The Kia EV5 was exactly what I expected from an electric SUV, and then some

Introduction

Mid-size electric SUVs are decidedly plentiful right now, with the likes of the Tesla Model Y, Skoda Enyaq or the Renault Scenic E-Tech being just a few highlights that spring to mind. Now, there’s this, the Kia EV5. If you’re a Kia convert and have loved the Sportage up until this point, the EV5 is an ideal move electric that packs comparable dimensions and lots of similarly practical appeal.

I just got to try all three of the models available for the UK market, from the cheapest Kia EV5 Air through the Kia EV5 GT-Line and Kia EV5 GT-Line S range-topper, which was finished in delicious Iceberg Green as a £675 extra – ouch. The trio of trim options all came with a sizable 81.4kWh battery and were single motor, front-wheel drive cars. Of the three, I was left feeling like I’d go for the plush Kia EV5 GT-Line S.

Folks on a budget will be perfectly fine heading in the direction of the EV5 Air, which comes with fewer fancy toys but packs styling touches that don’t give the lower price away. There’s no panoramic sunroof or heat pump and 18 rather than 19in alloys, but if the look of the EV5 appeals, it’s fine and it even offers a few miles more range. Better still, it is priced from £39,295 as opposed to the £47,145 of the admittedly very nice GT-Line S.

The styling

I have to say I love the current design vibe going on at Kia, with all the latest models having a continuous theme linking them together. While some have suggested the Kia EV5 looks a little innocuous alongside many other rivals in this crowded mid-size electric SUV market, I think it’s got more than enough going on to make a style statement.

Take the rear end, for example, which is temptingly simple in its execution, but the minimalist feel really works, as does the neat way the body line bulges out (or narrows in?) where the tailgate meets the rear glass. The black plastic around the rear number plate looks less good, but overall, I’m a big fan of the styling going on here.

It’s the same at the front, with the blocky angles and crisp LED headlight units combining to produce a look that instantly tells you it’s a Kia. Along the sides, the body colour, with its recessed flip-out doorhandles to boot, was nicely contrasted by black plastic sills, which are, well, very glossy. On that point, I did wonder how well they’d fend off scuffs and scratches over the lifetime of the car.

In fact, there was quite a lot of shiny black plastic in evidence, and this was especially noticeable over the wheel arches, which helped showcase the snazzy alloys to great effect. This dark and brooding feel extends to the interior, which was borderline gloomy on cars without the brighter trim highlights. Nevertheless, the layout is undeniably practical and perfectly styled to match the type of folks who’ll buy this SUV.

There’s the usual Korean thoughtfulness too, from seat and heated steering wheel controls in the top of the driver’s door panel through to a 3-pin power socket for making a brew when parked up. Don’t forget your kettle.

The drive

All in, I did several hours behind the wheel of the single-motor, front-wheel drive Kia EV5 and, to be honest, found nothing much to grumble about. I had a little issue getting the cabin temperature right on my first journey, but after that the EV5 did everything I asked of it.

The cockpit layout was familiar territory to me having driven other models in the current Kia EV range. It’s powered up and the drive mode is selected using a stalk on the left of the steering column. Meanwhile, the dashboard array featured familiar graphics and icons, all of which have been very nicely designed and laid out. It’s sensible rather than sensational and perfect for me.

This is a much more manageable SUV to drive than the loftier Kia EV9, which does sometimes feel just a little too bulky when being threaded through narrow village roads. The EV5 is chunky, but I was pleased at just how good it was squeezing through small gaps with parked cars and other obstacles to dodge. The same goes for parking, with the usual very impressive rear-view camera helping keep stress levels to a minimum.

Granted, the Kia EV5 isn’t the most dazzling of things to drive, but it’s dependable. There are Normal, Eco, Sport and Snow modes, so something for all occasions, plus a MyDrive option for personalisation. Kia reckons 3.5kW per mile is the efficiency on offer and I found that to be close enough to the mark with average driving. The EV5 is fast enough for zipping out in gaps in the traffic and at roundabouts, and motors along nicely on dual carriageways. I thought it was also very quiet with little in the way of noise coming from the 19in wheel and tyre setup. The door mirrors are quite big too, and there was nothing much from those either.

The technology

Being behind the wheel of the GT-Line S meant that my test car came fully loaded with everything. As mentioned, many of the features and functions were presented in a familiar way as Kia has standardised the look and feel of its cockpit setup. I love this kind of consistency, and it worked to great effect in the EV5. Right in front of me was the 3-spoke steering wheel, which not only looks good but comes armed with everyday control options that landed right at my fingertips.

The centre of the dash was dominated by the 12.3in touchscreen display, which once I’d wirelessly connected to Apple CarPlay (there’s wireless Android Auto too) showcased my journey map in glorious colour. I also liked the wireless charging pad that nestles down in the centre storage area, plus there were also USB-C ports front and rear for easy cable charging.

My GT-Line S model benefitted from a neat head-up display, which was handy for quick glance map directions on the go, although it can be customised to suit your own preferences in terms of what gets shown. There were plenty of additional treats to be had in the higher trim line, with ambient lighting and an impressive, eight speaker Harmon Kardon audio system being two of the highlights. Kia always tows a practical line though, so climate controls can be quickly tweaked using chunky tabs underneath the screen.

Anyone wanting driver assistance options will be well pleased with the Kia EV5 too. My car had a full suite of tools on hand, with all manner of collision avoidance controls and a 360-degree surround view. Some of the more regularly used options, such as intelligent speed limit assist and lane keep assist can be easily switched on and off too, using a long press on the steering wheel icon to activate the latter, for example. As with most things that arrive from Korea, I was pleased with how everything just, er, worked.

Kia EV5 verdict

I was hugely impressed with the Kia EV5 GT-Line S model – but having driven the other two trim options in the range, I’d say any of them fit the bill. This is a very practical mid-size SUV that will be perfect for anyone wanting to make the move over from something like the Kia Sportage.

There is solid range, reasonable charging speed and tons of practicality. Indeed, the cabin and boot space are excellent. Combined with the chunky looks and very acceptable drive appeal, the Kia EV5 comes highly recommended.

Kia EV5 technical specifications