Christopher Sharp also highlighting the PV5 after getting behind the wheel at the SMMT’s annual test day in May.
Reflecting on his experience, he said: “The PV5 might be a people carrier, sure, but it’s no ordinary people carrier; a form of car making a bit of a comeback with competitors from VW also competing in this sector. I liked the interior, I liked the practicality, I like the fact that, like its much faster competitor above, it handled flat and true.
“Yes, it’s no sportscar, but it felt competent and it’s probably one of the coolest looking civilian vehicles on sale today. If I were to buy one maybe I would spec it with bigger wheels, but I look forward to seeing how this model evolves. It’s a bit different, and different is no bad thing.”
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