10 Most Expensive New Cars on Sale in Australia
Most Expensive New Cars at a Glance
Highlights from our list include the following options:
Now you've read the highlights, let's check out the complete list.
Lamborghini Revuelto | Image: Supplied / Lamborghini
1. Lamborghini Revuelto
Price: from AUD$987,000 before on-road costs.
The most expensive new car on sale in Australia is the Lamborghini Revuelto, priced from AUD$987,000 before on-road costs. That means, in simple terms, that it would cost you more than $1 million to get one of these in your driveway once on-road costs have been applied. That's also without options, and the general rule of thumb is that owners of these cars spend anywhere from 15-25% of the overall cost of the car on options, so don't expect to see any of these rolling around the streets of your nearest high-earning suburb for less than $1.2-1.5 million.
What you get for the money, however, is the fastest car that we've ever driven. The 6.5-litre V12 plug-in hybrid powertrain produces 747 kW (1,001 hp) of power, launching the Revuelto from 0-100km/h in 2.5 seconds. However, it's not the acceleration that was the most impressive thing about the car; it was the top speed. During our drive at Sydney Motorsport Park, we saw 294km/h down the front straight!
Engine : 6.5-litre V12 plug-in hybrid
: 6.5-litre V12 plug-in hybrid Maximum power : 747 kW (1,001 hp)
: 747 kW (1,001 hp) Maximum torque : 725 Nm
: 725 Nm Acceleration (0-100km/h) : 2.5 seconds
: 2.5 seconds Top speed: 350 km/h
Rolls-Royce Black Badge Spectre | Image: Supplied / Rolls-Royce
2. Rolls-Royce Black Badge Spectre
Price: from AUD$932,400 before on-road costs.
The newest addition to our list of the most expensive new cars in Australia is the Rolls-Royce Black Badge Spectre. This is the quickest, most powerful production car that Rolls-Royce has ever made, and it's the first with a 'Sport Mode,' which is not something that you would expect to find in a Rolls-Royce. The brand calls it 'Infinity Mode,' and it unlocks 485 kW (659 hp) of power, 1075 Nm of torque, and a 0-60 mph time of just 4.1 seconds.
Motor : Dual-motor electric AWD (102 kWh usable)
: Dual-motor electric AWD (102 kWh usable) Power : 485 kW / 659 PS
: 485 kW / 659 PS Torque : 1,075 Nm
: 1,075 Nm Acceleration (0-100 km/h) : 4.1 s (0-60 mph 4.1 s)
: 4.1 s (0-60 mph 4.1 s) Top Speed: 250 km/h (electronically limited)
Rolls-Royce Black Badge Cullinan Series II | Image: Supplied / Rolls-Royce
3. Rolls-Royce Black Badge Cullinan Series II
Price: from AUD$895,000 before on-road costs.
With a twin-turbo 6.75-litre V12 engine under the bonnet, the Rolls-Royce Black Badge Cullinan Series II is the most expensive SUV on sale in Australia. Changes to the facelifted Series II model include a new Clock Cabinet, where the Spirit of Ecstasy dances in an up-lit fascia display on the dashboard, next to the analogue clock. The Series II also integrates Rolls-Royce's SPIRIT infotainment system and the marque's members-only Whispers app that lets you customise your Rolls-Royce experience in the car and when you're away from it through remote connectivity. Visual changes include the first-ever illuminated Pantheon grille and 23-inch wheels.
Engine : 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12
: 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12 Power : 592 hp / 600 PS / 441 kW
: 592 hp / 600 PS / 441 kW Torque : 900 Nm
: 900 Nm Acceleration (0-100 km/h) : ≈4.5 s (0-60 mph 4.5 s)
: ≈4.5 s (0-60 mph 4.5 s) Top Speed: 250 km/h (electronically limited)
Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider | Image: Supplied / Ferrari
4. Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider
Price: from AUD$886,800 before on-road costs.
We flew all the way to Portugal to drive the new Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider, and it didn't disappoint. The soundtrack has been hampered by strict European emissions regulations, but the engineers have done everything they can to bring the sound inside the cabin. It's hard to beat the sound of a 6.5-litre naturally-aspirated engine that delivers 830HP and spins out to 9,500 rpm. The acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 2.95 seconds sounds impressive, and it is, but that's not what this car is about. It's about flying through the mountains on your way to a Chateau in the south of France.
Ferrari has introduced improvements to the interior of the 12Cilindri and its notches about that of the Purosangue and 296 with a triple-screen digital cockpit that includes a 15.6-inch driver display, 10.25-inch central touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and wireless phone charging, and finally, an 8.8-inch passenger screen if you so choose.
Impressively, the retractable hard-top can be tucked away in 14 seconds and at speeds of up to 45 km/h. It also only adds 60 kg versus the coupé.
Engine : 6.5-litre naturally-aspirated V12
: 6.5-litre naturally-aspirated V12 Power : 830 PS / 610 kW
: 830 PS / 610 kW Torque : 678 Nm
: 678 Nm Acceleration (0-100 km/h) : 2.95 s
: 2.95 s Top Speed: 340 km/h
Ferrari 12Cilindri | Image: Supplied / Ferrari
5. Ferrari 12Cilindri
Price: from AUD$803,500 before on-road costs.
Like the 12Cilindri Spider, but with a roof. The Ferrari 12Cilindri in Coupe form is slightly less expensive than the Spider variant, but it still boasts the same power and torque output, and includes the same changes on the interior with a triple-screen digital cockpit. Whether you can secure either of these highly sought-after vehicles is another question entirely. Like an Hermes handbag, you have to be on the list to buy one.
Engine : 6.5-litre naturally-aspirated V12
: 6.5-litre naturally-aspirated V12 Power : 830 PS / 610 kW
: 830 PS / 610 kW Torque : 678 Nm
: 678 Nm Acceleration (0-100 km/h) : 2.9 s
: 2.9 s Top Speed: 340 km/h
Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost Series II | Image: Supplied / Rolls-Royce
6. Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost Series II
Price: from AUD$800,000 before on-road costs.
The naughtier, sportier Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II is dubbed the 'Black Badge.' This model adds a touch more power to the twin-turbo 6.75-litre engine (+29 PS and +50 Nm) and brings surprising performance to the stately four-door limousine. When we drove this model in the south of France, the 'most agile, driver-focused and technical Black Badge Rolls-Royce ever,' impressed us with its handling and straight-line speed, particularly in 'Low' mode that quickens gearshifts by 50 % and brings a sharper brake pedal to the mix. Hilariously, there are exhaust burbles when you let off the throttle.
Of course, the staple Black Badge Planar Suspension remains, so you can always waft down the road in typical Rolls-Royce fashion should you so choose. The interior also adds the Series II treatment with the SPIRIT digital interface, bespoke cabin artistry (Technical Carbon veneer or bamboo-based Duality Twill (up to 2.2 million stitches)) and Clock Cabinet with the up-lit black-chrome Spirit of Ecstasy.
Engine : 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12
: 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12 Power : 592 bhp / 600 PS / 441 kW
: 592 bhp / 600 PS / 441 kW Torque : 900 Nm (664 lb-ft)
: 900 Nm (664 lb-ft) Acceleration (0-100 km/h) : 4.5 s
: 4.5 s Top Speed: 250 km/h (electronically limited)
2025 Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II | Image: Supplied
7. Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II
Price: from AUD$777,000 before on-road costs.
Like the Rolls-Royce Black Badge Cullinan Series II, but with a focus on the classic Rolls-Royce experience. It debuts the largest wheels ever offered on a Cullinan, but the ride quality is exceptional with the self-levelling air-suspension (with larger air-struts) and camera-guided 'Flagbearer' preview system that reads the road in front of you. Combine this with the effortless power of the twin-turbo 6.75-litre engine and silky smooth gearbox, and you have the best luxury SUV money can buy.
Engine : 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12
: 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12 Power : 563 hp / 570 PS / 419 kW
: 563 hp / 570 PS / 419 kW Torque : 850 Nm
: 850 Nm Acceleration (0-100 km/h) : ≈5.0 s
: ≈5.0 s Top Speed: 250 km/h (electronically limited)
Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II Extended | Image: Supplied / Rolls-Royce
8. Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II Extended
Price: from AUD$777,000 before on-road costs.
The Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II Extended is a 170 mm (6.7 inches) longer version of the Ghost Series II. It extends this length in the wheelbase to increase the rear legroom for passengers, and the result is the greatest legroom of any four-seat saloon on sale, besides the Phantom Extended. You'll find everything from a Champagne cooler between the rear seats with twin modes ( 6°C for non-vintage, 11°C for vintage) to an optional Serenity Seating package that features fully reclining and lounge-style rear chairs inspired by the first-class seats in a private jet.
Engine : 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12
: 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12 Power : 571 hp / 571 PS / 420 kW
: 571 hp / 571 PS / 420 kW Torque : 850 Nm
: 850 Nm Acceleration (0-100 km/h) : 4.8 s
: 4.8 s Top Speed: 250 km/h (electronically limited)
Aston Martin Vanquish | Image: Ben McKimm / Man of Many
9. Aston Martin Vanquish
Price: from AUD$737,000 plus on-road costs.
One of the best cars that we've driven this year, the Aston Martin Vanquish is special. It's the most powerful production road car that Aston Martin has ever made, with a 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 that punches out 835PS (824HP, 614kW) and 1,000 Nm of torque. That's good for a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 3.3 seconds and a top speed of 214 mph (345 km/h), and after spending a week with the car, it exceeds expectations in every way. They're only making 1,000 of these every year, and with the full kit of new AM goodness packaged into a car that is best described as a missile, they'll have no trouble selling every single one of them.
Engine : 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12
: 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 Power : 835 PS / 614 kW
: 835 PS / 614 kW Torque : 1,000 Nm
: 1,000 Nm Acceleration (0-100 km/h) : 3.3 s
: 3.3 s Top Speed: 345 km/h
Ferrari Purosangue | Image: Supplied / Ferrari
10. Ferrari Purosangue
Price: from AUD$728,000 plus on-road costs.
The Ferrari 'not SUV' SUV, the Purosangue, could be the best lifted saloon on sale if it weren't an SUV. Confused? So are we, but this model is best described as a Porsche Panamera with a V12 and advanced Multimatic True Active Spool Valve dampers that make it incredibly capable in the corners. Power is sent to all four wheels through an eight-speed gearbox and is produced by a naturally-aspirated 6.5-litre V12 engine that produces 725CV and sprints from 0-100 km/h in 3.3 seconds and 0-200 km/h in 10.6 seconds. What you might not know is that the Purosangue has a near-ideal 49:51 weight distribution, independent four-wheel steering, and ABS 'evo' that make it particularly dynamic in corners.
Engine : 6.5-litre naturally-aspirated V12
: 6.5-litre naturally-aspirated V12 Power : 725 PS / 533 kW
: 725 PS / 533 kW Torque : 716 Nm
: 716 Nm Acceleration (0-100 km/h) : 3.3 s
: 3.3 s Top Speed: 310 km/h
Why You Should Trust Our List
The author of this list, Ben McKimm, is one of the few motoring journalists in Australia who has driven every single one of these vehicles. That's right, he's steered an Aston Martin Vanquish, Ferrari 12Cilindri, and Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II Extended. To compile this list, he looked at the list price of the vehicles and ranked them from most expensive to least expensive. He capped the list at ten cars to make it as informative as possible, without bloat. He listed the engine, power, and performance figures, and wrote a description about each car with some insights that he found while driving them.
It's important to note that the prices listed are before 'on-road costs' are considered. What this means is that you still have to include Stamp Duty, CTP insurance in some states, and dealer options and delivery charges. For example, the Stamp Duty costs of a vehicle like the Lamborghini Revuelto are $48,450 in NSW, but that's before options and dealer costs so expect to pay a whole lot more than that.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Advertiser
9 hours ago
- The Advertiser
2025 Kia EV5 GT-Line review
Kia EV5 Pros Kia EV5 Cons The Kia EV5 GT-Line is the most highly-specified version of the brand's popular new mid-size electric SUV. It offers more gear than the other EV5 variants, and has a different powertrain, too – it's the only EV5 with all-wheel drive, and it scores the bigger battery as well. Plus it has a distinct look, with revised bumpers, awesome looking wheels and a different interior vibe as well. Is it the best EV5 you can choose? Read on and find out. The EV5 is decently priced compared to some of its competitors, but there are notably cheaper fully electric mid-size SUVs on the market that – primarily – are made in China. Like this SUV… So you're paying for the Kia brand, its network of dealerships, and its reputation. But you're also getting a good swag of stuff in the lineup (see the detailed rundown of standard gear below). Paint choices include Clear White solid paint at no extra cost, or you can pick from Starry Night Black, Tide Blue or Magma Red for a further $600, while the GT-Line specific black-roof options include Frost Blue, Iceberg Green, Shale Grey or Snow White Pearl ($775). In case you're wondering, the EV5 is made in China – not South Korea. To see how the Kia EV5 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool There are some really clever, family-friendly features in the top-spec version of the Kia EV5. The inclusion of a fold-out desk on the back of the front passenger seat is a lovely inclusion for a kiddo on a long road trip. There's also a sliding drawer that can be used to heat or cool items – another potential fam favourite, especially for the snackers. And the boot area gets a clever deployable shelving system that means you can maximise the space and should stop smaller items from rolling around or getting crushed if you're loading up for a longer trip. Otherwise, there are some trim changes to differentiate the range-topper from the cheaper models, and there's a nice design inside the cabin. It also has a nice looking two-tone fake leather trim finish, which is a step up, and there's also better seating for the front riders – the passenger gets power seat adjustment with lumbar, and a massage system. Both front seats include ventilation, too. The driver has electric adjustment and memory settings, as well as even more massage functionality, plus there's the 'Premium Relaxation Seat', which includes a recliner option for when you're waiting for the car to recharge. Novel, but for those who like to move their feet around when they drive, the bottom section can get in the way. The driver gets sportier looking wheels, plus alloy pedals and a head-up display system with augmented reality display, so it'll project what your next navigation instruction is on the windscreen. Neat tech… if you use sat nav. There's a fingerprint reader to control some parts of the car… if you need that. But thankfully there's also a wireless phone charger, which should be offered in the more affordable models I reckon. This spec also gets a better stereo, with the eight-speaker Harman Kardon system offering pumpable response. There's another screen for your media tech, with sat nav and relatively learnable screen menus, and I had no issues with the wireless smartphone mirroring tech all week. And it has connected services so you can see live traffic updates, and check the weather, too. Thankfully the screen isn't the control centre for all your climate controls, as there's a small display alongside that media unit that allows some climate adjustments, and a row of additional manual controls for fan speed, temp and more, which is a welcome inclusion. The row of 'touch-sensitive' controls under the media screen are annoying, though. Despite the fact they do allow you to jump across menus easily, they're easy to bump when you're resting your hand on the dash to input something on the screen. And hallelujah, there's a volume scroller, too. And vents that you adjust with your fingers, not the screen. There's a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a heap of info, and that's where your drive mode indicator will show up, too. Off the steering column is where your gear selector is, and you'll wanna be careful not to bash your knee on it, if you're long-limbed. On the steering wheel there are controls for interacting with that screen, but also a 'star' button so you can set up a quick favourite for your safety system adjustments if you're not a fan of them. I wasn't. More on that in the driving section below. The steering wheel has cruise and media controls, and there are paddle shifters – but not for gears. They're for the regenerative braking system, which can be adjusted across four levels, including an i-pedal system for single-pedal driving. All the amenities you'd expect are catered for, including cupholders between the front seats, and a small storage tray with a phone charger, too. And, weirdly, there's a sort-of 'bench' seat up front, but the middle part isn't actually a seat. Odd, but interesting. In the back there is a good amount of space, with easily enough room for a six-footer to fit behind their own driving position, and the extra goodies flow into the back row. I had heaps of toe room, knee space and headroom as well. The flat floor and wide back seat area mean you can fit three adults across, too. And not only are there the desk and drawer additions, but rear-seat window riders get heated seats, too, and there are two USB-C charge ports as well. There are directional air vents in the B-pillars, bottle holders in the doors, a flip-down armrest with cupholders, and of course there are ISOFIX points in the window seats and three top-tethers for child seats. The boot of the EV5 GT-Line gets that clever multi-tier storage setup, which is a novel thing but might not make a significant difference to your daily life. However, at 513 litres with the rear seats up, it is a roomy cargo zone and will be large enough for family trips. If you don't have the kids and you fold down those seats, you'll have access to 1714 litres of capacity, with the rear pews folding nice and flat. Annoyingly though, you don't have remote seat releases in the boot area – you have to go around to each side of the car to drop them down. There is no spare beneath the load area, either. It comes with a tyre repair kit. But there is an additional storage area under the bonnet, with a load rating of 25kg – and it offers 67 litres of extra stowage capacity, which is great for your cables and other loose items. To see how the Kia EV5 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool It's important to consider the GT-Line in context of its stablemates when it comes to powertrain stuff, so here's a rundown of the three different versions of EV5 on offer in Australia: As you can see, the GT-Line has the most power and torque, as well as the bigger battery and the equal-fastest charging capability. But it's also the heaviest, the least efficient, and has a significantly shorter EV range than the mid-range model. To see how the Kia EV5 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool With dual-motor all-wheel drive, this is easily the most sprightly feeling version of the EV5. It's fast – there's no doubt about that – and delivers effortless pulling power from a standstill, plus impressive eagerness when you need to overtake. Try the different drive modes and you'll find how much they can change the behaviour of the responses, too. Sport mode is properly speedy. And the brake pedal feel is pretty good, too, for a car with regen. You might elect to use the single-pedal mode, and it works a treat – coming to a complete halt without making you feel like you're on a roller coaster – and the fact there are three other settings is a nice touch. The going and stopping stuff? Nailed. The other elements? I'm not quite as convinced. Kia Australia has done a job on the steering and suspension tune for the EV5, but it feels oddly out of alignment with the EV3 and EV9 that sit either side of it in the brand's electric SUV ranks. Those variants are more joyful to steer and offer better comfort and bump compliance than this car does. It has steering that is too heavy feeling, and not as responsive as you might wish for in a car with this sort of power. And the ride comfort and body control? Not perfect either, in my opinion. In fact, the way this EV5 drives makes the other versions seem pretty sweet, because the GT-Line has bigger wheels with low-profile tyres and it tends to jump and jostle over bumpy sections more. Remember, it's the heaviest variant, and that no doubt has a part to play, too. Look, it's agreeable enough in most situations, but it doesn't feel like you're getting a significantly better EV5 to drive by choosing this, the most expensive version. And to me, that stacks up against it pretty heavily. The safety stuff is a big consideration for the drive experience, too. There's good gear – like the Blind Spot View Monitor that gives you a live display of your blind zone on the driver info screen when you're indicating. And the surround-view camera is excellent, too. But there are some annoyances. The speed sign recognition system is audaciously annoying in the way it chimes at you, and while you can mute the 'overspeed' warning, it misreads too many speed signs for it to be actually helpful. For instance, on the M4 motorway in Sydney there are overhead gantries with digital signage, and when the car's camera reads them, it often shows the speed limit as 70km/h, when it's clearly signed at 110km/h. And when you know the speed limits of your local area (for me, there are 14 different speed zones between my house and my daughter's daycare, so the bing-bongs are unrepentant) this 'assistance' technology is actually an 'annoyance' technology. There is also a driver monitoring camera system which seemingly thinks that you're not paying attention to the road if you take your eyes off the straight ahead for a split second. I've personally raised these concerns with Kia Australia executives, so they know how I feel – but you should know, too. And I thoroughly recommend that if you're considering a new Kia with these tech items, you should test drive it in your home environment to see if you can live with it. Because if you can't, you'll have to go through the sequence of disabling them every time you restart the car. And that can get old, fast. To see how the Kia EV5 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool Here's a rundown of the standard specifications across the three EV5 models – again, because context is king, and you're spending a whole lot more to get into the GT-Line… so is it worth it? Have your say in the comments! 2025 Kia EV5 Air equipment highlights: EV5 Earth adds: EV5 GT-Line adds: To see how the Kia EV5 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool Along with the improved standard specifications, one of the upsells for the GT-Line version is the extra safety technology and features that come along with spending up to this point. Here's a rundown of the standard safety kit for all EV5s: But if you pick the EV5 GT-Line, you get: If you're a nervous parker, or you just feel like it'd be an advantage to have a surround-view camera in a SUV like this (as I do – and I'm disappointed that you have to spend this much to get it, since some $30k cars have it these days…!) then the GT-Line certainly stands out. The EV5 has seven airbags as standard – dual front, front side, front centre and full-length curtain coverage. To see how the Kia EV5 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool Kia has built a reputation around its warranty cover, but there are some brands that offer longer warranties these days. Even so, a warranty that extends to seven years and unlimited kilometres is strong. But be mindful that the EV battery and EV components are covered by a seven-year, 150,000km limitation. There is up to eight years of roadside assistance if you service with Kia. If you do, you'll need to go back every 12 months or 15,000km (whichever occurs first), which is needy for an electric vehicle. There is a prepaid servicing option for three years ($980), five years ($1535) or seven years ($2431). And if you want to, you can roll that cost into your finance repayments. The Korean brand also recently launched a guaranteed future value program, to help you protect or predict your resale when it comes time to move on. To see how the Kia EV5 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool This is a good effort from Kia, but not a great one. There are some frustrations about the drive experience to do with the safety tech, and it simply isn't as well-rounded to drive as some other dual-motor EVs for similar money. While it has some intriguing interior inclusions and feels pretty plush inside, it'd want to for a car that'll cost you more than $75k to get into your driveway. Interested in buying a Kia EV5? Let CarExpert find you the best deal hereMORE: Explore the Kia EV5 showroom Content originally sourced from: EV5 Pros Kia EV5 Cons The Kia EV5 GT-Line is the most highly-specified version of the brand's popular new mid-size electric SUV. It offers more gear than the other EV5 variants, and has a different powertrain, too – it's the only EV5 with all-wheel drive, and it scores the bigger battery as well. Plus it has a distinct look, with revised bumpers, awesome looking wheels and a different interior vibe as well. Is it the best EV5 you can choose? Read on and find out. The EV5 is decently priced compared to some of its competitors, but there are notably cheaper fully electric mid-size SUVs on the market that – primarily – are made in China. Like this SUV… So you're paying for the Kia brand, its network of dealerships, and its reputation. But you're also getting a good swag of stuff in the lineup (see the detailed rundown of standard gear below). Paint choices include Clear White solid paint at no extra cost, or you can pick from Starry Night Black, Tide Blue or Magma Red for a further $600, while the GT-Line specific black-roof options include Frost Blue, Iceberg Green, Shale Grey or Snow White Pearl ($775). In case you're wondering, the EV5 is made in China – not South Korea. To see how the Kia EV5 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool There are some really clever, family-friendly features in the top-spec version of the Kia EV5. The inclusion of a fold-out desk on the back of the front passenger seat is a lovely inclusion for a kiddo on a long road trip. There's also a sliding drawer that can be used to heat or cool items – another potential fam favourite, especially for the snackers. And the boot area gets a clever deployable shelving system that means you can maximise the space and should stop smaller items from rolling around or getting crushed if you're loading up for a longer trip. Otherwise, there are some trim changes to differentiate the range-topper from the cheaper models, and there's a nice design inside the cabin. It also has a nice looking two-tone fake leather trim finish, which is a step up, and there's also better seating for the front riders – the passenger gets power seat adjustment with lumbar, and a massage system. Both front seats include ventilation, too. The driver has electric adjustment and memory settings, as well as even more massage functionality, plus there's the 'Premium Relaxation Seat', which includes a recliner option for when you're waiting for the car to recharge. Novel, but for those who like to move their feet around when they drive, the bottom section can get in the way. The driver gets sportier looking wheels, plus alloy pedals and a head-up display system with augmented reality display, so it'll project what your next navigation instruction is on the windscreen. Neat tech… if you use sat nav. There's a fingerprint reader to control some parts of the car… if you need that. But thankfully there's also a wireless phone charger, which should be offered in the more affordable models I reckon. This spec also gets a better stereo, with the eight-speaker Harman Kardon system offering pumpable response. There's another screen for your media tech, with sat nav and relatively learnable screen menus, and I had no issues with the wireless smartphone mirroring tech all week. And it has connected services so you can see live traffic updates, and check the weather, too. Thankfully the screen isn't the control centre for all your climate controls, as there's a small display alongside that media unit that allows some climate adjustments, and a row of additional manual controls for fan speed, temp and more, which is a welcome inclusion. The row of 'touch-sensitive' controls under the media screen are annoying, though. Despite the fact they do allow you to jump across menus easily, they're easy to bump when you're resting your hand on the dash to input something on the screen. And hallelujah, there's a volume scroller, too. And vents that you adjust with your fingers, not the screen. There's a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a heap of info, and that's where your drive mode indicator will show up, too. Off the steering column is where your gear selector is, and you'll wanna be careful not to bash your knee on it, if you're long-limbed. On the steering wheel there are controls for interacting with that screen, but also a 'star' button so you can set up a quick favourite for your safety system adjustments if you're not a fan of them. I wasn't. More on that in the driving section below. The steering wheel has cruise and media controls, and there are paddle shifters – but not for gears. They're for the regenerative braking system, which can be adjusted across four levels, including an i-pedal system for single-pedal driving. All the amenities you'd expect are catered for, including cupholders between the front seats, and a small storage tray with a phone charger, too. And, weirdly, there's a sort-of 'bench' seat up front, but the middle part isn't actually a seat. Odd, but interesting. In the back there is a good amount of space, with easily enough room for a six-footer to fit behind their own driving position, and the extra goodies flow into the back row. I had heaps of toe room, knee space and headroom as well. The flat floor and wide back seat area mean you can fit three adults across, too. And not only are there the desk and drawer additions, but rear-seat window riders get heated seats, too, and there are two USB-C charge ports as well. There are directional air vents in the B-pillars, bottle holders in the doors, a flip-down armrest with cupholders, and of course there are ISOFIX points in the window seats and three top-tethers for child seats. The boot of the EV5 GT-Line gets that clever multi-tier storage setup, which is a novel thing but might not make a significant difference to your daily life. However, at 513 litres with the rear seats up, it is a roomy cargo zone and will be large enough for family trips. If you don't have the kids and you fold down those seats, you'll have access to 1714 litres of capacity, with the rear pews folding nice and flat. Annoyingly though, you don't have remote seat releases in the boot area – you have to go around to each side of the car to drop them down. There is no spare beneath the load area, either. It comes with a tyre repair kit. But there is an additional storage area under the bonnet, with a load rating of 25kg – and it offers 67 litres of extra stowage capacity, which is great for your cables and other loose items. To see how the Kia EV5 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool It's important to consider the GT-Line in context of its stablemates when it comes to powertrain stuff, so here's a rundown of the three different versions of EV5 on offer in Australia: As you can see, the GT-Line has the most power and torque, as well as the bigger battery and the equal-fastest charging capability. But it's also the heaviest, the least efficient, and has a significantly shorter EV range than the mid-range model. To see how the Kia EV5 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool With dual-motor all-wheel drive, this is easily the most sprightly feeling version of the EV5. It's fast – there's no doubt about that – and delivers effortless pulling power from a standstill, plus impressive eagerness when you need to overtake. Try the different drive modes and you'll find how much they can change the behaviour of the responses, too. Sport mode is properly speedy. And the brake pedal feel is pretty good, too, for a car with regen. You might elect to use the single-pedal mode, and it works a treat – coming to a complete halt without making you feel like you're on a roller coaster – and the fact there are three other settings is a nice touch. The going and stopping stuff? Nailed. The other elements? I'm not quite as convinced. Kia Australia has done a job on the steering and suspension tune for the EV5, but it feels oddly out of alignment with the EV3 and EV9 that sit either side of it in the brand's electric SUV ranks. Those variants are more joyful to steer and offer better comfort and bump compliance than this car does. It has steering that is too heavy feeling, and not as responsive as you might wish for in a car with this sort of power. And the ride comfort and body control? Not perfect either, in my opinion. In fact, the way this EV5 drives makes the other versions seem pretty sweet, because the GT-Line has bigger wheels with low-profile tyres and it tends to jump and jostle over bumpy sections more. Remember, it's the heaviest variant, and that no doubt has a part to play, too. Look, it's agreeable enough in most situations, but it doesn't feel like you're getting a significantly better EV5 to drive by choosing this, the most expensive version. And to me, that stacks up against it pretty heavily. The safety stuff is a big consideration for the drive experience, too. There's good gear – like the Blind Spot View Monitor that gives you a live display of your blind zone on the driver info screen when you're indicating. And the surround-view camera is excellent, too. But there are some annoyances. The speed sign recognition system is audaciously annoying in the way it chimes at you, and while you can mute the 'overspeed' warning, it misreads too many speed signs for it to be actually helpful. For instance, on the M4 motorway in Sydney there are overhead gantries with digital signage, and when the car's camera reads them, it often shows the speed limit as 70km/h, when it's clearly signed at 110km/h. And when you know the speed limits of your local area (for me, there are 14 different speed zones between my house and my daughter's daycare, so the bing-bongs are unrepentant) this 'assistance' technology is actually an 'annoyance' technology. There is also a driver monitoring camera system which seemingly thinks that you're not paying attention to the road if you take your eyes off the straight ahead for a split second. I've personally raised these concerns with Kia Australia executives, so they know how I feel – but you should know, too. And I thoroughly recommend that if you're considering a new Kia with these tech items, you should test drive it in your home environment to see if you can live with it. Because if you can't, you'll have to go through the sequence of disabling them every time you restart the car. And that can get old, fast. To see how the Kia EV5 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool Here's a rundown of the standard specifications across the three EV5 models – again, because context is king, and you're spending a whole lot more to get into the GT-Line… so is it worth it? Have your say in the comments! 2025 Kia EV5 Air equipment highlights: EV5 Earth adds: EV5 GT-Line adds: To see how the Kia EV5 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool Along with the improved standard specifications, one of the upsells for the GT-Line version is the extra safety technology and features that come along with spending up to this point. Here's a rundown of the standard safety kit for all EV5s: But if you pick the EV5 GT-Line, you get: If you're a nervous parker, or you just feel like it'd be an advantage to have a surround-view camera in a SUV like this (as I do – and I'm disappointed that you have to spend this much to get it, since some $30k cars have it these days…!) then the GT-Line certainly stands out. The EV5 has seven airbags as standard – dual front, front side, front centre and full-length curtain coverage. To see how the Kia EV5 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool Kia has built a reputation around its warranty cover, but there are some brands that offer longer warranties these days. Even so, a warranty that extends to seven years and unlimited kilometres is strong. But be mindful that the EV battery and EV components are covered by a seven-year, 150,000km limitation. There is up to eight years of roadside assistance if you service with Kia. If you do, you'll need to go back every 12 months or 15,000km (whichever occurs first), which is needy for an electric vehicle. There is a prepaid servicing option for three years ($980), five years ($1535) or seven years ($2431). And if you want to, you can roll that cost into your finance repayments. The Korean brand also recently launched a guaranteed future value program, to help you protect or predict your resale when it comes time to move on. To see how the Kia EV5 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool This is a good effort from Kia, but not a great one. There are some frustrations about the drive experience to do with the safety tech, and it simply isn't as well-rounded to drive as some other dual-motor EVs for similar money. While it has some intriguing interior inclusions and feels pretty plush inside, it'd want to for a car that'll cost you more than $75k to get into your driveway. Interested in buying a Kia EV5? Let CarExpert find you the best deal hereMORE: Explore the Kia EV5 showroom Content originally sourced from: EV5 Pros Kia EV5 Cons The Kia EV5 GT-Line is the most highly-specified version of the brand's popular new mid-size electric SUV. It offers more gear than the other EV5 variants, and has a different powertrain, too – it's the only EV5 with all-wheel drive, and it scores the bigger battery as well. Plus it has a distinct look, with revised bumpers, awesome looking wheels and a different interior vibe as well. Is it the best EV5 you can choose? Read on and find out. The EV5 is decently priced compared to some of its competitors, but there are notably cheaper fully electric mid-size SUVs on the market that – primarily – are made in China. Like this SUV… So you're paying for the Kia brand, its network of dealerships, and its reputation. But you're also getting a good swag of stuff in the lineup (see the detailed rundown of standard gear below). Paint choices include Clear White solid paint at no extra cost, or you can pick from Starry Night Black, Tide Blue or Magma Red for a further $600, while the GT-Line specific black-roof options include Frost Blue, Iceberg Green, Shale Grey or Snow White Pearl ($775). In case you're wondering, the EV5 is made in China – not South Korea. To see how the Kia EV5 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool There are some really clever, family-friendly features in the top-spec version of the Kia EV5. The inclusion of a fold-out desk on the back of the front passenger seat is a lovely inclusion for a kiddo on a long road trip. There's also a sliding drawer that can be used to heat or cool items – another potential fam favourite, especially for the snackers. And the boot area gets a clever deployable shelving system that means you can maximise the space and should stop smaller items from rolling around or getting crushed if you're loading up for a longer trip. Otherwise, there are some trim changes to differentiate the range-topper from the cheaper models, and there's a nice design inside the cabin. It also has a nice looking two-tone fake leather trim finish, which is a step up, and there's also better seating for the front riders – the passenger gets power seat adjustment with lumbar, and a massage system. Both front seats include ventilation, too. The driver has electric adjustment and memory settings, as well as even more massage functionality, plus there's the 'Premium Relaxation Seat', which includes a recliner option for when you're waiting for the car to recharge. Novel, but for those who like to move their feet around when they drive, the bottom section can get in the way. The driver gets sportier looking wheels, plus alloy pedals and a head-up display system with augmented reality display, so it'll project what your next navigation instruction is on the windscreen. Neat tech… if you use sat nav. There's a fingerprint reader to control some parts of the car… if you need that. But thankfully there's also a wireless phone charger, which should be offered in the more affordable models I reckon. This spec also gets a better stereo, with the eight-speaker Harman Kardon system offering pumpable response. There's another screen for your media tech, with sat nav and relatively learnable screen menus, and I had no issues with the wireless smartphone mirroring tech all week. And it has connected services so you can see live traffic updates, and check the weather, too. Thankfully the screen isn't the control centre for all your climate controls, as there's a small display alongside that media unit that allows some climate adjustments, and a row of additional manual controls for fan speed, temp and more, which is a welcome inclusion. The row of 'touch-sensitive' controls under the media screen are annoying, though. Despite the fact they do allow you to jump across menus easily, they're easy to bump when you're resting your hand on the dash to input something on the screen. And hallelujah, there's a volume scroller, too. And vents that you adjust with your fingers, not the screen. There's a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a heap of info, and that's where your drive mode indicator will show up, too. Off the steering column is where your gear selector is, and you'll wanna be careful not to bash your knee on it, if you're long-limbed. On the steering wheel there are controls for interacting with that screen, but also a 'star' button so you can set up a quick favourite for your safety system adjustments if you're not a fan of them. I wasn't. More on that in the driving section below. The steering wheel has cruise and media controls, and there are paddle shifters – but not for gears. They're for the regenerative braking system, which can be adjusted across four levels, including an i-pedal system for single-pedal driving. All the amenities you'd expect are catered for, including cupholders between the front seats, and a small storage tray with a phone charger, too. And, weirdly, there's a sort-of 'bench' seat up front, but the middle part isn't actually a seat. Odd, but interesting. In the back there is a good amount of space, with easily enough room for a six-footer to fit behind their own driving position, and the extra goodies flow into the back row. I had heaps of toe room, knee space and headroom as well. The flat floor and wide back seat area mean you can fit three adults across, too. And not only are there the desk and drawer additions, but rear-seat window riders get heated seats, too, and there are two USB-C charge ports as well. There are directional air vents in the B-pillars, bottle holders in the doors, a flip-down armrest with cupholders, and of course there are ISOFIX points in the window seats and three top-tethers for child seats. The boot of the EV5 GT-Line gets that clever multi-tier storage setup, which is a novel thing but might not make a significant difference to your daily life. However, at 513 litres with the rear seats up, it is a roomy cargo zone and will be large enough for family trips. If you don't have the kids and you fold down those seats, you'll have access to 1714 litres of capacity, with the rear pews folding nice and flat. Annoyingly though, you don't have remote seat releases in the boot area – you have to go around to each side of the car to drop them down. There is no spare beneath the load area, either. It comes with a tyre repair kit. But there is an additional storage area under the bonnet, with a load rating of 25kg – and it offers 67 litres of extra stowage capacity, which is great for your cables and other loose items. To see how the Kia EV5 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool It's important to consider the GT-Line in context of its stablemates when it comes to powertrain stuff, so here's a rundown of the three different versions of EV5 on offer in Australia: As you can see, the GT-Line has the most power and torque, as well as the bigger battery and the equal-fastest charging capability. But it's also the heaviest, the least efficient, and has a significantly shorter EV range than the mid-range model. To see how the Kia EV5 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool With dual-motor all-wheel drive, this is easily the most sprightly feeling version of the EV5. It's fast – there's no doubt about that – and delivers effortless pulling power from a standstill, plus impressive eagerness when you need to overtake. Try the different drive modes and you'll find how much they can change the behaviour of the responses, too. Sport mode is properly speedy. And the brake pedal feel is pretty good, too, for a car with regen. You might elect to use the single-pedal mode, and it works a treat – coming to a complete halt without making you feel like you're on a roller coaster – and the fact there are three other settings is a nice touch. The going and stopping stuff? Nailed. The other elements? I'm not quite as convinced. Kia Australia has done a job on the steering and suspension tune for the EV5, but it feels oddly out of alignment with the EV3 and EV9 that sit either side of it in the brand's electric SUV ranks. Those variants are more joyful to steer and offer better comfort and bump compliance than this car does. It has steering that is too heavy feeling, and not as responsive as you might wish for in a car with this sort of power. And the ride comfort and body control? Not perfect either, in my opinion. In fact, the way this EV5 drives makes the other versions seem pretty sweet, because the GT-Line has bigger wheels with low-profile tyres and it tends to jump and jostle over bumpy sections more. Remember, it's the heaviest variant, and that no doubt has a part to play, too. Look, it's agreeable enough in most situations, but it doesn't feel like you're getting a significantly better EV5 to drive by choosing this, the most expensive version. And to me, that stacks up against it pretty heavily. The safety stuff is a big consideration for the drive experience, too. There's good gear – like the Blind Spot View Monitor that gives you a live display of your blind zone on the driver info screen when you're indicating. And the surround-view camera is excellent, too. But there are some annoyances. The speed sign recognition system is audaciously annoying in the way it chimes at you, and while you can mute the 'overspeed' warning, it misreads too many speed signs for it to be actually helpful. For instance, on the M4 motorway in Sydney there are overhead gantries with digital signage, and when the car's camera reads them, it often shows the speed limit as 70km/h, when it's clearly signed at 110km/h. And when you know the speed limits of your local area (for me, there are 14 different speed zones between my house and my daughter's daycare, so the bing-bongs are unrepentant) this 'assistance' technology is actually an 'annoyance' technology. There is also a driver monitoring camera system which seemingly thinks that you're not paying attention to the road if you take your eyes off the straight ahead for a split second. I've personally raised these concerns with Kia Australia executives, so they know how I feel – but you should know, too. And I thoroughly recommend that if you're considering a new Kia with these tech items, you should test drive it in your home environment to see if you can live with it. Because if you can't, you'll have to go through the sequence of disabling them every time you restart the car. And that can get old, fast. To see how the Kia EV5 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool Here's a rundown of the standard specifications across the three EV5 models – again, because context is king, and you're spending a whole lot more to get into the GT-Line… so is it worth it? Have your say in the comments! 2025 Kia EV5 Air equipment highlights: EV5 Earth adds: EV5 GT-Line adds: To see how the Kia EV5 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool Along with the improved standard specifications, one of the upsells for the GT-Line version is the extra safety technology and features that come along with spending up to this point. Here's a rundown of the standard safety kit for all EV5s: But if you pick the EV5 GT-Line, you get: If you're a nervous parker, or you just feel like it'd be an advantage to have a surround-view camera in a SUV like this (as I do – and I'm disappointed that you have to spend this much to get it, since some $30k cars have it these days…!) then the GT-Line certainly stands out. The EV5 has seven airbags as standard – dual front, front side, front centre and full-length curtain coverage. To see how the Kia EV5 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool Kia has built a reputation around its warranty cover, but there are some brands that offer longer warranties these days. Even so, a warranty that extends to seven years and unlimited kilometres is strong. But be mindful that the EV battery and EV components are covered by a seven-year, 150,000km limitation. There is up to eight years of roadside assistance if you service with Kia. If you do, you'll need to go back every 12 months or 15,000km (whichever occurs first), which is needy for an electric vehicle. There is a prepaid servicing option for three years ($980), five years ($1535) or seven years ($2431). And if you want to, you can roll that cost into your finance repayments. The Korean brand also recently launched a guaranteed future value program, to help you protect or predict your resale when it comes time to move on. To see how the Kia EV5 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool This is a good effort from Kia, but not a great one. There are some frustrations about the drive experience to do with the safety tech, and it simply isn't as well-rounded to drive as some other dual-motor EVs for similar money. While it has some intriguing interior inclusions and feels pretty plush inside, it'd want to for a car that'll cost you more than $75k to get into your driveway. Interested in buying a Kia EV5? Let CarExpert find you the best deal hereMORE: Explore the Kia EV5 showroom Content originally sourced from: EV5 Pros Kia EV5 Cons The Kia EV5 GT-Line is the most highly-specified version of the brand's popular new mid-size electric SUV. It offers more gear than the other EV5 variants, and has a different powertrain, too – it's the only EV5 with all-wheel drive, and it scores the bigger battery as well. Plus it has a distinct look, with revised bumpers, awesome looking wheels and a different interior vibe as well. Is it the best EV5 you can choose? Read on and find out. The EV5 is decently priced compared to some of its competitors, but there are notably cheaper fully electric mid-size SUVs on the market that – primarily – are made in China. Like this SUV… So you're paying for the Kia brand, its network of dealerships, and its reputation. But you're also getting a good swag of stuff in the lineup (see the detailed rundown of standard gear below). Paint choices include Clear White solid paint at no extra cost, or you can pick from Starry Night Black, Tide Blue or Magma Red for a further $600, while the GT-Line specific black-roof options include Frost Blue, Iceberg Green, Shale Grey or Snow White Pearl ($775). In case you're wondering, the EV5 is made in China – not South Korea. To see how the Kia EV5 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool There are some really clever, family-friendly features in the top-spec version of the Kia EV5. The inclusion of a fold-out desk on the back of the front passenger seat is a lovely inclusion for a kiddo on a long road trip. There's also a sliding drawer that can be used to heat or cool items – another potential fam favourite, especially for the snackers. And the boot area gets a clever deployable shelving system that means you can maximise the space and should stop smaller items from rolling around or getting crushed if you're loading up for a longer trip. Otherwise, there are some trim changes to differentiate the range-topper from the cheaper models, and there's a nice design inside the cabin. It also has a nice looking two-tone fake leather trim finish, which is a step up, and there's also better seating for the front riders – the passenger gets power seat adjustment with lumbar, and a massage system. Both front seats include ventilation, too. The driver has electric adjustment and memory settings, as well as even more massage functionality, plus there's the 'Premium Relaxation Seat', which includes a recliner option for when you're waiting for the car to recharge. Novel, but for those who like to move their feet around when they drive, the bottom section can get in the way. The driver gets sportier looking wheels, plus alloy pedals and a head-up display system with augmented reality display, so it'll project what your next navigation instruction is on the windscreen. Neat tech… if you use sat nav. There's a fingerprint reader to control some parts of the car… if you need that. But thankfully there's also a wireless phone charger, which should be offered in the more affordable models I reckon. This spec also gets a better stereo, with the eight-speaker Harman Kardon system offering pumpable response. There's another screen for your media tech, with sat nav and relatively learnable screen menus, and I had no issues with the wireless smartphone mirroring tech all week. And it has connected services so you can see live traffic updates, and check the weather, too. Thankfully the screen isn't the control centre for all your climate controls, as there's a small display alongside that media unit that allows some climate adjustments, and a row of additional manual controls for fan speed, temp and more, which is a welcome inclusion. The row of 'touch-sensitive' controls under the media screen are annoying, though. Despite the fact they do allow you to jump across menus easily, they're easy to bump when you're resting your hand on the dash to input something on the screen. And hallelujah, there's a volume scroller, too. And vents that you adjust with your fingers, not the screen. There's a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a heap of info, and that's where your drive mode indicator will show up, too. Off the steering column is where your gear selector is, and you'll wanna be careful not to bash your knee on it, if you're long-limbed. On the steering wheel there are controls for interacting with that screen, but also a 'star' button so you can set up a quick favourite for your safety system adjustments if you're not a fan of them. I wasn't. More on that in the driving section below. The steering wheel has cruise and media controls, and there are paddle shifters – but not for gears. They're for the regenerative braking system, which can be adjusted across four levels, including an i-pedal system for single-pedal driving. All the amenities you'd expect are catered for, including cupholders between the front seats, and a small storage tray with a phone charger, too. And, weirdly, there's a sort-of 'bench' seat up front, but the middle part isn't actually a seat. Odd, but interesting. In the back there is a good amount of space, with easily enough room for a six-footer to fit behind their own driving position, and the extra goodies flow into the back row. I had heaps of toe room, knee space and headroom as well. The flat floor and wide back seat area mean you can fit three adults across, too. And not only are there the desk and drawer additions, but rear-seat window riders get heated seats, too, and there are two USB-C charge ports as well. There are directional air vents in the B-pillars, bottle holders in the doors, a flip-down armrest with cupholders, and of course there are ISOFIX points in the window seats and three top-tethers for child seats. The boot of the EV5 GT-Line gets that clever multi-tier storage setup, which is a novel thing but might not make a significant difference to your daily life. However, at 513 litres with the rear seats up, it is a roomy cargo zone and will be large enough for family trips. If you don't have the kids and you fold down those seats, you'll have access to 1714 litres of capacity, with the rear pews folding nice and flat. Annoyingly though, you don't have remote seat releases in the boot area – you have to go around to each side of the car to drop them down. There is no spare beneath the load area, either. It comes with a tyre repair kit. But there is an additional storage area under the bonnet, with a load rating of 25kg – and it offers 67 litres of extra stowage capacity, which is great for your cables and other loose items. To see how the Kia EV5 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool It's important to consider the GT-Line in context of its stablemates when it comes to powertrain stuff, so here's a rundown of the three different versions of EV5 on offer in Australia: As you can see, the GT-Line has the most power and torque, as well as the bigger battery and the equal-fastest charging capability. But it's also the heaviest, the least efficient, and has a significantly shorter EV range than the mid-range model. To see how the Kia EV5 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool With dual-motor all-wheel drive, this is easily the most sprightly feeling version of the EV5. It's fast – there's no doubt about that – and delivers effortless pulling power from a standstill, plus impressive eagerness when you need to overtake. Try the different drive modes and you'll find how much they can change the behaviour of the responses, too. Sport mode is properly speedy. And the brake pedal feel is pretty good, too, for a car with regen. You might elect to use the single-pedal mode, and it works a treat – coming to a complete halt without making you feel like you're on a roller coaster – and the fact there are three other settings is a nice touch. The going and stopping stuff? Nailed. The other elements? I'm not quite as convinced. Kia Australia has done a job on the steering and suspension tune for the EV5, but it feels oddly out of alignment with the EV3 and EV9 that sit either side of it in the brand's electric SUV ranks. Those variants are more joyful to steer and offer better comfort and bump compliance than this car does. It has steering that is too heavy feeling, and not as responsive as you might wish for in a car with this sort of power. And the ride comfort and body control? Not perfect either, in my opinion. In fact, the way this EV5 drives makes the other versions seem pretty sweet, because the GT-Line has bigger wheels with low-profile tyres and it tends to jump and jostle over bumpy sections more. Remember, it's the heaviest variant, and that no doubt has a part to play, too. Look, it's agreeable enough in most situations, but it doesn't feel like you're getting a significantly better EV5 to drive by choosing this, the most expensive version. And to me, that stacks up against it pretty heavily. The safety stuff is a big consideration for the drive experience, too. There's good gear – like the Blind Spot View Monitor that gives you a live display of your blind zone on the driver info screen when you're indicating. And the surround-view camera is excellent, too. But there are some annoyances. The speed sign recognition system is audaciously annoying in the way it chimes at you, and while you can mute the 'overspeed' warning, it misreads too many speed signs for it to be actually helpful. For instance, on the M4 motorway in Sydney there are overhead gantries with digital signage, and when the car's camera reads them, it often shows the speed limit as 70km/h, when it's clearly signed at 110km/h. And when you know the speed limits of your local area (for me, there are 14 different speed zones between my house and my daughter's daycare, so the bing-bongs are unrepentant) this 'assistance' technology is actually an 'annoyance' technology. There is also a driver monitoring camera system which seemingly thinks that you're not paying attention to the road if you take your eyes off the straight ahead for a split second. I've personally raised these concerns with Kia Australia executives, so they know how I feel – but you should know, too. And I thoroughly recommend that if you're considering a new Kia with these tech items, you should test drive it in your home environment to see if you can live with it. Because if you can't, you'll have to go through the sequence of disabling them every time you restart the car. And that can get old, fast. To see how the Kia EV5 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool Here's a rundown of the standard specifications across the three EV5 models – again, because context is king, and you're spending a whole lot more to get into the GT-Line… so is it worth it? Have your say in the comments! 2025 Kia EV5 Air equipment highlights: EV5 Earth adds: EV5 GT-Line adds: To see how the Kia EV5 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool Along with the improved standard specifications, one of the upsells for the GT-Line version is the extra safety technology and features that come along with spending up to this point. Here's a rundown of the standard safety kit for all EV5s: But if you pick the EV5 GT-Line, you get: If you're a nervous parker, or you just feel like it'd be an advantage to have a surround-view camera in a SUV like this (as I do – and I'm disappointed that you have to spend this much to get it, since some $30k cars have it these days…!) then the GT-Line certainly stands out. The EV5 has seven airbags as standard – dual front, front side, front centre and full-length curtain coverage. To see how the Kia EV5 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool Kia has built a reputation around its warranty cover, but there are some brands that offer longer warranties these days. Even so, a warranty that extends to seven years and unlimited kilometres is strong. But be mindful that the EV battery and EV components are covered by a seven-year, 150,000km limitation. There is up to eight years of roadside assistance if you service with Kia. If you do, you'll need to go back every 12 months or 15,000km (whichever occurs first), which is needy for an electric vehicle. There is a prepaid servicing option for three years ($980), five years ($1535) or seven years ($2431). And if you want to, you can roll that cost into your finance repayments. The Korean brand also recently launched a guaranteed future value program, to help you protect or predict your resale when it comes time to move on. To see how the Kia EV5 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool This is a good effort from Kia, but not a great one. There are some frustrations about the drive experience to do with the safety tech, and it simply isn't as well-rounded to drive as some other dual-motor EVs for similar money. While it has some intriguing interior inclusions and feels pretty plush inside, it'd want to for a car that'll cost you more than $75k to get into your driveway. Interested in buying a Kia EV5? Let CarExpert find you the best deal hereMORE: Explore the Kia EV5 showroom Content originally sourced from:
7NEWS
11 hours ago
- 7NEWS
2025 Kia EV5 GT-Line review
The Kia EV5 GT-Line is the most highly-specified version of the brand's popular new mid-size electric SUV. It offers more gear than the other EV5 variants, and has a different powertrain, too – it's the only EV5 with all-wheel drive, and it scores the bigger battery as well. Plus it has a distinct look, with revised bumpers, awesome looking wheels and a different interior vibe as well. Is it the best EV5 you can choose? Read on and find out. How much does the Kia EV5 cost? The EV5 is decently priced compared to some of its competitors, but there are notably cheaper fully electric mid-size SUVs on the market that – primarily – are made in China. Like this SUV… So you're paying for the Kia brand, its network of dealerships, and its reputation. But you're also getting a good swag of stuff in the lineup (see the detailed rundown of standard gear below). Paint choices include Clear White solid paint at no extra cost, or you can pick from Starry Night Black, Tide Blue or Magma Red for a further $600, while the GT-Line specific black-roof options include Frost Blue, Iceberg Green, Shale Grey or Snow White Pearl ($775). In case you're wondering, the EV5 is made in China – not South Korea. To see how the Kia EV5 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool What is the Kia EV5 like on the inside? There are some really clever, family-friendly features in the top-spec version of the Kia EV5. The inclusion of a fold-out desk on the back of the front passenger seat is a lovely inclusion for a kiddo on a long road trip. There's also a sliding drawer that can be used to heat or cool items – another potential fam favourite, especially for the snackers. And the boot area gets a clever deployable shelving system that means you can maximise the space and should stop smaller items from rolling around or getting crushed if you're loading up for a longer trip. Otherwise, there are some trim changes to differentiate the range-topper from the cheaper models, and there's a nice design inside the cabin. It also has a nice looking two-tone fake leather trim finish, which is a step up, and there's also better seating for the front riders – the passenger gets power seat adjustment with lumbar, and a massage system. Both front seats include ventilation, too. The driver has electric adjustment and memory settings, as well as even more massage functionality, plus there's the 'Premium Relaxation Seat', which includes a recliner option for when you're waiting for the car to recharge. Novel, but for those who like to move their feet around when they drive, the bottom section can get in the way. The driver gets sportier looking wheels, plus alloy pedals and a head-up display system with augmented reality display, so it'll project what your next navigation instruction is on the windscreen. Neat tech… if you use sat nav. There's a fingerprint reader to control some parts of the car… if you need that. But thankfully there's also a wireless phone charger, which should be offered in the more affordable models I reckon. This spec also gets a better stereo, with the eight-speaker Harman Kardon system offering pumpable response. There's another screen for your media tech, with sat nav and relatively learnable screen menus, and I had no issues with the wireless smartphone mirroring tech all week. And it has connected services so you can see live traffic updates, and check the weather, too. Thankfully the screen isn't the control centre for all your climate controls, as there's a small display alongside that media unit that allows some climate adjustments, and a row of additional manual controls for fan speed, temp and more, which is a welcome inclusion. The row of 'touch-sensitive' controls under the media screen are annoying, though. Despite the fact they do allow you to jump across menus easily, they're easy to bump when you're resting your hand on the dash to input something on the screen. And hallelujah, there's a volume scroller, too. And vents that you adjust with your fingers, not the screen. There's a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a heap of info, and that's where your drive mode indicator will show up, too. Off the steering column is where your gear selector is, and you'll wanna be careful not to bash your knee on it, if you're long-limbed. On the steering wheel there are controls for interacting with that screen, but also a 'star' button so you can set up a quick favourite for your safety system adjustments if you're not a fan of them. I wasn't. More on that in the driving section below. The steering wheel has cruise and media controls, and there are paddle shifters – but not for gears. They're for the regenerative braking system, which can be adjusted across four levels, including an i-pedal system for single-pedal driving. All the amenities you'd expect are catered for, including cupholders between the front seats, and a small storage tray with a phone charger, too. And, weirdly, there's a sort-of 'bench' seat up front, but the middle part isn't actually a seat. Odd, but interesting. In the back there is a good amount of space, with easily enough room for a six-footer to fit behind their own driving position, and the extra goodies flow into the back row. I had heaps of toe room, knee space and headroom as well. The flat floor and wide back seat area mean you can fit three adults across, too. And not only are there the desk and drawer additions, but rear-seat window riders get heated seats, too, and there are two USB-C charge ports as well. There are directional air vents in the B-pillars, bottle holders in the doors, a flip-down armrest with cupholders, and of course there are ISOFIX points in the window seats and three top-tethers for child seats. The boot of the EV5 GT-Line gets that clever multi-tier storage setup, which is a novel thing but might not make a significant difference to your daily life. However, at 513 litres with the rear seats up, it is a roomy cargo zone and will be large enough for family trips. If you don't have the kids and you fold down those seats, you'll have access to 1714 litres of capacity, with the rear pews folding nice and flat. Annoyingly though, you don't have remote seat releases in the boot area – you have to go around to each side of the car to drop them down. There is no spare beneath the load area, either. It comes with a tyre repair kit. But there is an additional storage area under the bonnet, with a load rating of 25kg – and it offers 67 litres of extra stowage capacity, which is great for your cables and other loose items. To see how the Kia EV5 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool What's under the bonnet? It's important to consider the GT-Line in context of its stablemates when it comes to powertrain stuff, so here's a rundown of the three different versions of EV5 on offer in Australia: As you can see, the GT-Line has the most power and torque, as well as the bigger battery and the equal-fastest charging capability. But it's also the heaviest, the least efficient, and has a significantly shorter EV range than the mid-range model. To see how the Kia EV5 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool How does the Kia EV5 drive? With dual-motor all-wheel drive, this is easily the most sprightly feeling version of the EV5. It's fast – there's no doubt about that – and delivers effortless pulling power from a standstill, plus impressive eagerness when you need to overtake. Try the different drive modes and you'll find how much they can change the behaviour of the responses, too. Sport mode is properly speedy. And the brake pedal feel is pretty good, too, for a car with regen. You might elect to use the single-pedal mode, and it works a treat – coming to a complete halt without making you feel like you're on a roller coaster – and the fact there are three other settings is a nice touch. The going and stopping stuff? Nailed. The other elements? I'm not quite as convinced. Kia Australia has done a job on the steering and suspension tune for the EV5, but it feels oddly out of alignment with the EV3 and EV9 that sit either side of it in the brand's electric SUV ranks. Those variants are more joyful to steer and offer better comfort and bump compliance than this car does. It has steering that is too heavy feeling, and not as responsive as you might wish for in a car with this sort of power. And the ride comfort and body control? Not perfect either, in my opinion. In fact, the way this EV5 drives makes the other versions seem pretty sweet, because the GT-Line has bigger wheels with low-profile tyres and it tends to jump and jostle over bumpy sections more. Remember, it's the heaviest variant, and that no doubt has a part to play, too. Look, it's agreeable enough in most situations, but it doesn't feel like you're getting a significantly better EV5 to drive by choosing this, the most expensive version. And to me, that stacks up against it pretty heavily. The safety stuff is a big consideration for the drive experience, too. There's good gear – like the Blind Spot View Monitor that gives you a live display of your blind zone on the driver info screen when you're indicating. And the surround-view camera is excellent, too. But there are some annoyances. The speed sign recognition system is audaciously annoying in the way it chimes at you, and while you can mute the 'overspeed' warning, it misreads too many speed signs for it to be actually helpful. For instance, on the M4 motorway in Sydney there are overhead gantries with digital signage, and when the car's camera reads them, it often shows the speed limit as 70km/h, when it's clearly signed at 110km/h. And when you know the speed limits of your local area (for me, there are 14 different speed zones between my house and my daughter's daycare, so the bing-bongs are unrepentant) this 'assistance' technology is actually an 'annoyance' technology. There is also a driver monitoring camera system which seemingly thinks that you're not paying attention to the road if you take your eyes off the straight ahead for a split second. I've personally raised these concerns with Kia Australia executives, so they know how I feel – but you should know, too. And I thoroughly recommend that if you're considering a new Kia with these tech items, you should test drive it in your home environment to see if you can live with it. Because if you can't, you'll have to go through the sequence of disabling them every time you restart the car. And that can get old, fast. To see how the Kia EV5 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool What do you get? Here's a rundown of the standard specifications across the three EV5 models – again, because context is king, and you're spending a whole lot more to get into the GT-Line… so is it worth it? Have your say in the comments! 2025 Kia EV5 Air equipment highlights: 18-inch alloy wheels 225/60 R18 tyres Tyre mobility kit Tyre pressure monitoring LED headlights – reflector type Automatic high-beam LED daytime running lights LED tail-lights Matte plastic roof racks Satin Silver window surrounds Acoustic windscreen Solar glass – windscreen, front door Solar glass – rear windows, tailgate Auto up/down windows – front Cloth, artificial leather trim 8-way power driver's seat incl. 4-way lumbar 4-way manual front passenger seat 3-cell massage function – driver 2nd row centre armrest Shift by Wire – column type Paddle shifters – brake regen control 2 x USB-C charge ports – front 2 x USB-C charge ports – rear LED interior lighting Integrated Panoramic Display 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system 5.0-inch climate monitor Kia Connect Over the air (OTA) updates Satellite navigation incl. 10 years traffic info, updates Wireless Apple CarPlay Wireless Android Auto 6-speaker sound system AM/FM/DAB radio Dual-zone climate control Heated front seats 2nd row air vents – door pillar-mounted i-Pedal one-pedal driving function V2L interior socket EV5 Earth adds: 19-inch alloys 235/55 tyres Gloss Black exterior accents Gloss Black roof racks Gloss Black window surrounds Powered child-proof rear door locks Artificial leather trim – Smoky Black or Nougat Beige Smart power tailgate Privacy glass – rear windows, tailgate EV5 GT-Line adds: Active Sound Design 20-inch alloy wheels 255/45 tyres Gloss Black exterior mirrors Auto flush door handles LED dynamic indicators Laminated glass – driver window GT-Line two-tone leatherette upholstery 4-way power front passenger seat incl. 4-way lumbar Premium Relaxation Seat – driver Driver seat memory function 6-cell massage function – driver 3-cell massage function – passenger Sports steering wheel Fingerprint authentication module Alloy sports pedals Auto up/down windows – front, rear Rear seatback table – passenger side Ambient mood lighting – 64 colours Wireless phone charger Heated, cooled rear sliding storage tray 8-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system Augmented reality head-up display Heated 2nd row outer seats Ventilated front seats To see how the Kia EV5 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool Is the Kia EV5 safe? Along with the improved standard specifications, one of the upsells for the GT-Line version is the extra safety technology and features that come along with spending up to this point. Here's a rundown of the standard safety kit for all EV5s: Autonomous emergency braking Blind-spot warning and intervention Driver attention monitoring Lane Following Assist (lane centring) Lane-keep assist Lead Vehicle Departure Alert Rear cross-traffic alert with braking assist Rear occupant alert Reversing camera incl. dynamic guidelines Safe exit warning But if you pick the EV5 GT-Line, you get: Blind Spot View Monitor Parking Collision Avoidance Assist – reverse, side, forward Surround cameras incl. 3D mode If you're a nervous parker, or you just feel like it'd be an advantage to have a surround-view camera in a SUV like this (as I do – and I'm disappointed that you have to spend this much to get it, since some $30k cars have it these days…!) then the GT-Line certainly stands out. The EV5 has seven airbags as standard – dual front, front side, front centre and full-length curtain coverage. To see how the Kia EV5 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool How much does the Kia EV5 cost to run? Kia has built a reputation around its warranty cover, but there are some brands that offer longer warranties these days. Even so, a warranty that extends to seven years and unlimited kilometres is strong. But be mindful that the EV battery and EV components are covered by a seven-year, 150,000km limitation. There is up to eight years of roadside assistance if you service with Kia. If you do, you'll need to go back every 12 months or 15,000km (whichever occurs first), which is needy for an electric vehicle. There is a prepaid servicing option for three years ($980), five years ($1535) or seven years ($2431). And if you want to, you can roll that cost into your finance repayments. The Korean brand also recently launched a guaranteed future value program, to help you protect or predict your resale when it comes time to move on. To see how the Kia EV5 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool CarExpert's Take on the Kia EV5 GT-Line This is a good effort from Kia, but not a great one. There are some frustrations about the drive experience to do with the safety tech, and it simply isn't as well-rounded to drive as some other dual-motor EVs for similar money. While it has some intriguing interior inclusions and feels pretty plush inside, it'd want to for a car that'll cost you more than $75k to get into your driveway. Interested in buying a Kia EV5? Let CarExpert find you the best deal here Pros Looks way smarter than other EV5s Dual-motor AWD adds perk and performance Spacious and thoughtful interior inclusions Cons Not that fun to drive Frustrating safety technology Pricey compared to other China-made EVs Top Line Specs
Perth Now
11 hours ago
- Perth Now
2025 Kia EV5 GT-Line review
The Kia EV5 GT-Line is the most highly-specified version of the brand's popular new mid-size electric SUV. 2025 Kia EV5 GT-Line Credit: CarExpert It offers more gear than the other EV5 variants, and has a different powertrain, too – it's the only EV5 with all-wheel drive, and it scores the bigger battery as well. Plus it has a distinct look, with revised bumpers, awesome looking wheels and a different interior vibe as well. Is it the best EV5 you can choose? Read on and find out. The EV5 is decently priced compared to some of its competitors, but there are notably cheaper fully electric mid-size SUVs on the market that – primarily – are made in China. Like this SUV… 2025 Kia EV5 GT-Line Credit: CarExpert So you're paying for the Kia brand, its network of dealerships, and its reputation. But you're also getting a good swag of stuff in the lineup (see the detailed rundown of standard gear below). Paint choices include Clear White solid paint at no extra cost, or you can pick from Starry Night Black, Tide Blue or Magma Red for a further $600, while the GT-Line specific black-roof options include Frost Blue, Iceberg Green, Shale Grey or Snow White Pearl ($775). In case you're wondering, the EV5 is made in China – not South Korea. To see how the Kia EV5 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool There are some really clever, family-friendly features in the top-spec version of the Kia EV5. 2025 Kia EV5 GT-Line Credit: CarExpert The inclusion of a fold-out desk on the back of the front passenger seat is a lovely inclusion for a kiddo on a long road trip. There's also a sliding drawer that can be used to heat or cool items – another potential fam favourite, especially for the snackers. And the boot area gets a clever deployable shelving system that means you can maximise the space and should stop smaller items from rolling around or getting crushed if you're loading up for a longer trip. Otherwise, there are some trim changes to differentiate the range-topper from the cheaper models, and there's a nice design inside the cabin. It also has a nice looking two-tone fake leather trim finish, which is a step up, and there's also better seating for the front riders – the passenger gets power seat adjustment with lumbar, and a massage system. Both front seats include ventilation, too. 2025 Kia EV5 GT-Line Credit: CarExpert The driver has electric adjustment and memory settings, as well as even more massage functionality, plus there's the 'Premium Relaxation Seat', which includes a recliner option for when you're waiting for the car to recharge. Novel, but for those who like to move their feet around when they drive, the bottom section can get in the way. The driver gets sportier looking wheels, plus alloy pedals and a head-up display system with augmented reality display, so it'll project what your next navigation instruction is on the windscreen. Neat tech… if you use sat nav. There's a fingerprint reader to control some parts of the car… if you need that. But thankfully there's also a wireless phone charger, which should be offered in the more affordable models I reckon. This spec also gets a better stereo, with the eight-speaker Harman Kardon system offering pumpable response. There's another screen for your media tech, with sat nav and relatively learnable screen menus, and I had no issues with the wireless smartphone mirroring tech all week. And it has connected services so you can see live traffic updates, and check the weather, too. 2025 Kia EV5 GT-Line Credit: CarExpert Thankfully the screen isn't the control centre for all your climate controls, as there's a small display alongside that media unit that allows some climate adjustments, and a row of additional manual controls for fan speed, temp and more, which is a welcome inclusion. The row of 'touch-sensitive' controls under the media screen are annoying, though. Despite the fact they do allow you to jump across menus easily, they're easy to bump when you're resting your hand on the dash to input something on the screen. And hallelujah, there's a volume scroller, too. And vents that you adjust with your fingers, not the screen. There's a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a heap of info, and that's where your drive mode indicator will show up, too. Off the steering column is where your gear selector is, and you'll wanna be careful not to bash your knee on it, if you're long-limbed. 2025 Kia EV5 GT-Line Credit: CarExpert On the steering wheel there are controls for interacting with that screen, but also a 'star' button so you can set up a quick favourite for your safety system adjustments if you're not a fan of them. I wasn't. More on that in the driving section below. The steering wheel has cruise and media controls, and there are paddle shifters – but not for gears. They're for the regenerative braking system, which can be adjusted across four levels, including an i-pedal system for single-pedal driving. All the amenities you'd expect are catered for, including cupholders between the front seats, and a small storage tray with a phone charger, too. And, weirdly, there's a sort-of 'bench' seat up front, but the middle part isn't actually a seat. Odd, but interesting. In the back there is a good amount of space, with easily enough room for a six-footer to fit behind their own driving position, and the extra goodies flow into the back row. I had heaps of toe room, knee space and headroom as well. The flat floor and wide back seat area mean you can fit three adults across, too. 2025 Kia EV5 GT-Line Credit: CarExpert 2025 Kia EV5 GT-Line Credit: CarExpert 2025 Kia EV5 GT-Line Credit: CarExpert 2025 Kia EV5 GT-Line Credit: CarExpert And not only are there the desk and drawer additions, but rear-seat window riders get heated seats, too, and there are two USB-C charge ports as well. There are directional air vents in the B-pillars, bottle holders in the doors, a flip-down armrest with cupholders, and of course there are ISOFIX points in the window seats and three top-tethers for child seats. The boot of the EV5 GT-Line gets that clever multi-tier storage setup, which is a novel thing but might not make a significant difference to your daily life. However, at 513 litres with the rear seats up, it is a roomy cargo zone and will be large enough for family trips. If you don't have the kids and you fold down those seats, you'll have access to 1714 litres of capacity, with the rear pews folding nice and flat. Annoyingly though, you don't have remote seat releases in the boot area – you have to go around to each side of the car to drop them down. 2025 Kia EV5 GT-Line Credit: CarExpert There is no spare beneath the load area, either. It comes with a tyre repair kit. But there is an additional storage area under the bonnet, with a load rating of 25kg – and it offers 67 litres of extra stowage capacity, which is great for your cables and other loose items. To see how the Kia EV5 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool It's important to consider the GT-Line in context of its stablemates when it comes to powertrain stuff, so here's a rundown of the three different versions of EV5 on offer in Australia: 2025 Kia EV5 GT-Line Credit: CarExpert As you can see, the GT-Line has the most power and torque, as well as the bigger battery and the equal-fastest charging capability. But it's also the heaviest, the least efficient, and has a significantly shorter EV range than the mid-range model. To see how the Kia EV5 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool With dual-motor all-wheel drive, this is easily the most sprightly feeling version of the EV5. 2025 Kia EV5 GT-Line Credit: CarExpert It's fast – there's no doubt about that – and delivers effortless pulling power from a standstill, plus impressive eagerness when you need to overtake. Try the different drive modes and you'll find how much they can change the behaviour of the responses, too. Sport mode is properly speedy. And the brake pedal feel is pretty good, too, for a car with regen. You might elect to use the single-pedal mode, and it works a treat – coming to a complete halt without making you feel like you're on a roller coaster – and the fact there are three other settings is a nice touch. The going and stopping stuff? Nailed. The other elements? I'm not quite as convinced. Kia Australia has done a job on the steering and suspension tune for the EV5, but it feels oddly out of alignment with the EV3 and EV9 that sit either side of it in the brand's electric SUV ranks. 2025 Kia EV5 GT-Line Credit: CarExpert Those variants are more joyful to steer and offer better comfort and bump compliance than this car does. It has steering that is too heavy feeling, and not as responsive as you might wish for in a car with this sort of power. And the ride comfort and body control? Not perfect either, in my opinion. In fact, the way this EV5 drives makes the other versions seem pretty sweet, because the GT-Line has bigger wheels with low-profile tyres and it tends to jump and jostle over bumpy sections more. Remember, it's the heaviest variant, and that no doubt has a part to play, too. Look, it's agreeable enough in most situations, but it doesn't feel like you're getting a significantly better EV5 to drive by choosing this, the most expensive version. And to me, that stacks up against it pretty heavily. 2025 Kia EV5 GT-Line Credit: CarExpert The safety stuff is a big consideration for the drive experience, too. There's good gear – like the Blind Spot View Monitor that gives you a live display of your blind zone on the driver info screen when you're indicating. And the surround-view camera is excellent, too. But there are some annoyances. The speed sign recognition system is audaciously annoying in the way it chimes at you, and while you can mute the 'overspeed' warning, it misreads too many speed signs for it to be actually helpful. For instance, on the M4 motorway in Sydney there are overhead gantries with digital signage, and when the car's camera reads them, it often shows the speed limit as 70km/h, when it's clearly signed at 110km/h. 2025 Kia EV5 GT-Line Credit: CarExpert And when you know the speed limits of your local area (for me, there are 14 different speed zones between my house and my daughter's daycare, so the bing-bongs are unrepentant) this 'assistance' technology is actually an 'annoyance' technology. There is also a driver monitoring camera system which seemingly thinks that you're not paying attention to the road if you take your eyes off the straight ahead for a split second. I've personally raised these concerns with Kia Australia executives, so they know how I feel – but you should know, too. And I thoroughly recommend that if you're considering a new Kia with these tech items, you should test drive it in your home environment to see if you can live with it. Because if you can't, you'll have to go through the sequence of disabling them every time you restart the car. And that can get old, fast. To see how the Kia EV5 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool Here's a rundown of the standard specifications across the three EV5 models – again, because context is king, and you're spending a whole lot more to get into the GT-Line… so is it worth it? Have your say in the comments! 2025 Kia EV5 GT-Line Credit: CarExpert 2025 Kia EV5 GT-Line Credit: CarExpert 2025 Kia EV5 GT-Line Credit: CarExpert 2025 Kia EV5 GT-Line Credit: CarExpert 2025 Kia EV5 Air equipment highlights: 18-inch alloy wheels 225/60 R18 tyres Tyre mobility kit Tyre pressure monitoring LED headlights – reflector type Automatic high-beam LED daytime running lights LED tail-lights Matte plastic roof racks Satin Silver window surrounds Acoustic windscreen Solar glass – windscreen, front door Solar glass – rear windows, tailgate Auto up/down windows – front Cloth, artificial leather trim 8-way power driver's seat incl. 4-way lumbar 4-way manual front passenger seat 3-cell massage function – driver 2nd row centre armrest Shift by Wire – column type Paddle shifters – brake regen control 2 x USB-C charge ports – front 2 x USB-C charge ports – rear LED interior lighting Integrated Panoramic Display 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system 5.0-inch climate monitor Kia Connect Over the air (OTA) updates Satellite navigation incl. 10 years traffic info, updates Wireless Apple CarPlay Wireless Android Auto 6-speaker sound system AM/FM/DAB radio Dual-zone climate control Heated front seats 2nd row air vents – door pillar-mounted i-Pedal one-pedal driving function V2L interior socket EV5 Earth adds: 19-inch alloys 235/55 tyres Gloss Black exterior accents Gloss Black roof racks Gloss Black window surrounds Powered child-proof rear door locks Artificial leather trim – Smoky Black or Nougat Beige Smart power tailgate Privacy glass – rear windows, tailgate 2025 Kia EV5 GT-Line Credit: CarExpert 2025 Kia EV5 GT-Line Credit: CarExpert EV5 GT-Line adds: Active Sound Design 20-inch alloy wheels 255/45 tyres Gloss Black exterior mirrors Auto flush door handles LED dynamic indicators Laminated glass – driver window GT-Line two-tone leatherette upholstery 4-way power front passenger seat incl. 4-way lumbar Premium Relaxation Seat – driver Driver seat memory function 6-cell massage function – driver 3-cell massage function – passenger Sports steering wheel Fingerprint authentication module Alloy sports pedals Auto up/down windows – front, rear Rear seatback table – passenger side Ambient mood lighting – 64 colours Wireless phone charger Heated, cooled rear sliding storage tray 8-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system Augmented reality head-up display Heated 2nd row outer seats Ventilated front seats To see how the Kia EV5 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool Along with the improved standard specifications, one of the upsells for the GT-Line version is the extra safety technology and features that come along with spending up to this point. 2025 Kia EV5 GT-Line Credit: CarExpert Here's a rundown of the standard safety kit for all EV5s: Autonomous emergency braking Blind-spot warning and intervention Driver attention monitoring Lane Following Assist (lane centring) Lane-keep assist Lead Vehicle Departure Alert Rear cross-traffic alert with braking assist Rear occupant alert Reversing camera incl. dynamic guidelines Safe exit warning But if you pick the EV5 GT-Line, you get: Blind Spot View Monitor Parking Collision Avoidance Assist – reverse, side, forward Surround cameras incl. 3D mode If you're a nervous parker, or you just feel like it'd be an advantage to have a surround-view camera in a SUV like this (as I do – and I'm disappointed that you have to spend this much to get it, since some $30k cars have it these days…!) then the GT-Line certainly stands out. The EV5 has seven airbags as standard – dual front, front side, front centre and full-length curtain coverage. To see how the Kia EV5 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool Kia has built a reputation around its warranty cover, but there are some brands that offer longer warranties these days. Even so, a warranty that extends to seven years and unlimited kilometres is strong. But be mindful that the EV battery and EV components are covered by a seven-year, 150,000km limitation. 2025 Kia EV5 GT-Line Credit: CarExpert There is up to eight years of roadside assistance if you service with Kia. If you do, you'll need to go back every 12 months or 15,000km (whichever occurs first), which is needy for an electric vehicle. There is a prepaid servicing option for three years ($980), five years ($1535) or seven years ($2431). And if you want to, you can roll that cost into your finance repayments. The Korean brand also recently launched a guaranteed future value program, to help you protect or predict your resale when it comes time to move on. To see how the Kia EV5 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool This is a good effort from Kia, but not a great one. 2025 Kia EV5 GT-Line Credit: CarExpert There are some frustrations about the drive experience to do with the safety tech, and it simply isn't as well-rounded to drive as some other dual-motor EVs for similar money. While it has some intriguing interior inclusions and feels pretty plush inside, it'd want to for a car that'll cost you more than $75k to get into your driveway. Interested in buying a Kia EV5? Let CarExpert find you the best deal here MORE: Explore the Kia EV5 showroom Looks way smarter than other EV5s Dual-motor AWD adds perk and performance Spacious and thoughtful interior inclusions Not that fun to drive Frustrating safety technology Pricey compared to other China-made EVs Power: 230kW Fuel Type: Electric Economy: 0.0L/100km CO2 Emissions: 0g/km ANCAP Safety Rating: 5
