This review focuses on the entry-level Kia EV5 Air Standard Range 2025. As the spiritual electric successor to the beloved Sportage, the EV5 is Kia’s dedicated family hauler.
Crucially, it arrives with a sharp focus on value and takes aim directly at the Xpeng G6 and the entry-level Tesla Model Y.
Physically, the EV5 is a boxy “baby EV9”, measuring 4.6 metres long. However, it arrives with a very compelling proposition: a drive-away price of approximately $56,770. Which makes it one of the most accessible medium electric SUVs in the country. In other words, this isn’t a performance car; it is an unapologetically practical family bus.
| The Good | The Not-So-Good |
|---|---|
| Exceptional Space & Practicality | Slow DC Fast Charging (102 kW) |
| Comfortable, Compliant Ride | Low Towing Capacity (300kg) |
| Physical Buttons for Climate | Intrusive Speed Limit Chime |
What does the Kia EV5 Standard Range 2025 look like?
The EV5 adopts Kia’s “Opposites United” design language, specifically the “Bold for Nature” pillar. It creates a robust, squared-off silhouette that maximises interior volume. At 4615mm long and 1875mm wide, it has a significant road presence without being unwieldy.
The design is futuristic yet familiar, featuring the signature “Star Map” lighting (though slightly simplified on this ‘Air’ trim) and aerodynamic 18-inch alloy wheels.
What is the Kia EV5 Standard Range 2025 like inside?
The interior is a “lounge-like” experience. The dashboard is low and horizontal, dominated by recycled eco-friendly materials that feel durable and appropriate for family duties. The front seats are trimmed in cloth and synthetic leather, offering heating and a power-adjustable driver’s seat even in this base trim.
A unique design choice is the floating centre console which houses storage rather than gear selectors, as the shifter has moved to the steering column to free up space.
Storage
Storage is a major strength of the EV5’s boxy design. There is a generous glove box and a multi-level centre console with cupholders and a phone tray. The door bins are large enough for big water bottles.
Uniquely, the EV5 features a handy 67-litre “frunk” (front trunk) under the bonnet, which is genuinely usable for storing charging cables or a small gym bag, keeping the rear boot clear for larger items.
Rear seat and boot space
Thanks to a flat floor and a 2750mm wheelbase, the rear cabin is exceptionally spacious. The rear seatbacks recline for added comfort, and there are air vents conveniently located on the B-pillars rather than the centre console, improving airflow for kids.
The boot is arguably the car’s biggest selling point. It offers a massive 513 litres of space with a wide, square opening that makes loading prams or IKEA boxes easy. The rear seats fold almost completely flat to reveal 1714 litres of capacity.
Technology and connectivity
Stepping inside the EV5 is to step into Kia’s latest ‘ccNC’ operating system. Visually, the dashboard is crowned by a massive panoramic slab housing three distinct screens: a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 5-inch climate control monitor, and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen.
Complementing this digital array is a row of capacitive touch buttons hidden in the dashboard trim, plus—mercifully—physical toggle switches for temperature and fan speed. Consequently, it strikes a near-perfect balance between modern minimalism and usable ergonomics; indeed, you don’t have to dive into a menu just to change the fan speed.
Beyond the screens, the tech suite includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Finally, the EV5 supports Over-The-Air (OTA) updates, meaning the car’s software can improve over time without a dealership visit.
One-Touch Features:
- Kia Connect App: Remotely start climate control or check charging status from your phone.
- Smart Tailgate: (Available on higher trims, but the Air features manual release with easy leverage).
- Pet Mode: Keeps the climate control running while you pop into a shop, displaying a message on the screen that the occupants are safe.
Engine and drivetrain
The EV5 Air Standard Range is powered by a single electric motor driving the front wheels (FWD). It produces a modest but adequate 160 kW of power and 310 Nm of torque. This allows for a 0-100 km/h sprint in roughly 8.5 seconds—plenty for school runs but not neck-snapping.
Power is provided by a 64.2 kWh LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery, sourced from BYD. Unlike the 800V architecture in the EV6, the EV5 uses a 400V system, meaning a maximum DC charge rate of just 102 kW. The official WLTP range is 400 kilometres.
What’s the Kia EV5 Standard Range 2025 like to drive?
Acceleration is described as “smooth” and “linear,” rather than exhilarating. It is tuned for comfort, with a suspension setup that soaks up Australian potholes and speed bumps with ease. The steering is light, making it effortless to manoeuvre in shopping centre carparks.
However, the FWD layout can struggle for grip if you stomp on the accelerator in the wet. Unlike the IM models, this is not a sports car; it is a serene, quiet, and comfortable cruiser designed to lower your heart rate, not raise it.
Safety features
The Kia EV5 carries a 5-star ANCAP safety rating (2024). It comes standard with a comprehensive suite of safety tech, though some driver alerts can be sensitive:
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with Car, Pedestrian, Cyclist, and Junction Turning detection
- Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist
- Lane Keep Assist and Lane Follow Assist
- Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (often chimes if you drift over the limit)
- Centre airbag to prevent head-clash between front passengers
Owner benefits
The EV5 is backed by Kia Australia’s renowned 7-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. The high-voltage battery is covered for 7 years or 150,000 km.
Service intervals are every 12 months or 15,000 km. Capped price servicing is available, generally making it cheaper to run than its petrol Sportage equivalent.
Final thoughts
The 2025 Kia EV5 Air Standard Range is a triumph of packaging and value. It ignores the “0-100km/h wars” to focus on what families actually need: space, comfort, and usability.
While the slow charging speed and low towing capacity (Standard Range only) are valid criticisms, the price point of ~$56k drive-away makes it incredibly hard to ignore. It is the sensible, smart choice for the modern family.
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| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | Kia EV5 Air Standard Range |
| Model Price | ~$56,770 Drive Away |
| Engine | Single Electric Motor (Front) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) |
| Battery Capacity / type | 64.2 kWh / Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) |
| Voltage / Capacity | 400V Architecture / 64.2 kWh |
| Power | 160 kW |
| Torque | 310 Nm |
| Range (WLTP) | 400 km |
| Economy / efficiency | ~18.2 kWh/100km |
| Fast Charge / Home | Max 102 kW DC (10-80% in ~36 mins) / 11 kW AC |
| Safety | 5-Star ANCAP (2024) |
| CO2 Emissions | 0 g/km |
| 0-100kmh / Top Speed | 8.5 seconds / 185 km/h |
| Servicing | 12 months / 15,000 km |
| Warranty | 7 Years / Unlimited km |
| Roadside Assist | Available (check dealer for terms) |
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| Specification | Details |
| Overall Length | 4615 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2750 mm |
| Width | 1875 mm |
| Height | 1715 mm |
| Wheels | 18-inch Alloy |
| Tyres | 225/60 R18 |
| Max ground clearance | 166 mm |
| Wading Depth | Not Published |
| Approach | Not Published |
| Rampover | Not Published |
| Departure angle | Not Published |
| Turning Circle | 11.7 m |
| Boot Min | 513 L |
| Boot Max | 1714 L |
| Kerb Weight | 1910 kg |
| Battery weight | ~428 kg |
| Payload (kg) | ~430 kg |
| GVM (kg) | 2340 kg |
| GCM | Not Published |
| Towing Capacity | 300 kg (Braked) – Standard Range Limit |
| Tow Ball rating | 100 kg |
For more specifications you can find the Kia EV5 Standard Range 2025 here: Specification Sheet “
