Kia EV5 Review: The New Electric SUV That Challenges Tesla Model Y
Table of Contents
Kia EV5 Exterior Design
The Kia EV5’s design is inspired by the flagship Kia EV9. Its boxy yet modern look gives it a strong road presence.
“Tiger Face” LED lighting signature
Charging port positioned on the front-right fender
Air variant: 18-inch wheels
Earth: 19-inch alloys
GT-Line: 20-inch wheels
Variants and Pricing
Kia EV5 comes in three trims – Air, Earth, and GT-Line.
Earth (mid-variant): from AUD $68,990 drive-away (Australia)
Batteries are supplied by BYD.
Powertrain and Performance
Dual-motor AWD system
Front motor: 160 kW
Rear motor: 70 kW
Combined output: 230 kW / 480 Nm
0–100 km/h in just 6.1 seconds
This performance makes it suitable not only as a family EV but also for those who crave sporty acceleration.
Battery, Range and Charging
Battery capacity: 88.1 kWh usable
WLTP range: up to 500 km
DC fast charging: up to 140 kW
10–80% charge in ~38 minutes
Energy consumption: 20.1 kWh/100 km (higher than Tesla Model Y’s ~15 kWh/100 km)
Interior and Technology
Triple screen setup:
12.3-inch digital driver display
12.3-inch central touchscreen (OTA updates, Kia Connect app)
5-inch climate control display
Wireless Apple CarPlay / Android Auto
Heated front seats, dual-zone climate control
Electric sunroof (on higher trims)
8-way power driver’s seat with lumbar support
Drawbacks:
Wireless phone charging only on GT-Line
No 360-degree camera on mid-variant
Space and Practicality
Front row: great visibility and comfortable seats
Rear row: excellent legroom, headroom, and flat floor
Boot space: 513 litres
Front trunk (frunk): 67 litres
Power tailgate (from Earth variant and above)
Driving Experience
On-road: feels quick and powerful
Noticeable torque steer in wet conditions
Five levels of regenerative braking
i-Pedal mode → one-pedal driving convenience
Safety Features
Positives:
Adaptive cruise control with lane centering
Auto lane-change assist
Driver attention monitor (camera-based)
Negatives:
Lane-keep assist feels too intrusive
Speed sign recognition often inaccurate (software update expected)
Tesla Model Y vs Kia EV5 Comparison
| Feature | Kia EV5 | Tesla Model Y |
|---|---|---|
| Range (WLTP) | Up to 500 km | ~533 km |
| Charging Speed | 140 kW DC | 250 kW DC |
| 0–100 km/h | 6.1 seconds | ~5 seconds |
| Price (Australia) | From $68,990 | From $69,300 |
| Boot Space | 513 L + 67 L | 854 L |
Final Verdict
Based on this Kia EV5 Review, it’s clear that the EV5 is a strong contender, especially for buyers looking for a serious alternative to the Tesla Model Y.
Positives:
Strong performance
Up to 500 km range
High-tech and comfortable interior
Practical boot space
Negatives:
Some missing convenience features
Limited storage solutions
Safety system needs software refinement
If you’re looking for a family-sized electric SUV and want a non-Tesla option, the Kia EV5 is a smart choice.
❓ Kia EV5 – Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the range of the Kia EV5?
The Kia EV5 is expected to offer a driving range of around 500 km per charge (depending on battery variant and driving conditions).
2. What is the expected price of the Kia EV5 in India?
The expected price of the Kia EV5 in India could be around ₹20–25 lakh (ex-showroom), depending on the variant.
3. Does the Kia EV5 support fast charging?
Yes, the Kia EV5 supports DC fast charging, which can charge the battery up to 80% in under 40 minutes.
4. How many seats does the Kia EV5 have?
The Kia EV5 comes with a comfortable 5-seater layout, making it suitable for families and daily use.
5. When will the Kia EV5 launch in India?
The Kia EV5 is expected to launch in India by mid-2025.
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