Spending time around the Kia PV5, the South Korean automaker’s first purpose-built vehicle (PBV), it is clear that it represents a fresh take on light commercial vehicles (LCVs), offering a new level of flexibility.
Designed and engineered from the ground up for this segment, the midsize PBV is configurable in 16 versions, including chassis cab, cargo, and passenger. At the 2025 Japan Mobility Show, we had an opportunity to experience the new electric model’s passenger version in person. Here’s what we found:
Design
The Kia PV5 applies the Opposites United design language to a light commercial vehicle with a clean and functional approach. It is consistent with what we observed when viewing the PV5 Concept last year in France.
The upper body is simple and modern, while the lower portion is reinforced with geometric cladding and modular bumper pieces that can be replaced after minor damage. LED headlamps are integrated into the bumper to reduce repair costs, and front and rear bumpers are split into sections for easier servicing. Black wheel-arch cladding and rocker panels are durable and designed for quick swaps.
Despite the extended footprint, Kia quotes an 18.0 ft turning radius, making the PBV suitable for city streets and tight loading areas. Visibility benefits from a low cowl, a wide windshield, and large quarter glass, all of which should help reduce blind spots in urban driving.
Interior
The Kia PV5’s cabin has been designed as a connected workspace, with digital tools and modular storage supporting both business and personal use. A 7.5-inch digital cluster sits beside a 12.9-inch infotainment screen, which runs an Android Automotive-based system tailored for PBV applications.
Fleet operators can integrate third-party apps through the Pleos marketplace, while body functions for conversion models are controlled directly via the interface.
Practical storage is built into the dashboard, doors, and center area, ensuring quick access to everyday items. Kia’s AddGear platform allows accessories such as phone mounts, payment terminals, and printers to be attached easily, while roof mounting points and L-Track interfaces extend flexibility for professional tools.
Experience in the Kia PV5
Getting into the front seats of the Kia PV5 requires a small step up, but it is manageable. Once seated, I had ample space and excellent headroom thanks to the tall roofline. The driver’s seat offered good back support and solid under-thigh support, and the adjustable lumbar function further improved comfort. Headroom was extremely generous, with roughly nine to ten inches available in my preferred seating position.
Accessing the rear seat was easier, as the floor sits much lower. Under-thigh support was acceptable, and I appreciated the ability to stretch my legs and rest my feet on the floor area beneath the front seats. Headroom was again more than plentiful, exceeding ten inches. The rear seat reclines to a noticeable level, which would enhance comfort on longer journeys.
There is no fold-out center armrest, but Kia includes rear AC vents, heated outboard seats, a 100-volt AC outlet, two USB-C ports integrated into the seatbacks, and seatback pockets. The sliding rear doors open and close electrically via a button on the B-pillar, making entry and exit effortless.
Specifications
The PV5 debuts Hyundai Motor Group’s E-GMP.S platform with an Integrated Modular Architecture that standardizes batteries, motors, suspension, and underbody structures. Key power electronics live in a dedicated compartment to free cabin length, and a low floor comes from an optimized suspension layout.
A multi-skeletal crash structure with ultra-high-tensile steel aims to protect occupants and the battery. Serviceability has been considered, with modular brackets and shared parts to lower total cost of ownership.
Kia’s Flexible Body System underpins the variant spread. A common front cabin mates to rear modules that can switch roof height, quarter glass, and overhang length. Kia offers the passenger version only as a five-seater, but it has confirmed plans to introduce a seven-seater later. The five-seat MPV is 184.8 in. long, 74.6 in. wide, and 74.8 in. tall and has a 117.9-inch wheelbase.
A front-mounted motor delivers up to 161 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque in the Kia PV5. Ride tuning differs by use case, and Smart Regenerative Braking adjusts deceleration based on traffic and navigation data. Kia gives customers a choice of two NCM battery packs: 51.5 kWh and 71.2 kWh. It is targeting a WLTP range of 183 miles for the former and 256 miles for the latter.
Price & Release date
Kia has started mass production of the PV5 at its Hwaseong EVO plant in South Korea. In the UK, the (five-seat) passenger version begins at GBP 32,995 (around USD 44,300).
Although test prototypes have been spotted in California this year, Kia doesn’t appear to have the U.S. market in its plans for the electric van yet. We’ll update this story when we receive an update from Kia on the U.S. rollout plans.
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.
