On November 25, 2025, the Australian Open Asia-Pacific wildcard tournament officially took place in Chengdu. This tournament serves as a crucial stepping stone for players aiming for Melbourne Park. The Australian Open enjoys great popularity among Chinese tennis fans, so this wildcard event attracted many spectators. Players like Zhang Shuai represented a group of Chinese athletes seeking to make their mark in Melbourne Park. As the chief partner of the Australian Open, Kia provided various services and activities for the event. They organized live viewing and a series of Australian Open experience activities. The Kia EV5 served as the “official designated vehicle,” offering services to guests on-site.
Kia has partnered with the Australian Open for 22 years. This collaboration serves as a classic example of an automotive brand sponsoring a sports event. Since 2002, Kia has provided venue support, vehicles, and comprehensive assistance for the Australian Open. For the 2025 Australian Open Asia-Pacific Wildcard Playoff in Chengdu, the Kia EV5 ensures smooth operations. The editor also takes the opportunity to experience the vehicle again.
Kia EV5 is the brand’s first strategic model launched in China, produced in China, and sold globally. Kia unveiled the 2025 Kia EV5 at the Guangzhou Auto Show on November 15. They also introduced the 2025 Kia EV5 720 Light version, with a suggested retail price of 174,800 yuan (24080$). Additionally, they presented the EV5 GT-Line version. This model features a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, 20-inch alloy wheels, and Harman Kardon audio. It showcases a GT-Line exclusive design. The official starting price is 214,800 yuan (29580$).
This test drive features the 2024 model. It uses the 720 Wave configuration. This version is the top model for 2024. You can experience the best of the Kia EV5.
Since I first saw the Kia EV5 at the Hyundai Yantai R&D Center, I have admired its design. Whether at events or on public roads, the Kia EV5 always impresses me. Its exterior looks beautiful and appealing. The lines are sharp yet not rigid. The design features many angles that highlight the vehicle’s edges. This creates a strong sense of power. The design’s completeness, harmony, and premium feel stand out in its price range.
This car is a compact SUV. Its dimensions are 4615×1875×1715mm, with a wheelbase of 2750mm. The length is modest. It stands out with a long wheelbase, placing the wheels near the corners. The strong exterior design gives it a substantial appearance.
The rear of the car shows a wide-body style at the wheel arches. The upper body narrows, but the rear does not slope down early. This design keeps the shape more square. It optimizes trunk height and creates a larger appearance. The taillights echo the front design. Although Korean brands struggle in the Chinese market, the Kia EV5 demonstrates Kia’s strong design capabilities. They remain in the top tier.
The interior design features many innovations. It feels lively. The front seats have a connected design. This expands the possibilities of front space. It also enhances the intimacy between the driver and passenger. After all, this car targets family users.
The car features high-quality materials. The dashboard, glove box, and door trim use recycled polymers. The central control decoration and door switch panels use bio-based polymers. The central armrest, door trim, and seat fabric use bio-based synthetic leather. The interior roof, sun visors, seat upholstery, and carpet consist of recycled PET. In total, the car includes ten eco-friendly materials. This is rare in its price range and class.
The top configuration model offers complete features. It includes seat heating, seat ventilation, heated steering wheel, ambient lighting, seat massage, and 64-color ambient lights. It has everything one could need.
The second row includes small tables and a car fridge. The fridge has a temperature range of 5 to 55 degrees Celsius. Its capacity is 4.0 liters. Now, both the fridge and the large sofa are available.
Each front seatback has a Type-C power port. The left side port is behind the driver. The port on the passenger seat is on the left side. This placement allows easy access, as a small table is behind the passenger seat. Passengers in the second row can reach the ports without bending. This design is practical. Most vehicles in this class place second-row power ports below the air conditioning vents.
The Kia EV5 offers smart space solutions. The front trunk holds 67L. The luggage compartment provides 513L. It also features a foldable multi-scenario extension table. This design shows real thoughtfulness.
In terms of power, this test drive featured a single-motor model. It has a front-mounted, front-wheel-drive layout. The maximum power reaches 160 kW, and the peak torque hits 310 N·m. The driving experience feels robust. The response is quick, and the output is linear. The throttle calibration is stable. For a family car, this power tuning is just right.
The handling feels stable, similar to the power delivery. The steering offers a good feel. The feedback feels solid, not too light or devoid of resistance. It has a weightiness reminiscent of traditional luxury gasoline cars. The suspension tuning is on the firmer side for a family vehicle. It retains some road feel. It does not smooth out all the road information.
Kia EV5 features strong battery life. All models use lithium iron phosphate batteries from Fudi. Customers can choose between 64.2 kWh and 88.1 kWh capacities. The EV5 720 long-range version comes with the 88.1 kWh battery. It offers a CLTC range of 720 km. This range suits daily commuting and long trips without stress. In summary, the Kia EV5 is a practical electric SUV focused on family use. It provides ample space and thoughtful details for everyday scenarios. Its overall range performance is commendable. The vehicle feels solid and pragmatic, resembling the “honest person” often mentioned in society. It lacks flashy features. Terms like smart cockpit, advanced driving, and 800V are absent. So, would you appreciate such an “honest person”?