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Volvo EX40 vs Kia EV5 comparison

Compare performance (442 HP vs 306 HP), boot space and price (45,200 £ vs 39,400 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Volvo EX40 or Kia EV5?

Volvo EX40 vs Kia EV5: Key differences

Volvo EX40

4.5 (2 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly more power
  • only slightly more efficient
  • marginally more electric range
  • markedly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • only slightly lighter
details

Kia EV5

4.7 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • moderately cheaper
details

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

EX40

Volvo EX40 VS Kia EV5 — overview and who this comparison serves

Volvo EX40 VS Kia EV5 pits a Scandinavian‑calm compact electric SUV against a roomy, no‑nonsense family EV, and the differences matter more in use than on paper. The Volvo EX40 feels like a quiet, premium cocoon built around seat comfort and composed highway manners, while the Kia EV5 trades some polish for substantially more interior space and everyday practicality. Pricing and equipment tilt the EV5 toward value‑minded buyers, whereas the EX40 targets those willing to pay a bit more for refinement and safety systems. Read on to see which car matches your daily routes, family needs and tolerance for trade‑offs in charging and infotainment. This is a buyer‑focused look rather than a spec sheet — we judge how each car behaves in real life, not which reads better in numbers.

EV5

Character and driving feel

The Volvo EX40 drives like a composed, confidence‑first car: steering is steady rather than sporty and acceleration arrives with controlled force, so it feels heavier and more planted than the Kia EV5. The Kia EV5 is softer and more relaxed in its responses, prioritising float‑along comfort and easy town driving over sharp feedback, and front‑wheel traction can limit sporty attempts. In daily use that means EX40 will reassure on fast motorway stretches and offer brisk overtakes, while EV5 rewards relaxed inputs and predictable behaviour around school runs. Both are quiet, but the EX40’s cabin refinement and seating make its calmness feel more premium compared with the EV5’s practical serenity.

EX40

Comfort and long‑distance behavior

If you do a lot of motorway miles, the Volvo EX40’s superior seat ergonomics and low cabin noise make long legs feel less tiring and more civilized than in the Kia EV5. The EV5 is by no means uncomfortable — its soft suspension and generous rear space make it an excellent family cruiser — but it doesn’t mask distance as effortlessly as the EX40 and will require slightly more attention on long runs. Charging rhythm matters here: owners who plan frequent high‑speed stints will notice the EV5 needs more planned stops than the EX40’s approach to range and route planning, so the Volvo can feel like the less intrusive long‑trip companion. For two‑up touring with luggage the EX40’s refinement wins; for long trips with kids and lots of cargo the EV5’s comfort and space usually offset the extra charging stops.

EV5

Practicality, space and everyday usability

The Kia EV5 is the clear practical champion: rear legroom, a very large and flexible boot that can fold flat for a long load, and useful features such as external power and abundant storage make it ideal for families and DIY weekenders. The Volvo EX40 keeps up in clever touches — a usable frunk, variable load floor and tidy cargo detailing — but the overall volume and rear-seat generosity favour the EV5. That said, the EX40’s interior feels more premium in materials and layout, so it’s a better fit for buyers who want practicality without losing a sense of refinement. Value‑conscious buyers will find the EV5 delivers more usable space per pound, while buyers who prioritise a neat, high‑quality cabin will prefer the EX40’s atmosphere.

EX40

City friendliness and daily controls

Both cars are easy to live with in urban settings, yet they approach city driving from different angles: the Volvo EX40’s compact footprint, light steering and polished assist systems make it effortless to manoeuvre in tight spaces and to commute relaxedly. The Kia EV5 feels admirably manageable too, with intuitive regeneration paddles and simple ergonomics that suit stop‑and‑go traffic, but some of its touch‑based climate controls and chattier driver‑assist warnings can irritate in daily use. Infotainment stability is another split: Volvo’s Google‑based system is powerful for navigation and charge planning but can occasionally hiccup, whereas the EV5’s systems are straightforward and reliable even if they lack the same integration shine. If your day is packed with short hops and frequent parking, EX40’s refinement edges it slightly; if you value simple, tactile controls and rear‑seat comfort, EV5 wins in city life.

EV5

Who should choose which car — buyer fit and trade‑offs

Choose the Volvo EX40 if you prize long‑distance calm, first‑class seat comfort and a premium cabin feel and are willing to pay extra for those qualities; it’s the better pick for solo commuters, couples who travel often and buyers who want confident assist systems. Opt for the Kia EV5 if your priority is maximum family space, flexible luggage carrying, strong value and features like external power — it’s tailored to families, active owners and those who put utility above a luxury finish. Both cars suit comfort‑oriented buyers, but the EX40 leans inward toward refinement and software‑driven convenience while the EV5 leans outward toward space and everyday practicality. Below this editorial comparison you’ll find the technical section that breaks down the charging, efficiency and performance trade‑offs that make these everyday differences real.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

EX40

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

Kia EV5 is moderately cheaper – starting at 39,400 £ , while the Volvo EX40 costs 45,200 £ . That’s a price difference of around 5,828 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the Volvo EX40 is only slightly more efficient: consuming 16.6 kWh/100km compared to 16.9 kWh/100km for the Kia EV5. That’s a difference of about 0.3 kWh/100km.

As for electric range, the Volvo EX40 offers marginally more range – reaching up to 576 km, about 46 km more than the Kia EV5.

EV5

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the Volvo EX40 offers clearly more power – delivering 442 HP compared to 306 HP. That’s roughly 136 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Volvo EX40 is markedly quicker – completing the sprint in 4.6 s, while the Kia EV5 takes 6.2 s. That’s about 1.6 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Volvo EX40 delivers markedly more torque with 670 Nm compared to 480 Nm. That’s about 190 Nm more.

EX40

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Volvo EX40 is only slightly lighter – 2,040 kg compared to 2,069 kg. The difference is around 29 kg.

When it comes to payload, the Kia EV5 carries marginally more – 511 kg compared to 480 kg. That’s a difference of about 31 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Volvo EX40 is far ahead overall in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £45,200
EX40

Volvo EX40

  • Engine Type : Electric
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 238 - 442 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 16.6 - 17.6 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range : 477 - 576 km
Volvo EX40
Kia EV5

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis

Volvo EX40

The Volvo EX40 is a compact electric SUV that blends Scandinavian minimalism with a comfortable, high-quality interior suited to daily driving and longer trips. It prioritizes safety and intuitive technology, delivering a calm, refined experience that feels mature and easy to live with.

details

Kia EV5

Kia's EV5 is an exciting entry into the electric SUV market, showcasing the brand's commitment to sustainable mobility. With its modern design and advanced technology features, the EV5 promises to deliver a smooth and environmentally friendly driving experience. The interior offers a spacious and comfortable ride, making it an appealing choice for families and eco-conscious drivers alike.

details
Volvo EX40
Kia EV5

Costs and Consumption

Price
45,200 - 58,200 £
Price
39,400 - 51,400 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
16.6 - 17.6 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
16.9 - 18.6 kWh/100km
Electric Range
477 - 576 km
Electric Range
476 - 530 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
2,040 - 2,170 kg
Curb weight
2,069 - 2,205 kg
Trunk capacity
410 L
Trunk capacity
-
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,863 mm
Width
1,875 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
430 - 480 kg
Payload
465 - 511 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Electric
Engine Type
Electric
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
238 - 442 HP
Power HP
218 - 306 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.6 - 7.3 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.2 - 8.4 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
420 - 670 Nm
Torque
295 - 480 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
175 - 325 kW
Power kW
160 - 225 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
-

General

Model Year
2,024 - 2,026
Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
Volvo
Brand
Kia
DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.