byGrace Buchan31 August 2026/ Images from Chasing Cars

Double Victory: Kia EV3 and Kia Tasman Dominate the 2026 Chasing Cars Awards

It is a monumental time for the Kia brand. The automotive experts at Chasing Cars put 19 of the year’s most anticipated new vehicles through a grueling week of testing, including track dynamics, cabin quality checks, and real-world road loops.

Why a Chasing Cars Award Matters

In the automotive world, a Chasing Cars trophy is one of the most respected accolades a manufacturer can earn. Known for their independent, real-world testing philosophy, their editorial team represents some of the most trusted and authoritative voices in Southern Hemisphere motoring journalism. When Chasing Cars says a vehicle is the best in its class, buyers can trust it has truly earned that title. Kia walked away with two major category wins against tough competition. Here is why these two award-winners belong in your driveway, and how you can experience them first-hand at Miles Kia.

Best Small SUV: The Kia EV3

The compact electric SUV segment is fiercer than ever, but the Chasing Cars judges named the Kia EV3 the Best Small SUV of the Year over tough European rivals.

Brilliant Packaging: At just 4.3 meters long, the EV3 delivers a remarkably spacious cabin and a generously sized boot.
Premium Tech: The interior punches far above its weight with a gorgeous, high-tech panoramic digital display.
Satisfying Drive: Adjustable regenerative braking via steering wheel paddles allows you to tailor your driving experience perfectly.

Note: This win comes right on the heels of the EV3 being crowned the overall New Zealand Car of the Year by the NZ Motoring Writers’ Guild!

Explore Kia EV3

Best Dual-Cab Ute: The Kia Tasman

Utes are a staple of New Zealand roads, and the highly anticipated Kia Tasman completely disrupted the status quo. Chasing Cars invited the Tasman into their Car of the Year program because it brought genuine innovation to a segment that has been stagnant for years.

A Cabin Built for Real Life: Features a massive second row with three adult-friendly seats, dual wireless phone chargers, and a brilliant fold-out lunch/work tray.
Workhorse Capabilities: Built to work and play with a ~1,000kg payload, a massive tub, and a hefty 3.5-tonne towing capacity.
Unmatched Refinement: Powered by a punchy 2.2-liter turbo diesel, it delivers a level of on-road finesse and off-road capability that leaves older heavyweights behind.

Explore Kia Tasman

Test Drive the Winners at Miles Kia

Whether you are looking to slash your weekly fuel bill with the practical EV3 electric crossover or need the smartest, toughest work truck on the market with the Tasman ute, Kia has rewritten the rulebook for 2026.

Visit our showroom or browse the latest inventory online at Miles Kia to explore these award-winning models today!