The Kia EV5, Kia’s newest EV SUV, is a masterclass in blending family-friendly practicality, modern technology, and cutting-edge sustainability. It’s much more than a ‘smaller EV9’, it channels its bigger sibling’s boxy aesthetic while offering a condensed and approachable package. But does it live up to the hype as ‘the EV families have been waiting for’?
The EV5 stands out among the increasingly crowded EV SUV market with its square, utilitarian design, striking a balance between boldness and practicality. Sure it shares similarities with the EV9, but it slots perfectly between Kia’s familiar Sorento and Sportage SUVs in terms of size, making it an ideal fit for garages and urban environments.
Its dimensions (4.62m in length and 1.71m in height) are compact yet well thought out, maximizing interior space, as Kia has pushed the wheels to the far corners of the E-GMP platform, reducing overhangs and creating an impressive amount of room inside. This “squat and wide” stance not only improves interior spaciousness but also helps maintain a low centre of gravity, resulting in a stable and comfortable ride.
Additionally, the exterior lighting elements, like the slim LED DRLs, strip lighting, and the rear LED brake light integrated into a dramatic roof spoiler, add modern pizzazz to the boxy silhouette. The matte Iceberg Green colour showcased in our review model, exemplifies Kia’s growing commitment to unique, stylish finishes, though it leans towards a more blue-green, it definitely catches the eye.
The EV5’s interior stays true to its family SUV ethos, offering thoughtful touches and expanses of space, making it the ultimate “fit-everything” vehicle. For a mid-size SUV, there’s room for five adults with exceptional leg and headroom in both the front and back. The front seats come with an unusual ‘bench seat’ appearance (it’s not), while the rear comes with plenty of natural light, perfect at reducing motion sickness.
Cargo space is equally impressive, with 527 litres in the trunk and around 1,700 litres available when the rear seats are folded flat, ideal for a family camping trip or even an overnight “mobile home” experience (I kind of jest but it’s true). Additional perks include movable hooks in the trunk for securing shopping bags and removable inserts that allow for even more underfloor storage. Whether you’re packing groceries, sports gear, or suitcases, the EV5 ensures there’s a place for it.
The interior also houses practical innovations, like the aforementioned bench seat in the front on the higher GT model, which cleverly hides food storage compartments and a breakfast tray for the rear – although neither are available in the base “Light+” trim I had, it demonstrates Kia’s forward-thinking ingenuity.
One of the highlights of the EV5 is its sustainability-focused interior. Kia uses recycled plastics, composite leather, and even eucalyptus fibres in the headliner to reduce its environmental footprint. With this approach, you’re not just driving an EV, you’re stepping into a space thoughtfully designed with the planet in mind.
The Kia EV5 is packed with tech that’s both high-functioning and user-friendly, making it a hub for modern families. At the core is Kia’s latest panoramic infotainment system, featuring twin 12.3-inch screens that blend seamlessly into a single cohesive display, alongside a dedicated 5-inch climate control screen. The infotainment system is crisp, fast, and easy to use, making navigating EV-specific features like range, charging stations, and regenerative braking levels a breeze.
Key practical touches include multiple USB-C charging ports, a 12V socket, and well-designed cubbies for all those daily essentials. And if you’re the type to misplace your car key, you’ll be pleased to know it’s made from visually distinct recycled plastics, another sustainability win.
The driver’s cockpit also stands out, with a snug squarish steering wheel featuring easily accessible buttons for adaptive cruise control and audio functions. Paddle shifters for regenerative braking and a simple drive mode dial (Eco or Sport) further highlight Kia’s approach to a high-tech but easy-driving experience.
Available in two trims—“Light” and “Earth,” (there are some added extras with +) with an all-wheel-drive GT version coming soon, the Light + reviewed here features a front-wheel-drive setup powered by an 88.5 kWh battery. This provides a robust output of 160 kW (approximately 215 hp) and 310 Nm of torque. For everyday family use, that’s more than enough, with 0–100 km/h times that are respectable, if not earth-shattering.
Where the EV5 excels is range. Even in real-world conditions, it offers up to 525 km on a full charge, perfect for city commutes, road trips, and everything in between. Even after a week of driving, the car still offered over 240 km with 49% of its battery remaining, speaking volumes about its energy efficiency.
The EV5’s low centre of gravity (thanks to the ‘visible’ underfloor battery) and New Zealand- and Australia-specific suspension tuning result in a smooth and composed ride, whether on city streets, highways, or gravel roads. It handles corners well and feels stable in typical driving conditions.
However, a few quirks in the driving experience are worth noting. The steering, though responsive, occasionally provides more road feedback than necessary (even when there’s none there}, which might take some getting used to. Additionally, wheelspin in the wet when accelerating hard can be troublesome, though the car’s stability systems resolve these moments quickly. For most family drivers, these are minor complaints compared to the overall comfort and drivability the EV5 offers.
As expected, the Kia EV5 is loaded with safety features, though their execution might not suit every driver’s taste. The audible alerts for safety systems, though helpful, can feel a bit intrusive at times, especially since they tend to occur frequently and “nanny” the driver. Thankfully, these systems can be adjusted or disabled according to your preferences.
The Kia EV5 is the ultimate all-rounder for families, couples, and even young professionals looking for a spacious, tech-heavy SUV that doesn’t compromise on range. Its eco-conscious interior, impressive cargo space, and cutting-edge technology ensure it’s versatile enough to handle the chaos of family life or the demands of a business commuter.
Pros: Stylish, modern design with a bold boxy shape. Exceptional interior space and well-thought-out features. Environmentally sustainable materials throughout. Panoramic, intuitive infotainment system. Long range (up to 525 km). Smooth and comfortable ride on various surfaces.
Cons: Sensitive safety systems can be intrusive. Steering feel could be less creative. Occasional wheelspin in wet conditions. Beeping alerts may annoy some drivers.
The Kia EV5’s strong focus on space, practicality, and sustainability cements it as a frontrunner in the family EV market. While it has a few quirks, the overall package offers excellent range, clever design, and well-integrated tech for everyday usability. If you’re looking for an EV SUV that fits your family’s eco-conscious lifestyle and keeps daily life hassle-free, the Kia EV5 scores top marks.
