Introduction: The Search for the Perfect Family SUV
As a seasoned automotive journalist, my fondness for the Alfa Romeo Giulia’s handling is well known. Yet, family needs shift, and the Giulia’s limited rear seating and cargo space soon became apparent with the arrival of my child. This year, as we acquire a long-awaited new energy vehicle permit, the quest for a spacious, affordable electric SUV commenced. While the market seems saturated with options labeled “affordable, spacious electric SUV,” my criteria narrowed the choices down to just two contenders: the Volkswagen ID.4 and the Kia EV5.
Volkswagen ID.4: Familiar but Costly
The ID.4, built on Volkswagen’s MEB electric platform and standard with rear-wheel drive, is a familiar model. Though its starting price is over 19,000 yuan, significant discounts drop the base model to around 140,000 yuan. However, this entry-level variant’s 170 horsepower and 52.8 kWh battery pack leave much to be desired in terms of power and range. Upgrading to a longer-range model pushes the budget to around 180,000 yuan—a stretch for many.
Kia EV5: An Understated Contender
The Kia EV5 made a subtle entrance into the market, barely drawing attention during its unveiling at last year’s Guangzhou Auto Show. It runs on Hyundai Motor Group’s E-GMP electric platform. All models of the EV5 boast 218 horsepower with a standard 64.2 kWh battery. This setup delivers up to 530 km of range, with prices ranging from 149,800 to 174,800 yuan. In February, a long-range version was ready to launch, equipped with an 88.1 kWh battery that provides up to 720 km of range. This version has priced between 184,800 and 225,800 CNY.
Exploring the Kia EV5: First Impressions
After considering my options, the Kia EV5 sparked enough interest for me to consider a test drive. When a colleague invited me to a more extended test-driving event, I jumped at the chance, eager for a more thorough experience than a brief dealership visit might offer.
Kia EV5 Design and Features: Bold and Functional
Kia EV5 stands out with its distinctive front face, adopting the Digital Tiger Face design, which integrates the headlights into the bodywork for a cleaner look. This design choice avoids being overdone. The SUV’s boxy silhouette gives it a robust appearance without sacrificing urban appeal, thanks to thoughtful design elements like the rising line of the C-pillar and indented side skirts.
Practicality and User Experience
The EV5 boasts an imposing exterior, yet its interior feels surprisingly cozy. It features a low-profile central console that amplifies the cabin’s spaciousness. This vehicle includes a middle seat cushion linked to the co-driver’s seat, echoing the style of 1960s American cars. While this feature may not be practical daily, it adds a unique charm. The dashboard, simple in its layout, hosts three screens. One of these, a 5-inch climate control screen, is somewhat obscured—a design decision favoring physical controls for ease of use.
Driving Impressions: Comfort Meets Efficiency
Driving the Kia EV5 reveals a vehicle focused on comfort without sacrificing driving dynamics. The steering is light at low speeds with increased damping at higher speeds to enhance stability. The regenerative braking system is particularly impressive, allowing for smooth stops without the jerkiness typically associated with aggressive regen systems.
Conclusion: A Strong Contender for Family Needs
I thoroughly tested the Kia EV5 and found it ticks all the boxes for a family SUV. It offers space, comfort, and efficiency. Its low profile in the market and reasonable price make it an appealing choice for those seeking a dependable electric vehicle without too much fuss. Although there are a few quirks, such as the unconventional charging port location and the design of the third middle seat, the EV5 still ranks as one of the best electric SUVs in its price bracket.