The Kia EV5 is here. This new electric SUV is a big deal. It is not just any car; it is a challenge to the Tesla Model Y. Kia believes that the EV5 will soon. And guess what? The EV5 is cheaper than the Tesla Model Y!
Pricing and Models
The Kia EV5 comes in different models. The cheapest is the EV5 Air. It has two versions: the standard range and the long range. The standard range model costs $56,770 drive-away. This price is lower than the Tesla Model Y, which costs $6,868 more in New South Wales. The long range version costs $61,770 before on-road costs. The EV5 Earth is in the middle at $64,770 before on-road costs. The top model, the GT-Line, is $71,770 before on-road costs.
Here is a quick look at what each model offers:
- EV5 Air: 18-inch alloys, LED lights, cloth and faux leather seats, and twin 12.3-inch screens.
- EV5 Earth: 19-inch alloys, faux leather seats, and a powered tailgate.
- GT-Line: 20-inch alloys, a panoramic sunroof, and premium relaxation seats.
Design and Features
The EV5 looks modern and stylish. It is a smaller version of the Kia EV9, which is a bigger SUV. The design has rounded edges and sharp angles. The LED lights at the front give it a unique look, especially at night.
Inside, the EV5 has a clean and high-tech feel. It features a twin-screen setup. There is a climate control screen between the two main screens. While the screens look nice, some materials feel a bit hard. But there are physical buttons, which is a plus. This makes it easier to control things without always using the screen.
For storage, the EV5 has a 67-liter front trunk and 513 liters of space in the back. You can also fold the seats flat for more room. Plus, there is underfloor storage and a vehicle-to-load feature that lets you use the car’s battery to power other devices.
Performance
The EV5 Air has two versions: standard range and long range. Both have a front-mounted electric motor with 160 kW and 310 Nm of torque. The standard range can go from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds. The long range takes about 8.9 seconds.
The EV5 Earth model has two motors, one at each axle. This gives it 230 kW and 480 Nm of torque. It can go from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.1 seconds. The GT-Line will have similar power.
The standard range model has a 64.2 kWh battery. It offers a driving range of 400 km. The longer range models have an 88.1 kWh battery. They can travel up to 555 km, 500 km, and 470 km respectively, depending on the model.
Driving Experience
Driving the EV5 is a smooth experience. The Earth model is quick off the line and can easily keep up with traffic. The steering can feel a bit heavy at times, but it does not take away from the overall driving experience. The EV5 handles well, even on twisty roads.
Noise levels inside the cabin are generally low, but you may hear some wind noise at higher speeds. Still, these are minor issues. The EV5 feels like a comfortable family car, perfect for everyday use.
Safety and Warranty
Kia has packed the EV5 with safety features. It includes advanced driver assistance systems. These features help with lane keeping, cross-traffic alerts, and more. The EV5 has not yet been crash-tested, but Kia aims for top safety ratings.
The EV5 comes with a 7-year unlimited kilometer warranty. You can also prepay for service costs when you buy the car. This makes it easier to manage your expenses.
Conclusion
The Kia EV5 is a strong competitor in the electric vehicle market. It offers a good mix of price, features, and performance. With its lower price compared to the Tesla Model Y, it could attract many buyers. Kia seems ready to challenge Tesla’s dominance in Australia. The EV5 might just be the car that changes everything.
If you’re looking for a new electric vehicle, the Kia EV5 is definitely worth considering. It has many great features, plenty of space, and a comfortable ride. This could be the perfect family car for you!
