The Kia EV5 is the Practical Family Electric SUV Perfected For Australia

EV101
13 hours ago
3 min read

The 2026 Kia EV5 has arrived as the pragmatist’s choice in the electric era. While the EV6 handles performance and the EV9 tackles the large SUV crowd, the EV5 sits right in the "sweet spot" for Australian families. It’s a boxy, space efficient, and tech loaded mid-size SUV that prioritizes everyday usability over track times, offering a familiar transition for those moving away from petrol SUVs like the Sportage or Toyota RAV4.

The Verdict: A Smart, Square, and Spacious Contender

The EV5 stands out by being unapologetically practical. Its "upright" design isn't just for looks; it provides class-leading interior headroom and a massive boot that puts many "sporty" EV crossovers to shame. With local suspension tuning specifically for Australian backroads, it’s one of the most comfortable rides in the segment.

Quick Take:

The Hook: A "baby EV9" that offers massive space and 555km of range for under $65k.
Price: From $56,770 Driveaway (Air Standard Range).
Key Tech: "Integrated Panoramic Display" (over 75cm of screen) and V2L capabilities.

Range & Real-World Driving: City vs. Highway

The EV5 uses durable Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries across the range, which are designed to be charged to 100% regularly without significant wear.

City Driving: The Air Long Range is the star here, capable of nearly 555km (WLTP) in urban environments where regenerative braking is most effective.
Highway Driving: On a family road trip at 110km/h, range typically settles around 380km–420km for the Long Range models. The square design is great for space but creates more wind resistance than a sleek sedan.
Actual Travel Distance: For most Australian owners, a mixed loop of suburbs and freeways will yield a very reliable 450km from the 88.1kWh battery variants.

Charging Speeds: Reliable and Versatile

DC Fast Charging: The EV5 supports up to 150kW DC charging, taking you from 10% to 80% in about 35–38 minutes. While not as fast as its 800V big brothers (EV6/EV9), it’s perfectly timed for a family lunch break.
AC Home Charging: Features an 11kW onboard charger as standard (on Long Range models), allowing for a full "empty-to-full" charge overnight in about 8–9 hours.

Interior, Infotainment & Connectivity

Kia has leaned into "lifestyle" features with the 2026 EV5 cabin.

The Cabin: The dashboard is dominated by a triple-screen setup: a 12.3-inch cluster, a 5-inch climate screen, and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. Higher trims include a "relaxation" driver's seat with a massage function.
Connectivity: Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, supported by Kia Connect for remote pre-heating, battery monitoring, and over-the-air (OTA) software updates.
Family Features: The GT-Line offers a cooled/heated rear storage drawer and a fold-out table on the back of the front passenger seat—ideal for kids' snacks or tablets.

Utility: Boot Space & Practicality

Boot Capacity: A massive 513 Litres with the seats up, expanding to 1,714 Litres when folded. The floor is flat and features a "cantilevered" shelf to divide cargo.
The Frunk: Under the bonnet, you’ll find a 67-Litre storage area (in FWD models)—one of the largest in its class and perfect for muddy charging cables.
Towing Capacity: The Long Range and AWD models offer a 1,250kg braked towing capacity, suitable for light campers or bike racks.

2026 Pricing & Warranty (Australia)

Variant	Drivetrain	Range (WLTP)	Price (Driveaway)
Air Standard Range	FWD (160kW)	400km	$56,770*
Air Long Range	FWD (160kW)	555km	$63,990*
Earth Long Range	AWD (230kW)	500km	$68,990*
GT-Line	AWD (230kW)	470km	$75,990*

Note; ref to Kia website for O.R.C. cost in your state*

Warranty: Kia’s famous 7-Year / Unlimited KM vehicle warranty.
Battery Warranty: 7 Years / 150,000km.
Service: 12-month / 15,000km intervals with capped-price servicing.

Who should buy it?

The Kia EV5 is for the buyer who is tired of "futuristic" EVs that sacrifice buttons and space for style. If you want a dependable, ultra-practical family hauler with the best warranty in the business, this is the one.