Kia EV5 Review 2025
Kia EV5 At A Glance
The EV9’s imposing styling has been shrunken to fit a more affordable package. Expect the slick, well-equipped interior to be spacious for five adults.
Too soon to know pricing, range and performance figures yet, although they’re all likely to be highly competitive.
Car manufacturers often refer to their most expensive products as ‘halo models’ — the idea being they attract the curious into showrooms who, after looking at them in wonder, settle for another model that's within their budget. This is most effective when the less costly car has obvious visual similarities to the pricier one, which could see the new Kia EV5 being especially popular.
That’s right, that the EV5 looks rather like an 80% scale version of the flagship Kia EV9 is wholly deliberate and not indicative of a paucity of ideas. Pleasingly, its sheer surfaced, angular bodywork still looks purposeful in this moderately sized form.
They also serve an additional purpose within the Korean brand’s expansive SUV line-up my giving the electric-only EV5 a distinct identity from that of the combustion-engined Kia Sportage. The battery powered newbie has very similar dimensions to its well-established and very popular sibling.
Not that the Kia EV5 will only have in-house competition in the family-friendly SUV market, particularly with a growing number of electric alternatives from a whole host of rivals. Among prestige models in Kia’s sights are the BMW iX1 and the similarly sharp-suited Volvo EX40.
Expect the EV5 to undercut those, but be under no illusions that it’ll be inexpensive — good value, yes, but cheap? No. We wouldn’t be surprised if the Kia feels like more car for your money than the Ford Explorer, although the recently facelifted Skoda Enyaq will likely prove to be a more spacious choice.
Underneath the Kia EV5’s perpendicular body is another iteration of the E-GMP platform that’s shared with others in the same manufacturing group including the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Genesis GV60. Of particular note with the EV5 is that two-wheel drive models have a front-mounted motor powering those wheels, rather than siting it under the boot to spin those at the rear.
This may well pay dividends by allowing Kia to maximise space in the back of the EV5 for people and luggage. All-wheel drive models do have a second motor at the back but far less powerful — and likely more space efficient — than the front one.
Front-wheel drive Kia EV5s are likely to boast an output of 218PS with AWD versions increasing that to 306PS. Performance figures and WLTP Combined cycle driving range figures will be published at a later date, but expect the Long Range 81kWh battery to enable both versions to comfortable cover in excess of 300 miles between recharges.
Its possible that Kia may also offer the entry-level EV5 with a Standard Range battery with a 58kWh capacity paired with the 218PS front-wheel drive motor arrangement. That should be more than sufficient for at least 250 miles of range.
A pair of 12.3-inch screens dominate the Kia EV5’s dashboard and while the sleek, minimalist look is very of the moment, the low tally of physical buttons is disappointing. At least there looks to be a toggle for adjusting the climate control temperature without flicking through a series of touchscreen menus.
It’s likely to have a spacious cabin for five people, although the curious front passenger seat with its elevated side extension forming what appears to be an armrest won’t be swapped over for right-hand drive versions of the EV5 sold in the UK.
Other features which are likely to be sold here, either as part of the trim level hierarchy or as extra cost options include a rear bench seat that can be folded flat to form what Kia calls a ‘camping seat’. When combined with the Multi Table luggage board which can be set in different heights and positions, you’ve got an impromptu indoor eating or working space.
If in-car dining particularly appeals then you may also be wowed by the Kia’s 4.0-litre food storage container. It’s a souped-up cool box, albeit on that can keep food chilled as low as 5 degrees Celsius or as warm as 55 — perfect for drives back home with a takeaway.
Orders for the Kia EV5 will open later in 2025 with first customer deliveries due before the end of the year.
Keep this page bookmarked to for updated news and details about this electric SUV ahead of our comprehensive Kia EV5 review being published in the second half of 2025.
