Kia EV5 Review 2025: The electric SUV market is heating up, and Kia is right at the forefront with yet another addition to its growing EV lineup. After the success of the EV6 and the flagship EV9, the South Korean automaker is now bringing a more compact and affordable option to the UK: the Kia EV5. Designed as a family-friendly electric SUV, the EV5 combines the futuristic looks of its larger sibling, the EV9, with a more accessible price tag and practical range that makes it a compelling alternative in its segment.
Starting from £39,295 in the UK, the Kia EV5 is competitively priced against popular electric SUVs such as the Tesla Model Y, VW ID.4, Nissan Ariya, and Toyota bZ4x. With a range of up to 329 miles, rapid charging capability, and Kia’s trademark reliability, the EV5 aims to strike a balance between affordability and premium features. The fact that it adopts Kia’s stylish design philosophy and packs cutting-edge cabin technology makes it a strong contender in one of the hottest EV categories.
The EV5 also embraces Kia’s new approach to interiors, with a focus on high-tech, driver-focused design. Standard across all trims is a triple-screen dashboard, heated front seats and steering wheel, wireless smartphone integration, and an impressive suite of driver assistance systems. Higher trims build on this foundation with luxury features such as Harman Kardon sound, a panoramic sunroof, V2L charging capability, and even fingerprint recognition. Clearly, Kia is making sure the EV5 feels modern, aspirational, and family-ready.
Kia EV5 Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Powertrain | 214 bhp / 217 lb ft front-mounted electric motor |
| Battery | 81.4 kWh lithium-ion |
| Range | Up to 329 miles (Air trim) |
| Acceleration (0–62 mph) | 8.4 seconds |
| Top Speed | 102 mph |
| Charging (DC) | 150 kW – 10–80% in 30 mins |
| Charging (AC/home) | ~7.5 hours |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Trims | Air, GT-Line, GT-Line S |
| Wheels | 18″ (Air), 19″ (GT-Line), larger alloys (GT-Line S) |
| Infotainment | Triple-screen dash (12.3″ driver + 12.3″ infotainment + 5.3″ climate) |
| Standard Features | Heated seats & wheel, LED lights, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto |
| Price (UK) | From £39,295 |
| Launch | Deliveries starting late 2025 |
Exterior Design
At first glance, the Kia EV5 looks like a scaled-down EV9, and that’s no bad thing. The boxy, upright stance gives it presence on the road, while modern LED lighting front and rear ensures it feels futuristic yet approachable. The EV5 has a slightly smaller footprint, making it more maneuverable for urban environments while still maintaining a rugged SUV character. GT-Line trims add sportier styling touches, while the GT-Line S brings more premium finishes.
Interior and Comfort
Inside, the Kia EV5 is all about tech and comfort. Kia has fitted its now-familiar three-screen setup across the dashboard, combining a 12.3-inch driver display, 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 5.3-inch digital climate control screen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard, and the system even integrates with ChatGPT for voice assistance – a quirky but modern addition.
The cabin feels premium thanks to thoughtful design and quality materials, even on the entry-level Air trim. Standard equipment includes heated front seats and steering wheel, while higher trims add heated rear seats, ventilated front seats, Harman Kardon audio, a sunroof, and a digital key with fingerprint recognition. With its practical layout and flat EV floor, the EV5 offers good family space and everyday usability.
Also read: Mercedes-Benz EQE Saloon and SUV Production to End in 2026 – What It Means for the Brand’s EV Future
Performance and Driving
The Kia EV5 is powered by a 214 bhp electric motor paired with an 81.4 kWh battery pack. Performance is brisk enough, with a 0–62 mph time of 8.4 seconds and a top speed of 102 mph. While not designed to be a performance EV, it strikes a good balance of efficiency and capability for family use.
Perhaps more important is its range and charging. The EV5 can travel up to 329 miles on a single charge in its most efficient Air trim, while the GT-Line sees a slightly reduced 313 miles due to larger wheels. Thanks to 150 kW DC fast charging, a 10–80% top-up takes just 30 minutes, while a full home AC charge takes around 7.5 hours.
Features by Trim Level
- Air (£39,295)
- 18-inch alloys
- LED lights front & rear
- Heated front seats & steering wheel
- Triple-screen dashboard (12.3 + 12.3 + 5.3 in)
- Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- Full suite of Kia driver assistance systems
- GT-Line (£42,595)
- 19-inch alloys
- Adaptive LED headlights
- Heated rear seats
- Powered tailgate
- Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability
- Wireless charger & heated mirrors
- GT-Line S (£47,095)
- Sunroof
- Harman Kardon 8-speaker system
- Ventilated front seats
- Head-up display
- Digital key with fingerprint recognition
- Full set of cameras & parking sensors
Price and Rivals
The Kia EV5’s pricing is sharp, starting from £39,295. Compared to rivals, it sits competitively:
- Tesla Model Y – ~£45,000
- VW ID.4 – from £36,995
- Volvo EX40 – from £44,760
- Ford Mustang Mach-E – from £43,840
- Nissan Ariya – from £35,500
- Toyota bZ4X – from £36,995
This means the EV5 neatly undercuts premium options like the Model Y while offering more standard tech than similarly priced rivals like the ID.4.
Launch and Availability
Kia has confirmed that order books for the EV5 are now open in the UK, with first deliveries scheduled for late 2025. Given the popularity of Kia’s EV lineup so far, demand is expected to be high, especially for the GT-Line trim, which is tipped to be the best-seller.
Conclusion
The Kia EV5 is shaping up to be one of the most important family EVs of 2025. With its competitive price, impressive range, and futuristic design, it fills the gap between budget EVs and premium electric SUVs like the Tesla Model Y. It may be smaller than the EV9, but it inherits much of the same visual appeal and cabin technology at a much more affordable price point.
From a family perspective, the EV5 ticks all the right boxes: practical size, comfortable interior, advanced infotainment, and a suite of driver aids for safety. The availability of features such as V2L charging, fingerprint recognition, and premium audio on higher trims shows Kia’s intent to push the EV5 into premium territory without losing value appeal.
While the omission of a standard heat pump may frustrate some buyers, the EV5’s long driving range, fast charging times, and solid efficiency figures help cement its practicality. In fact, its up to 329-mile range is class-leading in this price bracket, giving it an advantage over several direct competitors.
In short, the Kia EV5 is more than just another electric SUV – it’s a well-rounded, thoughtfully designed, and future-ready family EV. If you’re shopping in the £35k–£45k bracket, the EV5 deserves to be very high on your shortlist.
FAQ – Kia EV5 UK
1. What is the range of the Kia EV5?
The Kia EV5 offers up to 329 miles of range in its entry-level Air trim, while the GT-Line trim provides around 313 miles due to larger wheels. These figures put it among the most competitive in its class, beating some rivals like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Toyota bZ4X.
2. How fast does the Kia EV5 charge?
The EV5 supports 150 kW DC fast charging, which allows for a 10–80% recharge in just 30 minutes at compatible stations. On a standard AC home charger, a full charge takes roughly 7.5 hours, making it practical for overnight charging.
3. How much does the Kia EV5 cost in the UK?
The Kia EV5 starts at £39,295 for the Air trim. The mid-level GT-Line is priced at £42,595, and the range-topping GT-Line S costs £47,095. A heat pump is not included as standard and costs £900 extra across trims.
4. What are the main rivals of the Kia EV5?
The Kia EV5 competes with several popular mid-size electric SUVs, including the Tesla Model Y, VW ID.4, Volvo EX40, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Nissan Ariya, and Toyota bZ4X. It is priced competitively, often undercutting the Tesla and Volvo while offering more equipment than some rivals.
5. When will the Kia EV5 be available in the UK?
Order books are already open, and the first UK deliveries are expected in late 2025. Given Kia’s success with the EV6 and EV9, demand for the EV5 is expected to be strong, especially among families looking for a practical yet high-tech electric SUV.
1 thought on “Kia EV5 Review 2025 – Price, Range, Specs, Features & Rivals”