Kia PV5 review

Our opinion on the Kia PV5 Passenger

You might struggle to believe that a glorified van with windows could warrant such a high star rating, but the Kia PV5 moves the needle when it comes to big, affordable electric cars. Granted, it can’t yet carry a full rugby sevens team, but given its far more affordable pricing compared with other electrified MPVs such as the Volkswagen ID. Buzz and SUVs like the Peugeot E-5008, the PV5 is one of the best-value family cars around.

About the Kia PV5 Passenger

Kia is certainly hoping that the unrelenting popularity of SUVs has finally plateaued, because the PV5 Passenger is a highly practical and (much) more affordable alternative to the retro-styled Volkswagen ID. Buzz. It also competes with other electric SUVs, such as the Peugeot E-5008, Hyundai Ioniq 9, and Kia EV9.

The PV5 uses Kia’s E-GMP.S platform, which has a couple of intricacies that may be of benefit in the real world. The first is its Cell-to-Pack (CTP) tech which, with increased battery density, should offer tangible efficiency gains. The second is its front-driven layout; with all the hardware mounted low and ahead of the driver, this MPV can do what MPVs do best – concentrate on functionality above all else.

Measuring 4,695mm long, the PV5 is 17mm shorter than the base ID. Buzz, and while a choice of five and seven-seat layouts will be available, there’s no extra-long version as offered on the VW. In addition to being a little more compact, the Kia is also down on power, range and charging speed compared with its European counterpart.

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So far, we’ve tested the Kia PV5 in South Korea on the international launch, and in the UK as part of the national launch. We have also tested the Kia PV5 Cargo van, which you can read about in a separate review.

Kia PV5 prices and latest deals

The Kia PV5 is priced from £32,995 in five-seat passenger guise, rising to £38,295 for the bigger-battery model in the top trim. That’s a lot more affordable than the VW ID. Buzz, and the PV5 Passenger also qualifies for the Government’s £1,500 Band 2 Electric Car Grant (ECG), helping to make the PV5 even better value. A seven-seater is expected to join the range by the middle of summer 2026. 

If you're interested in purchasing a Kia PV5 Passenger, we can help. Configure your ideal Kia PV5 now to get top offers from local dealers, and check out the latest Kia PV5 leasing deals with our Find A Car service. You can even sell your existing car for a great price with Auto Express Sell My Car.

Given how strong the PV5 package is, the way it drives is virtually inconsequential. As long as it can get you from A to B with little fuss, it’s a winner, right? Sure, but the capable Kia is so much more than that; we found it to be stable, nippy, comfortable and quiet, as well as safe and manoeuvrable around town. It feels remarkably car-like for something that shares its platform and body with a panel van.

You could reasonably expect the 161bhp e-motor to struggle on the open road, yet while we were never driving with more than two occupants, the PV5 had enough grunt to keep pace with other traffic, even in its energy-efficient Eco mode.

We found the steering to be light, and the suspension did a great job of soaking up lumps and bumps, even on the countless sections of rough or rutted highway west of Seoul and on the deeply potholed country lanes around Bedford. We thought the refinement was excellent for something so bluff-fronted, apart from a little wind noise around the door mirrors.

The brakes are also worth mentioning. While the pedal feels smooth and progressive, we relied heavily on Kia’s intuitive multi-stage regenerative braking set-up on our drive. The system is easily adjusted via paddles on the steering wheel and can switch from friction-free coasting to forceful one-pedal driving at the flick of a switch. Treat it like old-school engine braking, and you’ll find you barely even brush the brakes in day-to-day driving.

Electric motors, 0-60mph acceleration and top speed

Even though the base Standard Range PV5 gets a lower-power 120bhp motor, it does a better job of getting up to speed than its 12.8-second 0-62mph time would suggest, and can even handle the odd cross-country dash without holding up traffic. It's a great option for those who'll mostly be doing urban journeys and don't need the extra battery capacity of the pricier Long Range model.

We'd recommend the Long Range version, though. Its more powerful 161bhp motor does the same 0-62mph sprint in 10.7 seconds, which is considerably faster than the 14.3 seconds it takes the equivalent 75kWh version of the Vauxhall Vivaro Life Electric. It also has more range thanks to its larger capacity battery, making it more versatile for weekend trips out of town. 

The top speed of both versions of PV5 is pegged at just 84mph.

Town driving, visibility and parking

The short front end, high driving position, and large door mirrors help when driving through town and parking. Standard front and rear parking sensors also help, with the former being quite useful because the high dashboard somewhat obscures low objects from view. A flat rearend, large back window and standard reversing camera make it fairly easy to slot the PV5 into a space – although you might want to leave a little extra room to open the huge tailgate.

The PV5 is quite a long car, but it's fairly narrow by van-based MPV standards. The key upside of this is that passing traffic down narrow streets isn’t that big of a concern. However, despite a triangular window to look through, we still found ourselves having to look around the rather chunky windscreen pillars and the huge interior grab handle when trying to spot oncoming traffic when approaching roundabouts.  

Country road driving and handling

The PV5 handles really neatly for a boxy MPV. It provides a comfortable ride and just enough poke (in the Long Range version at least) to ensure you’re not left languishing alongside faster-moving traffic. The steering is light but accurate, meaning you’re always confident in knowing where the front wheels are pointing. Body lean isn't as great as you might imagine for something so tall, and overall, the PV5 feels more like a car to drive than a commercial vehicle. 

Motorway driving and long-distance comfort

We found the PV5 to be surprisingly adept on the motorway despite its bluff shape. There’s very little road noise thanks to the tiny 16-inch wheels, plus its electric motor is well insulated and far quieter than the grumbly diesel engine that you'd typically find in a vehicle like this. You might hear a small amount of wind noise around the chunky door mirrors, but that can easily be drowned out by turning the radio volume up. Its car-like ride and handling mean it's no chore to drive the PV5 over long distances. 

“Sure, it’s big and boxy, but the Kia PV5 is remarkably car-like to drive. Comfort and refinement are also very good for a vehicle such as this.” - Richard Ingram, deputy editor    

While the Cargo van comes with three battery options, this Passenger variant is available only with the larger 51.5kWh and 71.2kWh set-ups. The Standard Range version has a maximum range of just 183 miles, so despite the attractive starting price, we think the extra £3k seems like a worthwhile expense to step up to the Long Range version, which extends the van’s usability considerably – topping out at 256 miles on the WLTP test cycle.

Electric range, battery life and charge time

We found that estimate to be rather conservative during our testing in warmer weather in Korea. We covered more than 120 miles over a mixture of roads – including plenty of motorway and stop-start urban work – and averaged a thoroughly respectable 4.1 miles/kWh in mild conditions with the outside temperature hovering around 22 to 23 degrees Celsius. Even if you factor in the PV5’s reduced usable battery capacity of around 67kWh, that’s nearly 275 miles on a full charge. Back in the UK in 10 degrees Celsius weather, we saw 3.3 miles/kWh from the Standard Range model, which equates to 170 miles on a full charge of its 51.5kWh usable capacity.

Despite shunning the EV6’s 800-volt electrical architecture in favour of a more affordable 400V set-up, the PV5 boasts charging speeds of up to 150kW. That’s down on the Buzz’s 200kW peak, but certainly better than the 100kW peak of the Vauxhall Vivaro Life. It means a 10 to 80 per cent top-up in the PV5 should be achievable in around 30 minutes, via the handily placed charge port on the nose of the vehicle. 

Charge at home using a standard 7.4kW wallbox charger, and it’ll take around seven hours to fully recharge the Standard Range version from empty to full, while the Long Range model will take around 10 hours to complete the same charge.

Insurance groups

Car insurance groups for the Kia PV5 are, fortunately, a lot lower than they are for the ID. Buzz. This Kia starts in group 25 (whereas the VW is in group 37), while the top-of-the-range Long Range Plus is in group 30. The ID. Buzz tops out in group 42 – mostly due to that being for the high-performance GTX model.

Tax

The most expensive PV5 is priced at £38,295, meaning it avoids the revised £50,000 expensive car supplement (or luxury car tax) threshold for EVs costing more than this, which is a problem for the VW ID. Buzz that starts at over £60,000. Owners of the PV5 will only have to pay the standard rate of vehicle excise duty (VED), which is presently £195 per year.

Having zero tailpipe emissions means it has a very low Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) company car tax bill. It’s currently at three per cent, but it will rise to four per cent for the ‘26 to ’27 tax year, and five per cent from ‘27 to ‘28.

One thing to keep in mind is that EVs might be subject to an eVED pay-per-mile fee if that comes into force from April 2028 onwards.

Depreciation

While depreciation, in percentage terms, is worse than the equivalent ID. Buzz, the fact that the PV5 costs so much less at the point of purchase means you could save in the long run. Our data specialists suggest the PV5 will retain around 50 per cent of its value after three years and 36,000 miles, with the strongest RVs apparently for the mid-range PV5 Essential fitted with the bigger of the two batteries. The ID. Buzz is expected to retain around 60 per cent of its original value over the same period.

There are two trims to choose from: Essential and Plus, although the latter is available only with the larger of the two batteries. Entry-level Essential models have a twin-screen infotainment system with a built-in reversing camera, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a six-speaker stereo, automatic climate control and LED headlights.

Upgrade to our preferred Plus trim, and you’ll add things such as:

• A power tailgate
• Heated front seats and outer rear seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Wireless phone charging
• Blind spot assist
• Adaptive cruise control
• Vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability

All things considered, we’d make the rare recommendation to opt for the range-topping trim.

Interior and dashboard design

The PV5’s interior is best described as functional, but that doesn’t mean it’s totally devoid of design flair. The dash comprises a large 12.9-inch touchscreen and a 7.5-inch driver’s display – the latter nestled behind a quirky two-spoke steering wheel with familiar buttons and a drive-mode control in the centre.

The front seats give a commanding view of the road, but only feature a fold-down armrest on one side, so it can feel as if you’re sitting a little lopsided at times. You can rest your other arm on the top of the door, but it’s not always the most comfortable. 

There are sufficient cubbies and storage spots – including two set into the floor by the driver and front passenger’s feet. We’re not sure what you’ll end up using these bins for, however, because they’re not the most accessible or easy to open.

Materials and build quality

The PV5 doesn’t feel built to a price, but it won’t be winning any awards for its luxury materials or high-end features. That said, while there are scratchy plastics on the dashboard or door tops, it’s no worse than most other van-based people carriers – especially those from Peugeot or Citroen. Indeed, the steering wheel and seats – the areas you’re in constant contact with – are covered in plush materials that feel soft to the touch. Ultimately, the Kia PV5 is a people mover designed to withstand the abuse of family life, and we’re pretty confident it’ll fulfil that brief and then some.

Infotainment, sat-nav and stereo

Somewhat perversely, the infotainment system in the PV5 feels like an upgrade compared with most of the brand’s passenger cars – even the flagship Kia EV9. You don’t get that single panel that runs from behind the steering wheel to the centre of the dash, but the two displays feature crisp graphics with easy-to-read fonts and a reasonably intuitive menu structure. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also included, though you’ll need to step up to the Plus trim for wireless phone charging.

“Material quality inside the PV5 is reasonable, if far from exceptional. But it should stand up well to the rigours of family life.” - Richard Ingram, deputy editor    

The PV5 Passenger is unashamedly based on the Cargo version of the van with the same name, so it’s no surprise it gets full marks for practicality. It’s massive inside, whether you’re looking to carry people, luggage or both. The rear-seat compartment is frankly huge, and the boot should swallow anything your family can throw at it.

One small annoyance is that the front windows can’t (or won’t) lower completely, while those in the back are restricted to a small sliding porthole if passengers feel the need for some ventilation – and only if you go for the top-of-the-range Plus trim. We've only tried the five-seat model, so at this stage we’re unable to offer any verdict on the third row of the seven-seat model, although we suspect – given the size of the boot – that big kids will be just fine back there. Certainly more so than those forced into the rear of a Peugeot E-5008.

Dimensions and size

At just under 4.7 metres long, the PV5 isn’t as cumbersome as you might expect. It’s more than 300mm shorter than a BMW 5 Series and 17mm stubbier than a standard wheelbase Volkswagen ID. Buzz, which should make it easy enough to live with day to day. Indeed, the short bonnet and upright rear end help when manoeuvring – aided by the standard-fit reversing camera.  

Seats and passenger space

Those up front sit slightly higher than those in the back, and put the driver and front passenger on equal footing with those in an SUV. The view out is a little odd because the side window line is lower than the windscreen line, but at least you can see the kerb more easily when parallel parking. Aside from that, you get plenty of seat and steering wheel adjustment, but only the Plus trim includes lumbar adjustment. Electric front seat adjustment is also only available on Plus trim, but driver's side memory isn't available.

There is more leg and headroom in the back than a six-foot adult will know what to do with, and the completely flat floor means even those in the middle will be happy. It’s a shame that Kia didn’t choose to fit three individual seats. The bench splits and folds 60:40, and only the outer chairs have Isofix mounts. The VW ID. Buzz and Vauxhall Vivaro Life can be equipped with seven seats, with the ID. Buzz getting Isofix mounting points for the outer second row positions and both third row seats.

Boot space

Opening the painfully slow electric tailgate fitted to Plus trim (Essential has a manual opening tailgate) reveals a huge, square, open space with a remarkably low load lip that will make hauling heavy or bulky items into the boot a cinch. Total load volume with the second row of seats in place stands at 1,320 litres, measured only to the parcel shelf. Fold those seats, and you’ll have something akin to a removals van (2,300 litres) – albeit with a big step in the floor to account for the rear bench. Just beware that you’ll need to leave plenty of room behind the vehicle when parking, because there’s no separate-opening glass section through which to throw shopping bags or luggage.

Towing

The Kia PV5 is officially rated to tow up to 750kg for the Standard Range and 1,500kg for the Long Range model. That's better than rear-wheel drive versions of the ID. Buzz, but a little less than the 1,800kg capacity of a four-wheel drive ID. Buzz GTX manages.

“The Kia PV5 is hands down one of the most practical cars on sale; huge boot, loads of legroom; this MPV majors on versatility.” - Richard Ingram, deputy editor

The Kia PV5 was awarded a four-star out of five rating by safety experts Euro NCAP. That’s on par with the likes of the Peugeot E-5008, but the Hyundai Ioniq 9, Kia EV9, and Volkswagen ID. Buzz managed to get the maximum five-star rating.

Every model gets forward collision-avoidance assist, highway driving assist, intelligent speed limit assist and smart cruise control with stop/go. You’ll need to step up to the Plus trim to add rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist and safe-exit warning.

Due to the PV5 being so new, we don’t yet have any data on the vehicle’s reliability, but it is backed up by the same seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty as the brand's regular passenger cars should the worst happen. However, the brand only finished 18th (out of 31 brands) in our 2025 Driver Power owner satisfaction survey.

Overall, the PV5 feels like it’s built to last and should stand the test of time thanks to a selection of hard-wearing materials and a simple electric drivetrain with fewer moving parts compared with combustion-engined models of the past. 

Best buy: Kia PV5 Long Range Plus

Given how cheap the PV5 is to buy, we’d recommend stepping up to the best-equipped model you can afford. We’ve not yet driven the base car with the low-power motor and smaller battery, but given the Long Range version is only £3,000 more and the flashier trim another £2,300 on top, if you can stretch the monthly budget slightly, we would.

Kia PV5 Passenger alternatives

The Kia PV5’s main rivals include van-based MPVs such as the Peugeot Traveller, Citroen SpaceTourer, and Vauxhall Vivaro Life Electric, as well as the altogether more expensive Volkswagen ID. Buzz. Buyers could quite reasonably be cross-shopping with seven-seat SUVs such as the Peugeot E-5008, or even the Hyundai Ioniq 9, too.

Deals on the Kia PV5 and alternatives

Volkswagen ID. Buzz

New in-stock Volkswagen ID. BuzzCash £58,827Avg. savings £1,294

New Volkswagen ID. Buzz

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Hyundai Ioniq 9

New in-stock Hyundai Ioniq 9Cash £57,075Avg. savings £8,798

New Hyundai Ioniq 9

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Kia PV5 Passenger pictures

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