Medium-sized SUVs are huge sellers in all car markets across the world, so it’s no surprise that Kia has high hopes for the new EV5.
Effectively an electric alternative to the existing petrol-powered Kia Sportage, the EV5 arrives with the vital goal of helping the Korean car brand expand its dominance in the family-sized SUV segment.
It's never going to break the mould like Kia's previous EVs, but it's here so that Kia can sell huge numbers of them. We’re expecting it to come into its own as the market increasingly shifts toward electric powertrains.
The EV5 joins Kia’s electric line-up alongside the EV3, EV4 and EV6 crossovers, and the much larger, seven-seat EV9.
It faces significant competition from the Tesla Model Y, Skoda Enyaq, Volkswagen ID 4, and Hyundai Ioniq 5. Can it stand out and impress our experienced test team? Let’s find out.
The Kia EV5 has a design similar to the brand’s other electric cars, but there’s another reason why you might be feeling a sense of familiarity. It’s been on sale in China and other countries in the Asia-Pacific region for a few years, although with different batteries and powertrains.
The vehicle's aesthetic is built around Kia's well-established 'Opposites United' design language, which manifests in an abundance of sharp lines and geometric forms.
Although it introduces a fresh iteration of Kia’s 'Tiger Face' grille and slim LED headlamps, there is a growing impression of visual predictability, suggestive of a 'nesting doll' effect among the models.
Its design isn’t quite as bold as previous Kias, suggesting the brand may have aimed for broader appeal by reducing its distinctiveness.
While differences are visible when parked alongside its smaller and larger relatives, the car largely comes across as a mere scaled-down version of the EV9. This is slightly disappointing, especially given the brand's recent commitment to giving each of its models a unique character.
The EV5 sits on the entry-level version of the well-established E-GMP platform that underpins the Kia EV3 and EV4. Its architecture has been stretched to measure 4610mm long, 1875mm wide and 1675mm tall, making the EV5 marginally shorter than the Sportage.
The boot space is slightly reduced, measuring 550 litres compared to 591 litres. However, this loss is compensated by an additional 44-litre "frunk" (front trunk), which is ideal for storing the charging cable.
The EV5 uses an 81.4kWh battery and a front-mounted electric motor that delivers 214bhp and 218lb ft of torque. Dual-motor all-wheel-drive and GT variants, offering greater performance, will be introduced later.
The EV5's cabin immediately impresses with an unexpectedly low, SUV-defying driving position. The high shoulder line and long bonnet create a sense of being deeply nestled within the interior.
While this enhances the feeling of security, it regrettably complicates judging clearances in confined areas.
Although the driver benefits from ample seat adjustability - manual in Air trim, electric from GT-Line - and a fully adjustable steering wheel, the car still feels slightly unwieldy whether navigating urban streets or winding country roads.
As is typical of Kia, there’s a lot of interior technology. All cars get a 12.3-inch digital display behind the steering wheel, plus a 12.3-inch infotainment screen.
Both feature sharp, easily readable graphics. Positioned between these two main screens is a smaller 5.3-inch unit dedicated to the heating and ventilation system.
Crucially, a separate row of physical switches beneath this display allows for straightforward control of the temperature and fan speed.
The system is generally intuitive and functions well. However, the touch-sensitive shortcuts for functions like the sat-nav and home screen can be difficult to locate and use while driving.
Pairing a phone via Android Auto or Apple CarPlay is simple using the central touchscreen, though the latter's sidebar may be obscured by the steering wheel if the wheel is in a high position.
The rear of the vehicle offers a substantial amount of space, which will be appreciated by passengers, who can also make use of the USB-C charging ports conveniently located in the backs of the front seats.
For family life, the cabin is well-equipped with numerous storage bins. Furthermore, the 550-litre boot can be expanded to a substantial 1650 litres by folding the rear seats completely flat.
The EV5 offers a satisfactory driving experience, though it doesn't stand out significantly. One positive aspect is Kia's success in making the throttle and brake pedals feel highly intuitive for an electric vehicle; the latter smoothly combines friction and regenerative braking.
Furthermore, all EV5 models include steering-wheel-mounted paddles for adjusting the regenerative braking strength, a feature that notably enhances drivability.
The second-lowest setting provides deceleration off-throttle that mimics a combustion-engined SUV, which is ideal for higher speeds. Conversely, increasing the regeneration level helps reduce the need for braking when driving in urban areas.
The EV5's single front motor, producing 214bhp and 218lb ft of torque, comfortably propels the two-tonne SUV to motorway speeds. While acceleration diminishes beyond 100km/h (60mph), the official 0-62mph time is a respectable 8.4 seconds, and the top speed is 167km/h (104mph).
The power delivery from Kia's electric motor is smooth and quiet, offering all the real-world performance needed, even if it lacks the sheer power of some twin-motor rivals. It is a capable and refined cruiser at higher speeds.
The Kia EV5's confident handling mirrors the refinement of its powertrain. The suspension prioritises stability over absolute comfort, resulting in a sure-footed feel, particularly on winding or uneven roads, as the body roll is well-controlled.
Furthermore, the car effectively smooths out larger imperfections like potholes, and this capability remains even with the larger 19-inch alloy wheels fitted on the GT-Line and GT-Line S trim levels.
The EV5 is always secure, though it offers little dynamic reward. The steering is accurate and offers a small amount of feedback, but it's not enough to allow for natural mid-corner adjustments to the car's attitude. Its heavy weight and relatively slow gearing mean navigating tighter bends at speed requires a concerted effort.
According to official WLTP testing, the EV5 will do 529km (329 miles) between charges. Our Air test car reached 16.3kWh/100km (3.8mpkWh). Charging speeds reach a maximum of 150kW.
As an electric car, the EV5 is significantly more expensive than the similarly positioned (but combustion-engined) Sportage. It remains competitive against rivals such as the Tesla Model Y, Skoda Enyaq and Peugeot e-3008. That said, most Chinese rivals undercut it.
The EV5 is, ultimately, a merely decent car that fails to distinguish itself, a fact unlikely to deter its many prospective buyers.
Considering Kia's recent reputation for innovation, the EV5 is something of a letdown. It could have benefited from a more distinctive design or a more refined driving experience to truly stand out from its rivals.
Nevertheless, it occupies a competitive position in the electric SUV sector. Its performance is largely faultless, the interior is practical, and the technology is straightforward to use. While it may be unexciting, it is otherwise difficult to fault.
