Kia EV5 Earth Review

The Kia EV5 Earth is a mid-range trim level of Kia’s all-electric compact SUV, positioned above the “Air” and below the “GT-Line” variants in some markets. It’s designed to offer a balance of practicality, features, and range, making it a compelling option for many EV buyers.

Here’s a comprehensive review of the Kia EV5 Earth, drawing on common themes from various reviews:

Design and Exterior:

Distinctive and Boxy: The EV5 stands out with its unique, chunky, and futuristic design, drawing inspiration from its larger sibling, the EV9. This “digital tiger face” and angular lines give it a strong road presence.

Practicality in Design: Despite its boxy appearance, the design is often praised for its practicality, maximizing interior space.

Earth-specific features: The Earth trim often gets unique exterior elements like gloss black arches and pillars, and larger 19-inch wheels with an asymmetrical design, adding to its visual appeal. Auto-flush door handles are typically included on Earth and GT-Line trims.

Panoramic Sunroof: A powered panoramic sunroof is a feature commonly found on the Earth trim, enhancing the cabin’s sense of spaciousness.

Interior and Practicality:

Spacious and Well-Thought-Out: Reviewers consistently highlight the EV5’s roomy and practical interior, which is designed with a focus on usability and comfort. The 2,750mm wheelbase contributes to generous rear-seat space, even for taller occupants.

Physical Controls: A significant plus for many is the retention of physical buttons, dials, and rollers for climate control and other frequently used functions, which is a welcome departure from the touchscreen-only approach of some rivals.

Sustainable Materials: Kia uses high-quality synthetic materials throughout the cabin, offering a premium feel without leather, aligning with sustainable practices.

Clever Storage and Features:

Boot Space: The boot offers a commendable 513 liters of cargo space, expanding to 1,714 liters with the rear seats folded flat, creating a near-flat loading area.

Frunk: A useful 67-liter front trunk (frunk) provides additional storage, ideal for charging cables.

Heated/Cooled Storage Drawer: A unique and highly praised feature is the insulated storage compartment beneath the rear center console, which can keep food warm (up to 55°C) or drinks chilled (down to 5°C).

V2L (Vehicle-to-Load): The EV5 Earth typically comes with both interior and exterior V2L outlets, allowing users to power external appliances, making it suitable for camping or as a mobile power source.

Relaxation Seats: On the Earth and GT-Line models, the driver’s seat often includes “Relaxation seats” with a retractable leg rest and massage function for enhanced comfort during charging stops or long journeys.

Infotainment and Technology:

Triple Screen Setup: The cabin features a “Panoramic Wide Display” integrating a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 5.3-inch climate control panel, and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen.

User-Friendly Software: Kia’s latest ccNC (Connected Car Navigation Cockpit) software is generally found to be snappy, clear, and intuitive, with support for over-the-air updates and Kia Connect. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.

Head-Up Display (HUD): A full-color head-up display is often standard on the Earth trim, projecting essential driving information onto the windshield.

Fingerprint Recognition: This feature allows for personalized settings and engine start without a key.

Performance and Driving Experience:

Powertrain (Earth Variant):

In many markets, the EV5 Earth comes with an 88.1 kWh LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery.

FWD Earth (Long Range): Often features a single front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor delivering 160 kW (215 hp) and 310 Nm of torque. It prioritizes efficiency and range.

AWD Earth (Exclusive/AWD): Some markets offer an AWD Earth variant with dual motors (front: 160 kW, rear: 70 kW) for a combined output of 230 kW (308 hp) and 480 Nm of torque. This version offers quicker acceleration (0-100 km/h in around 6.1 seconds).

Range: The FWD Earth (Long Range) typically boasts a WLTP range of around 540-555 km, while the AWD Earth’s range is slightly lower at around 500 km.

Charging: The EV5 Earth supports DC fast charging up to around 141 kW, allowing a 10-80% charge in approximately 38 minutes. AC charging is generally at 11 kW, taking roughly 5.5 to 8 hours for a full charge depending on the battery size.

Ride and Handling: The EV5 is generally praised for its comfortable and composed ride, particularly at highway speeds. It’s often described as a graceful cruiser. While not marketed as sporty, its handling is neat and the steering is well-weighted. Some reviewers note a slight “jittery burr” over rougher surfaces on the higher-spec models with larger wheels, but primary ride comfort remains good.

Efficiency: Real-world consumption figures tend to be quite accurate relative to claimed averages, making it an efficient EV for its size.

Noise Levels: The cabin is generally quiet, with good insulation from wind and road noise, though some reviews mention that tire noise can become noticeable at higher speeds on coarse surfaces.

Safety Features:

Comprehensive Suite: The EV5 Earth comes with a full array of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), including Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with pedestrian, cyclist, and junction detection, Smart Cruise Control (SCC), Lane Following Assist (LFA), Blind Spot Monitoring with live video feed, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Remote Smart Parking Assist.

ADAS Nannies: As with many modern cars, some reviewers find the overly enthusiastic speed sign recognition system (often “bonging” at every speed change, even incorrect ones) to be an annoyance, though it can usually be deactivated.