For U.S. shoppers considering a 2025-model-year Kia, the strongest evidence-based shortlist is the seven vehicles Kia America said earned Car and Driver Editors’ Choice recognition: K5, EV6, Niro Hybrid, EV9, Carnival, Carnival Hybrid, and Telluride. That is an award-based shortlist, not a universal ranking: the right pick depends on whether you need a sedan, an electric vehicle, a minivan, or a three-row SUV.
Which Kia models made the 2025 shortlist?
Kia America reported seven 2025 model-year vehicles as Car and Driver Editors’ Choice recipients. The award list spans different vehicle types and powertrains, so it is most useful as a way to identify candidates—not as a head-to-head ranking. Kia also reported that the Telluride was a Car and Driver 10Best winner for the sixth time.
![Hot Wheels 2019 Kia Stinger GT, [Blue] 198/250 Factory Fresh 3/10](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41DMI2PtIpL._SL160_.jpg)
Kia America’s 2025 award announcement names the K5, EV6, Niro Hybrid, EV9, Carnival, Carnival Hybrid, and Telluride.
Choose by the job the vehicle needs to do
For a sedan: Kia K5
The K5 is the sedan on Kia America’s seven-model Editors’ Choice list. It is a candidate for shoppers who want a conventional car rather than an SUV or minivan. The award recognition alone does not establish a specific trim’s equipment, price, or suitability for an individual driver.
#1 Best Overall
- 1:38 scale Kia K5 DL3 die-cast model car Snow White Pearl exterior finish Detailed exterior styling with realistic design Great for display, collecting, or imaginative play Ideal gift for car enthusiasts and collectors
For a smaller hybrid: Kia Niro Hybrid
The Niro Hybrid is the shortlist’s smaller electrified choice for someone seeking a hybrid rather than a full-electric vehicle. The cited award announcement does not provide EPA fuel-economy figures, so compare official specifications for the exact model year and trim before weighing it against other hybrids.
For a full-electric SUV: Kia EV6
The EV6 is Kia’s other electric option among the seven named award recipients. Its inclusion makes it worth considering alongside the EV9 if you are shopping for an electric Kia, but the award list does not supply range, charging, or space figures for a direct comparison.
Rank #2
- Size：4.8 Inch x2.2 Inch x5 Inch.(1:32 Scale)
- Material: made of Metal alloy with plastic parts，Rubber tires.
- The Soul Boxy Hatchback car model hood,trunk and front two doors can be opened; With Sound and lighting function. Headlights can be on.
- Free wheel, with pulling back function. Not only can be used a toy,but also can be used for collection.
- Package :1 Set in Window gift box.
For an electric three-row SUV: Kia EV9
The EV9 has additional independent recognition: Edmunds named it its 2025 Top Rated Electric SUV. The award was reported by the Associated Press, which noted that Edmunds tests vehicles on a track and evaluates them in real-world use. See the Associated Press report on Edmunds’ 2025 award.
For a minivan: Kia Carnival or Carnival Hybrid
Both Carnival versions appear on Kia America’s Editors’ Choice list, giving minivan shoppers a choice between the listed gas and hybrid models. The award source does not establish comparative fuel economy, pricing, or trim-by-trim features; use Kia’s specifications for the precise 2025 configuration you are considering.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →For a three-row SUV: Kia Telluride
The Telluride is the shortlist’s non-electric three-row SUV. Kia America said it was a six-time Car and Driver 10Best winner in its 2025 announcement. It also appears on IIHS’s 2025 Top Safety Pick+ list, making it a particularly well-supported candidate if safety recognition is part of your decision.
How strong is the K4 as a compact-car alternative?
The K4 is not among the seven vehicles named in Kia America’s Editors’ Choice announcement, but it merits consideration if you are cross-shopping compact sedans. In Edmunds’ 2025 comparison with the Honda Civic, the Civic won overall. Edmunds nevertheless described the K4 as strong on value and available technology, while criticizing the standard engine’s performance and ride refinement. Read the Associated Press report on Edmunds’ K4-versus-Civic comparison for that specific comparison; its verdict should not be generalized to other Kia models or years.
Rank #4
- Hot Wheels Custom Kia EV6 (HYX63) - HW EV 8/10 Series Short Card Edition
- Eye-catching turquoise metallic lacquer with exclusive anime graphics
- Sporty design with authentic body kit and eye-catching lines
- Officially licensed Kia product, detailed in 1:64 scale
- Part of the 2025 Hot Wheels HW EV Collection – Featured collectors for EV fans
What the safety awards do—and do not—tell you
IIHS lists the 2025 EV9 and 2025 Telluride as Top Safety Pick+ recipients. The K4 listing applies to qualifying 2025–26 vehicles built after January 2025. Check the specific vehicle’s build date and the current IIHS listing before relying on the K4 award when shopping used or comparing inventory.
An award is not a guarantee that every trim has identical safety equipment. Verify the exact vehicle’s equipment and the current rating details in the IIHS Top Safety Picks list.
Best Value
- Product size: 6.69*2.36*1.97 inches Weight: 0.7 pounds Outer packaging: exquisite color translucent packaging box
- Material: Die-cast car model, made of zinc alloy, with plastic parts, rubber tires, detailed interior and exterior decoration.
- Function: Press the two wheels of the front car to trigger the sound of the engine and the lights, with upright car logos,the angel logo is stored in the hood. The details of the body interior are realistic. Place the car on a flat ground, press the body and pull it back, the car will drive forward. (With pull back function)
- This Rolls-Royce Phantom 1/32 car model pull back car is very suitable for children to play with. The paint is exquisite and feels good, and it is heavy to hold. It is also very suitable for car model enthusiasts as a decoration.
- Accessories and collections: This product is very suitable for static accessories and can be used as an accessory next to a computer. For those who are passionate about collecting model car models, this is a great art collection.
How to compare finalists before buying
- Start with vehicle type. Decide whether your needs point to a sedan, hybrid, full-electric vehicle, minivan, or three-row SUV. That will narrow the award shortlist more usefully than treating the seven models as direct rivals.
- Compare the exact model year and trim. Review official Kia specifications for the configuration you plan to buy. The award announcements do not provide a complete comparison of dimensions, cargo space, fuel economy, EV range, charging, or standard equipment.
- Check the vehicle-specific safety details. Confirm the model year, build date where relevant, and equipment on the actual vehicle rather than assuming every trim has the same features or rating.
- Get a local, written price. Kia’s current U.S. vehicle page says starting MSRP excludes destination and handling, taxes, title, license, options, and dealer charges. Actual prices and availability vary, so check current inventory and offers with local dealers.
Kia’s current U.S. lineup and pricing page is useful for present-day shopping, but it is not a historical catalog of every 2025 model-year vehicle. Use it for current listings and confirm 2025 specifications against the relevant model-year information. See Kia’s U.S. vehicle site.
Which one should you put on your list?
For an award-backed starting point, shortlist the model whose vehicle type matches your needs: K5 for a sedan, Niro Hybrid for a hybrid, EV6 or EV9 for an electric Kia, Carnival or Carnival Hybrid for a minivan, and Telluride for a three-row SUV. Give the EV9 and Telluride extra attention if IIHS Top Safety Pick+ recognition matters, and consider the K4 with a clear understanding of Edmunds’ Civic comparison. Final decisions should be based on the exact vehicle, its specifications, safety equipment, and local price—not the award label alone.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
