KIA EV 5 Review
A Stylish Spark in the Electric Revolution
Editor : Mark K | Cars&TechSG
The electric vehicle (EV) landscape in Singapore is heating up, and KIA has just added fresh excitement to the mix with the arrival of the KIA EV5. Positioned as a more compact sibling to the acclaimed EV9, the EV5 promises a balance of practicality, design, and cutting-edge technology tailored for urban lifestyles. But what does the EV version bring to the table, and how well does it stack up against its rivals in a market that's becoming increasingly competitive?
The Kia EV5 Earth variant marks a significant milestone as the first Kia EV to be made in Singapore, showcasing both design flair and practical usability. Positioned slightly larger than some other compact SUVs, this electric SUV combines modern styling, a comfortable interior, and thoughtful features – though it isn't without its shortcomings. The EV5 is available in two variants: Earth and Air.
The EV5 embraces Kia's Tiger Nose grille language, updated for the EV era with a futuristic twist. The design is bold yet approachable, featuring clean lines, a slightly boxy silhouette, and a confident road presence. Its proportions make it feel substantial without overwhelming tight city spaces, while the LED lighting signature adds a modern, premium touch.
The 19" alloy wheel options, in particular, deserve a mention – they are stylishly designed to complement the SUV's profile while helping with aerodynamics. While not an aggressively sporty SUV, the EV5 manages to stand out with a strong road identity, projecting both elegance and confidence.
Step into the EV5 and you'll find a cabin that strikes a smart balance between modern technology and everyday usability. The materials feel premium for the segment, with soft-touch finishes in areas you interact with most, and the overall design leans contemporary without being overwhelming.
The centerpiece is the Panoramic Integrated Display, which combines a 12.3" Digital Driver Cluster, a 5.3" HVAC control panel, and a 12.3" Touchscreen Infotainment system into a single, wide digital interface. This setup offers plenty of information at a glance while still being easy to navigate. Complementing it is a 12" HD Head-Up Display that projects key details such as speed, navigation prompts, and driver-assist alerts directly into the driver's line of sight, reducing the need to glance away from the road.
For those who value audio quality, the Harman Kardon sound system delivers clear, powerful sound that enhances both music and spoken word. Interestingly, Kia has also chosen to retain some traditional embossed dashboard buttons alongside the digital screens, which makes the EV5 feel accessible to both tech-focused drivers and those who prefer more tactile controls.
Features & Practicality
The EV5 Earth variant comes loaded with features designed for convenience and versatility:
In-car fridge: Great for keeping drinks cool, though limited by the lack of temperature control and auto open/close.
25L frunk: Modest but handy for smaller items like charging cables or groceries.
Vehicle-to-Load (V2L): One of the EV5's standout innovations, allowing you to power appliances, laptops, camping gear, or even tools through a three-pin plug in the boot or an external adaptor – a feature outdoor enthusiasts will love.
Remote car control: Operated via the key fob, but less intuitive than a dedicated smartphone app. The absence of the Kia Connect app in Singapore (though available in other countries) is a missed opportunity to elevate convenience further.
This thoughtful combination of storage solutions and innovative features makes the EV5 one of the most practical EV SUVs in its segment.
The seating experience is where Kia truly excels. The vegan massage seats with memory function provide comfort on longer drives, while the easy entry system and driver footrest show attention to detail in day-to-day usability. For passengers, the EV5 continues to impress: the rear seats offer a reclining function, air-con vents positioned in the B-pillars, and USB-C outlets conveniently placed on the front seatbacks. Even the quirky bench seat return concept, which hides a sleeve for stowing phones and keys, demonstrates Kia's focus on small conveniences, though its usefulness will depend on personal preference.
513L boot space: Spacious and cleverly designed with movable hooks, a parcel shelf, and multiple storage solutions, making it highly practical for families.
On Road Performance:
On the road, the EV5 delivers a smooth and comfortable ride, clearly tuned for everyday usability rather than outright performance. Its instantaneous torque makes city driving effortless, with responsive acceleration in urban settings. The Century Sprint clocks in at 10.9 seconds, which, while not fast by EV standards, is adequate for family and commuter needs.
Handling and cornering are composed, with suspension tuned to absorb bumps effectively – prioritizing comfort over aggressive sportiness. Steering feedback is light, making it easy to manoeuvre, especially in city conditions. However, the first noticeable drawback is its need for a more punchy powertrain. While refined and smooth, a little more power would have transformed the driving dynamics, especially for those who occasionally crave spirited driving.
The EV5 employs a traditional push-button start/stop system. While it functions reliably, many EVs today are moving toward automatic activation and deactivation upon entry and exit, which can enhance convenience. Updating this feature in future models could make the overall experience feel even more seamless.
The EV5 delivers a balanced and efficient driving range, making it a dependable choice for daily commutes as well as longer trips. While it doesn't lead the pack in terms of outright mileage, Kia has engineered it to offer predictable efficiency and solid charging capabilities.
The Bottom Line:
The Kia EV5 is a well-rounded EV SUV that prioritizes comfort, practicality, and modern styling. Its roomy cabin, thoughtful features like massage seats and V2L capability, and Singaporean-built identity make it a compelling option in the EV space. The practical boot, useful frunk, and everyday conveniences show Kia's commitment to functionality.
That being said, it would be better of course if it came with a more powerful drivetrain and the convenience of the Kia Connect app in Singapore.
That said, the EV5 is clearly a car built for comfort, practicality, and real-world usability, making it a strong contender for families and urban drivers who value substance over sheer performance.
It's worth to give it a try and add to your shopping list!
Technical Specifications (Earth Variant)
Battery Capacity : 88.1 kWh
Charging Time : 10% to 80% in 38 minutes (DC Charging)
Power : 134 BHP
Torque : 310 Nm
Century Sprint : 10.9 secs
Range : WLTP 540KM (Depends on driving style)
Boot Capacity : 513L + 24L Frunk
Road Tax : $1502 Annually
Official Website : KIA Singapore
Check out more images of the ride at our Instagram Page!