Rashad Iskandrni

Kia EV5 Underscores Industry-Leading Quality, Beating Key Rivals in Top German Media Test

September, 2026: Kia's EV5 electric SUV has once again demonstrated its industry-leading credentials with a first place finish in a comparative evaluation conducted by renowned German automotive magazine, Auto Motor Und Sport. Surpassing several best-selling competitors from markets including the United States and China.

The evaluation reiterated the EV5 GT-Line’s outstanding ability across seven categories:

·        Body design

·        Safety

·        Convenience

·        Powertrain

·        Driving performance

·        Environmental friendliness

·        Cost-effectiveness

In the body design category, the EV5 earned 100 points, outpacing its US rival by 24 points and leading Auto Motor und Sport to comment: "The EV5 delivers the confident, open-feeling characteristic of SUVs with its elevated seating position and extended hood, and features spacious, comfortable seats and generous second row and cargo space (566-1,650 liters) ".

In the safety category, the score difference between the two models was larger still, with a 29-point gap separating the EV5 from the chasing pack. This was partly thanks to the EV5 achieving the shortest braking distance in the entire test, recording exceptional distances (35.1m/35.0m) in both cold and warm conditions from 100 km/h to a complete stop.

In the convenience category, the EV5 won by 11 points, with the judges noting: "The EV5 offers the best operational convenience, as drivers can directly control the regenerative braking strength and one-pedal drive function via steering wheel paddles."

The EV5 went on to claim victory in the driving performance category by nine points, with the reviewers concluding: "The EV5 most stably controlled road surface irregularities and demonstrated a highly refined driving experience."

When combined, these results contributed to a 31-point victory in the final standings, with the EV5 GT-Line’s 588 points leaving it well clear of the second (557 points) third, (541 points) and fourth (528 points) placed vehicles.

The win is the latest in a series of group test and award victories for Kia, a testament to the brand’s extensive engineering and validation programs. Well before a Kia reaches customers, it undergoes a rigorous series of digital and physical prototype, proving-ground and public road evaluations. Vehicles are assessed on a wide variety of surfaces, under a broad range of weather conditions, with engineers constantly seeking to refine areas such as ride and handling, reliability, economy, packaging and ergonomics.

A Kia official stated, "It is particularly meaningful that we received high scores in areas that actual drivers experience daily, such as braking performance and operational convenience. Going forward, we will continue to prioritize real-world usability and safety to earn and expand customer trust."

The Kia EV5 is the brand’s latest entry in the competitive C-SUV segment. A versatile, family-focused, five-seat SUV, it is built on Kia’s dedicated Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). The EV5 embodies the brand’s “Opposites United” design philosophy, featuring a bold, boxy silhouette, signature “Star Map” LED lighting, and a modern, high-tech tiger face.

At its core, all versions of the vehicle are equipped with a long-range 81.4-kilowatt-hour battery pack paired with a front-mounted electric motor, delivering a maximum range of up to 329 miles on a single charge along with fast-charging capabilities that can replenish the battery from 10 to 80 percent in just 30 minutes.

Inside, the EV5 prioritizes comfort, utility, and cutting-edge technology, boasting a unified panoramic display that integrates a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 5.3-inch climate control screen, along with second-row seats that fold completely flat to maximize cargo space for active lifestyles.

For buyers seeking an even more dynamic aesthetic and enhanced functionality, the GT-Line version of the EV5 tested introduces several exclusive features and sporty styling upgrades. The variant stands out with aggressive front and rear bumpers, high-gloss black design cues, and stylized 19-inch alloy wheels that amplify its athletic appeal.

While the GT-Line comes standard with a front-wheel-drive configuration, it also offers an optional all-wheel-drive setup that adds a 35-kilowatt rear-mounted induction motor for increased power, torque, and traction. In terms of technology and convenience, the GT-Line elevates the cabin experience with standard Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability—allowing owners to power external electronics directly from the car's high-voltage battery—as well as a wireless mobile phone charging pad, customizable ambient lighting and a smart power tailgate.

 

It is worth noting that Aljabr Trading Company, Kia’s authorized distributor in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, offers customers a diverse range of Kia vehicles, complemented by comprehensive after-sales services, maintenance, and genuine spare parts, providing an integrated and seamless ownership experience.

Learn more: kia.com/aljabr