What is it?
Kia's mid-size electric SUV slots between the Niro EV and the bigger EV9. In Australia it lands in three trims, with the Earth Long Range FWD doing the heavy lifting on sales. It is roomy, well finished, and undercuts the Tesla Model Y on space if not on charging speed.
The lineup runs from Air Standard Range FWD at $56,770 plus on-roads, through to GT-Line AWD Long Range at $71,770 plus on-roads. Warranty cover sits at 7 years, unlimited km.
Interior and Technology
Cabin space is class-leading. Flat floor, big rear seat, square boot. It feels a size bigger than it measures.
DC charging tops out at 141 kW. Hyundai Ioniq 5 will be at the next plug before you finish your coffee.
Should you buy the EV5?
Reasons to buy
- Cabin space is class-leading. Flat floor, big rear seat, square boot. It feels a size bigger than it measures.
- Warranty: 7 years, unlimited km. Battery: 7 years, 150,000 km.
- 5-star ANCAP (2024), full driver-assist suite.
- 513 L (1,714 L seats down) boot, segment-competitive cargo space.
- Braked towing rated at 1,500 kg.
Reasons to wait
- DC charging tops out at 141 kW. Hyundai Ioniq 5 will be at the next plug before you finish your coffee.
- You tow more than 1,500 kg, you need a third row, or you live somewhere where 800V fast charging matters (Kia EV6 or EV9 cover that).
- Standard Range (Air) is LFP, Long Range is NMC. If you mostly drive short trips and charge at home, the LFP is a tougher battery. If you road-trip, take the Long Range every time.
- Top trim climbs to $71,770 plus on-roads.
Simone takes the EV5 Earth through the family test: comfort, space, charging, and whether the mid-spec is the buy against a Tesla Model Y.
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