Shocking Upset: 2024 Toyota Prius Wins World Car Design of the Year; Hyundai Ioniq 5 N Takes Performance Category
In 2024, the Toyota Prius won the 2024 World Car Design of the Year award, beating out 70 other entries including the Ford Bronco and Ferrari Purosangue. This was a major surprise as the Prius has been around for over two decades and many thought it would never be able to compete with newer models. However, its unique design and hybrid technology made it stand out in a crowded market.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N emerged victorious among 16 performance cars in 2023, beating the likes of the M2 and XM to claim the title. This was a significant achievement for Hyundai as they have been known more for their electric vehicles than their high-performance cars. The Ioniq 5 N’s sleek design and powerful engine impressed even some of the most discerning critics in the industry.
In the electric vehicle category, Kia made a strong comeback in 2024 with the new EV9 winning both the World Car of the Year and World Electric Vehicle titles. This was a big win for Kia as they had not won any awards since their multiple wins at WCOTY in 2020. The EV9 beat out competitors like BYD Seal and Volvo EX30 to win these prestigious awards thanks to its innovative technology and stylish design.
In addition to these wins, Hyundai also had success in 2023 with their Ioniq 6 winning all three categories: World Car of