Kia EV5: Big Promises, Little Disruption

Kia presents the EV5 as a C-segment electric SUV designed specifically for the European market, with every line seemingly tailored to fit a European “lifestyle.” In practice, that translates to another comfortable and well-equipped option, while true technical breakthroughs remain conservative.

The EV5 sits on Hyundai Group’s older 400V E-GMP platform, which means slower charging compared to 800V systems like the one found in the Kia EV6. True, charging from 10 to 80 percent in 30 minutes isn’t a disaster, but it clearly lags behind the segment’s top performers. For comparison, the similarly priced Hyundai Ioniq 5 charges considerably faster.

Kia’s so-called “Opposites United” design language leans on angular but ultimately unassuming looks. The interior aims for a “lounge feel,” which is mostly marketing shorthand for fabric surfaces and a few recycled plastic trims.

On the tech front, the EV5 includes Google POI search, a generative voice assistant, and a fingerprint reader—gadgets that add flavor but don’t make the car any smarter or faster. The claimed 530 km WLTP range is respectable, though far from remarkable, especially since it’s only achievable with the front-wheel-drive version and a modest 160 kW output.

In terms of safety, the EV5 checks all the boxes with seven airbags, the latest ADAS suite, and a comprehensive parking assist system. But again, these features are now more baseline than breakthrough.

The Kia EV5 may be a “strategic move” in the brand’s electrification roadmap, but for European buyers, it feels more familiar than exciting. It’s solid, comfortable, and well-equipped, yet hard to shake the sense that Kia played it safe this time.