New Kia EV5 delivers SUV practicality in an all-electric package

If Kia’s aim is to broaden the appeal of an EV to the maximum number of people, a model range that offers an electric alternative to the most popular segment of the market is essential. Electric city cars are relatively simple and affordable, electric hypercars are stupidly quick and a lot less affordable, and for most of us, neither fits the bill. Instead, our roads are filled with the mid-size SUVs that offer the comfort, practicality, and versatility that makes family life just a little easier. And that is exactly where the new Kia EV5 has landed.

The brand-new EV5 introduces family-oriented versatility to Kia’s line-up, combining SUV practicality with the latest technology to create a car tailored to the lifestyle of younger families, in an all-electric package.

Kia EV5 - key component of Kia electrification strategy

As an important addition to Kia’s electrification strategy, the EV5's launch marks a key milestone in expanding consumer choice for dedicated EVs across every segment of the UK market. Kia’s plan to develop a wide-ranging EV line-up is currently being led by award-winning models such as the EV6, EV9 and EV3. The new EV5 puts Kia at the heart of arguably the most important segment of all, the family SUV.

Built on Kia’s dedicated E-GMP EV platform, the new EV5 is designed to offer an all-electric competitor to the current crop of SUVs on the market.

EV range of the new Kia EV5

Fitted with an 81.4kWh battery mounted low within the floor and a 214bhp front-mounted electric motor, the Kia EV5 delivers responsive handling with a sense of stability that comes from enjoying a lower centre of gravity than a traditionally powered SUV. Despite its apparently rugged bulk, the electric powertrain is still capable of powering the EV5 to 62mph in around 8.5 seconds.

In terms of charging, the 400v architecture means you can top up the battery from 10-80% in just 30mins (as long as you’re using a 150kW charger), while regenerative braking and one-pedal driving ensure efficiency is maximised, as well as making long-distance driving a bit more relaxed. Depending on your chosen trim level and wheel size, a full charge will give you a range of well over 300 miles, providing the confidence and convenience required for both daily use and long-distance journeys.

Following Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy, the brand-new EV5 also boasts a confident road presence.

The assertive style and balanced proportions complement the spacious and practical feel perfectly. Its wide front and muscular bonnet give it the necessarily rugged SUV look, enhanced by the ‘Star Map’ daytime running lights that flash around the EV5’s square wings and sculpted wheel arches like LED lightning bolts. Rugged bumpers and a broad skid plate add to the SUV appeal, while subtle design cues and trim details accentuate its sporty and premium feel.

Kia has also given the new EV5 the SUV’s traditional boxy silhouette that maximises rear-seat visibility and highlights just how much stuff you can cram into its generous load space. At the rear, a wide tailgate housing the vertically extended rear lights completes the design, as well as offering easy access to the back of the car. Depending on your trim level preference, the whole package is grounded with suitably SUV-like 18-inch or 19-inch alloy wheels.

Exterior practicality of the EV5 carried through to interior

It’s a similarly practical and well-designed story on the inside too.

The EV5’s spacious interior features premium comfort, flexible storage, and the latest technology. A three-zone climate control system allows rear passengers to adjust temperature settings individually, the wide centre console features a clever sliding tray that extends into the second row to provide an additional surface when needed, and of course, the rear seats fold flat for those occasions when you really do need a lot of cargo space.

The airy interior is equipped with cutting-edge infotainment and connectivity features designed for your convenience. At its heart is the panoramic wide display, combining a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, and a five-inch climate control display that stretch seamlessly across the dashboard. Premium features include wireless phone charging, customisable ambient lighting, reclining and massaging relaxation seats, and a Harman Kardon sound system, and a head-up display.

Lease a brand new Kia EV5 now

The brand-new Kia EV5 is available to lease now, with first deliveries expected to start reaching customers over the next month or so. The new range follows a familiarly simple path to the rest of Kia’s models, offering a straightforward choice between either ‘Air’, ‘GT-Line’, or ‘GT-Line S’ trim level, and five exterior colour options.