Kia EV5 Standard Range FWD

Overview

Get ready for the 2026 Kia EV5, a seriously stylish all-electric family SUV set to shake up the market. Slotting in as a smaller sibling to the brilliant EV9, this Standard Range FWD model is the entry point to the range. It packages Kia's head-turning "Opposites United" design philosophy and a high-tech, practical interior into a more compact and accessible offering. While final European pricing is yet to be announced, it's poised to be a hugely competitive alternative to rivals like the VW ID.4 and Skoda Enyaq, bringing premium features like 800V architecture to the mainstream.

What's New for 2026?

As an all-new model for 2026, absolutely everything about the Kia EV5 is fresh out of the box. It marks a significant new chapter for Kia, bringing the bold design language and advanced technology first seen on the larger EV9 to a broader audience. For the European market, its arrival introduces a new contender built on an advanced 800-volt electrical architecture, a feature typically reserved for more expensive EVs. This ground-up design focuses on maximising interior space, practicality, and efficiency, setting a new benchmark for what families can expect from an electric SUV.

Design & Exterior

The EV5 is a proper head-turner, looking like a fantastic mini-me of the flagship EV9. Its bold "Opposites United" design features the distinctive digital 'Tiger Face' front, complete with futuristic Star Map LED daytime running lights that give it an unmistakable presence. The overall shape is chunky and confident, yet clean and aerodynamic. Measuring 4615 mm in length, 1875 mm in width, and 1715 mm in height, it has the perfect dimensions for a practical family hauler. This Standard Range FWD trim will likely feature aerodynamically-optimised wheels to help it slice through the air efficiently.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside, and the EV5 wows with a minimalist, lounge-like cabin. The dashboard is dominated by a stunning panoramic widescreen display that merges the driver’s instruments and central infotainment into one slick unit, running Kia’s latest software with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Passenger space is excellent thanks to a long 2750 mm wheelbase and flat floor. It's massively practical, too! You get a huge 513-litre boot, which expands to a van-like 1714 litres with the seats folded. Plus, there’s a handy 67-litre frunk under the bonnet for stashing charging cables.

Performance & Driving Experience

This Standard Range model is all about smooth, efficient progress. It's powered by a single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) driving the front wheels, producing a healthy 160 kW of power and 310 Nm of torque. That's enough grunt to get you from 0-100 km/h in a respectable 8.5 seconds, making it feel plenty nippy around town and confident on the motorway. With a top speed of 185 km/h, the driving experience is geared towards comfort and quiet refinement rather than outright sportiness, providing a serene and easy-going drive perfect for the daily grind.

Range, Battery & Charging

The EV5 Standard Range FWD is seriously efficient. It packs a 57.3 kWh usable battery, which Green Cars Compare calculates will deliver an impressive real-world range of 612 km, achieving a stellar efficiency of 10.68 km/kWh. Charging is handled by a CCS Type 2 port. At home on a standard 6.6 kW AC wallbox, a full charge takes around 9 hours. Thanks to its 800V architecture, DC fast charging is quick, peaking at 102 kW. This allows for a 10-80% top-up in around 25 minutes, getting you back on the road in no time.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

While the EV5 is yet to be crash-tested by Euro NCAP, it's expected to achieve a top five-star rating, given Kia's excellent safety record. It will come loaded with the brand's latest DriveWise assistance systems. Standard kit on this trim should include essentials like Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Following and Keeping Assist, and Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist. More advanced features, such as the full Highway Driving Assist 2 with lane-change functionality and Remote Smart Parking Assist, will likely be available as part of an optional package.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

One of Kia's biggest trump cards is its industry-leading warranty, and the EV5 is no exception. Owners in Europe will benefit from the famous 7-year or 150,000 km bumper-to-bumper vehicle warranty. This comprehensive coverage also extends to the high-voltage battery and electric motor components, guaranteeing the battery will retain at least 70% of its original capacity during that period. This provides incredible peace of mind, backed by Kia's strong reputation for reliability and the inherently lower maintenance requirements of an all-electric powertrain.