Kia Niro is voted Supreme Winner of the Women’s World Car of the Year

63 women motoring journalists from 43 countries across five continents choose their BEST CAR OF THE WORLD 2023

The journalists judging the Women's World Car of the Year have chosen the Kia Niro as the World's Best Car for 2023. The announcement of the winner coincides with International Women's Day, a very special date not only because it gives women a voice but also because of the link in many countries between the automobile and personal autonomy.

Before casting their votes, the 63 motoring journalists from 43 countries tested dozens of models and evaluated every detail. In the first round of voting, the best cars in each category were chosen from a total of 59 candidates. The winners were:

In the second round, these finalists were used as the basis for the selection of the World's Best Car 2023.

"This year's election was particularly difficult due to the excellent level of all the candidates. Each of the finalists had sufficient merit to win the trophy," says Marta Garcia, executive president of WWCOTY.

In the end, and after much scrutiny, the scales tipped heavily in favour of the Kia Niro. Here's what some of our judges have to say:

“The Kia Niro delivers a complete package that is clearly worthy of this award. Its numerous powertrain options, stylish design, easy-to-use technology, comfortable seating and budget-friendly packaging make it stand out among a field of fierce competition" Elana Scherr, USA.

“Kia continues to impress me... After the EV 6 and Sportage models, the Kia Niro offers a flexible vehicle, an attractive design, quality/luxury and a range of engines where all drivers can match their mobility needs. I especially appreciate the comfortable space and the technology. A car that has everything to please...”, Sabrina Parant, Belgium.

"The Kia Niro offers a functional interior, good driving performance, and different powertrains, along with an attractive price that makes it an excellent choice for everyday driving” Jil McIntosh, Canada.

"The new Kia Niro largely follows the same successful recipe as the old Niro with a choice of both a combustion engine (from hybrid to plug-in-hybrid) and fully electric car. Until its last year of production, the first Niro was an unprecedented success in the Netherlands. No model sold better. We were eagerly awaiting the new upgraded model which did not disappoint. It is smarter, more stylish, more modern, more efficient and slightly roomier" Odiel Mennink, Netherlands.

"Kia Niro a practical little city car that gives you everything you need in an affordable package" Renuka Kirpalani, India.

"The Kia Niro is a spacious, stylish, efficient and practical car that is right on trend with its size, design and drive” Petra Mühr, Austria.

"One of the best hybrid vehicles with the best performance and dynamics”, Giovanna Alvarado, Peru.

"Spacious, practical, available with several eco-friendly powertrains (HEV, PHEV and BEV) with low consumption”, Solveig Grewe, Germany.

"A vehicle I would highly recommend to any man, woman or family due to its endless array of safety features, long warranty and spacious interior packed with modern technology. What mother or father wouldn't feel safe driving their children around in a Kia Niro”, Alix Capper-Murdoch, Republic of Cyprus and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

All voting has been verified by Grant Thornton, from their office in Auckland, New Zealand. This auditor has certified the results of the WWCOTY since its inception in 2009.

About Women's World Car of the Year

Women's World Car of the Year is the only car awards group in the world comprised exclusively of women motoring journalists. It was created by New Zealand motoring journalist Sandy Myhre in 2009. She is Honorary President while Marta García is Executive President.

This unique award aims to recognise the best cars of the year and to give a voice to women in the automotive world. The voting criteria are based on the same principles that guide any driver when choosing a car. The jurors do not select a ‘woman’s car’ because cars are not gender specific. Aspects such as safety, quality, price, design, ease of driving, benefits and environmental footprint, among others, are considered when casting the votes.

However, beyond choosing the best cars of the year, our goal is also to give visibility to women in the automotive world and to contribute to making women’s voices heard on all continents because mobility for a woman means access to many personal and professional possibilities.