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One of Kia’s most important models.
30 June 2025
Written by Wheels magazine
One of Kia’s most important models, the EV5 launched with sharp pricing, a good size and, importantly, to some buyers, a normal appearance.
For now, there are four variants in the Australian EV5 range: the base Air in either standard or long range battery sizes, while the mid-spec Earth and top-spec GT-Line feature both the long range battery and all-wheel drive as standard.
All variants are priced well in Australia from just $56,770 drive away for the entry-level Air Standard Range.
2025 Kia EV5 pricing (drive away):
Air 2WD Standard Range: $56,770
Air 2WD Long Range: $63,990
Earth AWD Long Range: $67,990
GT-Line AWD Long Range: $75,990
Included in the standard equipment on the EV5 Air are 18-inch alloy wheels with a tyre repair kit; dusk-sensing automatic LED exterior lighting; keyless entry and start with remote start; heated and auto-folding mirrors; black cloth and synthetic leather upholstery; heated front seats; synthetic leather steering wheel; dual-zone climate control with rear air vents; 12.3-inch digital driver’s display and 12.3-inch touchscreen with Kia Connect live services; satellite navigation with live traffic; wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring and six-speaker sound system.
Like the larger EV9, the Kia EV5 features a futuristic interior.
The front cabin is interestingly designed with plenty of edgy creases in the design, pleasingly soft materials used on the dashboard and door trims and the usual good quality Kia switchgear.
The infotainment system uses a 12.3-inch touchscreen with shortcut buttons below - and with temperature and fan speed adjustment toggles further beneath - but it also features a 5.0-inch touch panel to control the climate control.
The touchscreen itself uses the brand’s latest infotainment software and while it could be brighter, it’s an otherwise great system.
It’s easy to use, well featured and quick as well. The wireless Apple CarPlay worked faultlessly for our time with it and it also features satellite navigation and DAB+ digital radio.
It also has access to Kia’s live services, including traffic for in the navigation and over-the-air updates are also available.
The 12.3-inch digital driver’s display is also easy to understand, though we wish it had more customisation like a map and different layouts. Still, unlike a Tesla, at least it has one.
Front seat comfort is pretty good thanks to ample electric adjustment for the driver, and even three-cell massaging functionality.
The front passenger doesn’t receive the same features, however, with just manual four ways of adjustment
Storage in the front is impressive with large cupholders, a big tray between the seats, big door pockets, a massive section underneath the floating centre console and even a bag hook next to the glovebox.
Underneath the padded centre armrest is not a storage box, instead, almost a third front seat with a slim pocket for storing a tablet or phone. It looks cool as the seat fabric continues from the front passenger seat, but more storage could’ve been added.
The rear cabin features door pockets, a central armrest with cupholders, air vents on the pillars, two USB-C ports in the back of the front seats, a massive sliding tub that’s climate controlled in the GT-Line and map pockets on the back of the seats.
The rear seats also recline and there are three top tether points and two ISOFIX points for child seats.
The boot of the EV5 measures 513 litres with the seats up, and 1,714L with the rear seats folded.
While those aren’t class-leading numbers, the EV5’s clever features impress with a large under-floor section, ample storage on each side, grooves to store the boot floor higher and even removable hooks that can be positioned at various points throughout the boot. The seats fold completely flat, and there’s also a 67L front boot as well.
The new EV5 includes latest-gen safety tech and driver assistance systems, including seven airbags (including a front centre unit, auto emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian, cyclist and intersection assistance, adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality, lane keeping assistance with lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert (with braking), driver attention monitoring with lead vehicle departure alert, front and rear parking sensors, reversing camera, tyre pressure monitoring and more
The EV5 was awarded a five-star ANCAP safety rating in 2024 with scores of 88 per cent in adult occupancy protection, 86 per cent in child occupant protection, 74 per cent in vulnerable road user protection and 82 per cent in safety assist.
Like other new Kia models, the EV5 is covered by a seven-year/unlimited km warranty with up to eight years of roadside assistance if serviced through a Kia dealership.
The battery is covered by a seven-year/150,000km warranty.
Images supplied by Wheels magazine. This article was written by an independent author of Wheels Media. Full disclaimer.