The KIA EV5 In Kenya: My First Impressions Of The KES. 10 Million Electric SUV

A few months ago, I had the opportunity to experience the Kia EV5, Kia’s latest fully electric SUV, up close and personal at Caetano Kenya’s Mombasa Road showroom in Nairobi, so this post has been percolating for awhile! Its a distinctive looking SUV and these in particular were some of of the first EV5 units in Kenya So, as an electric vehicle (EV) enthusiast of sorts, I couldn’t resist checking them out!

That being said, I’m am currently recovering from leg surgery and couldn’t take a test drive, shortly after visiting the showroom. However, I did spend ample time exploring the EV5’s design, interior, and technology features from a showroom perspective.

Below I share my first-hand impressions — blended with official specifications — on the EV5’s unique design language, spacious interior, charging capabilities, and what its arrival means for Kenya (And yes, I’ve included photos from the showroom for a visual feel!)

An Unconventional Design Language

The EV5’s exterior design immediately commands attention. Kia has rooted this model in its ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy, which gives the EV5 a confident, robust presence on the road. At the front, it sports a wide, clamshell bonnet and a clean, grille-less “Digital Tiger Face” flanked by distinctive vertical LED headlights a that form a futuristic looking front-end. The stance is pure SUV — muscular yet modern.

From the side, the EV5 has a boxy yet dynamic silhouette with a strong shoulder line and squared-off wheel arches, riding on eye-catching alloy wheels that feature sharp geometric patterns (18-inches on the Kenyan specification model). The combination of bold surfaces and clever lighting elements gives the EV5 a concept-car-like look — and one that definitely turns heads as it looks quite unique and unorthodox.

The back-end of the EV5 with its vertically oriented LED lights continues the futuristic-yet-functional theme. Overall, Kia’s new design language makes the EV5 look like nothing else on Kenyan roads — it’s fresh, forward-looking, and unmistakably electric in character.

Spacious, Modern Interior & Comfort

Stepping inside the EV5, I was greeted by a minimalist, airy cabin that feels more high-technology lounge than traditional car interior. Kia has maximized space thanks to the dedicated EV platform’s flat floor, yielding a remarkably open and people-friendly layout. The first thing you notice is the wide panoramic display spanning the dashboard — a seamless glass panel integrating the 12.3-inch digital driver’s cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a bonus 5-inch panel for climate controls.

This single curved display (nearly 25 inches end-to-end) gives the dash a sleek, uncluttered look and puts technology at your fingertips. Swiping through the menus felt intuitive, and the graphics are crisp. The ambient mood lighting and tasteful use of materials (the model on show had two-tone cloth upholstery with soft-touch dash inserts) contribute to a calming, premium atmosphere.

Despite the EV5’s relatively compact footprint, legroom and headroom are generous in both rows — I could sit behind my own (driver) seat with room to spare, thanks to smart packaging. The rear doors open wide, and the back seat can comfortably seat three adults with a flat floor allowing easy foot placement.

Cargo space is another strong point: the EV5 provides around 752 liters of boot space with the rear seats up — plenty for family road trips. I peeked into the boot and noted thoughtful touches like luggage hooks and side storage bins to secure smaller items.

The rear seats also fold fully flat (you can even remove a small cargo floor panel to achieve a zero-degree flat surface), merging with the trunk to create a van-like expanse for big cargo or even a makeshift bed on an overnight adventure. The EV5’s cabin delivers a smart balance of comfort and utility that modern SUV buyers will appreciate.

Technology & Features Galore

If you enjoy technology in your car, the EV5 will not disappoint. This EV is loaded with modern features and driver aids, many of which come standard on the Kenya-specification EV5. The centerpiece is that dual-screen setup running Kia’s latest infotainment software — complete with navigation, Bluetooth voice recognition, and wireless smartphone mirroring for Android Auto/Apple CarPlay.

During my showroom demo, I checked out the settings and the system was responsive whilst the graphics extended seamlessly across the panoramic display, making maps and menus easy to view at a glance. Other technology comforts included dual-zone automatic climate control (with physical knobs and the 5-inch touch panel, so climate adjustments are straightforward) and a robust audio system.

The EV5 also features Kia’s Digital Key and keyless push-button start, meaning you can unlock or start the car via smartphone or key fob easily. I was particularly impressed by the surround sensors and cameras — front and rear parking sensors plus a rear-view parking camera are built-in, which will help navigate tight parking spots that exist everywhere in Nairobi and the rest of Kenya.

In terms of safety technology, the EV5 is equipped with a full array of airbags (front, side, and curtain) and electronic aids like ABS, ESC (stability control), Hill-start assist, and more as standard. Although I couldn’t test features like adaptive cruise or lane assist in a showroom, Kia globally offers advanced driver aids (in other markets, even Driving Assist and Remote Smart Parking Assist are available).

The Kenyan specification EV5 comes well stocked with essentials — including a tyre pressure monitoring system and cruise control for long distance trips. In a nutshell, I came away feeling that the EV5 doesn’t skimp on the technology or safety aspects; it looks and feels like a truly modern and technology laden vehicle. From its widescreen digital cockpit to conveniences like power-folding mirrors and auto headlights, this SUV brings a level of technology and detailing that justifies its premium status in Kia’s EV lineup here.

Electric Performance & Charging Capabilities

Beyond the design and gadgets, the EV5’s electric performance and charging technology are what truly set it apart from conventional SUVs. The EV5’s is equippd with a 64.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack paired with a front-mounted electric motor delivering about 160 kW (215 hp) and 310 Nm of torque. Though I wasn’t able to drive it, the specifications indicate a decent 0–100 km/h time of 8.5 seconds — quick enough with the instant torque EVs are known for.

The EV5 should have no trouble overtaking, all with seamless single-gear acceleration and, of course, near-silent operation (a nice bonus in typical city commuting chaos). Kia claims an electric range of up to 400 km per charge on the standard battery, which means you can comfortably cover daily commuting and even Nairobi–Nakuru round trips, freeing you from “range anxiety” on typical routines.

Crucially, the charging flexibility on the EV5 is excellent. It supports both 400V and 800V fast charging architectures without needing any special adapter. In practical terms, that means you can plug into a common 50 kW or 100 kW DC fast charger and recharge quickly when on the go. Kia also says the EV5 has a fast-charge time of just 7 minutes to top up from 10% to 80% using a 100 kW DC charger — that’s basically a brief coffee stop at a Java House or Art Caffe when you are on the move!

In the showroom, I also inspected the charging port, which has both the AC Type 2 and DC CCS socket for compatibility with local charging stations. For home or office charging on AC (using the included portable charger or a wall box), it takes roughly 9 hours to fully charge — easy to do overnight while you sleep.

Another feature that wowed me is Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability. The EV5 can act as a giant power source — there’s an adapter that lets you run or charge external devices (laptops, a fridge, power tools, you name it) straight from the car’s charging port or the interior outlet in the boot. This is a game-changer for off-grid trips or during power outages — you could literally keep the lights on at home or make some coffee at a campsite using your EV5’s battery.

It’s clear that Kia designed the EV5 not just for driving, but as a multi-purpose technology platform for a myriad of use cases. The EV5 also comes with regenerative braking and one-pedal driving modes which lets drivers maximize efficiency and range in stop-and-go traffic. In short, charging and powering devices with the EV5 is convenient and forward-thinking, which adds tremendous value beyond just moving from point A to B.

Price, Operational Cost Benefits, & Financing Options

Let’s talk numbers: The Kia EV5 comes with a premium price tag in Kenya — around KES 10,000,000 as per Caetano Kenya’s information. That estimated price certainly positions the EV5 at the higher end of the market (on par with luxury ICE SUVs). However, it’s important to view that cost in context.

First, as an electric vehicle, the EV5 offers significant operating cost benefits over a comparable petrol or diesel SUV. Charging the EV5’s 64 kWh battery to full (for 400 km range) might cost roughly KES 1,500–2,000 in electricity — whereas driving a petrol SUV for 400 km could consume fuel worth around KES 6,000–7,000 (given today’s fuel prices).

In fact, studies in Kenya have found that electric vehicles generally cost about KES 400 in electricity per 100 km, versus roughly KSh 1,200 in fuel for petrol cars. That’s one-third the cost per kilometer — savings that add up significantly over the years. Plus, EVs have fewer moving parts and don’t require costly oil changes, meaning maintenance is typically cheaper and simpler (no engine tune-ups, no exhaust issues, etc).

For daily commuters and businesses, those lower operating costs can make the total cost of ownership (TCO) very compelling, even if the upfront price is high. There’s also the non-monetary benefit of zero emissions, which contributes to cleaner air — a growing concern in Kenya as more and more ICE vehicles enter the market.

Indeed, Kenya’s Government has been encouraging EV adoption through tax incentives (import duty and VAT exemptions on EVs have been discussed in recent finance bills), so policy is moving in favour of electric mobility as well.

Now, if that KES 10 Million price sounds intimidating, Caetano Kenya has partnered with banks to ease the pain. They’re offering financing options through various banks, some providing up to 100% asset financing with repayment periods as long as 72 months. This approach is smart — it spreads the cost and aligns with the EV’s lower running expenses: essentially, you use a portion of your fuel savings each month to help pay the installment.

As a keen observer of Kenya’s automotive market space, it’s encouraging to see such supportive financing schemes making EVs more accessible. It signals confidence that electric vehicles are here to stay. However, as expected, early adopters will still need to budget for the higher upfront cost, the combination of long-term savings and financing offers (not to mention the 8-year/160,000 km battery warranty for peace of mind) makes the case for the EV5 quite strong.

Final Thoughts & Looking Ahead

In summary, my showroom experience with the Kia EV5 left a very positive impression. This is a vehicle that blends bold design, innovative technology, and everyday practicality in a way few SUVs on our market currently do. Even without a test drive, I could sense the EV5’s well-rounded character — it’s not just a pretty face or a technology demo, but a thoughtfully engineered SUV that could suit family duties just as well as it does the daily office commute or weekend adventure.

Its unique design language sets it apart visually, the interior showcases Kia’s leap into a high-technology era (while still being user-friendly), and the electric drive brings the benefits of smooth, quiet performance and low running costs. Yes, the price is high today, but it mirrors the global trend for new EV models — and as adoption increases, we can expect more affordable variants in a few years time.

On a personal note, I’m eagerly looking forward to actually driving the EV5 once I’m back on my feet (literally!). As someone who has driven various EVs, I suspect the EV5’s driving dynamics will be similar to its siblings — instant torque and refined ride — but with the added bonus of that SUV comfort and visibility.

The EV5 also represents a broader movement: it’s part of the fast-growing EV ecosystem in Kenya. Just in the past year, we’ve seen more charging stations pop up in Nairobi and other towns, and initiatives by Kenya Power and private firms to expand charging infrastructure. Early adopters of EVs like the EV5 aren’t just buying a car; they’re pioneers in Kenya’s transition to cleaner transport.

If you’re considering making the jump to an EV, the Kia EV5 is a compelling package that shows how far the technology has come. It’s stylish, spacious, packed with technology, and promises an entirely new driving experience free of petrol stations and oil changes.

I’ll continue to keep an eye (and eventually both hands) on the EV5. In the meantime, feel free to reach out with any questions about my first impressions. The electric future has well and truly arrived on Kenya’s roads— and the Kia EV5 is a bold sign of what’s to come.