Kia EV5 Australian review: Is this the alternative to Tesla?

This car has what it takes to shake up the Aussie motoring establishment but it isn’t without its flaws.

2025 Kia EV5. Photo: Supplied

The Kia EV5 is an electric SUV that could shake up the establishment – including those powered by petrol.

Sourced from China, fitted with a low cost BYD battery and with a Tesla-baiting price tag, it comes with aspirations of tempting buyers away from traditional SUVs such as the Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson and Mazda CX-5.

It also creates potential showroom brawls with Kia’s similarly sized Sportage.

2025 Kia EV5. Photo: Supplied

Whereas most mainstream brands are charging upwards of $70,000 for an electric SUV, Kia has priced the EV5 from $56,770 drive-away, thousands less than the Tesla Model Y that is not only the top selling EV in the country but also the third best selling SUV. It also puts it on a par with the popular RAV4 Cruiser (about $56,500), setting up an EV-versus-hybrid showdown.

Kia Australia product planning boss Roland Rivero describes it as “an extremely important product for us”, highlighting the challenges posed by emissions regulations coming into force next year that reinforces the importance of the EV5.

While Kia has slashed its initial sales targets for the EV5, it still expects it to be a major player – and among the most popular electric vehicles. “It’s priced well … we’re really happy with it,” says Kia Australia chief executive Damien Meredith. As well as the sharp price tag, the EV5 weighs in with a modest level of equipment that looks skinny against EV rivals.

2025 Kia EV5. Photo: Supplied

The entry-level Air Standard Range gets a massaging and electrically adjustable driver’s seat, for example, as well as 18-inch alloys, dual-zone ventilation and smart key entry with remote connectivity.

Around the cabin is a mix of cloth and fake leather and an abundance of recycled materials. There’s a modern flavour but it doesn’t scream premium.

It’s not until you get to the GT-Line ($75,990) that you get memory functionality for the driver’s seat and an electrically adjustable passenger seat.

The GT-Line also picks up 20-inch wheels and also a head-up display, panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, wireless phone charger, 360-degree camera, eight-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and two-tone synthetic leather.

2025 Kia EV5. Photo: Supplied

Splitting the two is an Earth ($68,990) that picks up a powered tailgate, tinted windows, roof rails and 19-inch wheels.

All come with dual 12.3-inch screens split by a 5-inch screen dedicated to ventilation functions.

The main infotainment screen incorporates wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

A quartet of USB-C ports keeping devices topped up and there’s a 230V power point in the boot to power household items, from coffee machines to lights. Being based on a dedicated EV architecture means plenty of space inside. A floating centre console between the front occupants hides an open storage space on the floor below.

2025 Kia EV5. Photo: Supplied

There’s a folding arm rest but no covered storage, with a pouch instead built into what looks like a miniature seat (it’s not); it’s ideal for phones or keys. The flat floor liberates loads of foot space in the rear and the EV5 has enough head and legroom to keep adults content.

And while the door pockets are small, there’s a slide out drawer that the kids will no doubt stuff with paraphernalia. In the GT-Line it’s heated and cooled, providing a mini fridge. The more you poke around the cabin, the more thoughtfulness pops up. There’s a fold out shopping hook upfront, for example. The front headrests have sculpted backs to look after jackets and there are coat hooks on the central pillars to look after the rest of your wardrobe.

The GT-Line gets a luggage cover that doubles as a nifty table.

2025 Kia EV5. Photo: Supplied

The EV5 Air is powered by a 160kW/310Nm electric motor driving the front wheels. It’s available with a 64.2kWh battery providing 400km of WLTP range or an 88.1kWh battery (for another $7220 … ouch) stretching the claimed driving distance to 555km. The Earth and GT-Line each get a second 70kW/170Nm rear motor for a total of 230kW and 480Nm. The additional weight and less efficient tyres reduce the range to 500km and 470km respectively.

On the road, the EV5 is inoffensive but doesn’t shift the EV needle.

Single motor Air models have acceptable performance with easy EV accessibility. The Long Range is 145kg heavier so is slightly slower, but there’s still keen responses to throttle inputs and decent pull when you call on it. Power out of a corner, though, and the steering wheel can tug as it tries to deal with 310Nm of torque. There’s wisps of torque steer in the all-wheel drive Earth, too, as it’s the front wheels doing most of the work (we didn’t drive the GT-Line but expect it to be the same).

2025 Kia EV5. Photo: Supplied

Steering is faithful but uninspiring, the flair of the more expensive EV6 not on display.

The EV5 makes up points for comfort, with a nicely controlled roll that deals admirably with bumps.

But it’s the entry level price that is the biggest tempter for an EV that delivers on practicalities but lacks flair in some areas. 

Verdict

4 stars

Solid EV credentials deliver the most compelling alternative yet to Tesla, albeit with some chinks in the armour.

Kia EV5 Air Standard Range

Price: From $56,770 drive-away

Warranty/servicing: 7 yrs/unlimited km, $1535 for 5 yrs/75,000km

Safety: 7 airbags, auto emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, rear cross traffic alert, rear auto braking, driver monitoring, exit warning, speed sign recognition

Power: Single electric motor, 160kW/310Nm

Range: 400km (WLTP)

Spare: Repair kit

Boot: 580L (513L boot, 67L frunk)

Originally published as Kia EV5 Australian review: Is this the alternative to Tesla?