Kia EV5 [UK]
The Kia EV5 introduced exceptional versatility to Kia's SUV line-up, delivering a fully electric solution tailored to meet the diverse needs of today's buyers. Its launch marks a strategic milestone in Kia's mission to broaden access to dedicated electric vehicles.
The EV5 is a family-focused, five-seat, two-row SUV from Kia, further electrifying the UK's most popular and fiercely competitive C-SUV segment. With the Sportage and EV5 to be sold alongside each other, Kia now offers family SUVs with a choice of internal combustion engine (ICE), hybrid (HEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and electric (EV) power, giving the brand one of the largest powertrain choices in this segment of any car maker.
The new model plays a crucial part of Kia's 'Plan S' 2030 business strategy, driving Kia's transformation into a sustainable mobility solutions provider. The brand aims to have launched 15 EVs globally by 2030 (9 of which to be offered in the UK), and the EV5 is the latest Kia vehicle to wear the 'EVX' nomenclature, as the brand has already trademarked EV1 through to EV9.
Built on Kia's dedicated Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) architecture, the EV5 is designed to meet the exacting requirements of today's electric vehicle drivers. Equipped with a long-range 81.4kWh battery and 160kW (214bhp) front-mounted electric motor, it delivers a maximum WLTP range of up to 329 miles on a single charge, providing the confidence and convenience required for both daily use and long-distance journeys. Key technologies such as regenerative braking and fast-charging capability (10-to-80% in just 30 minutes) further enhance efficiency and usability in real-world conditions.
Kia's 'Opposites United' design philosophy bestows the EV5 with a confident, robust presence. Pairing assertive style with well-balanced proportions, its 4,610mm length and 1,875mm width deliver the spaciousness and practicality demanded by buyers without compromising on aesthetic appeal.
At the front, a wide nose and muscular bonnet project strength and stability, while the three-dimensional 'Star Map' daytime running lights and precision detailing introduce a new interpretation of Kia's digital tiger face - clean, high-tech and distinctive. Rugged bumpers and a broad skid plate emphasise its assertive stance, while subtle design cues such as the diagonal-pattern lower intake and body-coloured trim add a sporty, premium feel.
Viewed from the side, the EV5 presents a boxy yet dynamic silhouette that embodies a traditional SUV profile, reinterpreted for the electric era. Geometric surfacing and bold vertical lines create strong visual volume. Square wings, a prominent shoulder line, and sculpted wheel arches reinforce its futuristic SUV character. A rearward-shifted D-pillar maximises rear-seat visibility and draws attention to the generous cargo area. Unique 18- and 19-inch wheels highlight the 'Opposites United' design language through the interplay of rich volume and sharp, geometric patterns.
At the rear, a wide tailgate with clean surfacing and vertically extended rear lights anchor the design, balancing sophistication with strength. A solid, technical rear bumper visually grounds the design, completing its authentic SUV stance, ready for everyday life and outdoor adventures alike.
Inside, the EV5 is just as versatile, enabling occupants to make full use of its spacious interior through an array of premium comfort features, flexible storage solutions, intelligent conveniences and adaptable design.
The focus on comfort is complemented by thoughtfully designed amenities, including a wide centre console that is accessible to both front and rear passengers, featuring a sliding tray that extends into the second row to provide an additional surface when needed. When not in use, the second-row seats can be folded completely flat, to create a continuous, versatile luggage space that is ideal for everyday needs, outdoor activities, or even overnight holidays.
The EV5 introduces a suite of family friendly digital features that make every journey more enjoyable, engaging and reassuring. The spacious, light and well-ventilated interior is equipped with cutting-edge infotainment and connectivity features designed to enhance convenience and efficiency on every journey. At its heart is the panoramic wide display, which combines a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, and a 5.3-inch climate control display.
Kia's new unified Graphical User Interface (GUI) is integrated throughout the EV5's connected car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) infotainment system, ensuring a consistent look and feel across audio-visual, navigation, and telematics (AVNT) screens. Simple-to-navigate, intuitive menus improve access to EV-specific functions, enabling drivers to easily monitor range and charging status. A customisable head-up display, standard on the 'GT-Line S' version, further supports safe, distraction-free driving. The EV5's state-of-the-art technology is kept current through over-the-air updates, while the Kia Connect Store enables additional personalisation with downloadable features and services.
The seamless application of technology is not limited to infotainment alone, with the EV5 also boasting Kia's latest Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and a suite of active safety tools. Features such as Highway Driving Assist 2.0 (HDA 2.0), standard on all models, and Remote Smart Parking Assist 2.0 (RSPA 2.0) on the 'GT-Line S' version, help reduce driver workload in everyday situations, from lane changes to parking.
From behind the wheel, the EV5 delivers a responsive and confident driving experience. The battery is mounted low within the floor, contributing to a reduced centre of gravity that enhances stability and agility compared to traditional SUVs. Complementing this is Kia's new i-Pedal 3.0 system, which allows drivers to adjust the level of regenerative braking and enjoy smooth, intuitive one-pedal driving for greater control and comfort in daily use.
As an important addition to Kia's electrification strategy, the EV5 accelerates the brand's global transition to zero-emission mobility. Its launch marks a key milestone in expanding access to dedicated EVs. Kia has made public its plan to develop a wide-ranging EV line-up. Led by pioneering, award-winning models such as the EV3, EV4, EV6 and EV9, the brand's approach will see the introduction of strategically positioned vehicles like the EV5, to accelerate the widespread adoption of EVs.
While each model is created uniquely to meet specific and diverse customer needs, they share common elements such as the brand's innovative electric platform technology, 'Opposites United' design philosophy, and sustainable colour, material, and finish (CMF) strategy. The latter incorporates sustainability at scale through the development and application of 10 material solutions in the construction of each model, including bio plastic, bio paint and recycled carpet.
The EV5 is manufactured in Kia's homeland of Korea, with UK-bound cars produced in Kia's Autoland Gwangju plant in South Korea, in the same factory as EV3, EV6, EV9 and other popular models.
The Kia EV5 is built on Kia's all-electric E-GMP architecture and shaped by the brand's 'Opposites United' design philosophy. It introduces a new era of electric mobility with a distinctive and stylish SUV design to offer a practical and versatile interior space for five people.
Influenced by exterior design cues from Kia's other EV models, the EV5's bold, boxy presence is immediately obvious. A fraction longer, wider and taller than its ICE, HEV and PHEV counterpart, the Sportage, the EV5 retains the familiar practicality of a family SUV in an eye-catching, electric package.
At the front the EV5 retains the smooth, clean, Kia 'tiger face' design seen on EV3, EV6, EV9 and others, bolstered by 'Star Map' signature lighting. With these elements, the EV5 features a unique appearance and daytime running light pattern, differentiating it from Kia's other EVs. A wide nose with a bold bonnet indentation lends the EV5 an assertive presence, while a rugged front bumper completes the face of the car.
In side-profile, the EV9-esque styling elements are evident. The boxy silhouette and high roof combine to give the EV5 impressive levels of passenger space and head room. Squared-off front and rear wings lend the car a confident and rugged stance, whilst bespoke alloy wheel designs echo Kia's 'Opposites United' philosophy, providing a visual contrast of sharp patterns with geometric, unique graphics. At the back of the car the rear spoiler sweeps down over the rear window, improving the car's aerodynamics.
As with the front, the rear tailgate is clean and simple, bolstered by near-full-length 'Star Map' rear LED lights, unique in appearance to the EV5. The rear of the car is finished off with a lower skid plate, offering a practical and robust appearance, with a sleek, modern finish.
As with all previous Kia models, the EV5 'GT-Line' and 'GT-Line S' introduce more gloss black and sporty design cues, including more assertive front and rear bumpers, further boosting its 'GT'-inspired appeal. Wheel choices including 18-inch alloys for the 'Air' model and larger 19-inch wheels for the stylised 'GT-Line' and 'GT-Line S'.
Although a family SUV, Kia's designers have made a specific focus on aerodynamic efficiency. On the move, Active Air Flaps in the front bumper open and close automatically to optimise cooling efficiency and maximise aerodynamic performance. The EV5 also features a full body undercover, as well as wheel strakes and deflectors, to aid airflow. Wheel gaps have been reduced to aid airflow around the wheel arch and reduce drag, while the subtle rear boattail shape to the roof improves aerodynamics by reducing the size of the wake, and allows the EV5 to achieve a drag coefficient of 0.29Cd on the 'Air' model and 0.30Cd on 'GT-Line' and 'GT-Line S' versions.
The inside of the EV5 has been designed to accommodate the practical needs of busy lifestyles. The interior draws inspiration from the larger EV9, its relatively long wheelbase offering an extensive space for occupants to relax, akin to lounge-style seating. The second row of seats fold completely flat, maximising boot space and creating a generous loading area of up to two metres in length.
The dashboard has been designed in the now-familiar Kia fashion, taking elements first seen on the EV9, such as a blend of haptic and physical buttons for vehicle systems and HVAC, as well as a centralised volume dial and Kia's hidden air vent design seen on the EV3, EV9 and new Sportage. The EV5 also adopts a four-spoke steering wheel (three-spoke on 'GT-Line' and 'GT-Line S' variants), with an off-centre Kia logo on the wheel.
The cabin also accommodates the practical needs of active lifestyles. Organisational features and storage throughout the cabin make it ideal for both the city and outdoor activities, seamlessly adapting to urban life and excursions into nature.
The centre console contains a wireless phone charger on 'GT-Line' and 'GT-Line S' models, as well as two retractable cupholders. The front lip of the console features a fingerprint sensor on 'GT-Line S' and includes parking aids. Below the centre console is an expansive open storage area for larger items such as shopping bags, handbags, and large bottles.
The centre console offers a varying amount of storage space, totalling 16.5 litres. The upper tray, suitable for mobile phone and water bottle storage, offers 3.2 litres of storage space, the centre storage box 3.3 litres, the lower tray 5.8 litres and the sliding rear tray 4.2 litres. The second-row features climate controls on the back of the centre console for rear passengers on 'GT-Line' and 'GT-Line S' variants, along with a slide-out drawer for extra storage.
Eco-friendly interior materials include recycled PET (polyethylene terephthalate) for the seats and carpets; bio-PU (polyurethane) in the seats, centre console, and headrests; and BTX-free (benzene, toluene and xylene) paint on the doors, dashboard, and centre console.
The boot floor is adjustable up and down by 100mm, either maximising storage space or creating a flat loading lip. With all seats upright, the EV5's boot capacity is 566 litres, extending to 1,650 litres with the second row folded. For cable storage, the EV5 also has a 44-litre under-bonnet storage compartment (or 'frunk'). The boot offers an opening width of just over a metre, ideal for loading everything a family might need, such as prams and pushchairs, holiday luggage, or larger sports and hobby equipment.
For those that like to tow a trailer, the EV5 can haul a braked trailer of up to 1,200kg and features a maximum tow ball weight of 100kg.
The EV5 is available in choice of up to seven colours. White Pearl is the standard colour across the line-up, with Fusion Black, Gravity Grey, Lithium Silver, Magma Red, Frost Blue and Iceberg Green available at extra cost. Lithium Silver and Frost Blue are unique to the 'Air' variant, while Gravity Grey and Iceberg Green are only available with the 'GT-Line' and 'GT-Line S' models.
The EV5 is 1,875mm wide, 1,675mm high and 4,610mm long, with a 2,750mm wheelbase. Although sitting alongside the new Sportage in Kia's SUV line-up, the EV5 is 10mm wider, 70mm longer and 30mm taller than the Sportage, with a wheelbase 70mm longer than that of the Sportage.
Built on Kia's dedicated 400-volt Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the EV5 features a long-range 81.4kWh battery pack that achieves a balance of exceptional energy density, power, and greater longevity. This supplies power to a front-mounted 160kW (214bhp) electric motor, with all variants equipped with a single-speed transmission.
The EV5 offers a range of up to 329 miles when fully charged, according to World Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) standards. Its drag coefficient of 0.29Cd (0.30Cd on 'GT-Line' and 'GT-Line S' versions) helps to maximise efficiency. A 10-to-80% charge can be accomplished in as little as 30 minutes when plugged into a DC fast charger, and all EV5s feature an 11kW on-board charger that accepts both single-phase and triple-phase inputs. The charging door is located on the front driver's-side wing, improving accessibility and charging flexibility, while a visible charging status indicator aids convenience.
Its drive mode selector offers a choice of five different settings - Normal, Eco, Sport, MyDrive and Snow - which each subtly alter the driving experience. Furthermore, the amount of regenerative braking can be altered by the paddleshifters, with Kia's i-Pedal functionality or automatic function also present.
On 'GT-Line' and 'GT-Line S' versions, the EV5's exceptional EV capabilities can also extend beyond the vehicle, thanks to 3.6kVA Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality for indoor and outdoor use. Whether used to power electronic devices on a camping trip or maintain power to important domestic appliances during a power outage, the EV5's practicality and flexibility can assist users both inside and outside the car.
The EV5's ride and handling have been tuned to ensure comfort, control and compliance. The front suspension assembly includes an EV-specialised MacPherson strut design, with a multi-link set-up at the rear.
The EV5 will also be available in future with all-wheel drive power, as well as in a high-performance 'GT' edition, offering further performance features and an engaging driving experience. More information regarding the EV5 GT will be revealed later.
The EV5 range kicks off with the generously equipped 'Air' specification, with an 81.4kWh battery pack. Taking minutes to recharge from 10-to-80% using a 150kW DC charger or 1 hour 10 minutes with a 50kW DC 30 charger, if you plug in using an 11kW AC charger, it will replenish from 10-to-100% in 7 hours and 20 minutes. The maximum driving range for the 'Air' model is 329 miles from a single charge, with the 'Air' model capable of accelerating from 0-to-62mph in 8.4 seconds, on to a maximum speed of 102mph.
Both the EV5 'GT-Line' and 'GT-Line S' utilise the same battery pack as the 'Air' and have a driving range of up to 313 miles from a single charge. Charging times are the same as the 'Air', with an identical 0-to-62mph acceleration time of 8.4 seconds and the same maximum speed of 102mph. A heat pump is offered as an extra cost option on the 'GT-Line S' model, improving overall efficiency in sub-zero temperatures.
The Kia EV5 features several technological advancements to provide maximum convenience and connectivity in a spacious SUV body. When approaching the car, Kia's smartphone-based Digital Key provides simple access, vehicle start and remote-control functions. Access can be shared with up to 15 devices, including an Apple WatchTM, via the app. Digital Key comes as standard equipment on the 'GT-Line S' model.
On the move, Kia's customisable i-Pedal 3.0 regenerative braking system continues to set the standard. Controlled by two steering wheel-mounted paddles, the system offers four different levels of regenerative braking (off, 1, 2 and 3). With its 'i-Pedal' setting activated by a long pull of the left paddle, the regenerative braking system can also bring the car smoothly to a complete stop in each of its modes. The system is intended to improve passenger comfort and the ease of driving, while maximising range and efficiency by harvesting energy as the car slows down. The i-Pedal system also works in reverse for smooth, easy manoeuvring, while the EV5's i-Pedal memory function means the car reverts to the last-used setting on restarting. A long pull of the right paddle activates 'Auto' regenerative braking, giving the EV5 a total of nine different regenerative braking modes (off, 1, 2, 3; i-Pedal off, 1, 2, 3; and Auto).
The EV5 is equipped as standard with a wide variety of the brand's latest technological advancements. These include Kia's new connected car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC), spanning almost 30-inches combined across the dashboard and integrating dual 12.3-inch display and infotainment screens. This allows for wireless Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™, a range of on-demand features, and a smooth and refined user experience. The EV5's display also integrates an additional 5.3-inch climate control touchscreen, accompanied by physical rocker switches on the centre fascia to control heating and ventilation.
All versions from 'Air' to 'GT-Line S' have a feature-rich infotainment system that benefits from seamless smartphone integration with wireless Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™, as well as Bluetooth® pairing with music streaming. 'Air' and 'GT-Line' variants feature a six-speaker audio system as standard. Flagship 'GT-Line S' variants benefit from a powerful Harman Kardon® premium sound system, with eight speakers and a sub-woofer.
Over-the-air (OTA) update functionality allows customers to update their car remotely, without having to visit a dealership. Additionally, the innovative connectivity function also enables customers to take advantage of new display themes for the in-car infotainment system to further customise the vehicle.
In addition, cutting-edge entertainment packages take infotainment to the next level, offering a rich array of entertainment options, including YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, games and karaoke. With support for a wide range of content formats (such as 21:9 aspect ratio) for YouTube and Netflix, the system's display can be fully utilised for an immersive experience throughout the interior and will be continuously enhanced through the addition of more categorised content, such as streaming services, games, and news through an app store.
The EV5 integrates a Kia AI Assistant, powered by ChatGPT. Customers can use the AI chat assistant to interact with and control the vehicle's features directly and intuitively. The integration of generative AI also makes Kia's voice assistant even more capable. Generative AI comprehends complex contexts through natural language understanding, enabling it to converse naturally with users. Activated by saying "Hey Kia", the Artificial Intelligence assistant can support travel planning, suggest stop-off points and POI information, answer FAQs regarding the owner's manual, and can provide entertainment, such as music recommendations, voice games, jokes and trivia questions.
The EV5 is designed specifically to navigate cities, cross the continent, and make electrified mobility available to more customers. Versatile and practical, the model is also highly connected - the EV5 is one of the first Kia vehicles to integrate Google Points of Interest (POIs) into its navigation system.
For many, Google is the go-to method for looking up information about places, attractions, and sights. A POI can be any establishment with a name and location that is recognised by Google and is marked as a pin on the map, along with up-to-date information. The addition of Google POIs to the EV5 navigation system enables customers to access extensive POI details, including parking, opening hours, prices, busy periods, and much more, on top of getting an improved turn-by-turn route directly to the POI.
An important benefit of Google POIs is that real-time updates are made directly by users within the Google ecosystem, to continuously improve and enhance the quality of location information. This extends to including recent photos, menus, ratings, reviews, accessibility and more.
Cutting edge equipment at your fingertips
For a car designed to live up to the challenges of family life, the EV5 also comes fitted with a smart power tailgate on 'GT-Line' and 'GT-Line S' variants, making it easy to access the boot when your arms are full of shopping or carrying wriggling toddlers.
Also standard on the 'GT-Line S' version, Kia Digital Key harnesses the power of near-field communication, Bluetooth®, and ultra-wideband (UWB) technology to offer seamless access to the EV5 using any compatible smartphone that runs Apple Wallet, Samsung Wallet or Google Wallet. With the Kia Digital Key, your smartphone functions like a traditional key fob, allowing you to lock, unlock, and start your Kia when nearby. It even enables passive entry, so you can unlock and start your car without having to take your phone out of your pocket. You can also share your digital key remotely with up to three friends, work colleagues or valet parking staff, providing access levels that you choose and for how long.
Kia's cutting-edge Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM) is standard on the 'GT-Line S' variant, delivering a high-resolution video feed to the driver's instrument cluster when indicating, to eliminate blind-spots, expand visibility, and boost safety. When parking and performing low-speed manoeuvres, the driver can also activate the 360-degree surround view monitor, benefitting from additional peace of mind and boosting spatial awareness.
The Kia EV5 is the electric equivalent of the best-selling Sportage and comes comprehensively kitted out with safety equipment. Customers will benefit from an electric C-segment SUV that sets new standards for safety, convenience and driver experience. In line with Kia's passenger car line-up, the EV5 is equipped with the latest generation of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). This includes an assortment of cameras and radars to detect potential hazards and assist the driver with safer driving in real time, enhancing safety for all road users.
The EV5's comprehensive ADAS suite helps prevent and mitigate collisions using features such as Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist (BCA) and Safe Exit Warning, as well as Forward Collision Avoidance Assist 2.0 (FCA) that includes city, pedestrian, cyclist, junction turning and crossing functionality. It also offers convenience features that maintain lane positioning and safe distances, such as Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Following Assist (LFA), Highway Driving Assist 2.0 with hands-on detection (HDA), and Smart Cruise Control 2.0 with stop and go functionality.
Additional features, such as Blind Spot View Monitor (BVM) and a 360-degree Surround View Monitor (SVM) are included as standard on the 'GT-Line S' variant, along with front, side and rear parking sensors, Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Remote Smart Parking Assist 2.0, which allows the vehicle to move forwards or backwards using buttons on the key fob or through the Kia App, offering effortless parking in tight parking spaces with the driver outside of the vehicle. This function also offers parallel and perpendicular automated parking capabilities.
Kia's Direct Grip Detection System (HOD - Hands-On-Detection) senses contact between the steering wheel and the driver's hands to determine if they have control of the vehicle. The EV5 also comes with over-the-air (OTA) update capability to enable new features and improvements to be easily added without visiting a dealer.
Kia continually updates its safety offerings based on evolving regulations and customer feedback. For example, when European customers requested more dynamic acceleration in Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control, Kia engineers developed a more responsive version tailored to regional driving preferences.
As Kia's first fully electric C-segment SUV, the EV5's blend of practical technology, innovative design, and outstanding customer experience enables the vehicle to meet a diverse range of customer needs.
All EV5 models also come fitted with a range of standard security equipment, including a Thatcham Category two alarm system with immobiliser, door deadlocks, an interior door lock and unlock function, locking wheel nuts, and speed-sensing automatic door locking.
The new model also features a shortcut to mute the car's Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA) system. Instead of delving into the car's infotainment system and taking eyes off the road, drivers can instead push in and hold the volume dial on the steering wheel for three seconds. This enables drivers to quickly mute or un-mute the audible speed limit warning alert, while still displaying the current speed limit on the driver display.
The Kia EV5 has achieved the highest safety rating following extensive testing by Euro NCAP, the leading independent safety testing organisation in Europe. The fully electric SUV achieved the maximum five-star rating, further underlining the model's impressive safety credentials for European customers.
The EV5 was assessed in four categories and performed to a high standard throughout the process. It achieved 83% for adult occupant protection, 85% for child occupant protection, 74% for vulnerable road users, including pedestrians and cyclists, and 80% in the 'Safety Assist' category, which evaluates the availability and performance of advanced collision-avoidance technologies.
The EV5's safety rating is reinforced by its high-strength Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) and rigid body structure. Combined with a comprehensive suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), this reinforces the EV5's safety credentials out on the road.
