[Test Drive] "A Versatile All-Rounder for Cargo and Camping"…Kia PV5

Kia Unveils the World's First Purpose-Built Vehicle (PBV)
Comfortable Ride in the Five-Seater "Passenger"
Versatile and Customizable "Cargo" Model for Dedicated Transport

The Kia PV5, which Kia will begin delivering to customers this month, is the world's first Purpose-Built Vehicle (PBV). Its most notable feature is that drivers can customize the vehicle to suit their needs. The body, doors, and other components can be assembled like building blocks, allowing for more than 100 different combinations. On August 19, we test-drove the first two models to be released: the five-seater "Passenger" and the spacious "Cargo" model.

'The Kia PV5' passenger model. Kia

The exterior of the PV5 resembles that of other box-shaped vans. With a length of 4,695mm, width of 1,895mm, and height of 1,905mm, it is more compact than the Kia Carnival (5,155x1,995x1,775mm). It is built on the PBV-dedicated electrification platform "E-GMP.S," which results in a relatively short engine bay at the front and a lowered floor, making it easier to get in and out of the second row. The height from the ground to the second-row door step is only 40cm (399mm).

Kia designed the PV5 so that people of all ages can board and exit comfortably, securing a sliding door opening width of up to 775mm in the second row. This makes it easy to load bulky items and also allows wheelchair access.

'The Kia PV5' Interior. Photo by Oh Hyungil

First, I boarded the "Passenger" model, which has two seats in the first row and three in the second row. Sitting in the driver's seat, the wide glass provided a great sense of openness. The second row is equipped with a reclining function, making it comfortable to sit in. Additionally, a footrest behind the first-row seats allows second-row passengers to stretch their legs, reflecting thoughtful attention to detail.

The trunk capacity of the five-seater is 1,330 liters, which expands to a maximum of 2,310 liters when the second-row seats are folded down. This provides ample space for camping and car camping. Hidden storage spaces in the dashboard in front of the driver's seat and under the first row also enhance space utilization.

Interior of 'The Kia PV5' designed for car camping. Photo by Oh Hyungil

'The Kia PV5'. Kia

When I started the car and pressed the accelerator, it began to drive smoothly, as expected from an electric vehicle. The PV5 is equipped with an electric motor delivering a maximum output of 120kW and a maximum torque of 250Nm, along with a 71.2kWh battery, enabling a driving range of 358km per charge (energy efficiency of 4.5km/kWh). On this day, driving about 40km from Ilsan KINTEX to Yeongjongdo, the energy efficiency recorded was 5.3km/kWh.

The driving performance on the highway was also sufficient. The acceleration characteristic of electric vehicles was clearly felt in acceleration zones, and the wide field of view made driving easy.

'The Kia PV5' Cargo Model. Kia

On the return trip from Yeongjongdo to Ilsan, I rode in the "Cargo" model, which features a partition separating the driver's seat from the cargo space. The cargo area measures a maximum length of 2,255mm, width of 1,565mm, and height of 1,520mm, with a maximum loading capacity of 4,420 liters. The trunk door opens up to 1,343mm, allowing it to accommodate pallets (1,100x1,100mm) used in logistics operations. However, due to the partition, there is no rearview mirror, which made it a bit awkward not being able to check traffic behind while driving.

The Cargo model will be available as a long-range version with a 71.2kWh battery and a standard version with a 51.5kWh battery. The maximum driving range per charge is 377km (energy efficiency of 4.7km/kWh) for the long-range and 280km (energy efficiency of 4.8km/kWh) for the standard version. On the return trip, the energy efficiency reached 7.1km/kWh.

'The Kia PV5' cargo model. Photo by Oh Hyungil

Kia plans to introduce customization products for the PV5, including "Kia Genuine Accessories" and "Kia Add Gear." The Genuine Accessories line includes custom products such as a luggage flattening deck for car camping, LED tailgate lamps, and "L-Track Mounting" for attaching various items in the cargo space.

Add Gear consists of modular items such as smartphone holders, multi-trays, trash bins, and hooks that can be installed in the vehicle. All of these reflect the concept that consumers can build the vehicle exactly as they want.

'The Kia PV5'. Kia

As the first PBV model, the PV5 is priced aggressively. The Passenger (individual consumption tax 3.5%) model is priced at 47.09 million won for the Basic trim and 50 million won for the Plus trim. The Cargo (tax-exempt) model is priced at 42 million won for the Standard Basic trim and 44.7 million won for the Long Range Basic trim. After applying electric vehicle tax benefits and government and local subsidies, the Passenger model can be purchased in the 30 million won range, and the Cargo model in the 20 million won range. This makes it a cost-effective option.

Kia plans to supply the PV5 to organizations such as Korea Post, logistics company DHL, pharmaceutical transport company GeoYoung, and Kakao Mobility. It is a model that perfectly meets the needs of businesses looking to electrify their fleets. Attention is focused on whether the PV5 will become a versatile game-changer, transforming not only the experience for individual drivers but also various transportation and logistics environments.