Mat Watson reviews the new Kia EV5: it’s very good, but there’s a problem
Car changing is a big deal
The Kia EV5 is a comfy and spacious electric family SUV which you should add to your shortlist, but here’s why Mat Watson wouldn’t buy one.
This is the new Kia EV5, and you can think of it as an electric alternative to the Sportage. It also goes up against cars like the Skoda Enyaq, Renault Scenic and the Tesla Model Y, but is it any good?
Well I’ve spent a week with the EV5, and I’ve tested its practicality, comfort, efficiency, technology and quality. While I do think it’s a car worthy of adding to your shortlist there is another EV which I would buy instead.
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New Kia EV5: design, interior and technology
Let’s start things off with the exterior design, because I really like the way the Kia EV5 looks. There’s something about the boxy body and sharp creases that give it a real tonka toy vibe, and the angular headlights set things off nicely. I always turn back to look at it when I park up.
The interior is more of a mixed bag, because in some areas it doesn’t feel quite as expensive as it should. The door tops are covered in scratchy plastics, and it just feels a bit dark and gloomy thanks to the sea of grey plastic.
That dark theme continues with the infotainment screen, because the graphics aren’t all that bright. At least it’s fairly responsive though, and the menus are pretty easy to swipe through. You also get physical buttons for the climate control, which I much prefer to having everything in the touchscreen because they’re easier to use on the move.
The EV5’s interior is solidly built as well, with nicely damped switchgear and a robust feeling which gives you confidence that it’ll stand up to the worst your kids can throw at it. I just wish it looked more premium, like a Peugeot 3008’s cabin does.
New Kia EV5: space and practicality
As you might expect, the Kia EV5 is more practical than the EV3, but not as roomy as the massive EV9 seven-seater. It’s packed with clever storage spaces, including a hidden cubby between the rear seats, and adjustable cupholders.
There’s plenty of room to get comfy in the front, and the rear seats are also really spacious. The car’s boxy shape affords ample headroom, and I like the fact you get plenty of under-thigh support as well. There’s more legroom than you’ll find in a Tesla Model Y as well, although that car is better with three in the back at once thanks to slightly increased shoulder space.
The 566-litre boot is a nice square shape, and it has a low load lip as well. Packing it full of stuff is really easy, however the Model Y’s 854-litre boot can hold more luggage. I managed to get nine carry-on suitcases in the Tesla, whereas the EV5 could only hold seven.
New Kia EV5: comfort, efficiency and range
The front-wheel drive EV5 I’m testing is fitted with an 81kWh battery, which is the same as you’ll find in the smaller EV3. It should deliver 313 miles of range according to Kia, but I didn’t get anywhere near that figure.
I only averaged 2.5 miles per kWh, which works out to a real-world range of just 204 miles. That’s not great, but then again I have been driving the car quite hard. When I did a range test on the smaller EV3, I managed to average 4.2 miles per kWh. The larger EV5 won’t be as efficient, but I reckon with some more sensible driving you could get the range up to around 280 miles.
Out on the road, the EV5 is really relaxing to drive. Pick up is decent from the 217hp electric motor, the seats are really comfy and it glides over potholes nicely. You get hardly any wind or road noise at motorway speeds either, and it’s surprisingly good fun to drive through the bends.
You also get great all-round visibility in town, and the controls feel natural and nicely weighted. Some electric cars can have jerky brakes, but I had no such issues in the EV5. The only real fly in the ointment is the turning circle, which isn’t as tight as it is on a Peugeot 3008.
New Kia EV5 prices and verdict: why I wouldn’t buy this car
The Kia EV5 starts from just under £40,000, but you can save an average of £3,800 on one through Carwow at the time of writing. That makes it around £3,000 more expensive than an equivalent EV3, and that makes it seem like great value for money.
However, if it were my money I’d stick with the cheaper Kia EV3. It’s really roomy for its size, and it’s more efficient than the EV5 which really matters when buying an electric car. If you need loads of space, you could also consider a used Kia EV9 for similar money.
If you’re looking for a practical, comfortable and affordable mid-sized electric SUV, I reckon you should shortlist the Kia EV5. It’s only let down by the fact its smaller sibling is so good.
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