Kia EV5, what it looks like, how it goes and how much the electric family suv costs

Stylistically, the EV5 is also a product of the language that is rampant among Kia's electrics, but the link with the EV3 and EV9 is not a photocopy effect. In fact, despite having a boxy-car styling, the appearance is personalised not only by the inevitable reinterpretation of the light signatures, but also by the sculpted wings, the sides furrowed by lower ribs, the design of the third side light and the specific definition of certain styling cues. The result, together with a length of 4.61 metres, a width of 1.87 metres and a height of 1.67 metres, gives the EV5 an appearance that conveys both a typical SUV muscularity and the spaciousness of the cabin, thanks also to the 2.75 metre wheelbase.

The cabin, furnished in minimalist style, is very functional, thanks in part to the many storage compartments and solutions such as the relax seat, which is useful when stopping to recharge, and the front centre console, which is also accessible from the rear, and is very digitalised but not to the point of overwhelming ergonomics. The latter is based on Android Automotive and also integrates connectivity for Apple CarPlay, voice assistant with ChatGpt Ai, Ota protocol for updating the car's software and Kia Connect functions that also include entertainment services. The system has a 12.3" display like that of the instrumentation, which is connected via the 5" monochrome air conditioning display to form the widescreen resting on the linear dashboard. From the second trim level and progressively up to the top of the range, equipment also includes wireless charging for smartphones, both front seats electric, heating and ventilation for the rear sofa as well, tri-zone climate control, electric tailgate, fingerprint start system that avoids the inconspicuous button on the gear selector to the right of the steering wheel and the digital key in the smartphone.

The width of the interior, which is also considerable in the rear, does not compromise that of the boot, which has a large capacity for the size of the EV5, ranging from 566 to 1,650 litres. To this compartment is added the 44-litre front compartment, useful for storing charging cables.

Dynamically, this SUV proves to be well grounded, manoeuvrable and always instinctive to drive, as well as very comfortable because the suspension gradually absorbs road bumps even when the set-up is supplemented by the 19" wheels that are standard from the second trim level and the cabin is well insulated from noise. Furthermore, despite being front-wheel-drive, the EV5 even on the roads in the Aosta Valley where it made its debut in Italy whitened by heavy snowfall moved effortlessly. The powertrain that propels the EV5 to 165 mph and 100 km/h in 8"4, against a declared average consumption of 16.9 kWh/100 km combines the classic responsiveness and linearity of electric units with a lively character when using the Sport car configuration. During the test we found that the overall efficiency is well supported by the management of energy flows, especially by exploiting the energy recovery steps during deceleration, which are also useful when used properly to gently slow the car on low-grip surfaces. Obviously, energy recoveries are very determined with the i-Pedal function to be used above all in stop&go gearing which, for its part, never being abrupt does not reverberate on comfort even when it comes to bringing the EV5 to a complete standstill.

The EV5 range on sale at prices from €45,000 to €53,000 comes in the Air, Earth and Gt-line trims, to which is initially added the Gt-line Launch Edition with virtually full optional equipment that includes, for example, elements that personalise the exterior and interior, the panoramic sunroof, 12" head-up display and automatic remote parking function. In all cases the equipment always includes, for example, all Adas for semi-assisted driving level 2, 7 years of traffic for Kia Connect services and the still uncommon central airbag between driver and passenger side.

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