Overview
The EV5 Earth LR AWD combines the 88kWh long-range battery with dual-motor AWD and Kia’s mid-level Earth trim specification. It answers the complete mid-size family EV brief: traction, range, charging speed, comfort features, and the warranty backing that removes residual risk from the purchase.
AWD at this price was uncommon in the electric SUV segment before models like the EV5. The dual-motor configuration adds front-axle torque and all-season traction capability without compromising the core EV5 ownership advantages. The 30km WLTP range reduction versus the FWD Air LR is a modest and well-justified trade-off for buyers in wetter or colder climates, or those who use the SUV in the way Australian lifestyle driving demands.
Pricing & Variants
| Variant | Drive | WLTP Range | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| EV5 Air LR | FWD | ~620 km | ~$64,900 |
| EV5 Earth LR AWD | AWD | ~590 km | ~$69,900 |
| EV5 GT-Line LR AWD | AWD | ~590 km | ~$72,900 |
Performance, Range, and Charging
Dual motors produce a combined higher system output. 0-100 km/h in approximately 5.8 seconds — notably sharper than the FWD variants. AWD torque distribution is seamless in normal use; the system biases toward the rear for efficiency and engages the front for maximum grip.
590km WLTP. Real-world highway: 470 to 510km. Urban cycling: 550 to 570km. 240kW DC — same as the Air LR: 10-80% in approximately 24 minutes. V2L 3.6kW standard.
Interior and Specification
Earth trim over Air: ventilated front seats (critical for Australian summers), upgraded Meridian or equivalent audio system, additional soft-touch materials, panoramic sunroof. The interior improvement is meaningful — this is the trim where the EV5 transitions from a capable functional vehicle to a genuinely comfortable one for daily use.
Physical climate controls, 12.3-inch infotainment, full NCAP active safety suite unchanged.
Practicality
Boot: ~520L. Five adults. Towing: approximately 1,800-2,000kg braked with AWD — to be confirmed for Australian-spec models. Flat floor. V2L 3.6kW for outdoor and worksite use.
Running Costs and Ownership
At $0.30/kWh, approximately $4.20 per 100km given AWD mass. Seven-year unlimited-km warranty; ten-year battery. Annual servicing: $250-$380.
Verdict
The EV5 Earth LR AWD delivers the complete mid-size family EV package: AWD traction, 590km range, 24-minute highway charges, premium interior specification, and Kia’s seven-year unlimited warranty. At $69,900, it prices itself honestly against the Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD ($69,900) while offering a larger SUV body, longer warranty, and V2L capability. For Australian families ready to transition fully to electric transport, this is one of the defining vehicle choices of the current generation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the EV5 Earth AWD compare to the Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD?
The Model Y Long Range AWD ($69,900) has 601km WLTP range (vs 590km) and Tesla’s Supercharger network. The EV5 Earth AWD counters with a larger SUV interior, seven-year unlimited warranty versus Tesla’s four-year/80,000km, V2L capability, and 240kW DC charging speed comparable to the Model Y’s 250kW. Both are competitive at the same price — the deciding factors are charging network preference and interior space requirements.
