Kia EV5 Review: A Practical Electric SUV That Excels for Families
Kia's new EV5 stands out as another electric highlight from the brand, delivering strong range, ample space, and high usability. This no-nonsense electric SUV effectively gets the job done, making it an ideal choice for families.
Design and Interior: Function Over Form
While the styling of the EV5 might be bold, it has become familiar, and the quirky interior no longer feels unconventional or particularly interesting. In the context of electric vehicles, where function often outweighs form, this approach is common. The EV5 excels in performing vital functions rather than evoking strong emotions, akin to the practical decision of buying a new dishwasher.
The interior is extremely easy to live with, though it can be a bit bland. It feels dark, especially in lower-spec versions, with little in the way of interesting aesthetics. However, clever use of its flat floor enhances practicality, offering neat storage solutions and a spacious cabin.
Performance and Features: Ticking All the Boxes
The EV5 drives as well as any current EV should, if not better. It is surprisingly quick off the line, with well-judged throttle and steering responses. The brakes are smooth, and the ride is soft, prioritizing comfort over sportiness. For families, this makes it an excellent workhorse.
Key features include a comfortable and spacious design, decent range with up to 329 WLTP miles in lower-spec models, and quick charging capabilities. With 150kW peak charging, it can go from 10% to 80% in just half an hour. The inclusion of physical controls and a starting price just under £40,000 adds to its appeal.
Space and Versatility: Excellent Boot Capacity
Think of the EV5 as the electric equivalent to the Kia Sportage, appealing to similar buyers with its size and improvements. The EV architecture provides a more versatile floorplan, resulting in more usable space. The boot is particularly impressive, offering 566 litres with seats up and 1,650 litres with them folded down. Additionally, a small front boot adds to its practicality, ticking another important box for EVs.
Efficiency and Safety: Strong Highlights
Efficiency is a strong point, with the EV5 achieving around 4 miles per kWh on mixed testing routes. The driving safety systems are refreshingly subtle, featuring shortcut buttons to turn off warnings, a feature that enhances user experience.
Trim Levels and Pricing: Considerations for Buyers
While the base model is competitively priced under £40,000, the car suits a bit of luxury. All versions share the same powertrain, but higher trims like the GT-Line S offer upgrades such as a head-up display, premium seats, remote parking, and vehicle-to-load functionality. However, the GT-Line S costs at least £47,000, which may feel pricey for some buyers.
Conclusion: A Well-Executed Electric SUV
In the end, choosing the EV5 comes down to personal preferences in styling and size requirements. With nearly all boxes ticked, it is a modernized, full-electric version of the popular Sportage, making it a strong contender in the small SUV market. As with many new Kias, the EV5 is really very good, offering little to dislike and plenty to appreciate for families seeking a reliable electric vehicle.
