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?
The EX30 Cross Country is the new adventure-focussed top-shelf variant in Volvo’s small electric SUV line-up.
This five-seat compact crossover has a dual-motor electric set-up, all-wheel drive, raised suspension, more ground clearance than a regular EX30 and an exterior that more than hints at its off-road aspirations.
But just how much potential does this Cross Country have as an all-wheel drive adventure machine?
Kia isn’t expecting the PV5 to light the sales charts on fire, but it is hoping to get in on the ground floor when businesses start looking to EVs to replace their diesel fleets.
In that sense, Kia seems onto a winner here, given the PV5 feels wholly suited to short-distance courier or call-out trade work.
It’s cleverly designed and pleasant from the driver’s seat, and its low outlay and running costs will surely place it high on fleet buyers’ lists.
Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.
There’s a lot to like about the Volvo EX30 Cross Country. It’s an impressive AWD EV. Nice to drive, comfortable and offering the extra driver confidence an AWD system brings.
It also looks good, has a decent stack of features onboard and has plenty of appeal for owners, especially in terms of servicing costs.
As an EV tourer, it has a reasonable driving range and offers enough in terms of AWD flexibility to appeal to those people who may like the idea of an all-electric adventure machine.
But it is small, has a limited scope of off-road capability and pricing is ranging upward for what it offers.