Kia's remarkable winning streak in the electric vehicle arena shows no sign of slowing down. Following the EV9's World Car of the Year triumph in 2024 and the EV3's victory this year, the Korean brand has unveiled its latest contender: the Kia EV5. Positioned as a direct all-electric alternative to the hugely popular Kia Sportage, this new SUV blends the lessons learned from its siblings into what could be the most compelling model in the line-up for British families.
On the Road: Calm, Composed and Family-Friendly
Our first drive of the European-specification EV5 took place on the varied roads of California, providing a stern test of its suspension against potholes and at UK motorway speeds. The car is built on Kia's dedicated E-GMP platform and uses an 81.4kWh battery powering a front-mounted motor with 214bhp and 295Nm of torque. This delivers a 0-62mph time of 8.4 seconds, which translates to brisk, effortless performance perfectly suited to daily driving.
The driving experience is defined by its refinement and ease. The ride is soft and comfortable, making long journeys a breeze, while the handling remains tidy. Steering is light and accurate, and the cabin is exceptionally quiet. Kia's clever Smart Regeneration System Plus uses navigation data to automatically adjust braking, and the latest i-Pedal 3.0 mode allows for smooth one-pedal driving.
Officially, the maximum claimed range is up to 329 miles, with Kia's figures known for being realistic. In mixed driving, achieving 300 miles is plausible. Charging is solid, with a 150kW maximum DC charging speed enabling a 10-80% top-up in around 30 minutes.
Interior, Tech and Practicality: A Thoughtfully Designed Space
Step inside the EV5 and you're greeted by one of Kia's most impressive cabins to date. The dashboard is dominated by twin 12.3-inch screens, joined by a 5.3-inch climate control panel. While this panel's position can be slightly obscured by the steering wheel, the overall quality, material choice, and minimalist design feel premium.
Kia describes the environment as "lounge-like," and it's easy to see why. The seats are excellent, with higher trims offering heating, ventilation, and even massage functions. Space for five adults is generous, and storage solutions are abundant, including a 16-litre centre console and deep door bins.
Practicality is a major strength. The boot offers a substantial 566 litres of space, expanding to 1,650 litres with the seats folded, plus a 44-litre 'frunk' under the bonnet. Kia has even considered pet owners with a dedicated 'Pet Mode' to maintain cabin temperature when parked.
Price, Verdict and Key Rivals
The Kia EV5 arrives in the UK with a compelling price structure. The range starts at £39,295 for the Air model, rises to £42,595 for the GT-Line, and tops out at £47,095 for the fully-loaded GT-Line S. This undercuts key rivals like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Volkswagen ID.4, and Tesla Model Y, while including Kia's renowned seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty (with eight years for the battery).
After extensive testing, the EV5 emerges as a brilliantly executed, no-nonsense family electric SUV. It takes the core appeal of the best-selling Sportage – space, comfort, and value – and electrifies it with quiet competence, clever technology, and low running costs. While the smaller, longer-range EV3 is also superb, the EV5 is the model most likely to convince existing SUV owners to make the switch to electric. It is a car that doesn't shout about its abilities but simply gets on with the job, making it a very strong candidate to continue Kia's World Car of the Year success story.
