Kia Pv5 vs Volkswagen Amarok

What's the difference?

Kia is no stranger to vans, nor electric cars. The very successful Carnival and the family of EV-named models from 3 to 9 have proven that.

But the 2026 Kia PV5 is the first time Kia’s launched a model that fits in both categories, and it comes with a futuristic design, low price, and competitive electric driving range.

It’s clear Kia hopes those looking at rivals like the VW ID.Buzz, Renault Kangoo E-Tech or Peugeot E-Partner will consider a PV5, but can it lure away buyers of diesel stalwarts like the Toyota HiAce or Ford Transit?

I couldn’t say I’m familiar with Australia’s inland deserts. I thought there were two or three - the Simpson, Gibson, maybe the Great Sandy. 

But did you know there are 10? And Volkswagen knows each intimately thanks to a recent Guinness world record verified crossing of them all… in one go.

It took a tweaked-up Amarok six days and 17 hours if you must know, and to celebrate VW has created a limited build (300 unit) version of the dual cab ute called, you guessed it… the 10 Deserts Edition.

And we were invited to steer it on-road and over a variety of challenging (public) off-road trails around Mt Macedon and Cobaw, about an hour’s drive north-west of Melbourne.

Not quite the Strzelecki Track, but tough enough to see if this special VeeDub has what it takes to drive your off-highway ambitions. So, stay with us!