A Review of the All-New Kia EV5 Air Long Range: Is It the Ideal Choice for Rideshare Drivers

We were thrilled to receive the all-new Kia EV5 Air Long Range at our Melbourne Hub last week! This electric vehicle brings a refreshing combination of comfort, practicality, and tech-savvy features that make it particularly well-suited for rideshare drivers. For those of you logging long hours on the road, the Kia EV5 Air offers a range of features that bring comfort and convenience to the forefront.

Here’s a breakdown of what makes this car an excellent choice for rideshare, along with a few potential drawbacks to keep in mind:

Key Features Our Drivers Will Love

1. Relaxation Driver’s Seat

The driver’s seat in the EV5 comes with a built-in massage function – perfect for staying comfortable on longer shifts and helping drivers relax and refresh while on the road. It’s a thoughtful addition that really makes a difference in the overall experience.

2. Integrated Centre Console

The EV5’s centre console is designed with driver convenience in mind. This unique setup creates a comfortable “extra spot” up front, complete with a pocket for your phone or other essentials. It’s a smart design that keeps everything within reach, adding an extra layer of convenience.

3. Wireless Apple CarPlay

For drivers who rely on navigation and entertainment apps, the EV5’s wireless Apple CarPlay feature is a game-changer. No need to deal with tangled cords—just connect via Bluetooth for seamless, hands-free access to maps, music, and messages.

4. Reliable Long Range – 555 km

The EV5 offers an impressive range of 555 kilometres, which is perfect for standard urban driving. This range provides plenty of mileage to get through a full day’s work without needing to recharge, depending on driving habits. It also comes with a charging cable included and is compatible with both 400V and 800V chargers, without the need for an additional adapter.

5. Column Type Shifter with Push Start

The column type shifter with a push-start button is a sleek addition that frees up space in the centre console, giving the front area a more open and spacious feel. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference in overall comfort.

6. Eco-Friendly Vegan Leather Seating

The seats are covered in vegan leather, which is eco-friendly, comfortable, and easy to clean. It’s a nice touch that’s great for drivers and passengers alike, offering durability without compromising on comfort.

7. Rear Side Vents for Passenger Comfort

Rear passengers will appreciate the large air vents on the sides, ensuring everyone in the car stays comfortable, even during hot Melbourne days. This feature enhances passenger satisfaction, which is always a plus in rideshare.

8. Rear Seat Coat Hangers and USB Charging Dock

Kia has included some thoughtful touches like coat hangers on the backs of the front seats for added convenience and style. Plus, rear passengers have access to a dedicated USB charging dock, so everyone can keep their devices charged up.

9. Rear Boot Electrical Socket

A unique feature of the EV5 is the three-head power outlet in the rear boot. Drivers can plug in small appliances or chargers, which could even allow for making a coffee or charging a laptop on the go. It’s practical and can make long shifts more enjoyable.

10. Advanced Safety Features for Peace of Mind

The Kia EV5 Air Long Range comes equipped with a long list of advanced safety features designed to support drivers and keep passengers safe. Key among these is the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, which can detect potential obstacles and automatically apply brakes if needed, providing an extra layer of protection in busy city traffic. Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Following Assist help ensure the car stays centred in its lane, which is especially helpful during long hours on the road. The Blind Spot Collision Warning alerts drivers to nearby vehicles outside of their line of sight, while Smart Cruise Control adjusts speed to maintain a safe distance from the car ahead.

Together, these features make the EV5 an ideal choice for rideshare drivers prioritising safety, adding peace of mind for both drivers and passengers.

Potential Drawbacks

While the Kia EV5 is packed with great features, there are a couple of elements that may require some getting used to.

1. Forward-Facing Driver Monitoring

This safety feature uses eye-tracking technology to detect fatigue and will alert drivers if they appear distracted. It’s a valuable safety measure, though some drivers may find the alerts a bit distracting.

2. Live Speed Reader

The live speed reader displays the speed limit and alerts drivers if they exceed it. While this feature does enhance safety and reduces the likelihood of speeding fines, there’s currently no way to permanently disable this feature, so if drivers don’t want these alerts they will need to go through a three-step process to turn it off each time they start the car.

Available Now on Splend’s Flexi Own Plans

The Kia EV5 Air Long Range is now available through Splend’s Flexi Own plans on either 4- or 5-year terms, offering drivers who want to buy and own this fantastic new EV flexibility and affordability. We’re also proud to announce that Splend will have the first EV5s eligible to operate on the Uber platform, making this an ideal option for rideshare drivers looking to make the switch to electric.

When I took the EV5 for a test drive, it had the familiar feel of a traditional car, combined with intuitive controls that make it easy to navigate and operate. This well-balanced mid-size SUV is a great choice for both Uber drivers and mid-size families alike. As a Kia owner myself, I can confidently say that Kia has hit all the right marks with this vehicle, and I’m excited to see these EV5s on the road with Splend.

For any rideshare driver in Melbourne, the Kia EV5 Air Long Range is definitely worth a look. Drop by our Melbourne Hub to see it for yourself and find out if it’s the right fit for your rideshare journey! The EV5 will also be arriving very soon at our other Splend locations – Sydney, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Adelaide and Perth – so drivers in those cities wont be missing out either!

About Splend

Splend makes car ownership easier, more affordable and more accessible for rideshare drivers by building everything they need to earn more, pay less and stress less into one affordable weekly payment.

It’s smooth driving, with no surprises and the lowest total ownership cost you’ll find – which is how car ownership for rideshare drivers should be. For more information about Splend, make an appointment and drop by to your local Splend Hub, email us, or say hello on 1800 775 363.