[Tabolleo] Kia EV5: A Family Electric SUV Debuts in the 40 Million Won Range

Kia EV5: 460km Range on a Single Charge
Real-World Efficiency Exceeds Official Figure at 6.7km/kWh

Kia has unveiled its fifth electric vehicle, built on a dedicated EV platform. This is the EV5, a compact SUV that serves as the backbone of Kia's electrified lineup.

The EV5 is a core model for Kia, designed to drive the popularization of electric vehicles. It belongs to the C-segment (compact) SUV category, which is the largest SUV market globally. Its main competitors include the Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Toyota RAV4, and Honda CR-V.

To win over consumers and outshine these rivals, Kia has equipped the EV5 with a wide array of advanced safety and convenience features. It boasts a traditional SUV body style and, targeting family car demand, offers a spacious interior.

On September 23, we test-drove the EV5 in the Hanam and Gapyeong areas of Gyeonggi Province to assess its practicality and driving performance as a family car.

Kia EV5. Provided by Kia

First, the exterior design inherits Kia's signature EV styling while projecting a robust impression. The front features Kia's "Digital Tiger Face," emphasizing a clean look. From the side, the angular body lines highlight the authentic SUV feel, and the rear uses straight-lined taillights to give the vehicle a stable, balanced appearance. While the body is smaller than the Sportage, the straight-line design makes the EV5 appear larger in person.

The interior space is similar to the Sportage but offers more versatile use. As a model positioned as a family car, it is clear that significant effort was made to maximize interior space. The second-row rear seats provide ample headroom and legroom. There is a small table attached to the backrest of the front seat, which can hold smart devices or serve as a convenient spot for children's snacks.

Small table attached to the front seat backrest of the Kia EV5. Provided by Kia

The flat second-row rear seats of the Kia EV5. Photo by Woo Suyeon

The trunk's cargo space is also best-in-class. By pulling levers on both sides of the trunk, the second-row seats can be easily folded down. With all rear seats folded, the EV5 offers up to 1,650 liters of cargo space. The floor can be made completely flat, making it ideal for activities like camping or car camping.

In terms of driving performance, the EV5 passed the test. The motor output is more than adequate for everyday driving, and the ride quality is comfortable and smooth. Thanks to effective regenerative braking, it is possible to drive using just the accelerator pedal. This "one-pedal driving" reduces sudden stops and starts, resulting in a more stable ride.

Kia has equipped the EV5 with an 81.4 kWh NCM (nickel-cobalt-manganese) battery. The EV5 can travel 460 kilometers on a single charge. The official energy efficiency is 5.0 km/kWh, but during actual driving, it achieved a higher 6.7 km/kWh.

With fast charging, the battery can reach 80% in about 30 minutes, and the vehicle-to-load (V2L) function allows users to freely use electronic devices outdoors. The fact that real-world energy efficiency exceeds the official figure means lower running costs, which is a significant advantage for a family car.

Kia EV5 Interior. Photo by Woo Suyeon

Kia also emphasizes the EV5's advanced safety features, particularly as a family car. As standard, it includes acceleration limit assist and pedal misapplication safety assist, which protect against accidental accelerator use.

Acceleration limit assist is a technology introduced for the first time in a Hyundai Motor Group vehicle with the EV5. This feature limits acceleration if the driver mistakenly presses the accelerator while driving at speeds below 80 km/h. If the driver confuses the accelerator for the brake in a panic, the car recognizes this and automatically restricts speed. Pedal misapplication safety assist controls braking if the accelerator is pressed by mistake while the vehicle is stationary.

What about the price? Many consumers feel it is higher than expected. There were expectations that the price would be significantly lower due to the use of CATL's NCM battery from China, but the actual launch price fell short of these hopes.

The starting price for the base Long Range Air trim of the EV5 is set at 48.55 million won. With national and local government subsidies, the purchase price could drop to the low 40 million won range. In comparison, the Sportage Hybrid, a model in the same class, starts at 33.46 million won-a difference of about 7 million won. While electric vehicles have a higher initial purchase cost, their lower running costs can make them more economical overall.

In summary, the EV5 does have a higher initial purchase cost compared to hybrid and other competing models in its class. However, considering the savings on running costs, the latest electrification technology, family-friendly space, and advanced safety features, it is seen as an attractive choice for a "first family electric SUV." It remains to be seen how well the EV5 will be received by consumers in the actual market.

Kia EV5. Provided by Kia