The Robust Voyager: Testing Kia's First True Family SUV, the EV5

Kia has long been a pioneer in the electric vehicle revolution. From the quirky Soul EV to the highly popular e-Niro, the Korean brand has consistently delivered reliable options that quickly became darlings of Nordic drivers. With the groundbreaking 800-volt architectures of the EV6 and EV9, they pushed the boundaries of rapid transit. Now comes the EV5—Kia's first dedicated family-sized SUV designed to anchor the middle of the market. We take it for a spin to see how it handles the demands of the modern Nordic journey (ᚱ). At first glance, the EV5 looks like a scaled-down EV9, carrying a bold, upright, and muscular design language. It is a shape that stands out on snow-dusted roads, projecting solidity and purpose. Inside, the design philosophy transitions from rugged exterior to a warm, cozy sanctuary—perfect for long, dark winter commutes. Kia has wisely retained physical buttons for essential functions like seat heating, climate controls, and window locks, ensuring seamless tactile interaction even when wearing gloves. The space efficiency is nothing short of exceptional. Despite a relatively compact footprint (4.61 meters in length), the rear cabin offers cathedral-like headroom and exceptional legroom. For families managing child seats, the rear bench accommodates bulky setups with ease, while the 566-liter trunk is highly versatile, featuring flat-folding seats and smart storage solutions. It’s a space built for the harvest (ᛅ) of daily life, easily swallowing gear, groceries, or weekend luggage. On the road, the EV5 focuses on serene, comfortable cruising rather than aggressive dynamics. The front-wheel-drive version we tested delivers 218 horsepower, gliding smoothly with an incredibly quiet and well-insulated cabin (measuring just 63.1 dB at 80 km/h). For Nordic winters, however, most buyers will likely opt for the all-wheel-drive version, which adds safety and confidence on icy mountain passes for a modest price premium. Where the EV5 stumbles slightly is in its charging metrics. Unlike its premium 800-volt siblings, the EV5 relies on a more conservative 400-volt system, capping DC fast charging at 150 kW. In our testing, charging from 10% to 80% took approximately 28 minutes, which is respectable but lags behind the class leaders during rapid winter transits. Its real-world energy efficiency, however, proved better than anticipated, landing at 15.1 kWh/100 km in mild summer conditions. For those seeking a highly practical, robust, and comfortable family cruiser with a legendary seven-year warranty, the Kia EV5 is a compelling companion for the road ahead. It represents a balanced approach to the family transition, matching the steady cadence of the Nordic lifestyle. Source: https://elbil.no/test-kia-ev5-familie-suv/