Once upon a time, the Kia magic formula was simple: more car, less money. But, their new model lineup, including the EV5, is set to change that notion.
It was a value play executed to near perfection, undercutting Japanese rivals while throwing in a few extra toys to sweeten the deal. And for a while, it worked like a charm. Then came the Chinese, and they rewrote the playbook.
In this new world of electric SUVs that charge fast, look sharp, and cost less than your cousin’s COE, Kia now has to do more than just tick the right boxes. The EV5 is one such car that feels like Kia’s answer to the question: “What if we built a sensible SUV that doesn’t feel like an accountant specced it?”
It stands out, even without shouting
Where others rely on over-styled grilles and dramatic light shows, the Kia EV5 plays it cool. Its boxy, squared-off silhouette hints at its bigger sibling, the EV9, but it’s more compact and less shouty. Kia calls it the “Digital Tiger Face”, and it’s distinctive enough not to get lost in a sea of anonymous crossovers.
The Earth variant I drove sits right in the Goldilocks zone. It gets the larger 88.1kWh LFP battery, bigger wheels, and just enough bells and whistles to make you feel you’re getting something special.
A cabin that doesn’t try too hard
Slide into the cabin and you’ll realise Kia’s taken a page out of the “less is more” design manual. Unlike some rivals that bury every function behind 14 layers of touchscreens, the EV5 sticks to real buttons, dials, and knobs. Revolutionary, I know. Thank you, Kia.
There’s a 12.3-inch central display, another 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a climate display that’s slightly obscured by the steering wheel. But thankfully, physical toggles for temperature and fan speed are still present. Proof that you don’t have to sacrifice usability at the altar of minimalism.
The drive selector-mounted start/stop button is another clever touch. No fumbling, no hunting. Just tap, twist, and go.
You’ll also find thoughtful amenities like a panoramic roof, wireless charger, and a centre console cooler that chills or warms its contents, although you’re limited to either five degrees or a searing 55. The “jumpseat” is surprisingly handy too, with a small pocket to keep your smartphone in place while driving.
With a 2,750mm wheelbase and a flat floor, the rear cabin feels properly spacious. There’s no third-zone climate control, but B-pillar vents help circulate air where it matters. The cupholders could use a rethink; the door bins don’t accommodate wider bottles, and the ones below the dash are too shallow.
Fold the rear seats and the EV5 reveals its practical side: 1,714 litres of cargo space. Kia even engineered the parcel shelf to double as a picnic table, perfect for your weekend escape or an impromptu carpark charcuterie moment.
And with the Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function, you can plug in your gadgets and keep the ice cream frozen. Or brew a coffee while streaming Netflix in air-conditioned comfort. No tailpipe, no guilt.
Easygoing, efficient, and mostly predictable
On the road, the Kia EV5 Earth’s 100kW (134bhp) and 310Nm of torque won’t set your hair on fire. It takes 11.6 seconds to hit the century mark, but it gets there with a calm, linear surge.
The suspension strikes a fine balance between comfort and control. Despite its 2.1-tonne heft, it never feels lumpy or wallowy. Braking is drama-free, and the body stays poised through corners. Steering is light but accurate, and you never get the sense that you’re piloting a runaway fridge.
Where it could use a bit more polish is in regenerative braking. Level 3 regen is fine, but the i-PEDAL mode (Kia’s version of one-pedal driving) felt a tad unrefined, with inconsistent braking that left me feathering the accelerator more than I’d like.
Remote Smart Parking Assist 2 is present and accounted for, but it lacks the slickness of rival systems. It works, eventually. Just don’t expect to impress anyone while you stand there holding the button like a magician mid-spell.
So, should you buy one?
There’s a lot to like about the Kia EV5 Earth. It’s a thoughtfully designed, well-rounded family SUV that does the day-to-day stuff without fuss. Its unique style, smart packaging, and Singaporean roots give it character in a space where many rivals blur together.
In a market obsessed with value, the EV5 reminds us that refinement matters too. It might not shout, but it certainly speaks volumes.
Technical Specifications
Kia EV5
Engine: Single Electric Motor
Powertrain: Front-Wheel Drive
Power: 100 kW (134 bhp)
Torque: 310 Nm
Gearbox: Single-Speed (A) Reduction Gear
0-100km/h: 11.6 Seconds
Top Speed: 185 km/h
Battery Capacity: 88.1 kWh
Drive Range: 540 km (claimed)
Energy Consumption: 18.5 kWh/100km (claimed)
Price: S$192,000 (Air), S$208,600 (Earth), both with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)
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