Kia has made significant strides in both the commercial and consumer vehicle markets with recent announcements highlighting the success of the Kia PV5 and details about the upcoming 2028 Kia Telluride. The all-new Kia PV5 electric light commercial vehicle (eLCV) has been recognized with three major awards at the 2026 What Car? Van and Commercial Vehicle Awards, while the 2028 Telluride is expected to continue its strong presence in the midsize SUV segment with few changes.
The Kia PV5 earned the prestigious overall ‘Van of the Year’ title, along with ‘Best Small Electric Van’ for its Cargo variant and ‘Best Van-Based MPV’ for its Passenger version. This triple win marks a milestone for Kia’s growing role in Europe’s light commercial vehicle market. Built on the dedicated Electric-Global Modular Platform for Service (E-GMP.S), the PV5 reflects Kia’s commitment to electrification and innovation within its Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) strategy.
Judges praised the PV5 Cargo for combining a perfect balance of payload capacity and versatility with ease of use and comfort suitable for long distances. Its accessible price point, fast-charging capability, real-world driving range, and comprehensive aftercare package were also highlighted as key strengths that minimize downtime and provide reassurance to fleet operators. Steve Huntingford, Editor at What Car?, noted that the PV5’s payload capabilities are complemented by comfort features not usually found in vans, making it a practical choice for businesses.
The Passenger variant of the PV5 was awarded ‘Best Van-Based MPV’ due to its refined ride quality, spacious interior seating five adults comfortably, and a driving range of up to 412 kilometers. Judges emphasized how this electric people carrier meets family needs with car-like comfort and flexibility, supported by Kia’s industry-leading seven-year warranty.
Beyond these awards, the PV5 has received other notable recognitions including an iF Design Award Gold for Automotive Product Design, a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating for commercial vans, and the ‘2026 International Van of the Year’ title at SOLUTRANS. Additionally, it holds a Guinness World Record for traveling 693.38 kilometers on a single charge while carrying maximum payload.
On another front, Kia has previewed its 2028 Telluride midsize SUV, which is expected to carry over largely unchanged from its redesigned 2027 model. The exterior design will maintain its upscale and boxy style featuring vertically oriented headlights, a distinctive H-shaped grille, flush door handles, and slim taillights. Inside, no major updates are anticipated; it will retain a tiered dashboard with dual integrated displays and a spacious cabin that seats up to eight passengers.
The 2028 Telluride will continue offering two powertrain options: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine producing 274 horsepower paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and a hybrid version combining the same engine with two electric motors to deliver a combined output of 329 horsepower. Front-wheel drive is standard on both versions, with all-wheel drive available as an option.
Safety features expected to remain standard include adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert among others. Pricing details have not yet been released but are anticipated to mirror current model ranges from around $40,700 to $58,300.
Kia’s recent successes underscore its strong position in both electrified commercial vehicles and popular family SUVs. With the award-winning PV5 leading its light commercial vehicle lineup and the Telluride continuing as a competitive midsize SUV option, Kia is well-positioned for continued growth across diverse segments.
