We review the KIA EV5 GT-Line AWD long range for 2025.

EV5 GT-Line – Kia EV5 joins a growing EV model range for Kia. This now includes the EV9, EV6, EV3 and the upcoming EV4. Kia has certainly embraced the choice concept for their vehicles. They offer diesel, petrol hybrids, PHEVs and BEVs.

Kia EV5 is a mid sized all electric SUV.

The EV5 was introduced late in 2024. It is available across three trimlines; Air, Earth, and GT-Line. EV5 Air is offered with a FWD powertrain and two battery sizes. While Earth and GT-Line are powered by an AWD powertrain.

Readers can find out about the full Kia EV5 range HERE 

What does the EV5 GT-Line look like?

The EV5 looks like a mini version of the EV9. That’s a good thing.

Its quite stylish

The vehicle I had was a blue, Tide Blue, I think it is called. It certainly attracted a lot of positive comments and suits the shape well.

The front-end design includes a wide nose and solid bonnet, rugged lower skid plate and constellation-shaped ‘Star Map’ signature LED lighting. Headlights are automatic with auto high beam as well.

The side view shows folding door handles, roof rails and alloy wheels.

The Kia EV5 rear provides ‘Star Map’ LED rear tail lamp, a rugged lower skid plate and an aerodynamic rear spoiler.

Wheels are 20-inch alloys with 255/45 R20 tyres.

Other external features include.

• Auto wipers
• Follow me home lights.
• Gloss black roof rails.
• Roof integrated Rear Spoiler with LED High-Mounted Rear Stop Light
• Height Adjustable Smart Power Tailgate
• Panoramic Sunroof
• Shark Fin Antenna
• Windscreen with Acoustic Film
• Solar Glass (Windscreen & Front Door Glass)
• Solar Glass (Rear Windows & Tailgate)
• Privacy Glass (Rear Windows & Tailgate)
• Laminated Glass (Front Driver)

What is the interior of the EV5 GT-Line like

Typically, Kia is the quick and simple answer.

Front access is easy for these older hips and legs.

Leather look seats are two toned colours. The front seats are heated and ventilated. For the driver there is a massage function as well, that I put to very good use. The driver’s seat also had a recline relaxation function with extendable footrest. Great I guess of you need to have a kip while waiting for the EV5 to charge.

So overall the front seats are comfortable and supportive.

Driver ergonomics

In front of the driver is a flat top and bottom thick rimmed steering wheel. It has well defined thumb points as well as the usual controls for MFD, cruise control and audio on the spokes.

The augmented HUD is great but does polarise out with some sunglasses.

The top of the steering wheel can block some of the driver instruments.

However, with the height and reach adjustable steering wheel and plenty of slide for the drivers eat I could easily find my sweet spot for comfort.

Everything is within easy reach, even the far side of the central screen.

Rear visibility is excellent, but the ‘A’  slope and thickness does create a slight blind spot. Good thing the BSM works a treat.

Rear seats

Rear seats are sculptured for two people. They are comfortable with reasonable leg, head, and knee room for the size of vehicle.

Rear passengers are treated to:

• outer heated seats,
• reclining backrest,
• fold down middle arm rest.
• fold down shelves for tablets or laptops and
• a slide out fridge

There are two isofix points and three top tether spots for baby seats. There is enough room for a baby seat, which is unusual in this size vehicle.

Boot space

Boot space shows more thought than usual. There are a couple of side cubby holes, hooks for shopping bags top and bottom and they can be positioned in multiple places.

The floor is split into two lift up sections, the rear one has a clever hinged configuration. Add rear speakers and fold flat seats.

The Kia EV5 has possibly the most practical boot space I’ve seen for quite a while.

Storage space

Well, there is heaps of it.

The placement of the transmission controls on the steering column allows a flexible layout.

There is a floating pod between the seats with the arm rest a lift up lid as well.

Enough room for two cups, other knickknacks, and a wireless phone charger.

Below that is a handy large tray.

There are bottle holders in front and rear doors. As mentioned before there is a handy slide out chilled bin for the rear passengers.

Lift the front bonnet and there is a handy spot there as well.

Technology and connectivity

Kia has really moved to the large integrated driver instrument and central screen format for their vehicles.

The fully digital 75cm combined panoramic display has a myriad of choices for information. It provides crucial driving information, climate control settings and infotainment data, all available at an arm’s length.

Customise to your preference with drag & drop information widgets on the 12.3″ infotainment touchscreen.

The EV5’s augmented reality HUD projects key information on your windscreen such as speed, navigation guidance and lane safety information.

A customisable multicolour interior mood lamp runs from dash to the door trim enveloping the entire interior, offering passengers a comforting ambiance and adding a touch of luxury.

The harman/kardon^® 8 speaker premium sound system brings life-like immersive audio experience directly into your cabin.

There are a number of USB-C ports throughout the cabin for connectivity.

Discover intelligent remote-control functions including remote start, charging status and numerous innovative in-car services.

With EV5 comes Over-The-Air (OTA) updates, conveniently allowing software & map updates directly to your vehicle.

There is also a 360-degree camera view.

Battery and motors

The Kia EV5 has an 88.1 kWh Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. Its capacity is 399.4 V / 220.6 ah and weighs some 574 kg.

This is a compromise rather than use the 800 V battery. However the LFP battery is a more stable platform for a battery. The penalty is mainly in charging time. But it is cheaper for Kia to use to meet the pricing of the extensive Chinese competitors.

There are twin motors, front and back and a 1 Speed Automatic Transmission (Reduction Gear).

The charge port is located at the front driver’s side, and it is a Type 2 (IEC 62196-2)charger. The onboard charger is 11kW (3 Phase). This will charge from 10-100% with an 11kW charger in 8 hrs 10 mins.

However, if you are simply running off a 240V 10 amp plug it will take some 40 hrs. Believe me it did.

DC Fast charge port is CCS Type 2 (IEC 62196-3 Configuration FF).

Fast charging times are claimed to be.

• DC Fast Charge 10-80% (50kW Charger) approximately 72 minutes
• DC Fast Charge 10-80% (350kW Charger) approximately 38 minutes

The best charger is the 75 kW chargers though as you really don’t get the benefit of the 350kW.

Range is rated at 470 km for the AWD GT Line version, but real life is closer to 420-450 km.

One major benefit is the V2L ability. There is an outside adaptor for the charge point as well as an internal plug.

Using outdoor V2L connector, the EV5 can be used to power electronics & home appliances.

Interior V2L (Vehicle-to-load) outlet in the boot is equipped with a standard power socket to power various devices without needing an adaptor.

Driving

Like most electric cars the EV5 is smooth and quiet. Its no sports SUV but will go from 0-100 kph in 6.3 seconds and top speed is claimed 185 kph. I obviously didn’t assess that.

However, the instant torque makes it feel sportier than that and it always feels ready to sprint away. Steering response is actually quite good. You usually can tell that Kia spends a lot of time tuning the suspension for Australian conditions.

Given the release date of this vehicle and the lead time for development, the EV5 didn’t get the full treatment due to COVID restrictions. Consequently, the ride however can get a little skittish on uneven surfaces

One real benefit of EVs is the battery underneath. That lowers the centre of gravity considerably, which means that sometimes EVs feel like they are on rails. The EV5 has excellent handling. T.

There is a little bit of wind noise at speed from the external mirrors.

The one pedal driving was a little quirky but OK once you got used to it. The regen braking is controlled by paddle shifts on the steering wheel.

Suited to inner city and motorway

It is better suited to city and motorway driving. And that’s what it will mainly be used for.

One thing that was slightly disappointing is the economy. It was around 23-24 kWh /100 km and that is about 5 kWh/100 km over what I would have expected.

So, the combination of poor economy, small range and long at home charging times is something prospective buyers should take into consideration.

A clever feature is Remote Smart Parking Assist 2. This helps remotely park or exit a parking spot. It searches for parking spaces and automatically assists with steering, accelerating, and decelerating using the vehicle’s sensors.

Inside the vehicle, you can use the Parking View button to search for parking spaces and select the parking type. Once exiting the vehicle, you can activate the parking feature using the smart key from outside.

Safety

Kia EV5 has a five-star ANCAP safety rating from October 2024.

It comes absolutely packed with the safety features that have acronyms. Way too many to list here but if you want to see them all they can be found in the brochure HERE.

Let me say though that the EV5 has some really intrusive safety features that you have to turn off EVERY TIME you start out. It should be noted that it’s not alone in this. Many current model cars have the same and it is just so frustrating.

Luckily, there is a start icon on the steering wheel that can take you to the screen in the menu where you can turn them off relatively easy, but why can’t we opt out permanently.

Key safety features include:

• 7 airbags incl. front-centre
• Autonomous emergency braking
  • Car, pedestrian, cyclist detection
  • Junction turning, crossing assist.
  • Direct, oncoming lane change detection
• Blind-spot assist
• Driver attention monitoring
• Lane Following Assist (lane centring)
• Lane-keep assist.
• Lead Vehicle Departure Alert
• Rear cross-traffic assist
• Rear occupant alert
• Reversing camera incl. dynamic guidelines
• Safe exit warning
• Blind Spot View Monitor
• Parking Collision Avoidance Assist – reverse, side, forward
• Surround cameras incl. 3D mode.

Kia EV5 GT-Line Final Thoughts

Overall, I like the EV5.

Kia has the whole EV thing spot on. The familial styling runs down through the EV family and looks great.

EV5 seems to get the size factor just right. Small enough for an inner-city runabout, but large enough for a weekend escape or holiday.

The GT Line is particularly well equipped and comfortable.

It looks good , but falls slightly short on what was expected from Kia after the EV6 and EV9.

Its expensive though and range and charging time are two factors that need to be addressed.

More thoughts and details Kia EV5 GT Line

Some other Kia EV5 articles

• Kia EV5 SUV Everything you need to know
• Kia EV5 SUV – All you need to know
• Kia EV5 first drive in the Southern Highlands of NSW
• Kia EV5 SUV – some details

Kia EV5 GT-Line Details

*MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options. RDAP means Recommended Drive Away Price (without options but including all other charges)