Consider the EV5 to be Kia's boxy, clever sibling to the EV6 and EV9—compact, yet maximized for space. The EV5 has outstanding “Digital Tiger Face” headlights and an unconventional body line for great road presence. It radiates ruggedness without being overly contrived (a plus for U.S. drivers who want something interesting enough but still practical). While maintaining a compact footprint and at roughly 181 inches long, it has a distinctly roomy and easy-to-park interior and will still get noticed in day-to-day driving. While suited for your primary space—whether that be a city street or weekend trip—the EV5 is successfully designed as a hybrid of a form and function, without creating a heavy bulk of a traditional SUV.
Power and Range That Impress
The EV5 features a single front-wheel drive (FWD) motor that releases a respectable 215 hp and solid torque of 295 Nm enough to get around town and offer decent highway capability. It's paired with an 81.4 kWh NMC battery with up to 329 miles WLTP (~300 miles EPA estimated) range, which will provide stiff competition for buyers in the U.S. looking for long-range EVs. The charging power also offers a solid 120 kW DC fast-charge capability, so you can go from 10% - 80% in a very respectable time of about 30 minutes. Great for road trips or a quick top-up on the go.
Comfort Meets Tech
Once you get inside you can see that Kia has upped its notch with its interior. Dual 12.3" screens (one for instruments, one for infotainment) and a separate 5" climate panel are all easily read and no diving into menus. The GT-Line trim features massage seats, heated and cooled seats (thrones), and ambient lighting—it's like a mobile mini spa! There are eco-friendly materials, like recycled fabrics, a frunk for extra gear, and flat rear flooring that enhance practicality for families, pet lovers or people living in a tight space.
One Missing Piece: No AWD (For Now)
This is the scoop: Europe will only get FWD to start with and all-wheel drive (AWD) won't be available until 2026 - yikes - so that's going to be hard for those buyers looking for extra traction in snow, rain, or for any sporty driving. AWD is a big deal in the U.S., particularly for drivers in colder climates and for those who get to hit the mountain roads with fun. So, if you have an interest in more grip and confidence off the line, you may be better off with the dual-motor version. But for normal everyday use, the FWD has checked those boxes.
Road Trip Ready with Extra Flexibility
The EV5 isn’t purely urban in its design - it also has a Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) system and you can power off external devices (such as a mini-fridge, tools or camping gear) out of its battery. With 3.6 kW power output, you can plug in devices while on the go. Combined with lots of cargo space (roughly 566 L boot space and 44L frunk) it’s a versatile option, camping or tailgates or just out in the outdoors just became a whole lot easier.
Specification Table – Kia EV5
| Spec Category | Details |
| Motor | 160 kW (~215 hp), 295 Nm torque, Front-Wheel Drive |
| Battery | 81.4 kWh NMC lithium-ion |
| Estimated Range | 329 mi (WLTP) ≈ 300 mi EPA estimate |
| 0–62 mph | ~8.4 seconds |
| DC Fast-Charging | 120 kW (10–80% in ~30 min) |
| V2L Output | 3.6 kW |
| Infotainment | Dual 12.3″ screens + 5″ climate display |
| Seats | Heated, ventilated, massage (GT-Line) |
| Boot Capacity | 566 L + 44 L front trunk |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | ~181″ × 74″ × 66″ |
| Trims (EU launch) | Air (Base), Earth (mid), GT-Line |
| AWD Availability | Due early 2026 (dual-motor, GT variant) |
Final Thoughts
The new Kia EV5 offers a lot as an electrified compact SUV! With an attractive style, long range, useful infotainment technology, and family-friendly features now all housed in an affordable EV SUV. What's more, it is easy to drive every day, and doesn't scream technology like other EVs, yet offers V2L, massage seats, and fast charging. However, if you are someone who utilizes all-wheel drive for snowy drives in winter or outdoor adventure activities, then it might be worthwhile to wait until the AWD version comes out in 2026. If you're in the U.S., be aware that Kia has not yet confirmed any American models, and is likely going to launch these via Canada first. In summary, the Kia EV5 is a practical, polished EV SUV filled with possibilities, but if you are absolutey looking for total traction, or to visit a local dealership in the U.S., it might be better to wait.
Source(Image / Thumbnail): carscoops
