Could this be the electric SUV sweet spot buyers have been waiting for? The new Kia EV5 promises Sportage-like practicality, a roomy and clever interior, competitive range, and sharp pricing—all wrapped in Kia’s familiar EV styling. But does it really have what it takes to be the best electric SUV in its class?
The Kia Sportage has long been one of the UK’s best-selling SUVs, but rather than launching a fully electric version of it, Kia has gone in a new direction with the Kia EV5. This all-new, five-seat electric SUV aims to deliver familiar practicality while slotting neatly into Kia’s growing EV lineup. Positioned between the compact EV3 and the larger, more expensive EV6, the EV5 could land right in the market’s sweet spot.
Where the Kia EV5 Sits in Kia’s Electric Lineup
Kia’s naming strategy makes the EV5’s position clear. The EV3 sits at the entry point as the smallest and most affordable electric SUV, followed by the EV4. Above them comes the EV5, with the EV6 offering a sportier, longer, and more expensive alternative. At the top of the range sits the seven-seat EV9.
This placement means the EV5 targets buyers who want more space than the EV3 offers but don’t necessarily need the performance, charging speeds, or price tag of the EV6. As a result, it will compete directly with electric SUVs like the Renault Scenic, Tesla Model Y, and Skoda Enyaq.
Exterior Design and Styling
Visually, the EV5 closely follows Kia’s established electric design language seen on the EV3, EV6, and EV9. It features similar styling cues but introduces a slightly different daytime running light design to help it stand out. Buyers can choose from seven paint colours, with 18-inch alloy wheels on entry-level models and 19-inch alloys on higher trims.
Step up to GT Line or GT Line S, and you’ll get sportier exterior touches, including gloss black finishes that give the EV5 a more aggressive look.
Practicality and Boot Space
Practicality is one of the EV5’s biggest strengths. The boot offers 566 litres of storage, placing it ahead of the Renault Scenic but slightly behind the Skoda Enyaq. The space is wide and usable, with a height-adjustable boot floor that reduces the loading lip and reveals generous underfloor storage.
There’s also a clever, dedicated space to store the parcel shelf, adjustable hooks for shopping bags or cargo nets, and trays along the top edge. These hooks are a first for Kia and come as standard on all EV5 versions. The rear seats fold in a 60/40 split and lie completely flat, though they must be folded from the side doors rather than the boot.
Up front, the EV5 adds even more practicality with a 44-litre front storage compartment, ideal for charging cables.
Rear Seat Comfort and Space
Thanks to a longer wheelbase than the Sportage, rear-seat space in the EV5 is particularly generous. Even tall adults will find plenty of legroom and headroom, and the large windows create a bright, airy feel. The flat floor also makes it more comfortable for three passengers to sit across the back.
The rear seats offer adjustable recline angles, climate controls, and a clever pull-out drawer with carpeted hidden storage—perfect for stashing valuables. Overall, rear-seat comfort is a clear highlight, even when compared with rivals like the Model Y and Scenic.
Interior Layout and Technology
Inside, the EV5 closely resembles other Kia electric models. A dual-screen setup combines a fully digital driver display with a central touchscreen infotainment system. Higher-spec versions add a head-up display with integrated Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The centre console features a wireless phone charger on mid and top trims, retractable cup holders, and a fingerprint sensor alongside parking controls. Beneath the console is a large open storage area. While the car shown was a prototype, Kia’s track record suggests the production interior will be competitive in both quality and design.
Battery, Range, and Charging
For the UK and Europe, the Kia EV5 will use an NMC battery with a usable capacity of 78 kWh, delivering a claimed range of up to 329 miles from a full charge. While this doesn’t beat the longest-range versions of the Tesla Model Y, it remains competitive within the segment.
The EV5 is built on a 400-volt architecture, unlike the 800-volt EV6. As a result, maximum DC charging speed is 130 kW, allowing a 10–80% charge in around 30 minutes. Charging from 10–100% on an 11 kW AC charger takes approximately 7 hours and 15 minutes.
Higher trims also offer vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, enabling the EV5 to power household devices via a socket in the boot or an adapter connected to the charging port.
Performance and Driving Specs
At launch, all versions of the EV5 will use a 214 horsepower electric motor driving the front wheels. This setup delivers a 0–62 mph time of 8.4 seconds and a top speed of 102 mph. While this matches rivals like the Renault Scenic, it’s slower than performance-focused alternatives such as the Model Y.
For buyers seeking more speed, Kia has confirmed that a higher-performance GT version is expected in the future.
Pricing, Trims, and Warranty
Exact UK specifications are still being finalized, but the EV5 is expected to launch with familiar Kia trims: Air, GT Line, and GT Line S. Pricing is predicted to start just over £38,000, with the range-topping GT Line S coming in just under £45,000.
That entry price undercuts many rivals while also offering a longer range than the cheapest versions of competitors like the Enyaq and Model Y. As with all Kia models, the EV5 will come with Kia’s 7-year, 100,000-mile warranty as standard.