Family car of the year announced and it’s not a Hyundai, Ford, or Audi
A Korean MPV has been named family car of the year for 2026 by a prestigious automotive publication, beating out competition from European rivals. Each major car title runs its own awards program to recognize the best new cars available in the UK, with categories covering everything from compact hatchbacks to large SUVs, resulting in an overall winner.
Given the importance of practical, affordable vehicles to households across the country, the family car category is among the most anticipated. As a result, the winner of this category carries significant prestige. In this situation, Auto Express gave the all-electric Kia PV5 Passenger the title of family car of the year in 2026. The PV5 Passenger is a minibus-derived MPV, meaning it is built on a commercial vehicle platform but equipped with passenger comfort in mind. reports the mirror.
Explaining their verdict, 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.
“Everything changes with the Kia PV5 Passenger, which offers acres of space and a driving experience that’s more like a family car than a commercial vehicle.
“The all-electric engine adds to its award-winning appeal… On the road, the PV5 Passenger is a breeze to drive… The PV5 is a new version of the family car that redefines the class.”
The PV5 came first ahead of the seven-seater Romanian Dacia Jogger and Czech Skoda Octavia, which were praised for their value for money and practicality respectively.
Auto Express This wasn’t the only publication defending the model; Reach journalist Christopher Sharp also highlighted the PV5 after getting behind the wheel at SMMT’s annual test day in May.
Reflecting on his experience, he said: “The PV5 may be a people carrier, of course, but it’s no ordinary transporter; it’s a type of car that’s making a bit of a comeback, with VW rivals competing in this sector. “I liked the interior, I liked the practicality, like its much faster rival above, I liked the straight and true handling.
“Yes, it’s not a sports car, but it felt competent and is probably one of the coolest-looking civilian vehicles on sale today. If I were to buy one, maybe I’d equip it with larger wheels, but I can’t wait to see how this model develops. A little different and different isn’t a bad thing.”
