Kia EV5 Tops German Media Comparison, Outperforming Model Y

Leads in Four Out of Seven Categories
Significant 29-Point Advantage in Safety
Shortest Braking Distance at 100 km/h
Spacious Interior and Ease of Operation Praised

Kia's dedicated electric sport utility vehicle (SUV), the EV5, has clinched the top overall spot in a comparative review by a leading German automotive media outlet, outperforming Tesla's Model Y.

On August 18, Kia announced that the EV5 ranked first in an electric SUV comparison test conducted by the German automotive magazine "Auto Motor und Sport."

Auto Motor und Sport is a respected automotive publication recognized for its credibility in Germany and throughout the European market. The recent evaluation was carried out amid Tesla launching a new entry-level trim and intensifying competition. The assessment compared four models: the Kia EV5, Tesla Model Y, China’s Xpeng G6, and MG S6 EV.

The evaluation consisted of seven categories: body, safety, convenience, powertrain, driving performance, eco-friendliness, and cost-effectiveness. The EV5 scored 404 points in the basic characteristics assessment, which measures fundamental vehicle performance, beating the Model Y (337 points) by a margin of 67 points. In the final comprehensive score—which combines eco-friendliness and cost-effectiveness—the EV5 also took first place with 588 points, outpacing the Model Y (557 points) by 31 points. The Xpeng G6 finished third with 541 points, and the MG S6 EV ranked fourth with 528 points.

The exterior of the Kia EV5 Standard model. Kia

The EV5 outscored the Model Y in four out of the seven evaluation categories: body, safety, convenience, and driving performance. In the body category, the EV5 earned 100 points—24 points ahead of the Model Y (76 points). The publication praised the EV5’s spacious second-row seating, cargo capacity, and open visibility.

The biggest gap emerged in the safety category. The EV5 received 89 points, surpassing the Model Y (60 points) by 29 points. The EV5 recorded the shortest braking distances under both cold and hot conditions—35.1 meters and 35.0 meters, respectively—at 100 km/h from full stop. In contrast, the Model Y’s stopping distances were longer at 39.3 meters and 38.2 meters, respectively, resulting in point deductions. In the convenience category, the EV5 was recognized for its ease of regenerative braking using paddle shifters, scoring 66 points compared to the Model Y’s 55 points. In driving performance (69 points), the EV5 outperformed the Model Y in road surface irregularity control.

A spokesperson for Kia stated, "It is especially meaningful that the EV5 received high scores in areas that drivers experience every day, such as braking performance and ease of operation. Going forward, we will continue to prioritize real-world usability and safety to further earn our customers’ trust."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.