Irvine, Calif. – September 11, 2026 -- Two Kia models have won top honors in Green Car Journal's annual Green Car Awards, with the all-new 2027 Kia EV3 taking the overall "Green Car of the Year" title and the 2026 Carnival Hybrid named "Green Minivan of the Year."
The EV3 offers up to 321 miles of range on select trims
Built on Kia's 400V Electric Global Modular Platform, the all-electric EV3 is positioned as the brand's most attainable EV. It can charge from 10-80% in roughly 31 minutes on a 350kW DC fast charger, with no adapter needed for NACS connectors. The EV3 is set to arrive in Kia showrooms nationwide in late 2026.
The Carnival Hybrid seats up to eight and delivers 33 MPG combined
The turbo-hybrid minivan produces 242 horsepower and carries an EPA-estimated combined rating of 33 MPG. Its cabin includes seating for up to eight passengers and as much as 145.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first row, alongside select advanced driver assistance features.
Kia's sales chief points to breadth across the lineup
"Having both the EV3 and Carnival Hybrid recognized highlights the breadth of Kia's electrified lineup," said Eric Watson, vice president of sales at Kia America. He added that the EV3 expands access to all-electric mobility while the Carnival Hybrid meets the efficiency and practicality families need.
Green Car Journal has tracked auto-environment ties since 1992
The Green Car Awards are presented by Green Car Journal and GreenCarJournal.com, publications that have focused on the intersection of automobiles, energy, and the environment for over three decades.