Developed from the ground up as a purpose-built vehicle (PBV), the Kia PV5 is designed for modularity, with up to 16 possible versions. Kia has launched the Passenger and Cargo versions first, and we had the chance to examine both at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show. After covering our impressions of the passenger application, here’s a closer look at the van.
Exterior
The PV5 Cargo adopts a straightforward, functional design aimed at maximizing utility. At 184.8 in. long, 74.6 in. wide, and 74.7 in. tall, with a 117.9 in. wheelbase, it fits neatly within the midsize van segment. Kia will introduce a short body option at a later stage, measuring 177.0 in. in length.
Standard features include 16-inch steel wheels, LED headlights, LED rear lights, and body-colored bumpers with black moldings. Rain-sensing wipers, heated mirrors with LED indicators, and optional premium paints such as Cityscape Green and Midnight Black add a touch of style.
Interior
The PV5 Cargo’s cabin focuses on practicality while integrating modern features. Cloth upholstery, height-adjustable front seats, and a two-spoke bio-artificial leather steering wheel are standard. The driver benefits from a manual seat height adjuster and an armrest, while under-seat trays on both sides offer hidden storage.
A 12.9-inch touchscreen supports navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, paired with a 7.5-inch driver display. Over-the-air updates and Kia Connect services are included, ensuring long-term functionality.
Essential equipment such as automatic air conditioning, a start/stop button, and electric windows are standard across trims. The higher “Plus” grade adds heated seats, a heated steering wheel, wireless phone charging, and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability for powering external devices.
Cargo illumination comes from LED lighting, and customers can choose dual sliding doors for added convenience. A flat load floor, low side step of 15.7 in., and modular repair-friendly components like three-piece bumpers underline the van’s business-ready nature.
For the cargo area, Kia provides a low step-in height of 16.5 in. at the rear to simplify loading. Wide side and rear openings accommodate bulky items, and the usable load volume stands at 155.4 cu. ft.
The 52.3 in. width between the wheel arches allows operators to carry two Euro pallets. LED lighting enhances visibility, while customers can opt for dual sliding doors for greater convenience. A flat load floor and modular repair-friendly components like three-piece bumpers underline the van’s business-ready nature.
Our experience with the Kia PV5 Cargo
Getting into the cabin requires a small step up, similar to the passenger version. Once seated in the driver’s seat, I noticed that I had generous headroom of roughly nine to ten inches. The seat offered good back support and solid lumbar support, and the under-thigh support felt adequate.
The armrest is angled slightly upward, which gives a relaxed and comfortable feel for the driver, though I would have preferred it to be longer for added support. There is no seat recline function here, as Kia has prioritized maximizing cargo space. Overall, I felt that the PV5 Cargo’s interior is much better in terms of comfort and refinement than most vans in this class.
The Kia PV5 Cargo offers a wide and flat load floor with minimal intrusions, making it easy to utilize the full space. The tall roof allows users to stand and move around comfortably, while the large side and rear openings simplify loading and unloading bulky items. Reinforced flooring and multiple anchor points suggest the van is designed for serious commercial duty and easy upfitting.
Specifications
The Kia PV5 Cargo sits on the E-GMP.S (Electric-Global Modular Platform for Service), engineered exclusively for PBVs. Kia manufactures the new electric van in two variants.
In the base variant, Kia uses a 51.5 kWh NCM battery pack and a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) generating 120 hp and 184 lb.-ft. torque. The top variant upgrades to a 71.2 kWh NCM battery pack and a higher-output PMSM that develops 161 hp and 184 lb.-ft. of torque.
The PV5 Cargo offers a payload capacity of 1,642 lbs. in the base variant and 1,422 lbs. in the top variant. The electric van delivers a WLTP range of 184 miles in the former and 258 miles in the latter. Both its battery packs support charging at up to 22 kW (AC)/150 kW DC, and Kia states a common minimum 10-80% charging time of less than 30 minutes.
Price & Release Date
Kia has already launched the PV5 Cargo in the domestic market and European countries. In the UK, the new electric van retails at GBP 27,645 (excl. VAT). It is unlikely that the PV5 Cargo will be launched in the U.S. due to the prevailing ‘Chicken Tax,’ which would make the vehicle unreasonably expensive.
International Automotive News Editor since 2014, covering global motor shows, industry events, and test-driving various vehicles, with a focus on hybrid and electric cars in recent years.
