Table of Contents
Introduction
When Kia launched the EV5, the automotive world buzzed over its striking design and the bold claim that it could stand toe‑to‑toe with the Tesla Model Y and Hyundai Ioniq 5. To put those promises to the test, the channel’s host set out on a coast‑to‑coast drive across Ireland, starting in north County Dublin, heading south to Belton County Mayo, and then back again. The journey was tackled in a brisk 3 °C day, a perfect setting to gauge the EV5’s real‑world range, efficiency, and everyday practicality. The footage shows the 81.4 kWh battery, a WLTP range of 505 km, and a real‑world estimate that hovers around 420 km – a figure that will be examined in detail later.
Real‑World Range & Efficiency
The trip began with a full charge and an on‑screen estimate of 408 km – comfortably below the WLTP figure but above the theoretical maximum for a 400‑volt architecture. As the EV5 rolled across the Irish countryside, the dashboard updated to show a consumption of 20.7 kWh per 100 km, a respectable number for a 400‑volt SUV. By the time the car reached the western coast, the average had dipped to 21.8 kWh per 100 km, and later to 20.8 kWh per 100 km, illustrating how driving style and temperature influence real‑world numbers. A spreadsheet maintained by a viewer confirmed a 3 % efficiency improvement when the car was driven in a steady, low‑speed mode – a useful tip for anyone looking to squeeze every bit of range out of their EV.
Throughout the drive, the EV5’s range calculator displayed a total of 2,200 km since the last reset, and the average consumption hovered between 20.7 and 21.8 kWh per 100 km. The host noted that the vehicle’s 19‑inch wheels were more than adequate, and that the 400‑volt architecture, while not as fast‑charging as some 800‑volt rivals, kept performance on par with competitors thanks to the battery’s size and the car’s weight.
Interior & Tech Features
Inside the EV5, the host praised the panoramic sunroof, the three‑stage ventilated seats, and the heated seats that extend to the rear. The head‑up display projects speed and navigation onto the windshield, while the blind‑spot indicator built into the side mirrors adds a layer of safety that many reviewers have missed. The infotainment screen offers five driver modes – ecote, normal, sport, my drive, and snow – all accessible from the bottom of the screen, allowing drivers to tailor the vehicle’s response to the road conditions. The multi‑stage regen system, controlled by paddles behind the steering wheel, lets the driver choose how aggressively the car recovers energy during braking.
Additional comfort touches include a massage function for the driver’s seat, a full‑body heat system, and a well‑insulated glass panel sunroof that keeps noise at bay. The rear door mirrors feature a blind‑spot indicator that lights up when a vehicle is detected, and the rear spoiler houses a built‑in wiper for added convenience.
Driving Dynamics & Performance
The EV5 is powered by a 160 kW electric motor that delivers 295–320 Nm of torque, enough to accelerate from 0 to 10 m/s in 8.4 seconds. The host highlighted that the 19‑inch wheels strike a good balance between grip and efficiency, and that there is no need for larger wheels. While the 400‑volt architecture means the car lacks the ultra‑fast charging of some competitors, the battery’s size and the vehicle’s weight keep the performance on par with rivals. The driver mode selection proved useful on the M4, where the sport setting gave a punchy response, while the ecote mode kept consumption low during the long stretches of flat terrain. The snow mode, though not tested in the video, is expected to provide extra traction in winter conditions.
Conclusion
After covering roughly 345 km of the coast‑to‑coast route, the host concluded that the Kia EV5 is a practical, well‑equipped SUV that delivers on its promises of range and efficiency. The real‑world consumption of around 21 kWh per 100 km, combined with a 505 km WLTP rating, makes the EV5 a viable option for long‑distance travel in Ireland’s variable climate. While the 400‑volt architecture may disappoint those who expect the fastest charging times, the car’s robust battery, comfortable interior, and thoughtful tech features compensate for the difference. For anyone looking to replace a combustion‑engine SUV with an electric alternative, the EV5 offers a compelling blend of performance, practicality, and style.