Little meets large: Kia PV5 Cargo van gains shorter and taller versions

When it comes to vans, size matters – which is why the Kia PV5 Cargo will be coming in two new sizes.

A new short-wheelbase, low-roof Kia PV5 Cargo, dubbed L1/H1 will arrive later this year, along with a long-wheelbase, high-roof L2/H2 version. The pair will join the L2/H1, which impressed our judges so much that we named it What Car? Van of the Year 2026.

The PV5 Cargo L1/H1 is aimed at urban logistics and service fleets and offers 4.0m3 of cargo space – 0.4m3 less than the current L2/H1 – while the shorter wheelbase should be a boon on crowded city streets. Its payload is rated at 800kg, 10kg up on the L2/H1.

The new, small variant will be offered with two battery sizes: the Standard Range has a capacity of 51.5kWh and the Long Range 71.2kWh, with the latter capable of travelling 248 miles under Kia’s estimates.

The larger L2/H2 PV5 Cargo will only be available with the Long Range battery with an as-yet unconfirmed range of 230 miles. The high-roof option means it’s 311mm taller than other versions, and has 5.2m3 of cargo space, which is only a fraction behind the 5.3m3 offered in the larger Vauxhall Vivaro Electric.

Other new versions include the PV5 Cargo Crew, which has a second row of seats, and the PV5 Cargo Chassis, which is ripe for a range of conversions, including tipper, dropside, box, refrigeration and wheelchair accessible models.

The entire PV5 Cargo range will receive a raft of revisions, including a driver’s lumbar support fitted as standard, plus and a height adjustable arm rest on two-seat models. A new composite bulkhead and a revised roof aerial are also fitted, the latter helping with access height-restricted car parks.

Read more: Best electric vans

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