Kia EV5 - The New Sportage-sized EV

I recently enjoyed a brief 24-hour visit to Frankfurt to see a new EV SUV that's likely to be a big hit in showrooms - the Kia EV5.

For the past few years, Kia has proudly been the maker and seller of the most popular SUV on the market, the Sportage. The Sportage has now been around since 1993, a time, admittedly, when Kia wasn't the most favoured car brand for UK buyers. Now, in 2025, Kia is regarded as one of the most popular choices for buyers in the UK, Europe, and the US, and for good reason: the cars Kia produces are excellent.

An EV SUV for the Sportage Customer

The new addition to the electric fleet is a car that many existing Kia customers have been waiting for, especially those who have been favouring the Sportage, which has only ever been available as a petrol, diesel or hybrid car. The EV5 is the EV version of the Sportage, and as a result, is almost identical in size, has a similar interior spacious layout and is designed primarily to accommodate family life.

The EV5 sits in line between the small EV3 and larger EV6 and shares many design similarities with the largest EV in the fleet so far, the EV9.

Battery, Range and Charging Times

The EV5 will be offered in the UK with an 81.4 kWh battery pack, which, in turn, gives a predicted WLTP range of 329 miles - more than enough range to accommodate the needs of the average family. Powering the front wheels is a 160 kW motor, which provides nippy acceleration from 0 to 62 mph in 8.4 seconds and an eventual top speed of 102 mph.

Technology as standard

As is the norm, Kia has loaded the new EV5 with plenty of powerful tech, some of which aids driving, while others serve as luxuries, including a massaging seat for the driver if the top trim is selected. Twin 12.3-inch screens display all the necessary information during driving, and an additional 5.3-inch touch screen, located between the panoramic screens, offers the ability to adjust features, including climate control. Button fans will be pleased to see a collection of physical buttons, ideal for making quick adjustments without needing to take your eyes off the road for more than a moment.

Depending on the spec chosen, some models offer a head-up display which also integrates phone connectivity such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

ChatGPT is also installed on all EV5s, allowing drivers and passengers to interact with the car, adjust the climate, navigate routes, and request answers to almost any imaginable question.

Perfect for Pets

The EV5 designers clearly have a soft spot for our four-legged friends, as a Pet Mode has now been added to the EV range. Pet Mode enables climate control to operate, keeping dogs and cats comfortable while also disabling buttons (just in case Fido or Felix decides to take a walk across the centre console while you're in the shops!)

No more boring charge sessions

Entertainment packages are available on the EV5, allowing users to access various subscription services, including Netflix, Disney+, and YouTube, as well as interactive games, all of which can be played and controlled via the touchscreens.

Sizes and dimensions

With family practicalities at the forefront of design, the EV5 boasts a spacious 556 litres of boot space, which is extended to 1650 litres once the rear seats are folded flat. An additional 16.5 litres of storage space can be found inside the car, thanks to various boxes, pockets, and storage bins. Under the bonnet, a further 44 litres of space is available, ideal for storing charging cables and spares, such as washer fluid bottles.

The EV5 is 1.8 metres wide, 4.6 metres long and 1.6 metres tall, similar to the exceptionally popular Sportage.

Prices and specs

At the time of writing (July 2025), the EV5 is expected to be priced from £38,000 for the entry-level 'Air' trim, with the top of the range 'GT-Line' likely to be around £45,000

UK Launch date

Kia expects the EV5 to arrive in the UK market in Autumn 2025, at which point I'll be taking the model for a full review on the Driven YouTube channel and website.

words by John Marcar
photography courtesy of Kia Europe