Electric vehicles steal the show at the Auto Trader New Car Awards 2023

Electric vehicles steal the show at the Auto Trader New Car Awards 2023

  • EVs dominate Auto Trader New Car Awards 2023
  • Kia EV6 wins New Car of the Year, Tesla Model 3 wins Best Car for Long Distances, and Tesla Model Y wins Best Car for Families
  • EV victories mark a milestone for public perception, showcasing the increasing popularity and acceptance of electric vehicles

THE AUTO TRADER NEW CAR AWARDS ARE BACK FOR THE SEVENTH YEAR

The Auto Trader New Car Awards are special because the winners are chosen by votes from real drivers who have bought and lived with these vehicles. Based on a survey of 220,000 people, these awards are a true mark of popularity and public consensus. 

Owners rated their cars on reliability, performance, appearance, and running costs. They also shared their overall satisfaction and likelihood of recommending their cars to others. 

This year marks a significant turning point in the trajectory of the awards. The 2023 ceremony has proudly recognised more electric winners than ever before. So, how well did EVs perform? 

NEW CAR OF THE YEAR – KIA EV6 

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The acclaimed all-electric Kia EV6 has taken the ultimate title of the evening. Seeing an EV in the top spot of a publicly decided poll is a significant milestone, and a true statement for the future of the automotive industry.

The Kia EV6 is built on the Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). Thanks to its modular base, it offers various powertrain options, including rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. With electric motors that can generate up to 576 horsepower, it can reach a top speed of 160 mph (257 km/h). 

The EV6 features a high-capacity battery pack, offering a range of up to 316 miles (508 km) on a single charge. As the EV6 supports ultra-fast charging, it can add approximately 70 miles (113 km) of range in just five minutes. 

Perhaps more astonishing is that both runners-up for the title are also EVs. The Hyundai IONIQ 5 Hatchback and the Ford Mustang MACH-E SUV narrowly missed out on the accolade. 

BEST CAR FOR LONG DISTANCES – TESLA MODEL 3 

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With constant conversations regarding range anxiety shrowding the reputation of EVs, the Tesla Model 3’s victory as the Best Car for Long Distances is a significant step.


The Model 3 features a high-capacity battery pack that provides an impressive range on a single charge. Depending on the model, it can go up to 353 miles without needing to recharge.

Tesla’s Superchargers can add around 170 miles of range in just 30 minutes. Additionally, the Model 3 is compatible with other charging networks, expanding options for charging on the go. 

With stats like those, it seems hardly surprising that the Model 3 has come out on top. However, the win signifies that, to the general public, EV charging is becoming at least as convenient as re-filling with petrol or diesel.

BEST CAR FOR FAMILIES – TESLA MODEL Y

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The Tesla Model Y is an all-electric compact SUV. Depending on the configuration, it can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds. The Model Y has a high-capacity battery pack that gives it a range of up to 326 miles on a single charge. Plus, it supports fast charging through Tesla’s Supercharger network. 

The Model Y prioritizes safety and driver-assistance technologies, which undoubtedly played a role in its success as the Best Car for Families. 

Tesla beat the Hyundai KONA SUV and the Mercedes Benz A Class Hatchback for the crown. This helps to prove that the advanced technology propelled by emobility is finding success amongst everyday drivers. 

ELECTRIC ON TOP

The Auto Trader New Car Awards saw many more winners, many of which were electric. 

Notably, the Hyundai IONIQ 6 was honoured with the Erin Baker Award. Best Home Charger went to myenergi, and the Hyundai IONIQ 5 took home the Most Loved Car award.

EVs dominated the awards, winning in multiple categories and marking a significant milestone in the general perception of EVs. These wins reflect the increasing popularity and acceptance of EVs among drivers. The success of emobility at the awards also signifies the increasing accessibility and availability of EV infrastructure, making electric cars a practical and logical choice for the future.

CHECK OUT THE FULL LIST OF WINNERS AND RUNNERS-UP:

New Car of the Year

Winner: Kia EV6

Runners-Up:

Hyundai IONIQ 5 

Ford Mustang MACH-E 

Best Car for Families

Winner: Tesla Model Y

Runners-Up:

Hyundai KONA

Mercedes Benz A Class Hatchback

Best Car for City Drivers

Winner: Nissan Leaf

Runners-Up:

Hyundai TUCSON

Vauxhall Corsa

Best Value New Car

Winner: Dacia Sandero Stepway

Runners-Up:

Dacia Duster

MG5 Estate

Best Car for Long Distances

Winner: Tesla Model 3

Runners-Up:

MG ZS

Skoda Kodiaq

Most Fun to Drive

Winner: Ford Mustang MACH-E

Runners-Up:

Porsche Macan

MINI Electric

Best Car for New Drivers

Winner: Renault Zoe

Runners-Up:

MINI Hatch 

Ford Puma

Best Car for Dog Owners

Winner: Toyota RAV4

Runners-Up:

Tesla Model Y

Hyundai TUCSON

Best 7 Seater

Winner: Peugeot 5008

Runners-Up:

Skoda Kodiaq

Land Rover Discovery

Best Car for Towing

Winner: Volvo V90 Cross Country

Runners-Up:

Volvo XC60

Volkswagen Tiguan

Most Loved Car

Winner: Hyundai IONIQ 5

Runners-Up:

Toyota C-HR

Jaguar I-PACE 

Best Hybrid Car

Winner: Honda CR-V

Runners-Up:

Toyota RAV4

Volvo XC40

Best Value Electric Car

Winner: Kia Soul

Runners-Up:

Fiat 500e

MINI Electric 

Best Premium Electric Car

Winner: BMW iX3

Runners-Up:

Jaguar I-PACE

Kia EV6 

Most Loved Brand

Winner: Porsche

Runners-Up:

MINI

BMW

Most Reliable Brand

Winner: Lexus

Runners-Up:

Honda

Toyota

Car Brand with Best Tech

Winner: Tesla

Runners-Up:

Mazda

BMW

Best Value Brand

Winner: Dacia

Runners-Up:

MG

Honda

Best Luxury Car

Winner: Bentley Bentayga

Runners-Up:

Audi RSQ8

Lamborghini Urus

Erin Baker Award

Hyundai IONIQ 6

Rory Reid Award

Porsche 911 GT3 RS

Sustainability Initiative Award

Winner: Citroen

Runners-Up:

Nissan

Polestar

Best Home Charger

Winner: myenergi

Runners-Up:

Ohme

Easee

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