88kWh battery in the entry-level model! Kia EV5 spec and walkthrough

We finally got the chance to check out the NZ pricing and specification for the KIA EV5, and wow - Kia is getting aggressive, skipping two smaller expected batteries to feature the long-range 88.1kWh FinDreams (BYD) LFP battery across the range!
While these specifications apply to the NZ market, expect them to be indicative of what you can expect in Australia.
Subscribe for more to be informed when we finally get to drive this exciting car.
www.evsandbeyond.co.nz

[@simonpaine2347]

Love that folding shelf and everything about that boot! Hopefully it's the same in the EV3!

[@TassieEV]

Thanks Richard, looking forward to local launch and specs here in Oz.

[@EVsBeyond]

You and me both!

[@TheMelbournelad]

But it will ruin the weekend 😂

[@moniquem783]

Very intrigued by this one. Can't wait to see some reviews of it being driven to find out if it would drive me batty with beeps. I'm assuming the seat height when getting in/out is around thigh height? So unless you're seriously short you don't need to climb into it? That's the most important thing for me with my dodgy bones. Don't want to be climbing up, but cannot be getting down into a low car either. I need Goldilocks seat height lol. I wonder how much it will be in Australia. I think I'd go for the GT line because the V2L would actually mean I don't need to buy a generator to have water when the power goes out. I could just drive across the yard and plug the pump in. You've got yourself a new subscriber btw. Great job :)

[@EVsBeyond]

The seat height is very reasonable. Re the V2L… we have found the Kia system is the only one that can handle the peak loads of a home water pump.

[@moniquem783]

@@EVsBeyond thank you! That’s awesome info about the V2L. I would never be able to check that on a test drive as the nearest dealer is an hour from home. Last night I was looking at the EV3 concept too. If the inside of the production models of that is an actual car rather than a weird lounge that might be a possibility for me too. The EV5 is probably a bit big for me. I currently have a Mitsubishi ASX and it’s about the perfect size for my needs. A smidge more boot space would be nice sometimes, but 98% of the time it’s plenty. But again, seat height will be the main factor in deciding between them.

[@bydatto39461]

I wonder what Australian prices will be. Definitely interested in the AWD version, especially if it has the bigger battery as well. Looks great and lots of features!

[@EVsBeyond]

We shall see

[@enforcer41]

So what happened to the range which is claimed to be about 640 for the SM LR?

[@HabitualFixation]

Inflation is hitting most like a ton of bricks, that said yes, that is a good price if your'e doing not too bad atm

[@EVsBeyond]

I guess it all has to be in the context of other vehicles available.

[@ottot3221]

No V2X like the EV3?

[@Richard-sl8we]

Hi EV's and Beyond, What's maximum luggage (litres) capacity for FWD cars, including the 'frunk' and the boot set in it's 'maximum capacity' setting; removing all the panels? It must be close to 580 litres I'd guess? Thanks, hope you can help.

[@EVsBeyond]

Unfortunately that is all the data we have at the moment.

[@randomname9758]

This will bomb at that price

[@TheMelbournelad]

Don’t use those words. The FUD petaler will use it lol

[@UhOhUmm]

Why? It's cheaper than Tesla Model Y and directly competes with it.

[@fredfrond6148]

@@UhOhUmmthe issue is that the Chinese brands are gonna be cheaper. Equivalent BYD and Geeley models are going to be $10,000 Aus cheaper.

[@simonpaine2347]

​@@UhOhUmmand it's definitely stretching it to try and describe a tesla as an SUV

[@rxonmymind8362]

​@@UhOhUmmhave you seen Tesla prices after 2 years? People are in negative equity for those people that just bought their Teslas two years ago. Aome by $30k. Nobody wants to see their vehicles depreciate by $30,000 in 2 years.

[@Bemx2k]

Tesla Model Y Juniper will have about the same 90kWh with WLTP range 750km , 88kWh in KiA EV5 is a very good decision . Charging rate 141kW is too low for the EV in 2025 , power 160kW ( 208HP ) is quite low as well . I hope AWD model more power and maybe a bit bigger battery to keep acceptable range .

[@beachnz8117]

Nice car,

[@j3n244]

please do an EV5 vs Torres EVX comparison

[@EVsBeyond]

Could be a plan!

[@barakathegenius]

The LHD version price in China starts at US $ 19,500/= why do they charge double the price for the RHD version in Australia?

[@EVsBeyond]

Shipping, spec, market conditions…. Profit?

[@AndrewTSq]

The car could have different drive trains for different markets maybe? Not unheard of before (Volvo.. I am looking at you... removing a cylinder from the engine...) since the car was made for the chinese market, it might not have to follow the same regulations as a car that is sold in EU for example, and many of those regulations cost a lot to adhere to. Since its made in China, and we have many tariffs on different chinese products that could add up to it. To be fair, the price in China seems to be up to $50k-$60k USD here. Just like other "cheap chinese ev's" they end up costing more than a Tesla here in northern Europe.

[@JohnRoss1]

​@@EVsBeyondisn't there china crash spec and export crash spec? Car plants build a different model for export to meet the import county's requirements.

[@gregb1599]

Bit disappointed other markets list V2G and in the EV9 V2X

[@EVsBeyond]

Not sure. We’ve only seen V2L on both.

[@qrlee6762]

I like EV9, but it was a bit too large for me. EV5 might be better for city and country driving. Design concepts for both Hyundai and Kia are outrageously fantastic.

[@EVsBeyond]

It’s a good size.

[@qrlee6762]

@EVsBeyond I am petit. Thank you for the comment.

[@dimasnov]

So you choose Omoda E5 or Kia EV5..

[@EVsBeyond]

Would depend on what I can afford. I think both offer strong value at their price points for different reasons. The Omoda for spec and performance, the Kia for battery size.

[@lifextech]

So we can add another seat on the back, is 7 seater possible for kia ev5 ???

[@EVsBeyond]

It looks tight. Suspect not.

[@timorum]

Do kia EVs require routine servicing?

[@EVsBeyond]

All EVs require servicing.

[@timorum]

@@EVsBeyond ..... you know what i mean.

[@aph1555]

Does it have NFP battery?

[@EVsBeyond]

LFP

[@user-ui6lo1ub8f]

This is NCM

[@MrDtoU1]

That is US $39,657.30 and 335.54 Miles range.

[@EVsBeyond]

Cars are expensive in NZ…

[@hishamg]

I guess from the dimensions it’s the EV version of the Kia Sportage. It’s definitely bigger than the Kia Niro EV.

[@Richard-sl8we]

Yes, Kia Sportage size.

[@EVsBeyond]

Externally I wold suggest it looks a smidge smaller, but internally it is the equal.

[@gregb1599]

The specifications he gave are not correct at all! How can he get it so wrong when a simple Google search shows the correct dimensions! 4615mm long 1875mm wide and 1715mm high

[@findinggspots6441]

The Boot looks bigger than what you quoted. If that's the case, the Atto 3 would have a bigger boot! I can assure my Atto 3 boot is smaller than this one!

[@EVsBeyond]

I suspect the volume includes the underfloor. Atto looks small but with the floor low the actual volume is huge… we own one.

[@Raturidesagain]

Charge flap on road side?? That is a dealbreaker. How is that supposed to work in left hand drive countries???

[@bosox04]

LFP?! Hard pass on that if that’s the case in NA as well…

[@EVsBeyond]

Blasphemy! LFP is the best battery.

[@TheMelbournelad]

Why hate LFP? That’s where the EVs are going as it best compromise for weight price and density.

[@berdugosocials9854]

ID.4 on $59k special is the best deal. This car is interesting though.

[@EVsBeyond]

This is still more battery per dollar. We can’t always run everything against that price either as it is a temporary special.

[@philgreen2932]

Bought an id4, been great

[@Richard-sl8we]

​@@philgreen2932 What's boot space on ID-4 please - in litres.

[@philgreen2932]

@@Richard-sl8we big enough for my huntaway, 534 litres I think but you can Google it

[@grimpepartout3744]

Id4 my car spend 8 mouth out of 12 at the garage , it’s always broken , it’s a peace of shit

[@akio6505]

Byd? Keep it to China or move productiom somewhere

[@EVsBeyond]

Why?

[@TheMelbournelad]

Battery is made by BYD subsidiary. I don’t know the company mentioned but I’m sure it’s like a joint venture in SK so the Koreans can make EVs to compete with Tesla etc

[@Peter-vn8ue]

Its being built in China at Kia's China plant for oceania locations and in South Korea for USA and Canada due to the USA's issues with China, so it doesn't have any trade barriers or tariffs in the USA. The Kia Ev 5 sold in the USA won't have a battery supplied by BYD subsidy company. Findreams it will use a battery manufacturered by a non Chinese company for those vehicles sold in North America.

[@Ausfailia]

Tesla makes their cars in china too...

[@mmmmwwwwYT2]

Height and width are mixed up.

[@jalenqin]

They are about the same price in China with Atto 3 lol

[@EVsBeyond]

The prices we have seen suggest it is 25% more expensive than Atto 3 in China. What pricing do you have.

[@andders2477]

tow 1250 kg is a no go for me. like the rest.

[@ObiePaddles]

There really is something to compare it to….The Model Y is cheaper both standard and long range. EV5 has longer range and V2L, Model Y has all the Tesla stuff. So ‘best value’…not really.

[@EVsBeyond]

I guess it depends on what is important to you. But at around the same entry price for 25% extra battery and similar efficiency, the Kia makes a solid case.

[@ObiePaddles]

@@EVsBeyond fair enough, it does depend on what’s important. BTW it is 40% extra battery (usable 84 vs 60) and 19% extra range (540 vs 455 wltp). You have a great database on your site!

[@AlexAlex-oz7ym]

I drove Tesla Y. It rides like a shopping cart, meaning, it has no suspension at all. Feeling any little crack on the road. The ride and material quality in Tesla is sooooo disappointing. I am driving the ioniq 5 and it is much better than Tesla. So, imo, the fact that EV5 is more expensive than Tesla should not stop buyers.

[@ObiePaddles]

@@AlexAlex-oz7ym some call it a sporty ride. We find it fine, although I'd prefer softer suspension around town. I put a deposit down on the first edition ionq 5. . Didn’t go ahead as I found it less futuristic than a tesla and lacking things like OTA for features (finally arrived with new model). People forget with a Tesla the car in 3 years time will have updates, many of which are very meaningful. We can log into our son’s car and our settings come across now as a result of one of the updates. Very useful in a family situation. I'd prefer Apple carplay though…there's a Tesla hack for that but I want to leave car as standard. Having had Dog mode it has become an absolute must for us, and while you can use utility mode to hack a solution, it’s simply not equal. Each to their own. And at least these are electric cars vs alternatives

[@DAVIDTATLITUG]

The model Y and this can't be compared. All Teslas come with nothing inside but a bunch of second rate seats and a screen.

[@livelifestyle2269]

This is a hard NO!!!!! at that price I was really looking forward to this car as I drive a lot and wanted something bigger than a byd atto 3, but they do all the top spec that I want for much less..... Like: . BYD battery as well. .sun roof .Fake leather .Voice assisted (opens windows so on and so on) .Heated seats . Update at home..... (kia bad for this) All BYD 55k Tesla is cheaper 64k I am in Australia, and if this stays like that I am putting my money 💰 somewhere else 😢

[@tonyhove981]

I'm in Aussie as well and completely agree. This car needs to start below the MY rwd and end under the MY LR for it to be a consideration for me.

[@Richard-sl8we]

EV5 for me, long range mid-spec Earth FWD model; I'm in Oz.

[@EVsBeyond]

Seems that in Australia you will get a 64kWh battery option so you may get something closer to your dream.

[@philgreen2932]

Ev5 nice car but for money here in nz id4 runnout at $60k great buying, can get demo's as low as $52k, very happy with mine and traded atto 3 for it

[@sop1311]

Did you convert from NZD to AUD?

[@Whyunounderstand]

I'll stick to my diesel Sportage AWD 45k drive away. 20 grand in the pocket and just as nice.

[@DAVIDTATLITUG]

This is priced much to high. I'll assume that this will not come to USA because it's made in China which would add 27% import tax. New Zealand pays fast to much for any car of any design with any powertrain.

[@lukedavies9959]

The wheels look horrible

[@EVsBeyond]

Yeah still not made my mind up on Kia’s wheel design direction.

[@willielarsson9651]

Who'd have thunk it, 90k for a kia

[@EVsBeyond]

It is not the first.

[@okerror1451]

Kia EV ... K-ev .... it's a 🥝

[@outandabout24]

It's typical EV too expensive , seems to me if you want a car that is no better than a modern petrol car but 30,000 dollars over priced. as no-one heard of a cost of living crises , ?

[@oldpopmike]

Width 1550mm ??😂 What other facts are wrong ?

[@CRISTIANARQ]

Good design, bad pricing

[@sparkdd4680]

Lol 😅 cheap as chips what a rip off

[@SamIAm-kz4hg]

@sparkdd4680 "Lol cheap as chips what a rip off" Currently ranked #3 in quality.

[@Icare51100]

This car was designed for the Chinese market. It will not be a huge suces in Europe, peuple driver their cars long distances on a regular basis and our highway are limited at 120 km/h at the bare minimum. 140kwh is not sufficient for a maximum charging speed with an 88kwh battery. 10 to 80% will last for ever…

[@Richard-sl8we]

Which country in Europe are you talking about? Minimum speed in most European countries is not 120 km/h, it's most likely the maximum speed. Each country in Europe has different rules! I can assure you people in Australia drive much further distances, like Melbourne to Sydney - almost 900km. The facts are, in Australia there are fast chargers (100kw) on the road for any long trip; it taking about 35 mins to charge from 20% up to 80%.

[@BremboT]

If it holds 140kW to 70% then it could be a charging machine. It's not always about peak power, and it's always about the charging curve. 10-80 can still be achieved in 25 minutes.

[@Richard-sl8we]

​@@BremboT Thanks, much appreciated.

[@Icare51100]

@@Richard-sl8weI mean 120 is the lowest speed limit on European highways. In France it is 130, 150 in Italy, Germany has sections with no speed limits, etc. Considering the shape of the car it will have a bad aerodynamic. Despite the 88kwh battery it has the same or lower WLTP than the EV6 that has 77kwh of usable battery.

[@Icare51100]

@@BremboTNo electric car on the market now holds a flat curve until over 60%. The curves all drop after, granted to in the same proportions. Let’s see but the way I see it this car was designed for the Chinese market (that’s a fact not a guess here Kia said it) where people do not travel long distances and at faster speed.

[@DAVIDTATLITUG]

Learn about the vehicle before publishing a review. "I think" doesn't provide any information at all.

[@EVsBeyond]

Listen to the context in the video. We were handed the spec 5 minutes before filming.

[@simonpaine2347]

Gratitude is an attitude.

[@ddmulryan]

I see the fun police are in town

[@thelonewolf666]

why would anyone want to own a firetrap that has zero resale---evs are a 100% inconvienience

[@TheMelbournelad]

Your lack of intelligence is an inconvenience

[@EVsBeyond]

Aww, show us where the electric car hurt you.

[@TheMelbournelad]

@@EVsBeyond show me where on the mustang doll 🤣