The passenger version of the Kia PV5 gets 249 miles of range

Fresh off the back of releasing a few exterior images the other day, Kia has now fully unveiled its new, mid-sized PV5 van. Wouldn’t look out of place in yet another RoboCop remake.

Full details were revealed at the Kia EV Day in Tarragona, Spain, with confirmation that Passenger and Cargo variations will be available from launch, with sales starting in Korea and Europe in the second half of 2025. Other variants including a Chassis Cab, Crew Cab, ‘Light Camper’, Freezer Box, Drop Side and WAV (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle) will follow.

So, let’s kick off with the PV5 Passenger. We now know that it’ll be available with either a 51.5kWh or 71.2kWh battery, while a front-mounted electric motor will provide 161bhp and 184lb ft of torque. For the bigger battery version, max range is quoted as 249 miles. That’s slightly less than the 280-290 miles you’re promised from a Volkswagen ID.Buzz. Kia reckons a 10-80 per cent rapid charge should take just 30 minutes though, and we’re told its ‘cell-to-pack’ battery system eliminates the need for lots of different modules in the battery, resulting in improved energy efficiency.

The interior of the Passenger features a three-row layout, and in the pictures and press releases we’ve seen so far there has been evidence of a 2-3-0 layout for five seats and a funky 1-2-3 layout for drivers that need six seats and plenty of personal space. Kia apparently consulted Uber during the early stages of PV5 development, so expect to see your ride-hailing provider of choice using these things in the coming years.

The exterior design is apparently inspired by Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ philosophy, and the black plastic cladding and sturdy bumpers are meant to give the PV5 a ‘robust’ lower section, while the glass-filled top half blends with funky LED lighting for a more ‘sleek’ look. Well, it’s about as sleek as a large box on wheels can get, we guess. Oh, and you’ll be able to tell the Passenger from the Cargo because the former has a lift-up tailgate. And more windows, of course.

The Cargo is the proper van version available in three specs: Standard, Long and High Roof. Cargo space is up to 5.1m3 in the back, and there’s enough room for two Euro pallets. An L-track mounting system is optional for the rear too, and there’s V2L functionality back there to charge tools etc. The Standard and Long versions get a two-seat layout as standard but can be optioned with a third seat in the middle. The High Roof version can be had in Walk-Through spec with a ‘sinking passenger seat’ and a sliding door through to the cargo area.

The PV5 Cargo also gets the 71.2kWh and 51.5kWh battery options, and there’s an additional 43.3kWh option that’ll presumably be the cheapest and the pick of the bunch for city-based delivery vans. All PV5s are based on Kia’s new, snappily named E-GMP.S platform, which provides a flat skateboard on which to plonk any kind of body style. Oh, and Kia’s ‘Flexible Body System’ apparently means that creating those body styles is essentially just like building a giant, van-sized puzzle.

No matter which PV5 you go for though, all get a seven-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.9in infotainment screen, with the latter running an Android Automotive OS. There’s also plenty of eco-friendly materials including a thermoplastic olefin (TPO) floor that’s apparently a durable and easy-to-clean alternative to PVC. Plenty of little storage spots dotted about the cabin too, and there’s 'Kia AddGear' zones that allow you to fit customised storage solutions.

“Modern vehicles have become incredibly complex, but with the PV5, Kia has united multiple cutting-edge technologies toward the goal of simplifying users’ mobility experiences,” said Kia boss Ho Sung Song.

“This removes complexity from their personal transport needs and frees them to focus on the pursuit of their ambitions and fulfilment of their passions.”

What do you reckon then, TG readers? This or an ID.Buzz to help you fulfil your passions?