Kia EV5: New compact electric SUV tested and analyzed

The Kia EV5 enters the compact electric SUV battle with its 4.61-meter length and design inspired by its larger EV9 sibling. Positioned as the electric heir to the successful Sportage, it prioritizes spaciousness and ride comfort over sportiness.

"The Kia Star Map, this luminous signature evoking constellations, gives the EV5 an almost aggressive futuristic character" — Auto Bild

Design that commands attention

At 4.61 meters long, the Kia EV5 sits right in the thick of the compact electric SUV competition. Its angular silhouette makes no secret of its lineage with the imposing EV9, adopting the aesthetic codes that drive the Korean brand's electric range success.

The luminous signature Kia calls Star Map makes an impression. These front and rear lights genuinely evoke constellations and give the SUV a futuristic presence that stands out from the usual restraint in this segment. The manufacturer clearly aims to break from a category where many models blur together.

Spaciousness—its real strength

The 2.75-meter wheelbase works wonders for interior space. Even tall passengers get genuine legroom in the rear—a decisive criterion for families. The boot delivers respectable volumes: 566 liters in standard configuration and up to 1,650 liters with seats folded flat.

Kia even goes so far as to promise a two-meter sleeping surface with seats flattened completely. An original idea that could appeal to wild camping enthusiasts or large families on the move.

The dashboard opts for a modern panoramic screen—very of-the-moment. Materials remain decent without reaching the more premium EV9 standard. A few hard plastics in the lower sections remind you of this model's price positioning.

Performance: measured but adequate

The front electric motor produces 160 kW—that's 218 horsepower. Enough to push the 2.1-tonne SUV from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.4 seconds. These figures land the EV5 squarely in the middle of its segment—no pretense to sportiness.

The driving philosophy clearly favors comfort over raw performance. Where the EV6 plays the sporty card, the EV5 behaves like a German "cruiser," absorbing road imperfections with serenity. Front-wheel traction shows its limits during hard acceleration, but overall behavior stays composed.

What about range?

Kia hasn't yet revealed official EV5 range figures. Early indications suggest a battery in line with other models in their lineup, but precise data remains pending WLTP homologation.

This silence on energy performance is surprising months before commercial launch. The manufacturer probably plans gradual characteristic reveals to maintain media attention.

The competition won't wait

The Tesla Model Y continues dominating the segment through volume and reputation. The Volkswagen ID.4 leans on German quality while the Hyundai Ioniq 5 stands out with ultra-fast charging technology.

Against these established references, the EV5 must win through value-for-money and its unapologetic family-focused approach. The success of the combustion Sportage proves Kia knows how to hit the mark in this category.

Its positioning between the EV3 and EV6 already in their lineup seems coherent. The real question: will customers follow this expanded electric range logic, or will the multiplication of models create confusion?

First deliveries are expected through 2026, with a starting price estimated around €53,000 according to preliminary figures. A price placing it face-to-face with the segment's premium references.

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