Kia EV5 Review Australia: Is This The Electric SUV We’ve Been Waiting For?

After spending time with the Kia EV5, here are the main things you need to know about this new electric SUV in Australia.

• The EV5 boasts a distinctive, angular exterior design and a futuristic, yet practical interior with good quality finishes.
• Pricing, particularly for the flagship GT-Line, is on the higher side, making it a significant investment compared to some rivals.
• Performance is adequate with a dual-motor AWD setup, but torque steer and tyre grip can be issues under hard acceleration.
• Real-world driving range is often less than claimed, and the DC fast charging speed is slower than many competitors.
• The cabin is spacious and comfortable, with clever seat features and ample boot space, making it a practical family vehicle.

Right off the bat, the Kia EV5 makes a statement. It’s not shy about its looks, that’s for sure. Kia has really leaned into a more angular, almost geometric design language with this one, and it definitely stands out in a car park. Think sharp creases, a fairly upright stance, and a front end that’s quite distinctive. It’s a bit of a departure from some of Kia’s softer designs, and honestly, it works. It’s a bold move that pays off, giving the EV5 a unique presence on the road. It’s a bit like looking at a modern sculpture, but one you can actually drive.

Step inside, and the futuristic vibe continues, but thankfully, it doesn’t sacrifice usability. Kia has managed to blend a clean, minimalist dashboard with plenty of tech. You’ve got your big screens, of course, but they’ve also kept some physical buttons, which is always a win in my book. The layout feels open and airy, and there’s a real sense of space. It’s the kind of interior that feels modern without being overwhelming, and that’s a tricky balance to strike. It’s designed to be a comfortable place to spend time, whether you’re commuting or on a longer trip.

Kia has clearly put some thought into the materials and the overall feel of the EV5’s cabin. You’ll find some nice textures and finishes throughout, which give it a more premium feel than you might expect for the price point. The ambient lighting is a nice touch too, adding a bit of mood to the interior, especially at night. It’s these little details that can really make a difference to the overall experience. It’s not just about getting from A to B; it’s about doing it in a bit of comfort and style. The attention to detail here is quite impressive, making the cabin feel more inviting and sophisticated. It’s a good place to be, whether you’re the driver or a passenger, and it certainly helps the EV5 feel like a more upscale electric vehicle than some of its rivals.

The Kia EV5 GT-Line packs a punch with its dual electric motor setup, providing all-wheel drive capability. The front axle gets a 160kW and 310Nm motor, while the rear gets a slightly less powerful 70kW and 170Nm unit. Together, they churn out a combined 230kW and a healthy 480Nm of torque. This setup runs through a single-speed reduction gear, making it pretty straightforward. It’s not about outright speed, but more about getting power down effectively.

Despite its considerable weight of around 2229kg, the EV5 GT-Line isn’t a slouch off the line. It can hit 100km/h in a respectable 6.3 seconds. This means freeway on-ramps and overtaking slower traffic are generally a breeze. You won’t feel like you’re lacking grunt when you need to get going quickly.

Now, here’s where things get a bit interesting. Because the front motor is significantly more powerful, the EV5 can feel quite front-driven. Under harder acceleration, especially in wet weather, those front Kumho Solus tyres can sometimes scrabble for grip. You might even notice a bit of old-school torque steer, which is a bit surprising given the GT-Line wears the widest tyres available on the EV5. It makes you wonder if swapping out the eco-focused rubber for something with more bite might be a smart move for some drivers. It’s worth considering if you plan on pushing the car a bit harder, or if you live in an area with unpredictable weather. For those looking at the standard range model, the Kia EV5 Air 2WD Standard Range offers a different take on efficiency.

While the EV5’s performance figures are adequate for most daily driving needs, the way power is delivered, particularly the tendency for the front wheels to scrabble under hard acceleration, suggests that outright dynamic prowess isn’t the primary focus. It prioritises smooth, predictable acceleration over sporty engagement.

When you’re looking at an electric SUV, range and how quickly you can top up the battery are pretty big deals, right? The Kia EV5 uses a lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack, which is a bit different from what you might find in some other EVs. This type of battery is generally cheaper and can handle being charged to 100% more often without fuss, which is handy for long trips. However, it does mean the battery is a bit heavier and not quite as energy-dense as some other chemistries.

The EV5 comes with an 88.1kWh battery (84kWh of which is usable). While LFP batteries are known for their durability and safety, they do have a trade-off in terms of weight and energy density. This means that even with a substantial battery, the claimed range isn’t exactly setting the world on fire.

Kia claims a WLTP range of up to 470km for the EV5. Now, that sounds okay on paper, but from what we’ve seen, you’ll likely be looking at less in the real world, especially if you’re doing a lot of highway driving or it’s a bit chilly outside. We found that the energy consumption could creep up, particularly when cruising at higher speeds. Expecting closer to 400km on a good day might be more realistic for many drivers. It’s definitely something to keep in mind if you’re planning long journeys regularly.

This is where the EV5’s 400-volt architecture shows its limitations. Unlike some other Kia EVs that use an 800-volt system, the EV5 is capped at a maximum DC fast-charging rate of 140kW. This means getting from 10% to 80% charge takes around 38 minutes. It’s not the slowest out there, but it’s certainly not the quickest either, especially when you compare it to some rivals that can charge significantly faster. On the upside, it does accept an 11kW AC charge, which is useful for overnight top-ups at home or at a public charger. Plus, the inclusion of Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability is a neat bonus, letting you power external devices.

While the LFP battery offers benefits like cost-effectiveness and better charge cycle longevity, its lower energy density and the vehicle’s 400V system mean that both the overall range and the DC fast-charging speeds are areas where the EV5 doesn’t quite lead the pack. For those who frequently undertake long road trips, this might require a bit more planning around charging stops compared to some competitors. You can find out more about EV charging options here.

Here’s a quick look at the charging specs:

• Battery Capacity: 88.1kWh (84kWh usable)
• Claimed Range (WLTP): Up to 470km
• Max DC Charging Rate: 140kW
• 10-80% DC Charge Time: Approx. 38 minutes
• Max AC Charging Rate: 11kW (3-phase)
• V2L Capability: Yes

The Kia EV5, particularly in its higher trims, leans towards a firm ride. While this helps keep body roll in check when you’re cornering, it can translate into a bit of harshness over rougher patches of road. It’s not jarring, mind you, but you’ll definitely feel the bumps more than you might in some softer-riding SUVs. On smoother surfaces, like a well-maintained highway, it settles down nicely, offering a quiet and composed experience. The double-glazed windows really do a good job of keeping the outside world out, making for a peaceful cabin, especially when you’re just cruising along. It’s a trade-off, I suppose – a bit more firmness for better handling, but it might not be everyone’s cup of tea.

Around town, the EV5 feels more manageable. The steering is light, which is a godsend when you’re trying to squeeze into tight parking spots or navigate busy suburban streets. Even though it’s a decent-sized SUV, it doesn’t feel overly cumbersome. On the highway, it’s stable and predictable. The power delivery is smooth, making it easy to merge into traffic or overtake slower vehicles. The dual electric motors provide instant torque, which is always a fun party trick. It’s a car that feels confident whether you’re stuck in city traffic or covering longer distances.

Kia has given the EV5 a few different levels of regenerative braking, including a one-pedal driving mode called ‘i-Pedal’. You can flick through these using the paddles on the steering wheel. What’s good to see is that the actual brake pedal feels pretty natural. Some electric cars can be a bit weird when you switch between regenerative braking and the regular brakes, but the EV5 does a decent job of blending them. It’s not perfect, but it’s certainly better than some others I’ve tried. You get used to it fairly quickly, and it helps you get the most out of the battery.

The EV5 is designed as a safe family transporter, and its weight contributes to that feeling of stability. The instant response from the electric motors is a definite plus, making city driving feel effortless. However, on longer, high-speed runs, the energy consumption can increase noticeably, meaning the claimed range might be a bit optimistic in real-world conditions.

Here’s a quick look at some of the driving characteristics:

• Ride Comfort: Firm, especially over rough surfaces, but composed on highways.
• Handling: Predictable and stable, with light steering for urban manoeuvrability.
• Regenerative Braking: Multiple modes available, including one-pedal driving, with a natural-feeling brake pedal.
• Noise Insulation: Excellent, thanks to features like double-glazed windows, making for a quiet cabin. This is something that Kia EV5 Earth AWD also boasts about.

Stepping inside the Kia EV5, you’re met with a cabin that feels surprisingly spacious and thoughtfully designed. It’s not just about looking good, though; Kia’s managed to pack in some genuinely practical features that make everyday life a bit easier.

One of the first things you’ll notice is the amount of room. Both front and rear passengers get a good deal of space, meaning longer trips shouldn’t feel cramped. Even taller folks should find plenty of head and legroom, which is always a win for family road trips or when you’ve got mates in the back. The rear seats, in particular, offer a decent amount of recline, letting you lean back and relax, especially if you’ve got the panoramic sunroof overhead.

Kia’s really pushed the boat out with some of the seat features. The GT-Line model, for instance, comes with massaging seats for the driver and front passenger – a nice touch that you don’t always see in this segment. But the real standout for practicality has to be the aeroplane-style tray table that folds out from behind the passenger seat. It’s perfect for snacks, a laptop, or just keeping the kids entertained. There’s also a clever compartment that can be used as a cooled or heated tray, which is pretty neat for keeping drinks at the right temperature.

When it comes to hauling stuff, the EV5 doesn’t disappoint. The boot offers a solid 513 litres of space, which is plenty for your weekly shopping or a couple of suitcases. What’s really smart is the double floor in the boot, which can be raised like shelves, making it easier to organise your gear. There’s also hidden storage underneath, along with moveable hooks and even a three-prong household outlet – handy for charging devices or even running a small appliance. The rear seats fold down in a 60/40 split, and the bases can slide forward, creating a completely flat load area of 1714 litres. If you’re looking for a practical electric SUV, the EV5 is definitely worth a look. You can even store charging cables and the tyre repair kit in the 67-litre ‘frunk’ since there’s no spare wheel.

The cabin feels like a good balance between futuristic design and everyday usability. It’s clear Kia thought about how people actually use their cars, not just how they look in photos. The inclusion of features like the cooled tray and the flexible boot setup really shows that.

Kia’s commitment to practicality extends to the smaller details, like the various USB-C ports scattered throughout the cabin and the well-placed cup holders. While the door bins could perhaps fit larger bottles, the overall impression is one of a well-thought-out interior designed for real-world use. You can find out more about the Kia EV5’s design philosophy on their website.

When it comes to keeping you and your passengers safe, the Kia EV5 doesn’t mess around. It’s been given a top-notch five-star ANCAP safety rating, which is pretty reassuring, especially considering the new, tougher testing standards they’re using these days. This means it’s one of the safer electric SUVs you can buy in Australia right now.

The EV5’s five-star ANCAP score is a big deal. It means it’s performed really well across a bunch of different crash tests and safety assessments. It’s good to know that Kia has put a lot of effort into making this car as safe as possible.

This car is packed with tech designed to help you out on the road. You’ve got the usual suspects like autonomous emergency braking (AEB) that can spot pedestrians and cyclists, and it even has junction assist to help you out when turning across traffic. There’s also active cruise control that keeps a set distance from the car in front, and lane departure warning with steering assist to help keep you in your lane. Blind-spot monitoring is there too, and the GT-Line even gets a live feed of your blind spot displayed on the instrument cluster, which is pretty neat. Parking collision avoidance assist is also standard on the top model.

Here’s a quick rundown of some key safety tech:

• Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection
• Lane Departure Warning with Steering Assist
• Blind Spot Monitoring
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert with Braking
• Active Cruise Control
• Parking Collision Avoidance Assist (GT-Line)
• 360-Degree 3D Surround View Camera (GT-Line)

It’s worth noting that some of these systems can be a bit insistent. The driver attention warning can be quite loud, and the speed sign recognition isn’t always spot on. You can switch them off, but you often have to do it each time you start the car, which can be a bit of a pain. Still, it’s better to have them and not need them, right?

While all these safety systems are fantastic, remember they’re there to assist you, not replace your own attention. Always keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel. It’s about working together with the car to stay safe.

Inside, the EV5 keeps you connected. You get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which is always a win. The GT-Line also throws in a wireless charging pad for your phone and a pretty decent eight-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. Voice activation and Bluetooth are standard, of course. For those who like to plan ahead, the Kia Connect app allows for some remote access features, though you’ll need to check your owner’s manual for the specifics on what’s available and how it all works. It’s all part of making the EV ownership experience a bit smoother and more convenient. You can find out more about the Kia EV5’s features on their website.

The Kia EV5 certainly makes a statement with its bold looks and practical interior, offering a comfortable and quiet ride. However, its price point, especially for the GT-Line, puts it in a tough spot against strong competition, including from China. While it has many good points, like its spacious cabin and clever features, the real-world range and charging speeds don’t quite match expectations for a vehicle in this class and price bracket. The Air Long Range might be the pick of the bunch if you’re looking for better value. It’s a good effort, but perhaps not the electric SUV everyone has been waiting for, especially when considering its cost and some of its performance limitations.

Kia claims around 470km to 500km on a full charge, depending on the model. But in real-world driving, especially on highways, you might find it’s closer to 400km. It uses a battery that’s good but not the absolute best for long distances.

It’s not the quickest charger. Using a fast DC charger, it takes about 38 minutes to get from 10% to 80% charge. This is a bit slow compared to some other electric cars out there.

It can be. The top-end GT-Line model costs over $70,000 before on-road costs, which is quite a bit. Cheaper versions are available, but even they are priced against some tough rivals.

It’s generally a comfortable cruiser, especially on smooth roads. The ride can feel a bit firm over bumps, and at higher speeds, it can feel a bit heavy. Steering is okay for city driving.

Yes, the inside is quite practical. There’s plenty of room for people in the front and back, and the seats have some neat tricks like reclining a lot. The boot is also a good size with clever storage options.

The EV5 has earned a five-star safety rating. It comes with a bunch of safety tech like automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and more to help keep you safe on the road.