KIA EV5 EARTH AWD AUSTRALIA REVIEW AND WALKTHROUGH OF PRICING & SPECS

EV Channels Review

The Kia EV5 Earth AWD presents a compelling alternative in the mid-size electric SUV segment, particularly for buyers seeking a familiar and trusted brand. Reviewers highlight its strong resemblance to the larger EV9, offering a practical, boxy design that maximizes interior space despite being slightly smaller than the Tesla Model Y. The "Earth" AWD variant, equipped with an 88kWh LFP battery, provides a competitive range and is praised for its comfortable ride quality on both urban and highway roads. Key advantages include its attractive pricing, undercutting the Model Y, and Kia's established reputation for reliability and service in Australia. However, the vehicle is built on Kia's N3 platform (a 400-volt architecture), meaning it doesn't offer the ultra-fast charging speeds of 800-volt counterparts, topping out at 140kW DC. Interior highlights include ample storage, a flat floor, and manual climate controls, though the lack of wireless charging and a head-up display are noted drawbacks. The reviewer found the ADAS system's alerts to be overly sensitive, a common Kia/Hyundai trait, but anticipates a software update to address this. Overall, the EV5 is deemed a sensible, well-built, and practical choice for families, offering a strong value proposition against its rivals.