Being a motoring journalist and automotive photographer while traveling to destinations outside the country always gives a feeling of creative inspiration. I recently had an excursion hosted by Kia Global in Seoul, South Korea, to sample its latest compact SUV, the EV5.

Kia’s latest electric offering to hit the global market (previously an exclusive release in China) is an eye-catching crossover of sharp styling and sleek lines with a somewhat boxy profile. It’s aligned with the brand’s current design language across its electric vehicle products. The EV5 is based on Kia’s E-GMP (Electric Global Modular Platform) 400V architecture.

I had the privilege of taking the EV5 on a picturesque countryside drive north of Seoul. I was assigned the sporty-looking GT-Line variant powered by an 81.4kWh battery that sent 217hp and 310Nm of torque to the front wheels.

Yes, it’s a front-wheel-drive affair (as opposed to the all-wheel-drive, top-spec GT variant), and it propels the vehicle from zero to 100km/h in a respectable 8.4 seconds. It also has a capable range of 530km.

The EV5 immediately gave me a positive first impression in terms of looks and overall dimensions. I honestly felt the spacious five-seater was a sweet spot for small families willing to take the full electric SUV plunge.

From a practical perspective, I’d definitely go for the variant I drove. Apart from the obvious range capability, the GT-Line serves enough exterior upgrades to make it feel more premium. These come in the form of 19-inch alloy wheels (versus 18-inch wheels on the base trim), a more aggressive grille and rear bumper design, and nicely executed body color garnishing.

For a family man, the interior feels like a home run. Spaciousness meets premium materials and thoughtful comfort. The tasteful two-tone color scheme is an added attraction.

Tech-wise, the dashboard presents Kia’s familiar infotainment and driver cluster spread. Basically, these are two 12.3-inch screens showcasing ccNC (connected car Navigation Cockpit). From my short time with the EV5, the system was quite seamless and intuitive to use.

Other notable features include the brand’s first Kia Sound 2.0 and pet mode, which optimizes cabin comfort when your fur baby is left in the vehicle for a short period. I just hope to have another chance to test these features in the near future.

While legroom and headroom are more than ample, cargo space is class-leading in this segment with 566L of boot volume and 44.4L for the frunk. Comfort is optimized with triple-zone climate control, keeping interior temperatures more personalized for front and rear occupants.

It was a 237km journey across rural territories north of Seoul. The scenery didn’t disappoint; neither did our ride.

The EV5’s futuristic look beautifully contrasts with the natural landscapes of the South Korean countryside. From straight highway cruising to winding mountain roads, the EV5 made me feel in total control. Steering felt precise and engaging, while suspension tuning was on point.

As with all good EVs, throttle response was immediate, and acceleration was brisk and buttery smooth. It’s good to note that this variant comes with a towing capacity of 1,200kg—perfect for hauling jet skis or adventure equipment. The V2L (vehicle-to-load) feature can power up a small campsite if needed.

Peace of mind comes via a five-star Euro NCAP rating and level 2 ADAS—a step-up driver-assist suite with a bit more automation to keep journeys safer. This helps lessen the workload for the driver without losing engagement behind the wheel.

From stops that included a lovely coffee shop overlooking farmlands to a hearty lunch at Lee Sang Won Art Museum in the mountains of Chuncheon, there wasn’t a dull moment driving, riding, or taking photos of the EV5.

Simply put, this EV is a proper addition to Kia’s electric portfolio. Would it be an attractive product for our market? With the right specs and price, I’d say give it a go, Kia Philippines.

If we’ve piqued your interest with the EV5, you can check it out this weekend (October 23 to 25) at the 2025 Philippine EV Summit (SMX Convention Center, Pasay City). See you there.