Tesla may be the incumbent in the EV space, but legacy automakers are catching up fast with electric offerings that bring distinct USPs and strong market potential. If you’re debating between a Model Y or something like the BYD Song Plus, the 2025 Kia EV5 deserves a serious look. It’s attention-grabbing, sized right for city use, and the shiny, new thing in town.
Globally, the EV5 comes in variants named Light, Air, Earth, and GT-Line—echoing the five elements, though the latter feels slightly off-theme. In the UAE, buyers get a base Air and four Earth versions. We tested the top-spec Long Range Dual Motor Type 14 from the Earth lineup. Yes, the name’s a bit of a mouthful—but there’s a lot to unpack in this standout EV.
Exterior: Clean and futuristic aesthetics; looks larger than it is
A first glimpse of the Kia EV5 is enough to pause wandering eyes, thanks to its wonderfully conspicuous boxy exterior and minimalistic details that lend it a bold, monolithic aesthetic. The family resemblance to the larger EV9 and sportier EV6 is clear too. Though the EV5 is a compact SUV on paper—measuring 4,615 mm long, 1,875 mm wide, and 1,715 mm tall—it looks bigger than what its dimensions suggest.
Up front, Tron-inspired light strips and constellation-shaped “Star Map” LED headlamps catch the eye. The signature Tiger Nose grille is subtly integrated into the fascia, with tiny vertical fins below that amusingly resemble a baleen whale’s mouth. It’s quirky, but it works. From the side, the EV5 stays bold and boxy with Kia’s own flair. It comes with flush door handles, chunky black wheel arches, and funky flat-faced 19-inch machined wheels styled under the “Opposites United” theme, which look a lot like ninja shuriken. At the rear, the Star Map motif continues, tying the design together, and a hidden rear wiper tucked beneath the roof spoiler keeps the look clean.
Overall, the EV5 is a cool and futuristic SUV, ideal for those who find the Model Y too jellybean-like or think BYD plays it too safe. It’s certainly got the sizzle to shine among the Range Rovers and Porsches of Dubai, despite wearing a middle-class tag and costing less, a lot less. And if white’s not your colour, there are nine single-tone and six dual-tone options to choose from. Choices, choices!
Interior: Spacious 5-seater w/ faceted dash design & unique features
Pull open the pop-out door handles and you’ll find a cabin that’s easy to access. It’s neither too high nor too low, just right for most. Staying true to the monolithic theme, the interior features a brown, rock-like, faceted dashboard in a subtle two-tone brown. Some brown metallic trims also help elevate the interior visuals. And between those angled surfaces nestles a long, stretch of displays. It consists of pair of 12.3-inch panoramic displays (one for instrumentation and the other for infotainment), separated by a dedicated 5-inch screen for A/C controls.
After getting a feel of the environment, I did feel like the cabin did seem plastic-heavy. But here’s the rebuttal. Kia has gone green—incorporating 10 eco-conscious materials, including Bio PU, recycled PET fabrics, and BTX-free paint, all pointing to a more sustainable approach. Think of it as saving the planet, but in installments.
Want innovation? How about touch-sensitive controls that are seamlessly embedded into the dash itself. However, its not the most responsive. The rotary knobs feel vague to use too. The non-circular steering wheel has large, clear buttons but partially blocks the A/C screen—a design miss. Drive modes are selected via the steering wheel, while the gear shifter is a quirky stalk that you twist to go to ‘D’ and ‘R’. It’s novel, but again, a bit fiddly.
In line with the earthy theme, the front cabin features brown seat belts and what appears to be a soft middle seat. But it isn’t one. The van-style floating centre console offers useful upper and lower storage spaces for bags or groceries. Rear space is impressive for a compact SUV, with ample head- and legroom—even for six-footers—and there’s a large panoramic sunroof to top it off.
Drivetrain & drive: Quick in Sport, comfy ride, noisy cabin & 500km range
The EV5 Earth Long Range Dual Motor variant is powered by two electric motors—one on each axle—which draw current from an 88.1 kWh lithium-ion battery. Combined output is rated at 312 PS (230 kW) and 480 Nm of torque. Those numbers are enough to embarrass hot hatchbacks, let alone other crossovers.
In “Normal” mode, it drives in a relaxed, almost sedate manner, which makes you wonder where all that power went. But switch to “Sport” and the EV5 wakes up instantly. Throttle response sharpens, and it goes from leisurely to urgent. The difference is stark. Thanks to a potent 480 Nm of torque, deployed through the all-wheel drive, the EV5 is capable of sprinting from 0 – 100 km/h in a claimed 6.1 seconds—a shade slower than the Model Y Long Range Dual Motor, but this is quick enough for any kind of driver. It’s particularly handy in urban driving, whether darting through Sheikh Zayed Road traffic or pulling ahead at lights. Braking too was consistent and without issue.
However, its USP is its ride. It is most certainly more cushioned than a Tesla Model Y, wafts along highways, and negates the effects of speed humps effortlessly, making it better suited to longer journeys, which is something to consider if you travel to Abu Dhabi or Al Ain often. The cabin isn’t the quietest, so it’s a bit of a trade-off. In terms of dynamics, it’s tuned more for comfort than corner-carving antics. Kia claims a range of 500 km, which trails some of its rivals by around 50–75 km. But it supports both AC and DC charging capabilities with a plug that is compliant with DEWA charging stations. The Korean automaker claims that charging from 30% to 80% takes just 27 minutes with a fast charger, which is respectable. And like most EV makers, Kia backs the battery with a warranty of 8 years or 160,000 km.
Features & functionality: Small frunk; 500-plus-litre trunk w/ shelf; rear cabin table & cooler box; V2L charging
The EV5 comes with several innovative features and functions that help its fulfill its promise of utility. Front occupants have access to two cupholders and two large trays in the centre console (as mentioned earlier), while the backs of the front seats include hangers for a suit jacket. Rear passengers will also find the retractable table handy—useful for feeding a child—and there’s a cooler/heater box below the rear centre console for storing drinks or snacks. As for luggage space, there is a large, squarish rear boot with a generous 513 litres of space. It also features a clever two-piece retractable floor that can be arranged as a shelf, along with additional under-tray storage for smaller items. Adjustable tether points/hooks are also included in the boot. There’s also a small frunk for littler items. It’s perfect for family staycations in Salalah, Oman.
The dual-zone A/C system is functional, though not the most effective in extreme heat. Cabin insulation isn’t the best either, as heat still seeps in. However, a remote start feature helps pre-cool the cabin. Additionally, seat heating/cooling and the heated steering wheel controls are conveniently placed on the door. To enhance comfort further, the EV5 includes a 6-cell massage function with four modes, and a built-in ambient nature sounds that plays themes like “Harbingers of Spring” to help activate the brain’s alpha waves.
Safety is well covered with a full suite of features, including front and rear parking sensors, a rear occupant alert, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Lane Keeping Assist, Forward Collision Avoidance, Blind Spot Monitoring, and a 360° camera. Power child locks are included and can be quickly activated via the touchscreen.
The large superscreen on the dash features simple yet pleasing graphics. Smartphone pairing via Bluetooth is seamless, and it supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Up front, there are two USB-C ports, while additional USB-C ports in the rear are accessible from both the front and back seats. A wireless charger is also included. The sound system impresses in both clarity and volume. Finally, the EV5 supports external V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) functionality via a gender adapter, allowing you to power appliances like fridges or TVs and charge devices from the cargo area, without depleting the main battery.
Verdict: Futuristic design, clever innovation, and electric mobility in a sleek, city-ready crossover.
The all-new Kia EV5 enters the market just as UAE customers are warming up to the idea of owning an EV. While rivals are few, competition is tough. That said, the 2025 EV5 has the beauty and talents to attract a wide variety of buyers. Its futuristic design stands out, the cabin is spacious and functional, and its electric drivetrain delivers respectable range and urgency when needed. Fast charging capability also helps ease range anxiety. On the downside, the cabin feels overly plastic-heavy, ride comfort is excellent but is let down by higher-than-ideal cabin noise, and the A/C struggles in extreme heat.
Overall, it may not lead in any single KPI, but it’s a well-rounded package, backed by a 5-year/150,000 km warranty and a 3-year/60,000 km service contract.
GOOD – Unique futuristic styling; plush ride; quirky, usable features; people and luggage space
BAD – Overly plastic cabin; cabin noise; average infotainment response; average A/C power; tough competition
EDITOR’S RATING: 7.5/10
SPECIFCIATIONS
Body type – 5-seater; 5-door compact crossover SUV
Engine – Dual e-motor + Li-ion 88kWh battery; all-wheel drive
Transmission – e-shift
Peak output – 308 hp; 480 Nm
0 to 100km/h – 6.1 seconds (claimed)
Top speed – 185 km/h (drag limited; estimated)
Price – Starting at AED 189,000; AED 233,100 (as tested)
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