When Kia announced it was entering the commercial vehicle market, I'll admit I was sceptical.
Building a successful family hatchback or SUV is one thing. Producing a van that tradespeople, couriers and fleet operators will trust to earn their living is something entirely different.
I'd actually been looking forward to driving the PV5 ever since Kia unveiled it at the UK's Commercial Vehicle Show in April 2025. The concept looked refreshingly different, the specifications were promising, and Kia's ambition to reinvent commercial vehicles sounded exciting. It has taken a little longer than I would have liked to finally get behind the wheel, but after spending around 100 miles with the Kia PV5 Cargo L2/H1 Essential Long Range, I can honestly say it has exceeded my expectations.
More importantly, it surprised me. Not because of its range. Not because of its technology. But because after ten minutes behind the wheel, I genuinely stopped thinking about the fact I was driving a van. That is perhaps the biggest compliment I can give the Kia PV5.
My history with Kia
This review feels slightly personal. Back in the late 2000s I was actually offered a job with Kia. I turned it down. At the time, Kia built dependable cars with outstanding warranties, but they simply didn't excite me. Fast forward a decade and I found myself working for a Kia dealer group, by which point the transformation was remarkable. Models like the Sportage, EV6 and EV9 proved Kia wasn't just making sensible cars anymore - it was making genuinely desirable ones.
The PV5 feels like the next chapter in that story. Rather than adapting an existing diesel van, Kia has designed the PV5 as a dedicated electric commercial vehicle from the ground up. That decision influences almost every aspect of the driving experience.
Different by design
Let's address the elephant in the room. The styling will divide opinion. It's futuristic, boxy and unlike almost anything else on the road. Some buyers will love it, while others may prefer the more traditional appearance of a Ford Transit Custom or Citroën ë-Berlingo. When I first saw the press photographs, I wasn't entirely convinced either. However, seeing the van in person completely changed my opinion.
The proportions work much better in the metal, and after spending several days with it, I realised Kia wasn't trying to create the prettiest van on the market. It was trying to create something instantly recognisable. Mission accomplished. If one drives past you, you'll know exactly what it is.
My test vehicle was finished in Cityscape Green, and I actually think it's one of the best colours available. It gives the PV5 some personality without looking overly flashy, and it's a refreshing alternative to yet another white commercial vehicle.
Dimensions and practicality
The PV5 occupies a particularly clever position in the market.
It measures:
- Length: 4,695mm
- Width: 1,895mm
- Height: 1,923mm
- Wheelbase: 2,995mm
Those numbers tell an interesting story.
It's virtually the same width as a Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo, slightly shorter than both the ID. Buzz and the Citroën ë-Berlingo XL, while sitting neatly between them in overall height. In practice, that means it never feels intimidating to drive around town, yet still offers genuinely useful cargo space. Round the back you'll find 4.4 cubic metres of load capacity and over 2.25 metres of load length. That's plenty of room for tools, equipment, parcels or trade supplies. The loading lip is only 419mm from the ground, making heavy lifting noticeably easier than many conventional vans, while the wide rear doors and generous opening make loading bulky items straightforward. For many businesses, that low loading height will become one of the vehicle's biggest everyday advantages.
Interior: More EV than van
This is where the PV5 won me over. Step inside and it simply doesn't feel like a commercial vehicle. The cabin is bright, airy and surprisingly spacious. Huge windows flood the interior with natural light, while the dashboard feels clean and uncluttered rather than industrial. Visibility is excellent. The driving position is spot on, giving you that commanding view of the road without making you feel perched uncomfortably high. Interestingly, because the floor is so low, climbing out is effortless. Rather than jumping down from a traditional van, you simply step out naturally. It sounds insignificant until you've done it repeatedly throughout the day.
Storage is another strong point. Large door bins, useful shelves, plenty of cup holders and clever storage compartments mean there's somewhere for everything, whether that's paperwork, gloves, phones or charging cables.
It's obvious the people designing this vehicle understood how commercial drivers actually use their vans.
Technology: Exactly how it should be
Kia's experience with passenger cars really shines through here. The infotainment system is responsive, intuitive and refreshingly simple to use. Better still, owners can download additional applications through the Android Automotive platform, allowing the system to evolve over time rather than becoming outdated after a couple of years.
One feature I particularly appreciated was the range display. Instead of simply telling you how many miles remain, the system also displays optimistic and pessimistic estimates, giving you a much clearer understanding of how driving style or weather conditions might affect your remaining journey. It's such a simple idea, yet incredibly useful.
The sound system also deserves credit. Many commercial vehicles treat audio quality as an afterthought, but if you're spending eight or nine hours behind the wheel listening to music, podcasts or taking business calls, it genuinely makes a difference.
Driver assistance systems
Modern vehicles are packed with driver assistance technology. Unfortunately, many of them become irritating very quickly. Thankfully, Kia has struck an excellent balance. Adaptive cruise control works smoothly. Lane Keeping Assist gently supports rather than constantly fighting your steering inputs. The various safety systems quietly do their job in the background without endlessly chiming or demanding your attention. It makes for a far more relaxed driving experience.
On the road: The biggest surprise
The biggest surprise wasn't the range. It wasn't the charging. It wasn't even the technology. It was just how car-like the entire driving experience feels. The steering is beautifully judged. It's light enough to make parking and manoeuvring incredibly easy, but there's still enough resistance and feedback that you never feel disconnected from the road. Many electric vans can feel numb. The PV5 doesn't.
Ride quality is excellent too. Potholes and poor road surfaces are dealt with confidently, while motorway refinement is genuinely impressive. Road noise is well suppressed, the cabin remains quiet at speed and overall comfort is among the best I've experienced in this class. After only a few miles, I found myself forgetting I was driving a van altogether. For anyone spending long hours travelling between jobs, that's a significant advantage.
Regenerative braking
Kia's regenerative braking system is another highlight. Multiple levels can be selected depending on your preference, while i-Pedal mode allows genuine one-pedal driving in many situations. Even smarter, if you're using the built-in navigation, the van can automatically adjust regenerative braking intensity depending on the road ahead, slowing naturally for junctions, roundabouts and changing speed limits. It's seamless. It's intelligent. And it simply works.
Mirrors and visibility
Sometimes it's the small details that impress. The exterior mirrors are an excellent size and shape, providing outstanding rearward visibility without feeling oversized. Combined with the light steering and excellent cameras, manoeuvring the PV5 through tight streets and awkward parking spaces feels remarkably stress-free.
How does it compare?
Most buyers will probably be considering three alternatives. The Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo offers distinctive styling and lifestyle appeal, but the Kia provides more usable load space at a significantly lower purchase price.
The Citroën ë-Berlingo XL (along with its Peugeot and Vauxhall siblings) remains a fleet favourite, yet the Kia feels considerably more modern inside and offers greater official range.
If outright payload is your priority, the MAXUS eDeliver 5 deserves consideration.
However, for businesses wanting the best balance of comfort, technology, practicality and everyday usability, I believe the Kia occupies a sweet spot that very few rivals currently match.
Should you buy one?
If you're regularly transporting over a tonne of equipment every day, you'll probably want something larger. Likewise, if you simply want the cheapest electric van available, there are alternatives. However, if you're looking for an electric commercial vehicle that feels modern, is packed with technology, offers excellent refinement and makes long working days noticeably more comfortable, the PV5 should sit very close to the top of your shortlist.
It also benefits from Kia's excellent seven-year warranty, reassuring dealer network and growing reputation for producing dependable electric vehicles.
Pros
- One of the most car-like driving experiences in the class
- Bright, spacious and thoughtfully designed cabin
- Excellent infotainment and technology
- Superb ride comfort and refinement
- Low loading height improves practicality
- Strong official driving range
- Outstanding warranty
Cons
- Styling won't appeal to everyone
- Payload won't suit every business
- New entrant to the commercial vehicle market means long-term residual values are still developing
Verdict
When I first heard Kia was building a van, I genuinely wondered whether it could compete with the established names. Having now driven it, I think the answer is yes. In fact, I think it's done something even more impressive. Rather than simply producing another electric van, Kia has created a commercial vehicle that feels remarkably similar to driving one of its passenger cars. That transforms the ownership experience. It's comfortable. It's refined. It's intuitive. And after spending time behind the wheel, I completely understand why it has already collected so many awards.
The Kia PV5 isn't the biggest van on the market. Nor is it the cheapest. But for the vast majority of sole traders, small businesses, fleet operators and delivery drivers, I believe it's one of the most complete electric commercial vehicles currently on sale.
Rating: 9.5/10
Would I recommend it?
Absolutely.
If you're considering making the switch to an electric van, the Kia PV5 deserves to be one of the very first vehicles on your test-drive list.
