Kia EV5 review: The electric alternative to the best-selling Sportage family SUV

We get behind the wheel of the latest addition to Kia’s fast-growing electric line-up

It might be a little late to the party, but this mid-sized family EV is hugely important to Kia because it’s the electric version of the brand’s best-seller – the petrol-powered Sportage SUV.

About the same dimensions as the Sportage and looking like a cross between the smaller EV3 and the much larger EV9, the EV5 boasts serious space for passengers and luggage.

However, it’s up against some fierce competition, including the Skoda Enyaq, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Tesla Model Y, Smart #5, Nissan Ariya, Xpeng G6 and Volkswagen ID.4.

Initially, the EV5 is offered in three trim levels (Air, GT-Line and GT-Line S) that all use the same substantial 81.4kWh battery and 214bhp electric motor combo, powering the front wheels.

Range is an impressive 329 miles, and it can complete the 0-62mph sprint in 8.4 seconds, which is modest compared to most of its rivals, but perfectly adequate for everyday driving. And let’s face it, the instant torque of an electric motor makes it feel faster.

The battery can charge from 10%-80% in 30 minutes via a 150kW charger, which is average for the sector, or overnight if you have a home charger.

Priced from £39,345, standard equipment includes LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, keyless entry and heated front seats.

The EV5’s interior is much like other Kia EVs, featuring dual 12.3-inch driver’s display and infotainment screens, plus a 5.3-inch climate control touchscreen sandwiched between them.

GT Line versions have sportier styling, 19-inch wheels, artificial leather upholstery and electric front seats.

The range-topping GT Line S gains a sunroof, ventilated front seats, a 360-degree camera system, head-up display and Harman Kardon audio, plus an optional heat pump.

Don’t be surprised if a higher-performance GT model, featuring a dual-motor and all-wheel drive, appears later in 2026.

Just like its Kia EV siblings, the EV5 has a similar look and feel inside the cabin, which means it’s logically laid out with solid build quality. And while it’s not premium, it’s classy all the same, with plenty of soft-touch surfaces and decent switchgear.

Rear space is excellent, with more than enough head and legroom for tall adults, while the boot offers a healthy 566 litres of space (extending to 1,650 litres with the back seats folded). There’s also a 44-litre under-bonnet cargo compartment (a ‘frunk’), ideal for storing charging cables.

Up front there’s the regular raised driving position you’d expect to find in an SUV. I’d prefer the option to sit lower, but there you go. That said, the seats are comfortable with plenty of support, and all-round visibility is good.

And if you have an issue parking, there are front and rear sensors as standard, as well as a reversing camera.

The EV5 is refined on the road, the ride quality is good and it does a decent job of soaking up the worst of the lumps and bumps.

It also feels assured and stable, while the steering is light and direct. Body lean is well controlled in faster corners and the brakes are firm, but progressive – not a given with EVs.

Traction is good for the most part, though it’s possible to spin the front wheels in the wet if you’re heavy with your right foot.

Ultimately, the EV5 isn’t the most exciting car to drive, but owners will love its smoothness, simplicity and performance.

As with all EVs, real-world range depends on the weather, number of passengers, journey terrain, and driving style. I’d need to drive the EV5 for a week or so to make an accurate assessment, but based on a day driving on mixed roads in mid-winter, I’d estimate a range of closer to 265 miles. If you’re city based, the real world figure could climb north of 300 miles.

A few other things worth mentioning. There are four different levels of regenerative braking (easily adjusted via paddles on the steering wheel), plus an ‘i-Pedal’ setting, which can be activated by a long pull of the left paddle.

It’s also loaded with safety and driver assistance tech, achieving a maximum five-star rating in Euro NCAP testing.

Finally, the EV5 comes with a seven-year/100,000-mile warranty just like all Kia’s line-up, for extra peace of mind.

Verdict: The all-electric Kia EV5 family SUV is a great all-round package. There are more engaging cars to drive, but it ticks all the boxes for comfort, practicality, peace of mind, value for money, and range.

Review in association with AutomotiveBlog