Review: All-New 2024 Kia EV5 Air

A Weekend Spent with the Kia EV5 Air (Long Range)

The latest addition to Kia's EV lineup is angled to be the brand's leading battery-powered model.

The EV5 is a competitively-priced, mid-sized SUV aimed to take over the family market and we think it has a pretty good chance at doing so.

We recently spent the weekend with the entry-level Air (Long Range) trim putting it through its paces with the whole family.

Here are our thoughts.

What are Our Initial Impressions?

The EV5 strikes a perfect balance between familiarity and futurism, with an understated silhouette reminiscent of a classic SUV. However, its sharp angles, geometric head and tail lights, and striking wheel designs bring a modern edge that hints at its electric DNA. We love how this combination makes it approachable for traditional SUV buyers while confidently standing out as something refreshingly unique.

Stepping inside, you're greeted with familiar Kia tech and finishings fitted in a functional, open dash layout and a touch of bronze styling.

We're very impressed with how comfortable the seats are, and it was great to see 8-way power adjustability on the driver's seat in the base model (plus 4-way power lumbar support).

What catches your eye the most on the interior, however, is the passenger seat extension over the centre console. It's an interesting concept that could be described as "open plan" removing the compartmentalisation of occupants.

How Does the EV5 Perform On-Road?

If you're a fanatic for electric range, the Air (Long Range) is the trim to pick. With up to 555 kilometres from the 88.1kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery on the WLTP standard, the Air (Long Range) will travel further than all other grades on a single charge.

The higher trims (Earth & GT-Line) utilise the same battery although they gain all-wheel drive via an extra motor so they chew through that energy a little quicker - 500km for the Earth and 470km for the GT-Line.

The Standard Range version of the Air still gets a respectable 400 kilometres of range on a smaller 64.2kWh LFP battery and single electric motor. The Air enjoys a solid 160kW of power and 310Nm of instantaneous torque meaning your base model EV5 can zip past slowpokes with relative ease.

The additional 70kW motor available in the Earth and GT-Line lets you indulge in the satisfaction of a 0-100km/h figure of just over six seconds - perfect to get the blood flowing while you dart up the motorway on-ramp.

We found the ride and handling of the EV5 to be exceptional. The car felt balanced and the steering was light but intentional.

Often it takes a few commutes to get completely acquainted with a car but the familiarity with the EV5 was evident from the first drive which enhanced our confidence in the vehicle. We're attributing this in most part to Kia's locally-tuned program implemented on all models that are sold throughout Australia, which focuses on providing excellent driving dynamics bespoke to our unique driving conditions.

How Practical is the EV5?

Public Charging

Kia continues to raise the bar with its electric vehicle lineup, and the EV5 showcases this innovation with impressive charging flexibility.

Supporting both 400V and 800V charging infrastructure, the EV5 allows you to use a wider range of public chargers without needing an adapter.

On a standard 50kW DC Fast Charger, you can charge the long-range battery from 10% to 80% in about 72 minutes (or 57 minutes with the standard-range battery), while a 350kW DC Fast Charger achieves the same in just 38 minutes for either option.

At-Home & Scheduled Charging

For those who prefer the convenience of at-home charging, an 11kW AC charger will get the long-range battery recharged from 10% to 100% in approximately 8 hours and 10 minutes—perfect for overnight top-ups.

Another convenience of at-home charging is the Charge Management feature allowing you to tailor your charging schedule to maximise off-peak electricity rates either from your Kia smartphone app or directly through your EV5's infotainment system.

Vehicle-to-Load

It's also important to mention the EV5's Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capabilities which allow you to use the EV battery as a mobile power source.

All grades feature an interior 250V power outlet, while the Earth and GT-Line include an exterior V2L adaptor ideal for powering various electronics and home appliances.

Combine this with Utility mode - which allows you to run the car's electrical systems like audio, air conditioning and lights for extended periods without draining the 12V battery - and the EV5 turns into a remarkably useful car for a quick weekend camping trip or even a mobile office.

How Comfortable is the EV5?

The focus on comfort was a strong point for us over the test weekend with the EV5.

The seats are exceptionally comfortable with practical adjustment functions including tilt-adjustable headrests that cater to your ideal position. We loved the simple massaging function on the driver's seat - what we love more though is that it comes standard from the base model onwards as well as heated front seats and soft-touch door armrests.

For those seeking maximum indulgence, the top-tier GT-Line model steps it up with Kia’s "Premium Relaxation Seat," offering leg rests, position memory, and an enhanced massage function.

The GT-Line also includes a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, and heated outer second-row seats, so everyone in the car can travel in comfort, no matter the season.

How Functional is the Storage in the EV5?

Kia has clearly put a lot of thought into maximising the unique layout offered by an EV platform, delivering clever storage solutions that made our weekend easier.

The floating centre console not only provides handy storage underneath for larger items, but the dedicated hook on the dash in front is perfect for securing a handbag or those quick grocery bags.

The high roofline and flat boot floor mean the EV5 boasts a generous 513 litres of cargo space. There are a few cubbies back here for extra storage plus you get a set of movable luggage hooks so you can tailor it to a set-up that's ideal just for you.

The boot space expands to a massive 1,714 litres when the second-row seats are folded completely flat—perfect for larger hauls. Kia even offers an inflatable mattress designed to fit this spacious area, making it ideal for a quick driver reviver nap.

There’s more to love, like the hidden compartments under the boot floor for safely stowing away valuables. But our favourite? The 67-litre frunk compartment up front that's a practical spot to stash dirty shoes, wet and sandy swimmers, or anything you’d prefer to keep out of your pristine cabin.

It’s thoughtful touches like these that make the EV5 a standout for us.

How Safe is the EV5?

Driving the Kia EV5, I was genuinely impressed by how much thought Kia has put into safety across the range.

On the motorway, the Highway Drive Assist 2 stood out—it gave me a much better sense of what was happening around me and made lane changes so much smoother and safer with Lane Change Assist. It’s one of those systems that takes the edge off long drives, letting you focus on the road with greater confidence.

In the city, I found the Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) system particularly reassuring. Knowing it can detect cars, pedestrians, and cyclists in situations like junction turns, crossings, or even direct lane changes gave me a sense of backup in tricky moments.

Of course, it’s no substitute for staying alert and in control, but having that extra layer of assistance instilled more confidence while navigating busy streets.

The haptic steering wheel feedback was a subtle yet effective feature that provided gentle vibrations for alerts like lane departure without being distracting. Kia’s also done a great job refining their alert tones; they’re much softer and less intrusive than previous models, making the drive feel calmer and more enjoyable.

A few extra safety features I enjoyed (that are usually exclusive to higher-end trims) were the rain-sensing wipers, especially when the weather turned, and the smart key with remote start was surprisingly handy on a hot summer day.

The Lead Vehicle Departure Alert was also pretty handy. It gives you a little nudge when the car in front started moving ideal for sitting at the traffic lights and even saved me from holding up the line in the drive-thru.

How Much Does the EV5 Cost?

Kia has delivered on its promise of keeping the EV5 range competitively priced, offering incredible value in the $50k-$60k range. You can get behind the wheel of the EV5 Air (Standard Range) from just $56,770 drive away. If you’re after the long-range battery, the Air (Long Range) is available for $63,990 drive away.

The smoothest step up in the range is the Earth grade for an additional $5,000, which includes even more features and the option of a stylish Nougat-coloured interior at no extra cost. At the top of the lineup is the GT-Line, packed with all the bells and whistles for those who want it all, priced at $75,990 drive away.

If you’re after a bit of extra flair, the GT-Line offers the option of a two-tone paint job with four striking colour combinations to choose from. While there isn’t a standard paint option for the two-tone model, the $695 upgrade is worth it if you want to make a statement.

For all other trims, you can select from seven additional paint options beyond the standard white for an extra $520. The GT-Line has a slightly more limited palette, with three premium colours available on top of the standard white.

What are Our Thoughts on the EV5 Overall?

After spending the weekend with the Kia EV5 Air, it's evident that it's not only a great EV but also a great family car overall.

It strikes the perfect balance between practicality, comfort, and cutting-edge design, making it a fantastic option for families and commuters alike. The thoughtful features, impressive safety tech, and clever use of space really stood out, and Kia’s commitment to value shines through with the competitive pricing across the range.

Whether you’re after a well-equipped base model or all the luxury trimmings of the GT-Line, the EV5 range is broad enough to cater for everyone.

If you’re curious to experience it for yourself, don’t wait—get in touch with Motorama Kia today or book a test drive online.