2025 Kia EV5 GT-Line Review: Brutal, Frisky, and Fun


Kia’s been on a roll with its EV lineup, and the EV5 is the latest addition to the family. It slots between the larger EV9 and the smaller EV3, sharing their brutalist design philosophy—think bold lines, sharp angles, and an unapologetically futuristic aesthetic. It’s like a Scandinavian architect got their hands on a Lego set and thought, “Why not make it drive?” The result is a car that’s both striking and practical, offering heaps of interior space thanks to its EV-specific platform.

The Looks: No Fence-Sitters Allowed

You either love the EV5 or you don’t. There’s no middle ground here. The squared-off proportions, slim lighting elements, and flush door handles scream “EV9’s feisty younger sibling.” The GT-Line trim brings a few extra styling flourishes, including a smart tailgate that does the heavy lifting for you. The whole package looks more high-end than its price tag suggests, putting some premium competitors to shame.

Specifications HERE: MY25 Kia EV5 Spec sheet

Above: This Week’s VIDEO Review –Why 2025 KIA EV 5 is SO GOOD Review – Alan Zurvas 

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ABOVE: 2025 Kia EV5

The Interior: Minimalism Done Right

Inside, Kia continues its mission to declutter your life. The EV5 adopts the same sleek, tech-heavy cabin design seen in the EV3 and EV9, and it works a treat. The curved display setup is impressive, combining a 12.3-inch driver cluster with a matching infotainment screen, separated by a small 5-inch climate display. The only downside? The touch-sensitive buttons below the infotainment screen are a little too easy to press by accident.

Material choices lean towards sustainability, which means no leather option—just high-quality synthetics that feel surprisingly premium. The seats are firm but comfortable, with heating, cooling, and even a massage function. The driver’s seat gets a “relaxation” mode with an extending leg rest, perfect for those long charging stops. Speaking of charging, Kia’s V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) functionality means you can power appliances straight from the car, handy for everything from camping to emergency blackouts.

Tech & Features: Thoughtful But Not Perfect

Kia has packed the EV5 GT-Line with tech, and most of it works beautifully. Wireless Apple CarPlay is seamless, but the built-in navigation system frustratingly doesn’t show battery percentage on arrival—an odd omission for an EV. The blind-spot system includes a live video feed in the instrument cluster when you indicate, eliminating the need for awkward shoulder checks.

Gear selection is handled via a small stub on the right-hand side of the steering column, a setup that quickly becomes second nature. The HUD (Head-Up Display) is a welcome addition, keeping vital info in your line of sight. However, one gripe remains: the overly enthusiastic speed sign recognition system. It bongs at every speed change, often getting it wrong by reading side-road signs instead of highway limits. Thankfully, you can turn it off—if you dig through the settings.

The Drive: GT Vibes Without the Drama

Let’s get one thing straight: the EV5 GT-Line is not a sports car, but it delivers a refined and confident drive. With a dual-motor AWD setup producing 230kW and 480Nm, it hits 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds. Quick, but not mind-blowing. The real magic lies in its everyday usability—smooth, quiet, and planted on the road.

Regenerative braking can be adjusted via paddle shifters, with the strongest setting allowing for near one-pedal driving. If you prefer coasting, you can turn it off completely. 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. Highway driving is a breeze, especially with Kia’s Highway Drive Assist, which offers smart cruise control, lane centering, and automated lane changes (when the GPS recognises you’re on a motorway, that is).

Range & Charging: Real-World Practicality

Kia claims a range of 470km, and real-world figures come surprisingly close. Thanks to its 800V architecture, the EV5 supports ultra-fast charging at 350kW stations (if you can find one). From empty, a full charge at peak rates costs about $64, but home charging can be as cheap as $10-15 if done during off-peak hours. Running costs are significantly lower than ICE vehicles, and with minimal servicing requirements, the EV5 makes a strong case for EV ownership.

Final Thoughts: A No-Brainer for the Right Buyer

The Kia EV5 GT-Line is a well-rounded, stylish, and practical EV that delivers comfort, tech, and real-world usability. It’s not a performance car, but it doesn’t need to be—it excels as a daily driver with long-range capability and smart features. If you’re after a sleek, high-tech EV with room for the whole family and an interior that wouldn’t look out of place in a Volvo, the EV5 GT-Line is a solid choice.

Now, if only we could get Kia to tone down those bongs and chimes…

ModelEV5 Air 2WD Standard RangeEV5 Air 2WD Long RangeEV5 Earth AWD Long RangeEV5 GT-Line AWD Long Range
Battery64.2 kWh88.1 kWh
Powertrain2WD Single MotorAWD Dual Motor
Power/Torque160 kW / 310 Nm230 kW / 480 Nm
Wheels18” Alloys19” Alloys20” Alloys
WLTP Range400 km555 km500 km470 km
RRP$56,770$61,170$64,770$71,770
Driveaway **$56,770$63,990$68,990$75,990

@kia, #kiaev5GTLine, #KIAVTL, #alanzurvas, #gaycarboys

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Written by Alan Zurvas

Alan Zurvas is the founder and editor of Gay Car Boys, Australia's leading LGBTQI+ automotive publication. Before launching GCB in 2008, Alan's automotive writing was published in SameSame.com.au and the Star Observer. With over 16 years of hands-on car reviewing experience, Alan brings an honest, irreverent voice to every review — championing value and innovation over brand loyalty.


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