The Kia EV5 introduces fully electric power to the heart of the Sportage-sized SUV class. Spacious, practical and boasting over 300 miles of range, the EV5 is a compelling replacement for diesel mid-sized SUVs, finds Angela Pisanu
What is it?
The Kia EV5 is a fully electric SUV and the zero-emission counterpart to the popular Sportage. Sitting at the heart of Kia’s growing EV line-up, the EV5 plays a central role in the company’s Plan S strategy, which will see 15 electric vehicles launched globally by 2030 – nine of which will be in the UK.
Built on Kia’s dedicated E-GMP electric platform and manufactured in Korea alongside established models such as the EV6 and EV9, the EV5 is designed from the ground up as an EV, rather than adapted from an existing combustion model.
What range does it have?
The GT-Line tested here uses an 81.4kWh battery paired with a 160kW (214bhp) front-mounted motor producing 295Nm of torque. Official WLTP range is up to 313 miles in this trim, slightly lower than the 329 miles quoted for the entry-level ‘Air’ model due to the GT-Line’s larger wheels and heavier weight.
Efficiency is supported by regenerative braking which can be tailored using steering wheel paddles.
How long does it take to charge?
Peak DC charging for the EV5 is 127kW, enabling a 10-to-80 per cent charge in around 30 minutes on a suitably powerful rapid charger.
On a 50kW DC charger, the same 10-to-80 per cent replenishment takes around 70 minutes.
Using the standard 11kW on-board AC charger, a 10-to-100 per cent charge can be completed in around seven hours – suitable for overnight home or workplace charging.
The EV5’s charging port is conveniently located on the front driver’s-side wing, simplifying access at kerbside or bay chargers.
GT-Line models also feature 3.6kVA Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability. For certain fleet applications, this could give it the ability to power tools or equipment directly from the car.
How does it drive?
With the battery mounted low in the floor, the EV5 benefits from a reduced centre of gravity compared with traditional SUVs. The result is impressive composure for such a large sized vehicle, with stable cornering and minimal body roll. It also deals well with poor road surfaces.
Performance is brisk rather than overtly sporty, with 0-62mph covered in 8.4 seconds and a top speed of 102mph.
Drive modes including Eco, Normal, Sport, MyDrive and Snow allow drivers to tailor responses to conditions. Combined with advanced driver assistance systems such as Highway Driving Assist 2.0 and Smart Cruise Control, the EV5 is good a reducing fatigue on long journeys.
At 4,610mm long and 1,875mm wide, it’s slightly larger than the Sportage. It has a 566-litre boot expanding to 1,650 litres with the rear seats folded, and a 44-litre storage compartment under the bonnet for charging cables.
Inside, the EV5 does well on space and usability. The flat floor and long 2,750mm wheelbase create excellent rear legroom, while the sliding centre console and multiple storage areas create an adaptable interior space.
The cabin’s twin digital screens and climate display create a near-30-inch digital interface. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard, while over-the-air updates ensure the system remains current.
Searching for chargepoints is simplified on the navigation system, and can be filtered by plug type, charging speed, and availability.
What does it cost?
The Kia EV5 GT-Line is priced at £42,645 on the road, which is competitively priced among mid-size electric SUVs with similar battery capacity and specification.
As a fully electric vehicle, the EV5 benefits from low Benefit-in-Kind taxation for company car drivers. Servicing intervals of 24 months or 20,000 miles reduce downtime, and Kia’s seven-year/100,000-mile warranty – with an eight-year battery warranty – is fully transferable, supporting strong residual values.
Why does my fleet need one?
The EV5 GT-Line makes a compelling case for SUV company car drivers. It offers the familiarity and practicality of a conventional family SUV but with zero tailpipe emissions and a range that suits real-world business use. It’s practical, spacious, well-equipped, tax-efficient, and backed by a strong warranty, making it a good all rounder for fleets searching for this sized vehicle.