The Kia EV9s little brother is an interesting combination of traits. On the one hand it is a thoroughly convincing electric mid-size SUV that does pretty much everything well and features bold and distinctive styling that makes it stand out from the crowd.
And on the other, it is a bit awkward looking and misses out on what could be an important feature for some people.
This is due to the fact that, while the Kia EV5 may look a lot like its EV9 big brother, the two are really cousins at best. This is because the EV5 doesn’t sit on the Hyundai-Kia 800 volt eGMP bespoke electric platform (that the EV6 and EV9 use, as well as the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6 and Ioniq 9), but rather uses an electric variant of the Hyundai-Kia N platform that forms the basis for most medium-to-large Hyundai and Kia vehicles, like the Sportage, Carnival and Sorento.
While this is a perfectly fine platform that currently does duty under some excellent vehicles, EVs that use traditionally ICE platforms tend to come off as compromised compared ones that use bespoke EV platforms, particularly in terms of packaging and styling. And that is very much how the EV5 comes across after a bit of time with it.
While it’s mainly just little things like the high boot lip and the tiny frunk (at least it has one, many ICE-based EVs don’t even manage that – looking at you Mercedes-Benz), it really comes through in the styling, which despite using the same fantastic design language as the EV9 and EV3, doesn’t look quite as good as they do.
One of the big advantages of a platform developed for an EV-only car is the fact you can push the wheels right out to the edges, minimising overhang and giving the car a far more purposeful stance.
The EV5 doesn’t have this advantage thanks to its Sportage platform, so the wheels are pushed in towards the centre of the wheelbase, giving it prominent overhangs. This, combined with the fact that it sits quite high and, due to battery package needs, is quite tall and slab-sided, leads to a look that is best described as a tad awkward, as opposed to the EV9 that looks bullish and purposeful or the EV3 that looks compact and sporty.
However, there is one more compromise the EV5 makes by not being on the bespoke EV platform – it also misses out on the EV9’s 800 volt electrical architecture, instead using a 400 volt set up that leaves the EV5 unable to take full advantage of the latest 350kW super-fast charging stations.
The EV5 is very much a ‘Goldilocks’ car in terms of its power and the delivery of said power – everything is just right.
This means a 10 to 80 percent charge at the fastest rate (141kW) will take a leisurely 40 minutes, while the EV9 will take 24 minutes to pack the same charge percentage (and obviously more mileage) into its considerably larger 100kWh battery.
While this may seem like a deal-breaker, in reality, all it means to most people is a bit more planning when doing a long trip.
While this is probably the biggest downside the EV5 has, the upside is that it is a lovely thing to drive, while also being extremely comfortable and practical. The EV5 is very much a ‘Goldilocks’ car in terms of its power and the delivery of said power – everything is just right.
There’s enough grunt to make that gap in the traffic, but you aren’t going to win any traffic light drag races, while its torque comes on in a delightfully smooth wave that, again, won’t exactly rip your head off, but is just right for overtaking.
Handling is predictable and safe, with nicely responsive steering and a nimble chassis. It is worth remembering, however, that because the EV5 uses the Sportage’s underpinnings, the 2WD models (like this Light+) are all FWD, so you do miss out on the RWD balance of other Kia EV, while torque steer is a possibility in the wet.
The EV5 drives extremely well, is delightfully comfortable and well-equipped, and pretty much does everything you would want a mid-size all-electric SUV to do.
Ride quality is also good with a ride that is supple and cosseting but is strangely sensitive to small imperfections and coarse surfaces, particularly at open road cruising speeds. This leads to a ride that is the tiniest bit busy on smooth roads, but impressively supple on rougher ones.
The interior is nice and airy, made from good quality materials and featuring some brilliantly comfortable seats, with a layout that is more reminiscent of Kia’s ICE SUVs, rather than its EVs. It’s all very sensible, logical and, well, a bit dull, but it does the job well.
The EV5 is, of course, jam-packed with the latest technology, including Kia’s suite of driver assists and safety tech which, thankfully, are way better calibrated than they are in the EV9 and aren’t overly intrusive or brain-gratingly insistent.
And it is solid value for money as well, with the range starting at the EV5 Light for $67,990 (the car we drive here is the $70,450 Light+ model), making it one of the cheaper mid-size electric SUVs with an 88kWh battery and a 500+km range.
The EV5 drives extremely well, is delightfully comfortable and well-equipped, and pretty much does everything you would want a mid-size all-electric SUV to do.
The EV5 is one of those medium SUVs that just does everything right and nothing particularly wrong when it comes to being a daily driver.
The fact that it doesn’t use Kia’s bespoke EV platform does disadvantage it on the styling front, which is largely a subjective thing anyway, but the restricted charging speeds will likely be the biggest drawback for most. Even if it isn’t particularly a huge one in the grand scheme of things.
What are the key statistics for the Kia EV5 Light+
All EV5's sold in New Zealand use the same big 88.1kWh LFP battery, with the 2WD Light+ model using a single electric motor on the front axle that is good for 160kW of power and 310Nm of torque.
Is the Kia EV5 Light+ efficient?
The Light+ has a claimed range of 555km and energy consumption of 18.0kWh/100km, which seemed to be pretty accurate from our time with it. It is the most frugal of the EV5 range, thanks to the fact it is appropriately the lightest model in the EV5 range, clocking it at a svelte (for an EV) 2054kg.
Is the Kia EV5 Light+ good to drive?
The EV5 is one of those medium SUVs that just does everything right and nothing particularly wrong when it comes to being a daily driver. Responsive and lively without being overpowered or unruly, it is a delightful open road cruiser and even somewhat engaging on winding back road.
Is the Kia EV5 Light+ practical?
Kia has packed the EV5 with smart features that add to the practicality that comes from it being an SUV, with features like the large storage area under the boot floor and the clever front seat/centre console arrangement. That boot will swallow 513 litres of cargo with the rear seats in place, increasing to a cavernous 1713 litres with them folded down.
What do we like about the Kia EV5 Light+?
It is superbly comfortable, quiet and relaxing to drive, with a delightfully airy feel to the cabin thanks the light colours and smart layout.
What don’t we like about the Kia EV5 Light+?
With its longer, slightly awkward overhangs it lacks the cohesive styling of the EV9, not helped by the fact that the Light's 18-inch wheels look weirdly tiny compared to the 19s and 20s the Earth and GT-Line models run on. Plus the inability to use a super-fast public charger to the fullest of its ability is a disappointment.
What kind of person would the Kia EV5 Light+ suit?
Anyone who wants a supremely capable medium electric SUV for daily duties and will do most of their charging at home. In those circumstances, the EV5 is almost faultless.
