The race to dominate the electric SUV market is heating up fast, and Kia is right in the thick of it, writes James Stinson
Kia’s electric onslaught shows no sign of slowing. Following on from the impressive EV6, EV9 and more recently the compact EV3, the EV5 slots into the middle of the range as a family-sized SUV aimed squarely at the heart of the market.
And it’s exactly the sort of car that should do well. Buyers can’t get enough of mid-sized SUVs and, increasingly, they want them powered by batteries rather than petrol or diesel. On paper at least, the EV5 looks like it ticks most of the right boxes.
Bold looks, mixed appeal
Visually, it leans heavily on the bold, upright styling first seen on the larger EV9. It’s boxy, angular and purposeful, with sharp lines and chunky proportions that give it real presence on the road. Whether you like the look is another matter. It’s certainly distinctive, though not especially elegant, and some of the detailing feels a little forced compared to sleeker rivals.
Clean cabin, not quite premium
Inside, Kia has opted for a modern, minimalist layout. There’s a wide digital display stretching across the dash, combining driver information with infotainment, and the overall look is clean and contemporary. Materials are generally good, if not quite as plush as you might expect for the money. There are a few harder plastics dotted around, particularly lower down, which slightly dent the premium feel Kia is clearly aiming for.
Space for family life
Space is one of the EV5’s strong suits. There’s plenty of room front and rear, with generous head and legroom making it well suited to family duties. The flat floor, a benefit of the dedicated electric platform, helps in the back where three passengers can sit without too much complaint. The boot is also a decent size, easily accommodating the weekly shop or a buggy, along with a small additional storage area under the bonnet for charging cables.
Easy-going on the road
On the road, the EV5 delivers the sort of driving experience we’ve come to expect from electric SUVs. It’s smooth, quiet and easy to drive, particularly around town where the instant response from the electric motor makes pulling into traffic effortless. It feels quite substantial though, and that weight becomes more noticeable on twisty roads where it lacks the agility of smaller EVs.
Ride comfort is generally good, especially at lower speeds where it soaks up bumps well. On faster roads, it can feel a little unsettled over rougher surfaces, and there’s some wind noise at motorway speeds that takes the edge off refinement. It’s competent rather than engaging, which is fine for most buyers but unlikely to excite keen drivers.
Performance and range
Performance is more than adequate. Even entry-level versions feel brisk thanks to that instant electric shove, while more powerful variants offer genuinely rapid acceleration. The trade-off, as ever, is efficiency. Official range figures are competitive, with some models capable of more than 300 miles on a charge – roughly where you want a car like this to be. In real-world driving, expect somewhere closer to 240 to 280 miles depending on conditions and driving style.
Charging considerations
Charging speeds are respectable without being class-leading. On a rapid charger, a 10 to 80 per cent top-up should take around half an hour, assuming you can find a suitably powerful unit. As with all electric cars, home charging remains the most convenient option if you have access to it.
Pricing and value
Where the EV5 is likely to divide opinion most is on value. Prices start from £39,345, rising well into the mid-£40,000s for higher-spec models. That puts it firmly in contention with a growing list of capable rivals, both electric and hybrid. It’s not outrageously expensive given the technology on offer, but neither is it the bargain some might expect from Kia.
The entry-level model is reasonably well equipped. Expect features such as alloy wheels, LED headlights, a large touchscreen with smartphone connectivity, climate control, adaptive cruise control and keyless entry as standard. Safety kit is comprehensive too, with the usual array of driver assistance systems included from the outset.
Step up the range and you’ll find bigger wheels, upgraded upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, a premium audio system and additional driver aids, along with cosmetic tweaks to lift the look.
Verdict: good, but under pressure
The EV5, then, is a solid and sensible addition to Kia’s expanding electric line-up. It’s practical, well-equipped and easy to live with, which will count for a lot with family buyers. But it’s not without its flaws. The driving experience is a little uninspiring, the interior falls just short of premium expectations and pricing nudges it into fiercely competitive territory.
In a market that’s improving at a frightening pace, being good might not quite be good enough.
