Kia EV5 Review: The Electric Family SUV That Actually Makes Sense? Says Shahzad Sheikh
Kia’s EV5 arrives at an interesting moment in the automotive landscape, when the promise of electric cars is no longer enough on its own and what buyers really want is something that fits seamlessly into everyday life. In that sense, this car feels less like a bold experiment and more like a carefully considered answer, taking Kia’s best-selling formula — the Sportage — and reimagining it for the electric era. And if they’ve got this right, this could quietly become one of the most important EVs on sale today.
Although the name suggests it sits below the EV6, the reality is rather different. The EV6 may be longer and lower, with a sleeker, sportier silhouette, but the EV5 feels like the bigger, more substantial car, being taller, more upright and, crucially, more practical. This is very much the grown-up, family-first option in Kia’s electric line-up, the sort of car that prioritises usability over style-led compromises.
Visually, the EV5 leans heavily into that brief. There is no ambiguity here — this is a proper SUV, with a bluff front end, squared-off arches and a strong, upright stance that gives it real presence on the road. Kia describes the design as “Opposites United”, which might sound abstract, but in practice it simply means bold lines and a confident, chunky look. The latest iteration of Kia’s “digital tiger face” and distinctive LED lighting add a modern edge, while the overall shape remains reassuringly functional.
That sense of practicality continues inside. Thanks to its dedicated electric platform, the EV5 offers excellent space, particularly in the rear where the flat floor and generous legroom make it genuinely comfortable for passengers. The boot, too, is impressively sized at 566 litres, expanding to 1,650 litres with the seats folded, and there’s even a small front storage compartment — or “frunk” — for added convenience.
The cabin itself is a showcase of modern technology, though thankfully it avoids becoming overwhelming. A wide digital display stretches across the dashboard, combining twin 12.3-inch screens with a separate climate panel, giving nearly 30 inches of screen real estate, but crucially retaining physical controls where they matter. Features such as fingerprint recognition allow the car to tailor itself to different drivers, adjusting seating and settings automatically, while a built-in AI assistant and a host of connected services underline just how far cars have evolved into personal devices.
Out on the road, the EV5 reinforces its family-focused brief. With 214bhp driving the front wheels, performance is brisk rather than exciting, but more than sufficient for everyday driving. What stands out instead is the ease with which it goes about its business. The steering is light, visibility is good, and the overall refinement makes it a comfortable companion whether in town or on the motorway. Regenerative braking, including a full one-pedal mode, works well and can even help recover energy in urban driving, contributing to a claimed range of up to 313 miles.
It is not without its quirks. Some of the more advanced features, such as voice control and remote parking, can be inconsistent at times, and while the ride is generally composed, you are always aware of the car’s size and weight. Charging speeds, too, are competitive rather than class-leading.
Yet these feel like minor criticisms in the context of what the EV5 sets out to do. This is not a car chasing headlines or trying to reinvent the driving experience; instead, it is focused on delivering a practical, comfortable and well-equipped electric SUV that fits naturally into everyday life.
And in that respect, it succeeds.
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