Driving Kia’s electric mid-sized EV5 SUV – similar in size to Kia’s petrol
Sportage, although boxier and the first Kia to be made in China for this market.
Three trim grades Air, Earth, and GT- Line – I’m driving the mid-grade EV5 Earth
at $68,990 drive-away, a dual motor all-wheel drive with a long-range 88.1kWh
battery providing a quoted 500km range. Features include synthetic leather seats,
dual 12.3-inch interior screens,19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, a power
tailgate, dual zone climate control and a five-inch climate control display which
frustratingly is partly hidden by the rim of the steering wheel. The interior roomy,
very accommodating in both seat rows with excellent cargo space but
disappointingly there’s no wireless phone charging or 360-degree camera. For a
family vehicle it also lacks a front console storage box but for rear passengers
provides a pull-out storage draw under. I must admit my first visual impression of
the Kia EV5 was not great, but it grew on me in time as did the drive experience
with four drive modes while the charging process on my 11kW home charger was
effortless and relatively fast. Warranty seven years/unlimited km with battery
warranty seven years/150,000km, less than some rivals. Drive details next.

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