ITS big squared off presence might make you think the design team left early on a Friday afternoon and didn’t round it off.
But it’s a Kia feature – take a look at the EV9 and there’s a distinct similarity. Eye catching it certainly is with its distinctive lighting up front.
EV5 is a family-orientated, five seat, two row SUV which gives them an even bigger presence in the C-SUV segment of the market. Similar in size to the very popular Sportage, Kia now offers family SUVs with a pick of internal combustion engine (ICE), hybrid (HEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and electric (EV) power – something for every taste.
It’s a fairly big beastie, measuring in at just over 4.6 metres – one wag referred to it as the President’s car, but it’s got a whole lot more going for it than the one that transports the Cheeto-hued one around. It’s also surprisingly easy to plop into a parking space – big door mirrors and a crystal clear rear view camera come to your aid.
All versions (there are three – Air, GT-Line and GT-Line S) are well equipped – another Kia trait that has lifted the Korean marque from the realm of worthy but somewhat dull runabouts years ago to modern day cars people actually want to buy for the virtues instilled in them.
On the road the ride quality is decent, the steering light and precise, and it’s able to smooth out the endless bumps in the road. The start button and gear selector are located on a stubby stalk on the steering column and are simplicity personified to master.
With the rear seats down there a very useable 1650 litres of space available. With them up there’s still good head and legroom for those travelling in the back, while the two up front have a very comfortable couple of seats ands again, plenty space.
It has a relaxing driving position with everything in easy reach and a regenerative braking system that works better than some others, allowing you to safely drive using just one pedal for the majority of your journeys.
Around the cabin are all the features you expect like clear touchscreen displays, touch sensitive buttons, and a plethora of safety features should you need them.
And EV5 has over air functionality for updates so you should only need to visit your dealer for the occasional service.
Warranty is Kia’s standard seven years, with eight years on the battery pack.
Minor grumble: the flick out door handles are all well and good when both hands are free but stay flush with the body when unlocked – some users during our spell with the car felt not so happy with them if you’ve got a handful of baby or shopping. It’s a case of getting familiar with them.
Otherwise, another box ticking exercise completed.
Kia EV5 Air
Price: £39,345
Engine: 81.4kWh Li-ion polymer battery
Power: 214bhp
Torque: 217lb/ft
Transmission: automatic
Top speed: 102mph
0-62mph: 8.4 seconds
Economy: 329 miles
CO2 emissions: 0 g/k
©️wheelwrite.co.uk 2026
