Family Car of the Year 2026: Kia PV5 Passenger
The Kia PV5 Passenger is the 2026 Auto Express Family Car of the Year, with the Dacia Jogger and Skoda Octavia commended
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. That all changes with the Kia PV5 Passenger, which manages to deliver acres of space and a driving experience that is more like a family hatch than a commercial vehicle.
The all-electric powertrain contributes to its award-winning appeal. The 52kWh model will be ideal for short urban hops, while the larger 71kWh battery offers 256 miles of range, meaning longer trips are a possibility. The low-slung battery doesn’t impact on cabin space, and a flat floor allows lots of room for passengers to stretch out; the arrival of a seven-seat version means there’s even greater versatility on offer, too.
However, there are two things that really set the PV5 Passenger apart, the first being its striking looks. It manages to pull off the neat trick of appearing bigger than it actually is, thanks to its tall shape and box-like appearance. But details such as the smooth nose and concept car-like vertical daytime running lights give it a futuristic look that'll keep it looking fresh for years.
On the road, the PV5 Passenger is a doddle to drive, with a good view out for the driver and all occupants, seamless electric drive and a chassis that delivers comfort and a level of driving ability that has never been seen from a van-derived model before. Combine all of these qualities with competitive prices, and the PV5 is a new take on the family car that redefines the class.
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Our choice
- Kia PV5 Plus Long Range (£37,975 inc £1,500 Electric Car Grant)
The extra battery capacity of the Long Range model should help banish any anxieties, while Plus trim includes kit such as vehicle-to-load charging, four heated seats and a heated steering wheel, plus a powered tailgate and a heat pump. For £800 extra you can also upgrade to seven seats.
Commended
The compact Dacia Jogger is a seven-seat wonder, with its crossover/SUV/estate car lines delivering more practicality than many much larger (and more expensive) cars. While it’s a budget offering, there are plenty of handy touches to distract from the Jogger’s value roots, while hybrid drive delivers low everyday running costs.
If you want practicality in an easy-to-manage package, the Skoda Octavia still delivers the goods. The roomy hatchback is joined by a spacious estate, while the engine options range from frugal diesel to punchy petrol in the vRS versions. And of course, Skoda’s Simply Clever mantra means there are plenty of neat, practical features.
See all the winners...
Click on the gallery below to see all the winners of our 2026 New Car Awards...
You can find all the information on our New Car Awards 2026 winners and the reasons why we chose them on the pages below. Just follow the links to read more…
New Car Awards 2026: the winners
Special edition of Auto Express
For the full New Car Awards experience, make sure you pick up a copy of our special 2026 New Car Awards collectors' edition of the Auto Express magazine, which is available in shops now.
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