Overview
The Kia EV5 marks a major step forward in the mid-sized electric SUV market, positioning itself as a zero-emission alternative to the brand's incredibly popular Sportage. Built upon the scalable Hyundai Motor Group E-GMP dedicated electric architecture, it goes head-to-head with established family haulers like the Skoda Enyaq and the Tesla Model Y. Measuring 4,610mm long, it provides a highly practical, family-focused package that brings the bold design language of Kia's larger flagship models down to a highly competitive price point.
Design
Using to the Opposites United styling, the EV5 resembles a scaled-down version of the larger EV9, presenting an imposing, upright silhouette characterised by sharp lines and polygonal surfacing. The front section is dominated by the latest Digital Tiger Face grille, integrated with intricate Star Map LED daytime running lights that create a striking signature. Flush-fitting door handles clean up the side profile, while a high shoulder line sweeps back to meet a blocky end. The rear features a thin, wrap-around LED lightbar and a sculpted roof spoiler hiding the rear wiper for an aerodynamic, high-tech aesthetic.
Interior
The cabin focuses heavily on creating an open, airy ambience, using a flat floor to maximize passenger legroom. The dashboard is dominated by a triple-screen layout that merges a 12.3-inch digital driver display, a 5.3-inch climate control touchscreen, and a 12.3-inch central infotainment navigation touchscreen into a single panoramic frame. Moving the gear selector to the steering column opens up significant room between the front seats. While entry-level trims feature durable black cloth upholstery, higher trims benefit from premium artificial leather. Touch-sensitive shortcuts are located below the displays for quick access, though physical toggles remain for primary climate control.
Performance & Powertrains
Every variant in the line-up comes with the same long-range 81kWh battery. FWD models utilize a 160kW electric motor delivering 214bhp and 295Nm of torque, managing the 0-62mph sprint in 8.4 seconds with a top speed capped at 102mph. The FWD Air trim achieves the maximum range of 329 miles on a single charge. The AWD GT-Line and GT-Line S variants introduce a secondary 35kW rear induction motor to boost combined outputs to 261bhp and 385Nm, reducing the 0-62mph time to 7.3 seconds while returning a range of 305 miles. Unlike the 800V architecture of the larger EV6, the EV5 runs a 400V electrical system. This configuration limits peak DC fast-charging speeds to 150kW, taking 30 minutes to replenish the battery from 10 to 80%. The suspension setup is tuned to favor ride comfort on tarmac, absorbing bumps smoothly at the expense of high-speed cornering agility.
Practicality
Thanks to its dedicated EV architecture and long 2,750mm wheelbase, cabin space is exceptional, particularly in the rear where passengers get 990mm of legroom. The boot provides 566 litres of luggage space with the rear seats upright, expanding to 1,650 litres when the 60:40 split rear seats are folded flat to create a two-metre long loading floor. Up front, all FWD variants benefit from a 44-litre under-bonnet frunk which serves as the ideal storage area for charging cables.
Buying
The UK model range is structured into 3 straightforward trim choices. Air is priced from £39,295, including 18-inch alloy wheels, twin 12.3-inch displays, a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, and adaptive cruise control. GT-Line, which is priced from £42,595, adds 19-inch alloy wheels, a sports body kit, faux-leather upholstery, wireless phone charging, and a powered tailgate. GT-Line S is priced from £47,095, adding premium features such as a 360-degree parking camera, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and a premium audio system. The EV Hub Recommended Configuration is the GT-Line FWD. This the sweet spot in the line-up. It adds the essential comforts, such as artificial leather seating and wireless phone charging, that elevate the cabin experience, while avoiding the higher price and slight range drop with the top-tier AWD variants.