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The Kia PV5 proves SUVs are POINTLESS!

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This is the all-new Kia PV5!

It's Kia's extremely first dedicated electrical van-meets-MPV, built on a modular "Platform Beyond Vehicle" setup, and it's intending straight for the Volkswagen ID. Buzz!

Is this futuristic Korean EV useful enough for daily domesticity and business, or is it simply a sci-fi idea with sliding doors? I'm going to review it to discover!

I'll be having a look at the outside design, being in the front to evaluate out that 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and hopping in the back to see just how much legroom and headroom you actually get. Then I'll check the load space, take it out for a drive to check its efficiency and real-world range, and put it through my necessary carwow key tests!

So, should you buy, lease, or completely prevent the brand-new Kia PV5? You'll have to enjoy to discover!

Get expert cars and truck guidance from Mat & the team each time you search. Include Carwow as your top source on Google:

Mats Choice:
VW iD Buzz evaluation:
Kia EV9 review:

Chapters:
00:00 Kia PV5 Top Features & Emphasizes
01:23 0-60mph Velocity & Brake Test
03:09 Design
04:20 Interior
06:22 Bothersome Features
08:40 Great Functions
09:55 Rear seats
11:34 Boot
13:33 Town Driving
16:25 Motorway Driving
18:29 Handling
20:10 Decision

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Comments

79 responses to “The Kia PV5 proves SUVs are POINTLESS!”

  1. @syerpost Avatar
    @syerpost

    since when has 163 bhp been a problem for a van ?! The majority of VW vans are 140 / 150 BHP with 3T laden weight and are fine. Box equals practical load space

    Reply
    1. @dy7296 Avatar
      @dy7296

      Leave it to car reviewers, Americans, and Chinese to be obsessed with power to price ratio when in reality, chassis dynamics and quality matters more, which is what Japan and Europe will always prioritize.

      Reply
    2. @utlord Avatar
      @utlord

      Because HP does not cost much, Tesla and China have cheap cars with lots of HP. So it means that other car manufactures still charge “premium” for HP, while in reality HP no longer cost much.

      Reply
    3. @realjoshuaW Avatar
      @realjoshuaW

      Toyota sienna and Honda odyssey have always come with around 250hp

      Reply
    4. @robertp97 Avatar
      @robertp97

      To be fair electric cars are way heavier

      Reply
    5. @4slnk Avatar
      @4slnk

      Car journalist will always find something that bothers them instead of thinking like the normal car buyer. They’ll talk trash for interiors that are modest because “they’re not interesting enough” (Opel Corsa compared to the 208)

      Reply
  2. @pennydome Avatar
    @pennydome

    VW brought the heritage. Kia brought the homework.

    Reply
    1. @WRXMAN-ms2mm Avatar
      @WRXMAN-ms2mm

      @pennydome nailed it!

      Reply
    2. @craig8638 Avatar
      @craig8638

      VW brought an overpriced product with not enough range.

      Reply
    3. @purwantiallan5089 Avatar
      @purwantiallan5089

      ​@craig8638and also three Times more expensive.

      Reply
    4. @hagestad Avatar
      @hagestad

      Kia brought copy of Tempo Matador with electric batteries and led lights.

      Reply
    5. @rahulan5026 Avatar
      @rahulan5026

      Kia brought the homework for Amazon delivery drivers; VW brought the heritage for people who actually enjoy driving. There’s a big difference between a utilitarian fleet box and a refined passenger EV.

      Reply
  3. @vweeter Avatar
    @vweeter

    No. It’s more like MPVs prove SUVs are pointless. MPVs are 7-seater cars that can do everything an SUV can do in terms of functionality. Sits 7-8 people or you can easily load your bikes and other stuff in the trunk. Getting on and off an MPV is a lot easier for both passenges and the drivers. Take Honda Stepwgn, Toyotal Alphard, Nissan Elgrands as an example: Electric sliding doors, boss seats in the middle row (or swap the with normal 3 seaters for the middle row). It takes up just as much space, or in many cases less space, than monster SUVs like those Land Rover ones. People sitting at the back row sit with dignity, not dog seats like SUVs.

    Reply
    1. @martinsvensson6884 Avatar
      @martinsvensson6884

      Wagons prove it too though.. An MPV is more its own category. Far more practical than an SUV. Practicality of an SUV is about same as a wagon.

      Reply
    2. @i20010 Avatar
      @i20010

      Suv’s are just for show. That’s why they’re popular…

      Reply
    3. @lionelhutz4186 Avatar
      @lionelhutz4186

      there is maybe 1%(probably less) of SUV-owners who need one because of it’s offroad-capabilities. I am a hunter and need my Suzuki Jimny. A van can’t handle driving through woods without a road in sight. But i do drive a Ford S-Max as a daily driver, so i get your point.

      Reply
  4. @stevenham1937 Avatar
    @stevenham1937

    The VW isn’t only £55 more. It’s over 50k so you’ll also get the extra premium tax of £440 per year.

    Reply
    1. @NuclearGaming129 Avatar
      @NuclearGaming129

      true

      Reply
  5. @src019 Avatar
    @src019

    Nice review,
    There is three trim levels in the UK now, Essential, Plus and new top of the range Elite trim, Elite trim adds Electric sliding side doors with power door latches, Ventilated front seats, Surround View Monitor (360-degree camera system), Blind Spot View Monitor (displays live camera feeds of blind spots in the cluster), Side parking sensors (Park Distance Warning),Two-tone full PU (artificial leather) upholster and Premium paint finish is standard. and the Passenger MY27 model year has a few upgrades Compact antenna (replaced the taller shark fin antenna) , Multi position driver armrest, Walk Away Lock (First Kia to have walk away locking) and Heat Pump is standard on the Plus and Elite and Essential 7 Seater only.

    Reply
    1. @purwantiallan5089 Avatar
      @purwantiallan5089

      Pretty much the elite trim is the best of the three.

      Reply
  6. @rowan-mckendrick Avatar
    @rowan-mckendrick

    Matt is right – it looks like one of the futuristic vehicles from an 80s or 90s sci-fi movie.
    The first campervan conversions are now emerging which are good value compared to VW based models.

    Reply
    1. @71kimg Avatar
      @71kimg

      More like a box

      Reply
    2. @purwantiallan5089 Avatar
      @purwantiallan5089

      ​@71kimgmore like one.

      Reply
  7. @rickywinthrop Avatar
    @rickywinthrop

    I hope they bring it to Canada. I really want an electric van I can afford. Mini van form factor has the highest utility kevel of all form factors and there aren’t enough good options here because idiots are still buying useless suvs and bloated trucks in droves despite gas prices to the moon.

    Reply
    1. @ned_designs_ Avatar
      @ned_designs_

      So far they’re bringing the cargo version to Canada

      Reply
    2. @ClayF303 Avatar
      @ClayF303

      For real, and the options we do have are so overpriced, what ever happened to them being an affordable family vehicle?! Sienna’s start at $55k new and go around $40k used…and that’s not even for the hybrid!! It’s absolutely ridiculous

      Reply
    3. @plutojs1099 Avatar
      @plutojs1099

      I agree, we need more choices for consumers. I’m also hoping we get the PV7 Van

      Reply
  8. @djpquickplays1244 Avatar
    @djpquickplays1244

    You need to start testing speakers/sound system matey! Would be a really useful addition as almost everyone puts the radio/spotify on often.

    Reply
    1. @Re_LiveTheMoment Avatar
      @Re_LiveTheMoment

      This is my major problem with the car, the rest is fantastic

      Reply
    2. @philhounam523 Avatar
      @philhounam523

      Some people have strange priorities!

      Reply
    3. @purwantiallan5089 Avatar
      @purwantiallan5089

      ​@Re_LiveTheMomenti wish those EV machine still maintain its old V10 sound.

      Reply
    4. @Luckyjo21 Avatar
      @Luckyjo21

      @philhounam523 Why? radio sound is important

      Reply
    5. @sophocleszachariades6721 Avatar
      @sophocleszachariades6721

      @philhounam523strange priority a good stereo?

      Reply
  9. @mikadavies660 Avatar
    @mikadavies660

    If you are paying £30,000 for all of this practical space…. Not having a leather trimmed dashboard and doors is hardly a deal breaker…. Every model of PV5 is below the £50,000 Government threshold.

    Reply
    1. @martinsvensson6884 Avatar
      @martinsvensson6884

      Absolute no reason to have a leather trimmed dashboard. Never felt anything better or more solid than the dashboards in old MBs. Like the w126 or w124. And that was some kind of plastic. Or vinyl.

      Reply
    2. @Joe.Tragos Avatar
      @Joe.Tragos

      50,000 pounds is bloody well too much for an empty box.

      Reply
    3. @marktrevett881 Avatar
      @marktrevett881

      @Joe.Tragos Agreed!

      Reply
  10. @tkmaxism Avatar
    @tkmaxism

    Why is the major criticism is that a van looks like a van?

    Reply
    1. @badbasic Avatar
      @badbasic

      He is mentally comparing it to the ID Buzz, and that’s the only thing that vehicle has over this one, looks and power.

      Reply
    2. @richardsmith579 Avatar
      @richardsmith579

      No, the ID Buzz is not attractive, this is.

      Reply
    3. @concinnus Avatar
      @concinnus

      Personally I don’t mind a van look, but a Hyundai version should be more attractive. As with the Staria vs PV7.

      Reply
    4. @hurdurdur7rl696 Avatar
      @hurdurdur7rl696

      The biggest problem is that it doesn’t look like a van. The floor isn’t flat by the rear seats. what is even up with that. It feels like every element of design is an afterthought (weird cubbies, messed up floor, under floor storage… what are all those insane decisions.

      Reply
  11. @lukeadv Avatar
    @lukeadv

    The amazing thing is the electrics for a van conversion are basically included for free with that 3kW outlet.

    Reply
    1. @Re_LiveTheMoment Avatar
      @Re_LiveTheMoment

      dont forget the heater, you don’t even get that with the VW

      Reply
    2. @paulknight5018 Avatar
      @paulknight5018

      Already a number of companies in the UK offering this, one is removable, so can be used as a normal “van/car” the other more purpose built.

      Reply
    3. @purwantiallan5089 Avatar
      @purwantiallan5089

      Did it also the same with 5kW outlets?

      Reply
    4. @Swwils Avatar
      @Swwils

      My EV9 rusted at the a pillars within 2 years. Kia say not covered. You’d be mad to buy this for a camper.

      Reply
  12. @clarkwgriswold157 Avatar
    @clarkwgriswold157

    Absolutely brilliant vehicle. Would love an 800V version with maybe a slightly bigger battery for the family holidays. 90% of the time though this would be fantastic.

    Reply
    1. @pbdqdqbpd Avatar
      @pbdqdqbpd

      내년까지만 기다리시면 800v 시스템 pv7 나와요

      Reply
    2. @axelvetter Avatar
      @axelvetter

      We won’t get that as the platform the PV5 is built on doesn’t support it. The bigger PV7 fulfills your wishes. 800 V with 350 A, bigger batteries up to 96 kW/h, more space, more powerful motor, still unter 200 cm high, removeable rear seats but also costlier.

      Reply
    3. @clarkwgriswold157 Avatar
      @clarkwgriswold157

      @axelvetterThat’ll be a belter Axel. 👍👍

      Reply
    4. @clarkwgriswold157 Avatar
      @clarkwgriswold157

      @pbdqdqbpdDiolch 👍

      Reply
    5. @AmongUs-kok Avatar
      @AmongUs-kok

      @pbdqdqbpd Kia is on FIRE!

      Reply
  13. @ampersand954 Avatar
    @ampersand954

    And there is also the PV5 WAV with a wheelchair ramp under the floor, straight from the factory. More manufacturers should follow Kia. I had a closer look at the regular PV5 at a dealership and it’s just great.

    Reply
    1. @purwantiallan5089 Avatar
      @purwantiallan5089

      It also has slightly lighter weight. 7 kgs lighter.

      Reply
  14. @fatcole1152 Avatar
    @fatcole1152

    It feels like such a mistake for KIA to not offer these in the states

    Reply
    1. @mcsike7264 Avatar
      @mcsike7264

      Vw did it with the buzz no one buys it

      Reply
    2. @fatcole1152 Avatar
      @fatcole1152

      ​@mcsike7264The buzz is way overpriced and far less capable

      Reply
    3. @mcsike7264 Avatar
      @mcsike7264

      ​@fatcole1152true ig but no ome buys vans in the us tho

      Reply
    4. @ndychung007 Avatar
      @ndychung007

      Uber drivers can make a fortune driving a PV5. Especially the airport runs.

      Reply
  15. @philjameson292 Avatar
    @philjameson292

    I honestly don’t know why we ditched the MPV craze in the 2000s to pick up the SUV craze

    Reply
    1. @atodaso1668 Avatar
      @atodaso1668

      Women

      Reply
    2. @marktrevett881 Avatar
      @marktrevett881

      Blame it on the yanks, they went bonkers for the suv first, then it migrated over here, displacing the mpv.

      Reply
    3. @isisme5002 Avatar
      @isisme5002

      Could have something to do with the difficulty of making a good MPV vs the cheapness of sticking bigger wheels and some plastics on a hatchback and calling it SUV😅😅😅😅😅
      It’s all the fucking money😢

      Reply
    4. @LuMack Avatar
      @LuMack

      Last year I bought a Seat Alhambra (same car a the VW Sharan) from 2022, just from when they stopped selling it, it’s fantastic, and still doesn’t have an equal now.

      Reply
    5. @davidcolin6519 Avatar
      @davidcolin6519

      TBF, these didn’t really go away. Unfortunately, the best (Renault Espace) did. But the Stellantis offerings never went away. We had a Citroen Jumpy in Spain, and was utterly brilliant. I’ve been in the latest version, and it is very much a competitor for the PV5, but without the warranty🤔. Very similar price, too.

      Reply
  16. @captainphilips5469 Avatar
    @captainphilips5469

    Only issue with this is that nobody is having big families anymore.

    Its out of style, what is in style is having a huge SUV for 1 person to shuttle to work in, and maybe fit a dog in the back.

    Reply
    1. @christoffero89 Avatar
      @christoffero89

      Family of 4, soon 5. All 3 kidd in car seats. Ordered this van since it can fit 3 kids in same row with car seats

      Reply
    2. @adriancarey7848 Avatar
      @adriancarey7848

      Of course they are but they don’t work.

      Reply
    3. @alanbuxey Avatar
      @alanbuxey

      @christoffero89 yep, family of 5 here but such family sizes are not as common as they used to be. Even the 2+2 nuclear family is a thing of the past.

      Reply
    4. @MathewColeman-y2i Avatar
      @MathewColeman-y2i

      @adriancarey7848 Yep, they all claim pip 😒

      Reply
  17. @AndrewP-l1k Avatar
    @AndrewP-l1k

    Love the transitions of you moving from the drivers seat and back to the rear seat!

    Reply
  18. @andycopland6589 Avatar
    @andycopland6589

    Took delivery of ours a few weeks ago, absolutely love it. The only issues we have are nit picks and would have been solved by the new elite spec, but we couldnt wait until next year.

    Reply
    1. @JMB1891 Avatar
      @JMB1891

      What would those be?

      Reply
    2. @tko5889 Avatar
      @tko5889

      Exactly this! We bought ours 4 wks ago and we’re picking up a Campal pod/Skyline Pop top soon

      Reply
  19. @gregtudanca. Avatar
    @gregtudanca.

    Happy to hear Mat Watson watches Mat Armstrong

    Reply
    1. @MathewColeman-y2i Avatar
      @MathewColeman-y2i

      I’d love to see him take part in one of the Carwow drag races

      Reply
  20. @jaker3151 Avatar
    @jaker3151

    If you owned this, you could do airport runs and such as a side hustle. The range might not be enough to make it a full-time Uber vehicle, but it should be fine for scheduled bookings.

    Reply
    1. @tko5889 Avatar
      @tko5889

      Have definitely considered this.. if you’re charging on cheap rate/solar from home, it’s a bit of a goldmine!

      Reply

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