New KIA EV5 is More Than Just a Number.
New Kia EV5 is More Than Just a Number.
While the Kia Niro EV and Soul EV did signal Kia’s intention to showcase their electric mobility expertise in the last decade, it was really only in late 2021 when Kia launched the glorious EV6 that the car-buying public did sit up and take notice. The EV6 was followed by the mighty EV9 seven-seat SUV in late 2023, and the EV3 in late 2024, with the arrival of the EV4 Hatchback and Fastback in 2025. The new EV5 mid-size SUV has become the fifth model in Kia’s EV-specific model line-up, and the spacious five-seater fills the gap between the smaller EV3 and flagship EV9 in terms of size and price.
Three Trim Options.
The EV5 comes with a choice of three trim levels – Earth 2, Earth 3 and GT-Line – all of which are powered by a Long Range (81.4kWh) battery, allowing up to 530kms of WLTP range between top-ups. An outstanding array of comfort, convenience, safety, infotainment and driver assist systems come as standard across all trim grades, with an ascending tally of additional features making their way into mid-spec and top-spec models for an enhanced ownership experience. Recharging the battery in the EV5 is very straightforward, with the charging port located on the driver’s side front wing. With an effective max charging speed of 127kW, the EV5 can be charged from 10-80% at a fast charging point in 31 minutes, or via a domestic wall-box charger in around 7h 15m (10-100%).
Distinctive Style.
The EV5 shares some design elements with both the EV3 and EV9, and it adopts the brand’s “Opposites United” design philosophy with a “Digital Tiger Face” front fascia and “Star Map” signature vertical lighting at the front and rear of the car. Designed for modern families, the EV5 sits on Kia’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) with 400 V architecture, and it is a direct electric alternative to the hugely-popular Kia Sportage, with dimensions that are almost identical in every direction. With a slightly longer wheelbase than its Sportage sibling, interior space is optimised, whilst maintaining familiar proportions for mainstream SUV buyers.
Rugged, Off-Road Look.
At the front, the EV5 features a bold look that employs angular-shaped LED daytime running lights (DRLs) that flank the upper section of the front fascia and surround the LED headlights. A piano-black strip creates a visual connection between the top end of the DRLs, while the wrap-around bumper, and trapezoidal lower bumper element that houses the registration plate, completes the stylish front end. In profile, the EV5 boasts a boxy shape that typifies a rugged SUV, and its tall side panels feature sculptured elements on the doors, and front and rear wings. The dynamic shape continues at the rear, where a slightly raked-forward tailgate features a roof spoiler at the top, while the distinctive C-shaped taillights provide unmistakable visual drama.
Bright, Spacious & High-Tech Cabin.
Step inside the spacious cabin of the EV5 and it is clear to see that a lot of thought has been put into the look and feel of every one of the surfaces, with high quality materials used in all of the important areas. Thanks to the deep windows and large windscreen, all passengers can enjoy terrific visibility, and this is helped by a suite of parking sensors and cameras that help to guide the driver safely into, or out of, a parking space.
The dashboard features three displays: a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, a 5-inch touchscreen for the heating and ventilation controls, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Thankfully, there is a set of shortcut buttons below the centre screen, making it easier to adjust the heating and ventilation settings, while accessing the mapping for the navigation or the media system is a simple task, thanks to a single press of the interface. All trim versions feature vegan leather upholstery, with Earth 2 also incorporating cloth in the upholstery mix, and GT-Line featuring a two-tone colour scheme. A centre armrest with a storage console and retractable cup holders comes as standard across all trims, as does electric driver seat adjustment with lumbar support. With the intuitive Kia AI Assistant, just say “Hey Kia” to benefit from tips, directions and driving assistance from this smart in-car co-pilot. Additional standard features include a wireless smartphone charger, Digital Key 2.0 (which allows you to access and start your EV5 using your smartphone), over-the-air software updates, free 7-year Kia Connect Services, and a suite of advanced driver assistance and safety features, along with a host of comfort, convenience, connectivity and infotainment systems.
Practical Boot & Frunk Storage.
Space in the front of the EV5 is generous, with an abundance of headroom and legroom for the driver and front seat passenger. Similarly, rear seat occupants enjoy plenty of head room, with class-leading legroom that provides everyone with room to stretch out, relax and enjoy the ride. Rear passengers also benefit from reclining and heated seats, while the driver’s massage function and twin relaxation seats turn travel into a premium experience (trim dependent). Wrap-around ambient lighting flows across the dashboard and doors, and it adapts to drive modes, and even responds to alerts. The vegan leather seats are comfortable and deliver lots of support when cornering, and the mesh front headrests are extremely comfortable. Boot space measures in at a generous 566 litres when the rear seats are in their upright position, with up to 1650 litres available when the rear seats are folded to provide a flat floor. The boot also features a two-tier floor with over 140mm of flexibility, and there is a 44 litre storage compartment (known as a ‘frunk’) under the bonnet that is designed primarily to hold charging cables, a small bag or similar.
Test Car Details.
My test car was a Kia EV5 GT-line, which was finished in Fusion Black metallic paintwork and standard-fit 19-inch alloy wheels that fill-out the wheel arches perfectly. The electric motor produces 217PS and 295Nm of torque, and the car can complete a 0-100km/h sprint in 8.4 seconds, on its way to an electronically-limited top speed of 165 m/h (where permitted). The EV5 feels satisfyingly punchy from the off, so overtaking a slower road user, or getting up to motorway speed is child’s play. The car handles in a tidy, predictable manner, and its steering is naturally weighted and accurate, providing excellent feedback to the driver. The suspension is expertly tuned for family-friendly comfort, delivering a pliant ride quality that absorbs road imperfections with ease. This compliant set-up prioritises passenger comfort over sporty handling, making it ideal for long journeys with children onboard. The refined, smooth electric powertrain creates a genuinely relaxed driving experience, while minimal levels of road and wind noise contribute to a serene cabin environment that reduces driver fatigue on longer trips. Body roll is well-controlled in normal driving, and the weight of the battery pack is well disguised. The EV5’s brakes are smooth and progressive, and the car can come to a complete stop by selecting the steering wheel-mounted one-pedal regenerative braking function, which is especially useful around town. The driver’s seat is positioned high enough to remind you that you are in an SUV and not an elevated hatchback, and the electric adjustment that comes with it does mean that finding the perfect position is very much straightforward. The gear selector is conveniently located to the right-hand side of the steering wheel, and the stalk not only houses the Drive, Neutral, Reverse and Park functions, but it is also the location for the Start/Stop button. This is a really useful feature, and it takes no time at all to get used to. With its relatively tall side windows, and deep windscreen, the EV5 driver benefits from terrific visibility at junctions, and the likes. The EV5 stands out for its light and airy cabin, relatively low dashboard and minimalist, floor-mounted centre console.
Verdict & Price.
The new Kia EV5 is a well-rounded, practical mid-size electric SUV that addresses the real-world needs of family buyers, with the reassurance of a comprehensive 7-year/150,000km warranty for peace of mind motoring. The EV5’s exterior design is visually appealing, and its tech-laden cabin has a upmarket look and feel to it. There genuinely is so much to like about the new Kia EV5. Pricing starts from €47,625. The price of the car I tested is €54,000 (inclusive of VRT Relief and SEAI Grant, but excluding dealer delivery-related charges).
Visit www.kia.com for further information.
