The Ioniq 9 earned an overall satisfaction score of 82.30 out of 100 in the final judging for the 2026 Korea Car of the Year (K-COTY), held on the 5th at the Korea Transportation Safety Authority’s Automobile Safety Research Institute in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, the association said.
A total of 18 models from 10 brands competed in the final round: Kia, Land Rover, Renault, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, BMW, Audi, KG Mobility, Peugeot and Hyundai Motor Co. (listed in Korean alphabetical order by brand).
Judges evaluated vehicles across 10 criteria: exterior design; interior and perceived quality; ease of instrument operation; handling and driving feel; acceleration; noise and vibration; high-speed stability and braking; safety and convenience features; fuel economy and maintenance; and price and purchase intent.
The Ioniq 9 is Hyundai’s flagship electric SUV built on the E-GMP dedicated EV platform. The association said it offers class-leading interior space and a 110.3 kWh battery, with a maximum range of 532 kilometers on a single charge. It was also named SUV of the Year and EV of the Year.
Renault’s Scenic E-Tech 100% Electric was chosen as Import Car of the Year with an overall satisfaction score of 70.07 out of 100. The association described it as a model based on a dedicated EV platform and noted it won the 2024 European Car of the Year at the 2024 Geneva Motor Show.
Kia’s PV5 won Utility of the Year and Innovation of the Year. The association said the PV5 offers multiple lineups, including passenger and cargo versions, aimed at tailored mobility for business and leisure needs.
Peugeot’s All-New 3008 Smart Hybrid was selected as Design of the Year. The association said it is a full model change introduced to the domestic market for the first time in eight years and received high marks from the panel.
Mercedes-AMG GT received the Performance of the Year award. The association said it uses an F1-inspired P3 hybrid system and can accelerate from a standstill to 100 kph in 2.8 seconds.
Jeong Chi-yeon, chair of the selection committee, said winners were chosen after rigorous testing and verification using key tracks at the Automobile Safety Research Institute, including a high-speed circuit and steering performance course. “I offer my sincere congratulations to the brands that rose to the top in each category amid fierce competition,” Jeong said.
The 2026 K-COTY awards ceremony was held that evening at the Sebitseom Convention Hall in Banpo, Seoul, with attendees including government officials, related agencies, auto industry representatives, and association executives and members.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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