KIA’s quietly convincing new family car

Test driven

by Joe Rayfus

The best family cars rarely announce themselves with fireworks. They earn their place at the top of the sales charts quietly, simply by being easy to live with and hard to fault. That is very much the story with the Kia EV5, an electric SUV that does not chase headlines but instead focuses on the things that will matter once the new car novelty wears off.

Slip behind the wheel and there is an immediate sense of familiarity. Everything falls naturally to hand. The driving position is spot on, the controls feel intuitive, and the visibility is good. It feels less like a technology experiment and more like a well-sorted family SUV that happens to be electric. That familiarity is no accident. The EV5 carries itself very much like a familiar nameplate with an electric motor and that will be a comfort to many buyers making the switch for the first time.

On the road, the EV5 is calm and composed. Power delivery is smooth and predictable, with none of the jerkiness that can sometimes unsettle less experienced electric drivers. There is no attempt to make it feel sporty or dramatic, and that restraint works in its favour. This is a car designed to reduce effort, not demand attention.

The battery and motor combination delivers a range figure that feels realistic rather than optimistic. 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 on each charge. Fast charging capability means topping up is quick and convenient, helping the car slot neatly into everyday routines rather than reshaping them.

Spacious

Where the EV5 really shines, is its sense of space. It feels like a generously scaled family SUV, with excellent headroom and legroom in both rows. The rear seats fold completely flat, creating a long and genuinely useful load area. There are plenty of storage solutions dotted 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. It may not feel radically different from what has come before, but it is solid, well assembled and pleasant to spend time in. Materials feel durable and well chosen. The seats are supportive and forgiving over long journeys, with higher specifications adding ventilation and a massage function that proves more than a novelty.

Strong on tech

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. The system is responsive and logically organised, avoiding the frustration that can come with overcomplicated menus. Over the air updates ensure the car will continue to improve, while features like digital key access and fingerprint recognition add convenience without feeling excessive.

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 all contribute to a sense of reassurance rather than intrusion, which is exactly how these technologies should work.

Visually, the EV5 borrows heavily from its familiar EV9 sibling. Its upright stance and squared-off proportions are more functional than flamboyant, and while it may remind you of other models in the range, that is not a criticism. 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

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, with even the entry model offering 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 indeed. In a crowded market, that quiet competence may prove to be its greatest strength.