Review 2025

Kia EV5 Test – Our Honest Review

We have driven the Kia EV5 and share our impressions. Read about the driving experience, real-world range, comfort, and whether this electric SUV is worth the money. An honest review without filters.

First Impression – Design and Quality

The Kia EV5 impresses from the very first glance. The sculpted body with the Tiger Face front and Star Map LED light signatures give the car a modern and premium feel. Build quality is consistently high – the doors close with a solid feel and the material choices in the cabin are a step up from what you'd expect in this price range.

Exterior – does it look good in real life?

Yes, definitely. The Kia EV5 looks better in real life than in pictures. The proportions are balanced, bold but not overdone. Paint quality is even and details like the hidden door handles give a premium feel. The size is just right – large enough to feel secure on the highway, but not so large that parking becomes a problem.

Interior – materials and feel

The interior is the EV5's strongest card. Three screens – 12.3" instrument panel, 12.3" infotainment and 5.3" climate panel – give a tech-forward feel. The materials are a blend of soft surfaces, durable materials and carefully crafted seams. GT-Line with massage seats and Harman Kardon sound feels almost luxurious. The steering wheel feel and pedal placement are excellent.

Kia EV5 test – interior and materials

Driving Experience

The Kia EV5 drives like a proper premium SUV. The suspension is comfort-oriented but not harsh – it handles road imperfections elegantly without feeling floaty. The steering feel is precise and well-weighted. Regenerative braking is adjusted smoothly via paddles behind the steering wheel, and in max mode you can drive with just one pedal in most situations.

Comfort and Suspension

The EV5's suspension absorbs road surfaces in an impressive way. Both on rough asphalt and uneven country roads the car feels stable and comfortable. The noise level in the cabin is low – wind noise only becomes noticeable above 120 km/h. The rear seat is spacious with a flat floor and good legroom.

AWD vs RWD – the difference in practice

The FWD version is entirely sufficient for most people. It is fast, nimble and has a longer range. AWD feels noticeably more powerful during acceleration and provides better grip in corners and on slippery road conditions. For those who drive in wintry conditions or tow a trailer, AWD is worth the extra cost.

Kia EV5 test – driving experience

Real-World Range

WLTP states 530 km, but what does the EV5 deliver in real-world driving?

Summer vs winter range

In summer with mixed driving we measured approximately 450–480 km on a full charge. In winter (around -5 degrees) range dropped to approximately 350–380 km – a reduction of about 25%, which is normal for electric vehicles. With cabin preheating while the car is connected to the charger you can reduce the loss.

Consumption on motorway vs city

City driving: approximately 14–16 kWh/100 km. Motorway (110 km/h): approximately 20–22 kWh/100 km. Mixed driving: approximately 17–18 kWh/100 km. The EV5 is more efficient than many competitors thanks to the aerodynamic design.

Kia EV5 real-world range

Charging in Practice

Home charging with an 11 kW wallbox worked flawlessly – from 20% to full in approximately 5 hours. Fast charging at Ionity (350 kW) went from 10 to 80% in 28 minutes, close to Kia's promised 27 minutes. Even at charging stations with lower power (50–100 kW) the EV5 was stable and reliable. The charging curve is smooth and does not drop dramatically at higher SOC.

Technology and Infotainment

The Kia EV5's infotainment system is responsive and easy to use. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work stably. The navigation's route planning including charging stops is usable but not as sophisticated as Tesla's. The AR Head-Up Display on GT-Line is fantastic – the projection on the windshield is sharp and easy to read.

Cargo Space and Practicality

566 liters is generous for an SUV of this size. We fit two large suitcases, a stroller and daily shopping without a problem. The 44 liter frunk is perfect for charging cables. The load sill is low and the opening wide – practical for heavy items.

Safety – Test Results

The Kia EV5 is expected to receive 5 stars in Euro NCAP. It is equipped with Highway Driving Assist 2, Forward Collision Avoidance, blind spot warning with auto-braking and a 360-degree camera. The systems worked reliably in our test without false alarms.

Ratings and Conclusion

Design9/10
Range8/10
Comfort9/10
Value/Performance8/10
Technology9/10
Total8.6/10
Who is the EV5 suited for?

The Kia EV5 is perfect for families looking for a spacious, tech-rich and value-priced electric SUV. It suits both daily commuting and longer trips thanks to good range and fast charging. Want a premium electric car without paying a premium price? Then the EV5 is your choice.

+ Advantages
  • Excellent build quality and design
  • Spacious interior with flat floor
  • Fast charging up to 350 kW DC
  • 7 year warranty
  • V2L and V2G-ready
- Disadvantages
  • Slightly higher price than Model Y
  • Infotainment navigation could be improved
  • Winter range drops ~25%

Common Questions

FAQ

Yes, the EV5 scores 8.6/10 in our test. It impresses with design, comfort, range and technology.

We measured 450–480 km in summer and 350–380 km in winter with mixed driving.

Absolutely. 566 L of cargo space, flat floor, spacious rear seat and advanced safety make it an excellent family car.

Fast charging 10-80% took 28 minutes at 350 kW. Home charging with an 11 kW wallbox takes ~5 hours from 20%.

For most people FWD is sufficient. AWD is recommended if you drive a lot in winter conditions or tow a trailer.

The EV5 has better build quality and V2L/V2G, while the Model Y has more cargo space and a slightly lower price.

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