Kia EV5 in Australia: the efficient electric SUV drivers have been waiting for
The Kia EV5 is a roomy, five-seat electric SUV with a long-range option, useful cargo space and a real-world efficiency result that makes it worth a closer look for rideshare and delivery drivers. It first went on sale in Australia in 2024; the right-hand-drive 2026 model-year range is now available locally.
Kia EV5 2026 prices and variants
- Air Standard Range — 64.2 kWh, front-wheel drive, 400 km WLTP, $49,990 drive-away
- Air Long Range — 88.1 kWh, front-wheel drive, 555 km WLTP, $59,990 drive-away
- Earth AWD Long Range — 88.1 kWh, all-wheel drive, 500 km WLTP, $64,990 drive-away
- GT-Line AWD Long Range — 88.1 kWh, all-wheel drive, 470 km WLTP, $75,990 drive-away
Prices, offers and stock vary by location and over time. Check Kia's current EV5 offers and confirm with a dealer. The Air Long Range is the efficiency pick: the big battery with a single motor. AWD grades add power and traction but use more energy.
What efficiency means for your weekly costs
Kia lists the Air Long Range at about 18.0 kWh/100 km. In a CarExpert road test it recorded 16.7 kWh/100 km over more than 250 km of mixed driving — encouraging, but one test, not a promise.
At 16.7 kWh/100 km, 1,000 km uses about 167 kWh — roughly $50 at an assumed 30c/kWh. At Kia's 18.0 figure it's about 180 kWh, or $54. Your real cost depends on where and when you charge, speed, weather, traffic and air-con use.
Independent testing shows why conditions matter: the Real-World Testing Program recorded 21.9 kWh/100 km and 445 km of range for an EV5 Earth AWD Long Range. Treat WLTP range as a comparison guide, not a guaranteed daily distance.
Range and charging: plan around your workday
The Air Long Range's 555 km WLTP claim is the longest in the range, which can mean fewer charging stops on a busy day. The EV5 uses a 400V system: Long Range models charge 10–80% in about 38 minutes at up to around 140 kW — fine for a planned break, but slower than newer 800V cars. The Standard Range takes about 36 minutes with a lower peak rate.
Long Range variants support AC charging up to 11 kW, so overnight or between-shift charging can cut your reliance on public fast chargers.
Room for passengers, parcels and work gear
The boot holds 513 litres with the rear seats up and 1,714 litres folded, plus a 67-litre frunk for cables. Inside there's a 12.3-inch driver display, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a 5-inch climate screen. Vehicle-to-load (V2L) lets you power compatible devices from the car — check power requirements first.
Is the EV5 a good fit for drivers?
- The Air Long Range combines the longest quoted range with front-wheel drive
- Tested efficiency looks competitive for a medium SUV
- Roomy boot and frunk suit passengers, parcels and equipment
- V2L powers compatible devices away from a wall outlet
Trade-offs: the big battery is Long Range only, AWD grades use more energy, and fast charging takes around 38 minutes. It competes with the Tesla Model Y, BYD Atto 3 and BYD Sealion 7 — compare the exact variant, charging access and running costs that fit your work.
Want an electric car for work?
This is a model overview, not a rental availability notice. If you need a car now, check LEFKO's current listings or the BYD Atto 3 listing, and confirm the vehicle, weekly price and eligibility before you decide.