In this Kia EV5 test, I drive Kia's new electric family SUV for a few days in Stockholm. The model has clear design ties to the larger EV9 and shows how the brand is developing its electric car programme.

Kia EV5

With the EV5, Kia is taking the next clear step in its rapidly growing electric model offensive. In the highly competitive mid-size SUV segment, the model is positioned as a practical and family-oriented alternative, where modern technology, generous range and a strong design language are at the centre. In city traffic, the Kia EV5 feels agile and easy to drive despite its distinct SUV proportions. During a few days behind the wheel in Stockholm, I had the opportunity to experience how the EV5 works in real everyday driving. The Kia EV5 is clearly positioned as one of the most interesting new electric SUV models in its class.

The Kia EV5 clearly demonstrates how the brand is developing its electric SUV models with a focus on design, function and user experience.

The model builds on Kia's “Opposites United” design philosophy, combining angular lines and clear proportions with clean surfaces and futuristic details. The result is a car that feels both robust and contemporary in its expression.

Clear design links to EV9, EV3 and upcoming EV2

Design-wise, there are very clear links to its larger sibling, the Kia EV9. The angular proportions, the vertical front signature and the rugged, almost architectural expression make the EV5 feel like a natural part of the same electric SUV family.

At the same time, the same design language can be seen in the smaller Kia EV3, where Kia has managed to translate the design idea to a more compact segment without losing the visual identity.

I drove the EV9 myself in the past and did an extensive article on the model for CarsCollection.com, which makes it particularly interesting to see how Kia is now consistently using the same design strategy throughout the model range.

The design line also continues to move forward. The upcoming EV2 showcases very similar visual ideas in an even smaller format.

Picture 1 of me. The other two Kia.

Kia EV5 built on the E-GMP platform

The Kia EV5 is developed on the Group's dedicated E-GMP electric vehicle platform, the same technological foundation used in several Hyundai Motor Group models. The platform enables a long wheelbase, short overhangs and a spacious cabin in relation to the car's exterior dimensions. With its E-GMP platform, the Kia EV5 demonstrates how flexible the Group's electric vehicle architecture can be in practice.

The electric architecture also contributes to a low centre of gravity, which in turn provides stable handling and a high level of comfort. The EV5 is offered with both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive depending on the version and market.

Battery and range

Depending on the specification, the EV5 is equipped with a battery pack of around 64 or around 88 kWh. The range is provisionally stated to be up to around 500 kilometres according to WLTP standards for the longer-range versions.

Fast charging allows the battery to be charged from around 10 to 80 per cent in around 30 minutes under optimal conditions. Kia has also placed great emphasis on energy efficiency through optimised aerodynamics, multi-stage regenerative braking and advanced heat pump technology.

Focus on digitalisation and functionality

The interior of the EV5 is characterised by a distinctly digital experience. The driver is greeted by a wide panoramic display that integrates instrumentation and infotainment into a coherent visual expression.

Material choices are inspired by sustainability, with recycled and plant-based components used in several parts of the cabin. At the same time, Kia has worked to create a lounge-like feel, particularly in the rear seats, where comfort and flexibility are prioritised.

The EV5 is also prepared for Vehicle-to-Load functionality, which makes it possible to use the car battery as an external power source.

A detail that clearly shows how Kia works with user experience in everyday life is the adjustable comfort indicator function. With a light touch on the indicator lever, the driver can choose how many times the indicator is activated, for example three or five flashes. This feature contributes to more intuitive driving in heavy traffic and when changing lanes.

How does the Kia EV5 fare in the electric SUV segment

The Kia EV5 is generally perceived as a very pleasant car to drive, not least thanks to the five different driving modes available to choose from Eco, Normal, Sport, My Drive and Snow.

The different modes clearly change the car's response and character. Eco prioritises energy efficiency and smooth throttle response, while Sport provides a more direct feel and livelier acceleration.

The ability to create a custom mode via My Drive allows the driver to customise the steering and drivetrain to their own preferences, contributing to a more personalised driving experience.

Under stronger acceleration, the experience is enhanced by a discreet but pleasant sound that gives the car a slightly futuristic character. The sound is low-key and never intrusive, but present enough to create a sense of responsiveness without compromising cabin comfort.

Comfort features in everyday life

The version of the EV5 that I borrowed also allowed me to set the chair's massage function to start automatically after a certain period of driving. The driver can choose how long to wait before the function is activated, which makes it a welcome feature for longer journeys.

The massage was also found to be unusually effective, particularly in the lower part of the seat cushion where the movements provided clear support and contributed to a more relaxed driving posture over time.

The TV advert for the EV5 shows a man camping in his car in the countryside, using it as a kind of mobile base for adventure. It is certainly fantastic in the right environment, but something I did not test myself during my days with the car in Stockholm city. There, the experience was more about everyday driving, parking, traffic lights and motorway stages than about waking up to views of mountains or sea.

Ergonomics and ease of use

A less successful detail in everyday use is the location of the air conditioning control. On the version of the EV5 I drove, the control is located behind the steering wheel on the right side, making it difficult to see without leaning to the side or changing driving position. This makes making adjustments while driving not entirely intuitive.

An electric direction that feels well thought out

After a few days with the Kia EV5, the impression is clear. This is not a car that tries to be spectacular for the sake of it. Instead, it's about balance. Between design and function. Between technology and ease of use. Between everyday utility and a sense of the future.

At the same time, it is clear that Kia is working consistently with its electric identity. From EV9 to EV5 and on through EV3 and the upcoming EV2, there is a clear context. This makes the model range easy to understand and creates a recognition that many manufacturers still lack in the transition to electric power.

All in all, the Kia EV5 feels like a very well thought-out addition to Kia's rapidly growing electric car family. For my part, it is precisely this development journey that makes the EV5 particularly interesting. Watching the design, technology and driving experience change from model to model provides a perspective that extends beyond a single test drive. And that's exactly where Kia right now feels like one of the most exciting brands to watch.

Kia EV5

Technical information and facts

Price: approx. 622 900 SEK (FWD Long Range, preliminary guide price Sweden)

Motor: Electric motor (synchronous motor)

Power: 218 hp (160 kW)

Torque: 295 Nm

Transmission: Front-wheel drive

Acceleration 0-100 km/h: approx. 8.4 s

Top speed: 165 km/h

Battery capacity: 81.4 kWh

Range: up to about 505 km (WLTP)

Fast charging: approx. 10-80 % in around 30 min (up to approx. 150 kW DC)

Onboard charger: 10.5 kW (3-phase AC)

Service weight: approx. 2 150 kg

Dimensions (length/width/height): approximately 4 610 / 1 875 / 1 680 mm.