The electric vehicle landscape continues to evolve rapidly, and Kia’s latest offering, the 2025 EV5 GT-Line, represents the brand’s ambitious push into the competitive mid-size electric SUV market. As the flagship variant of the EV5 lineup, this model promises to deliver a compelling blend of cutting-edge technology, premium comfort features, and engaging electric performance that challenges established competitors like the Tesla Model Y.
Design Philosophy: Where Form Meets Function
Exterior Styling That Commands Attention
The EV5 GT-Line embraces Kia’s bold “Opposites United” design language, featuring sharp, angular lines and an unapologetically futuristic aesthetic that’s both striking and practical. The design philosophy centers around maximizing interior space while maintaining an aerodynamic profile that enhances efficiency.
The refreshed “Tiger Face 2.0” front grille integrates seamlessly with sleek LED headlight design, while the boxy proportions and flush door handles emphasize the vehicle’s modern electric identity. The GT-Line trim distinguishes itself with unique bumper designs, distinctive wheel options, and subtle styling flourishes that elevate its premium positioning.
Interior Space and Comfort Innovation
The cabin design prioritizes both functionality and luxury. The EV5 offers a customizable multicolour interior mood lamp that runs from dash to door trim, enveloping the entire interior and offering passengers a comforting ambience while adding a touch of luxury. The spacious interior benefits from the dedicated electric platform, providing generous legroom and headroom for all occupants.
The Premium Relaxation Driver’s Seat features a soothing massage function for both driver and front passenger, with the GT-Line grade offering a 6-cell massage function for the driver and 3-cell massage function for the front passenger. This attention to comfort extends throughout the cabin, creating an environment that’s as suitable for daily commuting as it is for long-distance travel.
Technology Integration: The Digital Revolution
Advanced Display Systems
The fully digital 75cm combined panoramic display provides crucial driving information, climate control settings and infotainment data, all available at arm’s length. This comprehensive setup includes dual 12.3-inch screens serving as both the instrument cluster and central infotainment system, complemented by a separate 5.0-inch climate control display.
Users can customize their experience with drag & drop information widgets on the 12.3″ infotainment touchscreen, while the interface runs on Kia’s latest Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) software, providing a snappy and clear experience with a refined and reasonably easy-to-use interface.
Augmented Reality and Smart Features
One of the standout technological features is the EV5’s augmented reality HUD that projects key information on the windscreen such as speed, navigation guidance and lane safety information. This technology keeps drivers informed without taking their eyes off the road, enhancing both convenience and safety.
The Electronic-Shift-By-Wire system on the steering column makes shifting gears intuitive and clear, while the harman/kardon® 8 speaker premium sound system brings life-like immersive audio experience directly into the cabin.
Performance and Powertrain Excellence
Dual-Motor All-Wheel Drive System
The GT-Line features a dual-motor AWD setup producing 230kW (308hp) and 480Nm of torque, enabling acceleration from 0-100km/h in 6.3 seconds. While not groundbreaking in terms of raw speed, the powertrain excels in delivering smooth, refined performance suitable for everyday driving scenarios.
The real magic lies in its everyday usability—smooth, quiet, and planted on the road, with regenerative braking that can be adjusted via paddle shifters. The system offers multiple regeneration levels, including a strong setting that enables near one-pedal driving, while also allowing drivers to turn off regeneration completely for a more traditional coasting experience.
Battery Technology and Range
The GT-Line uses a large 84kWh usable battery that’s supposed to deliver 470km of range. However, it’s worth noting that the EV5 uses Chinese lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery packs that are cheaper and heavier than traditional alternatives, built on a simplified 400-volt N3-eK platform rather than the 800-volt e-GMP architecture found in other Kia EVs.
Charging Capabilities
The Kia EV5’s multi-charging system is compatible with both 400V and 800V chargers, without the need for an additional adapter, providing more options for places to charge along the way to your destination. The EV5 GT-Line supports 350 kW DC fast charging, allowing for a rapid charge from 10-80% in under 30 minutes, making it practical for long-distance travel.
Advanced Safety and Driver Assistance
Comprehensive Safety Suite
The AEB (Automatic Emergency Braking) system alerts the driver to sudden slowdowns of the preceding vehicle or detects potential collision risks with vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists, automatically intervening with braking assistance if the risk of collision escalates after the initial warning.
HDA 2 (Highway Drive Assist) assists in maintaining a set distance and speed from the vehicle ahead and also helps to keep the vehicle centered in the lane while driving on highways or motorways. The system includes smart cruise control, lane centering, and automated lane changes when the GPS recognizes you’re on a motorway.
Connectivity and Smart Features
Vehicle-to-Load Technology
Utilizing an outdoor V2L connector, the EV5 can be used to power electronics and home appliances, while an interior V2L outlet in the boot is equipped with a standard power socket to power various devices without needing an adaptor. This bidirectional charging capability makes the EV5 a mobile power source for camping, emergencies, or outdoor activities.
Over-the-Air Updates
The EV5 comes with Over-The-Air (OTA) updates, conveniently allowing software and map updates directly to your vehicle. This ensures that owners always have access to the latest features and improvements without needing to visit a dealership.
Market Position and Pricing
Competitive Landscape
The flagship EV5 GT-Line AWD costs $75,990 driveaway in Australia, coming in cheaper than the entry-level EV6. This aggressive pricing strategy positions the EV5 as a value proposition in the electric SUV market, offering premium features at a more accessible price point.
The EV5 is decently priced compared to some of its competitors, though there are notably cheaper fully electric mid-size SUVs on the market that are primarily made in China. However, buyers are paying for the Kia brand reputation, extensive dealer network, and comprehensive warranty coverage.
Real-World Performance Assessment
Driving Dynamics
The steering is well-weighted, and the suspension strikes a balance between comfort and control, though you’ll still feel the 574kg battery over larger bumps. The vehicle is designed more for comfort and refinement than sporty driving, with the EV5 responding much better to soft and smooth inputs and remaining well-insulated from outside noise even at highway speeds.
Efficiency and Range
During real-world testing, drivers averaged 17.6 kWh/100 km, and depending on driving style, achieving the claimed 470km range is definitely achievable. The efficiency figures are competitive within the segment, though the LFP battery technology means slightly reduced performance in cold weather conditions.
A Balanced Electric Package
The 2025 Kia EV5 GT-Line represents a thoughtful approach to electric SUV design, prioritizing practicality, technology integration, and comfort over outright performance. While it may not match the dynamic excellence of the EV6 or EV9, it offers a compelling package for families and individuals seeking a well-equipped, spacious electric vehicle at a competitive price point.
The Kia EV5 GT-Line is a well-rounded, stylish, and practical EV that delivers comfort, tech, and real-world usability, excelling as a daily driver with long-range capability and smart features. For buyers prioritizing value, space, and technology integration over sporting prowess, the EV5 GT-Line presents a compelling case in the increasingly competitive electric SUV market.
2025 Kia EV5 GT-Line Specifications
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Powertrain | Dual-motor AWD |
| Power Output | 230kW (308hp) |
| Torque | 480Nm |
| 0-100km/h | 6.3 seconds |
| Battery Capacity | 88.1kWh (usable: 84kWh) |
| Range (WLTP) | 470km |
| Fast Charging | 10-80% in ~30 minutes |
| AC Charging | Up to 11kW |
| Drive Type | All-Wheel Drive |
| Seating | 5 seats |
| Boot Capacity | 513L (seats up), 1714L (seats down) |
| Frunk Capacity | 67L |
| Warranty | 7 years unlimited km |
| Pricing (Australia) | AU$75,990 driveaway |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does the EV5 GT-Line compare to the Tesla Model Y? A: The EV5 GT-Line offers more interior space, premium comfort features like massage seats, and competitive pricing, while the Model Y provides better charging speeds and slightly more range.
Q: Can the EV5 GT-Line power external devices? A: Yes, it features Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology with both interior and exterior outlets, capable of powering camping equipment, tools, and even home appliances during outages.
Q: Is the EV5 GT-Line available in the United States? A: No, Kia has confirmed the EV5 will not be sold in the US due to Inflation Reduction Act requirements, but it will be available in Canada, Australia, and other global markets.