Kia PV5 Review

Introduction – Kia PV5

Let’s kick off with a general look at the news Kia has just dropped. It’s going big when it comes to vans. And not just in size - big as in loads of them.  And Kia’s big idea? Flexibility. All Kia’s PBVs, including the PV5, are built on a dedicated electric skateboard-style platform, making it easy to mix and match different body styles. 

This so-called Flexible Body System is like a giant puzzle, allowing Kia to create multiple versions to suit different needs. The standard lineup includes Passenger, Cargo and Chassis Cab. But it doesn’t stop there—Kia is also offering conversion models like the Crew, Drop Side, Box Van, Freezer Box, and even a Camper. That last one makes me very happy! Also worth celebrating? The much-needed Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) version. Accessibility in vans has been overdue, so hats off to Kia for making it a priority.

Now, there will be three Kia PV5 variants arriving first, later in 2025. The Kia PV5 Passenger will be able to carry up to 8 people, and for those business users who fancy an electric Kia van,  the PV5 Cargo and the clever, adaptable Chassis Cab adaptable version will also be arriving at launch.  Incidentally, all the chassis cab version will be converted by Kia in a dedicated factory and will come with a full warranty. 

Size-wise, the PV5 sits between Ford's e-Transit and Connect vans. However, its biggest rival will be the VW ID. Buzz, given there are both passenger and cargo variants.  

The PV5 has boxy shape but Kia has carried over its ‘Opposites United’ design to the van range so you also get angled surfaces with some cladding to give it a tough but interesting look. The Passenger and Cargo models share a similar design, with a similar front cab - but the Kia PV5 Passenger, as you’d expect, has large windows, those sliding side doors and a lift-up tailgate. 

Range, Battery and Charging

When it comes to power both the passenger and cargo get three battery sizes and I expect at least some of these to use LFP technology, given that Hyundai Motor Group has been developing this for a while. We’re still waiting on final details regards that, but there will be 51.5- or 71.2 kWh batteries in the Kia PV5 passenger, while the PV5 Cargo offers those same battery options but also has a smaller 43.3 kWh option. No matter which PV5 model you choose, power comes from a front electric motor delivering 161bhp. 

If you go for the 71.2kWh battery, the PV5 Passenger can travel up to 250 miles (400 km) on a single charge, and when it’s time to top up, fast charging from 10% to 80% takes just 30 minutes. Those are the only specifics that Kia has announced so far – it hasn’t even confirmed rapid charging speed, although we reckon it’ll be around 150kW judging by these times. No 800V rapid charging, here. 

However, you do get vehicle-to-load (V2L) charging. Also known as vehicle-to-device (V2D) charging, this means that you get a three-pin domestic socket inside the Kia PV5 Cargo or Passenger variants, which you can plug your tools into and allows you to use the high voltage battery to keep them charged while you’re on site. Neat! And don’t worry, you can also set a minimum charge level, so the van will retain enough battery charge to get your home or back to the depot.   

Practicality, Payload and Dimensions

Kia worked closely with partners like Uber to design the PV5 Passenger with drivers in mind. They focused on solving common issues rideshare drivers face, so the PV5 can fit into multiple Uber categories and suit different driving needs. 

Kia also plans to work with drivers and fleet owners to help them get the most out of these vehicles, so they’re just aiming for the private buyers as the VW Buzz tends to do. There will even be a ‘1-2-3’ seat layout, which will have no front passenger seat, offering more luggage space where that would traditionally be, and majoring on passenger space in the middle and third row of seats. Airport taxi drivers rejoice – Kia has got you in mind!  

The Kia PV5 Cargo model obviously maximises load space and gets twin side-opening doors at the back for easy access to the load area. There's also the Kia PV5 Crew, which loses some of its cargo space in order to offer two, three-person benches up front; great for when you might need up to six crew members sharing the van as transport, but still need great load capacity. After the initial launch, you’ll be able to get it with Standard and Long-Wheelbase variants, with a High Roof option also on offer. Just like you can with the Ford Transit and its rivals, basically. The Kia PV5 Cargo gets a maximum cargo space of 5.1m² – good enough for two Euro pallets.  

​Have a watch of the video, and leave us a comment to let us know which variant you want, and whether you think the PV5 can really take on the ID.Buzz in both passenger and commercial vehicle stakes! 

Interior, Seating and Technology

The Kia PV5's interior definitely feels more oriented towards the commercial vehicle market than the ID.Buzz. The Volkswagen feels like a funky passenger car in the cabin, while the PV5 feels like a van even in the PV5 Passenger variant that I had a look around at an early event. But it's still really good! You still get a big touchscreen with all the features that you want including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a digital speed readout behind the steering wheel. There's tons of storage space, too, with cubbies everywhere to put your travel mug, wallet, phone and more. Yes, the general ambience is of a pleasant but durable cabin, rather than the high-end, fashionable finish that you get in the VW ID. Buzz. But hard-wearing and more affordable are hardly bad things, whether you're considering this as a family car, motability purchase or as a commercial van. While the PV5 isn't going to worry the Kia EV9 seven-seater for plushness, it's also offering even more space for less money, and it's still a comfortable place to spend your time.

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Running costs, Pricing and Specs​

Kia tells us that it’s aiming for a starting price of sub-£30,000 for the entry-level Kia PV5 Cargo, although that price will obviously be much higher for passenger variants and the bigger battery options. Even so, that’s a great starting price, and Kia typically includes lots of equipment as standard. Of course, lease prices and PCP monthly finance deals will be the big deciders for most business- and retail buyers, so we’ll have to wait and see how the Kia PV5 shapes up on that front! 

Verdict

Until we’ve got more UK-specific details and pricing, it’s a bit tricky to judge just how competitive the Kia PV5 will be in all its many variants. But having had a good look around the PV5 Cargo and PV5 Passenger vehicles, I have to say that I think this is going to be a huge hit. It looks great, it’s hugely practical, and it promises to be good value without feeling cheap or compromised.  

As I said, it’ll ultimately come down to the monthly prices as to how much of the market – passenger and electric commercial van alike - Kia can steal from Volkswagen, Ford and co. But on this evidence the Kia PV5 promises to be one of the best electric vehicles available to a very wide audience of buyers.