Kia EV5 – quietly convincing new all-electric family SUV

Joe Rayfus

The best family cars earn their places at the top of the sales charts quietly, by being easy to live with and hard to fault. That is the story with the Kia EV5, an electric SUV that focuses on the things that will matter once the new car novelty wears off.

Slip behind the wheel and there is a sense of familiarity. Everything falls naturally to hand. The driving position is spot on, the controls feel intuitive, and the visibility is good.

On the road, the EV5 is calm and composed. Power delivery is smooth and predictable. There is no attempt to make it feel sporty or dramatic, and that restraint works in its favour. The battery and motor combination delivers a range figure that feels realistic. With its 81.4kWh battery, thoughtful regeneration and a clever heat management system, the EV5 makes efficient use of its energy without asking the driver to think about it. Over the course of a couple of cold test drive weeks, the EV5 consistently delivered 440km a charge.

Where the EV5 really shines is its space. It has excellent headroom and legroom in both rows. The rear seats fold completely flat, creating a long and genuinely useful load area. There is plenty of storage around the cabin, and thoughtful touches like rear seat tables and multiple charging ports underline how clearly Kia has focused on family use. The interior design is clean and functional. Materials feel durable and well chosen. The seats are supportive and forgiving.

Technology is a strong point. The wide digital display brings together driving information, infotainment and climate controls in a layout that is easy to read at a glance.

Safety systems operate smoothly in the background. Driver assistance features are well calibrated, intervening gently when required and otherwise staying out of the way. Adaptive cruise control, lane assist and emergency support systems contribute to a sense of reassurance rather than intrusion, which is exactly how these technologies should work.

Visually, the design prioritises usability and presence over fashion, and the result is a vehicle that looks robust and dependable rather than trying too hard to stand out.

Value is where the EV5 makes its strongest case. Starting from €47,625, pricing is competitive, and standard equipment levels are generous across the range. There is a clear logic to the trim structure, and even the entry model offers features that many rivals reserve for higher specifications.

It is impossible not to draw comparisons with the Kia Sportage, a car that became a fixture in family driveways by getting the basics right. The EV5 follows the same philosophy. It may not redefine the segment or introduce a single standout gimmick, but it delivers space, comfort, technology and practicality in a package that feels complete.

For many families, that will be exactly the point. The EV5 does not shout about itself – it simply gets on with the job and does it very well. In a crowded market, that quiet competence may prove to be its greatest strength. Contact Sleator Kia for more details.