World Car Awards 2025: Top 3 Finalists for Car of the Year Unveiled

The World Car Awards has announced the top three finalists for the Car of the Year category. The World Car Awards jury has a total of 96 distinguished automotive journalists from 30 countries. The models that are positioned in the list are the BMW X3, Kia EV3, and Hyundai Inster also known as Casper Electric. These cars have captured the attention of the award jury with their design and performance.

Let's have a closer look at what made the top three finalists be positioned above other models.

BMW X3

The new-gen BMW X3 comes with a bold monolithic design and two engine options. The thing that wowed the jurors was its elevated design and power. The acceleration of this model is under 8 seconds which is very impressive.

Kia EV3

As for Kia EV3, it is a short wheelbase version of the automaker's EV9 model. This model delivers the design details and perks of the full-size SUV but in a smaller size and with a more affordable price range for customers worldwide.

Hyundai Inster/Casper Electric

The third finalist for the World Car of the Year is the Hyundai Inster which is also named Casper Electric. This car is available in markets of South Korea, Europe, and Japan. What won over the jurors is the car's adorable approach to a city-sized EV that’s both affordable and tech-forward.

The World Car Awards has also announced the top three finalists for other categories as well. The 2025 World Urban Car of the Year has BYD Seagull/ Dolphin Mini, Hyundai Inster/ Casper Electric, and Mini Cooper as its finalist, for the 2025 World Luxury Car of the Year Porsche Macan, Porsche Panamera, and Volvo EX90 Electric have been picked, in the 2025 World Performance Car of the Year BMW M5, Porsche 911 Carrera GTS and Porsche Taycan Turbo GT are selected as top three finalist.

With the announcement of the finalists, the next step is to declare the winner. The 2025 World Car of the Year will be announced at the New York Auto Show on April 16.

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