If you care about how you train, how you eat and how you manage your time, chances are you care about what you drive too. Your car dictates how smoothly you move between commitments – the right model has to keep up with your routine, not slow it down or demand constant attention.
Finding a vehicle built around that mindset is easier said than done, and identifying a safe daily driver designed for a high-functioning routine can feel like chasing a lifetime PB – until you meet the Kia EV5, that is. Here, we take you on a virtual tour of this all-electric game-changer, moving through its design, performance and technology as you would from the driver’s seat to show you why it could be the future-facing ride you’ve been searching for.
Beyond its sharp, confident looks (more on those later), the EV5 positions itself as a compelling all-electric family SUV. Building on the success of its electric predecessors, Kia has steadily established a reputation for making electric mobility more accessible, intuitive and appealing to a wide range of drivers.
In the EV5, this is seen across a suite of all-electric features, the most impressive of which is a 10-80% recharging time of just 30 minutes, and a range of up to 329 miles on a single charge. Simply put, you can plug the EV5 in, do a workout and get over seven hours of driving stored by the time you hit the showers.
Either way, with a 0-60mph time of around eight seconds and 214bhp, the EV5’s punchy spirit doesn’t take a hit. Range anxiety? Never heard of it.
The EV5’s interior immediately feels purpose-built for a high-performing modern driver. Clean lines, intuitive controls and a digital interface prove that Kia is all about prioritising clarity and performance over clutter. If you’re used to good tech – your smartwatch or favourite training app, for example – the EV5’s tech suite is similarly logical and well-designed.
Inside, the cockpit is front and centre – headlined by a sweeping 12.3” infotainment display that feels intuitive, rather than over the top. As you drive, everything is a few taps or swipes away, but Kia’s intelligent new AI Assistant is ready to do the heavy lifting as and when you need it – whether that’s adjusting the EV5’s interior temperature or, more remarkably, asking for a recommendation for the best place to park and enjoy the sunset.
Themes of innovation continue in the centre console, where with just a single fingerprint, the EV5’s biometric recognition technology will adjust the seat position, climate preferences and infotainment tastes and profiles, making each drive – long or short – tailored to your individual taste.
When AI assistants, biometric technology and expansive displays come into the equation, you’d be forgiven for presuming these features come at the cost of interior functionality. When designing the EV5, Kia’s engineers and designers knew this wouldn’t pass muster, and instead masterminded a generously proportioned cabin space that refuses to compromise on comfort.
Move through to the rear and the EV5’s expansive space immediately becomes evident. Generous legroom and reclining back seats keep passengers comfortable, while folding the second row flat opens the 566-litre boot out into a two-metre loading space, ready for whatever the day demands.
Yet, its true functionality is shown in the smaller touches: from versatile consoles and armrests with soft, carpeted bases to luxe-feel seats that heat and ventilate whatever the weather. And yes, passengers can use even charge their devices as you drive, thanks to integrated charge points including USB-C.
In 2023, Kia outlined a list of 10 sustainability ‘must-haves’ for every vehicle in its fleet. At the time, it was a bold new step with roots in the Soul EV, which used bioplastic and sugar cane bio-fibre; but, since then, it’s become a non-negotiable for every vehicle rolling off Kia’s assembly line.
Each of these 10 must-haves – including plastics made from renewable biomass sources, 100% recycled PET carpet and bio-paint made from vegetable oil – feature in the EV5, making it a worthy contender for those more environmentally conscious. As indeed we all should be.
The EV5 looks solid without shouting about it. A lightly muscular body, strong silhouette and squared-off stance give it real road presence, while clean lines and ambient lighting systems keep things controlled and modern – giving confidence rather than aggression.
The details do the rest of the work. Large alloy wheels anchor it visually, subtle aero shaping keeps everything efficient and nothing feels added for show. Like good training kit, every element earns its place. With premium materials and refined interior touches, this is a luxury electric SUV that’s ready for daily graft, long drives and everything in between – proof that strength and usability don’t have to be separate ideas.
Open a world of discovery with the Kia EV5, the all-electric family SUV. To find out more and book a test drive visit kia.com
UK spec may vary. WLTP data. Actual range dependent on individual driving conditions.
Ed Cooper is the former Deputy Digital Editor at Men’s Health UK, writing and editing about anything you want to know about — from tech to fitness, mental health to style, food and so much more. Ed has run the MH gauntlet, including transformations, marathons and er website re-designs. He’s awful at pub sports, though. Follow him: @EA_Cooper
