Best of

Van and Commercial Vehicle Awards 2026: Best Van-based MPV

With a long range, a very tempting price and acres of space inside, the new Kia PV5 is the go-to option for larger families who don't want an SUV

Best Van-based MPV

Kia PV5 Passenger

Read review

Kia PV5 driving front

Priced from £32,995 (incl. VAT and OTR) Range 183–256 miles (WLTP combined) CO2 emissions 0g/km Power 120–160bhp Torque 184lb ft

scroll for more

Van-based MPVs occupy a unique space in the market, promising the practicality of a commercial vehicle with the comfort and refinement of a family car, but not all manage to balance the two successfully. This year, the Kia PV5 Passenger gets that balance exactly right.

Where last year’s winner, the Volkswagen ID Buzz, leaned heavily into retro charm and lifestyle appeal, the PV5 Passenger focuses on intelligent design and genuine usability. Built on the same dedicated electric underpinnings as the Cargo version, it benefits from a flat floor and clever packaging that maximise interior space. The result is a cabin that feels open, flexible and thoughtfully arranged rather than simply adapted from a panel van.

Kia PV5 rear cornering

Passenger comfort is a clear priority. The ride is composed and quiet, with electric refinement making long journeys far less tiring than in traditional diesel-based people carriers. Seating is supportive, access is easy thanks to wide-opening sliding doors, and the square body shape translates into real head room and leg room across multiple rows. Rear passengers are particularly well catered for, with 995mm of leg room — only 46mm less than those in the front seats — helping the PV5 feel genuinely spacious.

scroll for more

Technology also plays a central role. A clean dashboard layout features an intuitive infotainment screen and digital displays that don't overwhelm the driver, though we would like to see larger, clearer digital buttons. Connectivity is strong, and driver assistance systems are comprehensive, giving families and shuttle operators alike greater confidence behind the wheel.

Importantly, the PV5 Passenger doesn’t sacrifice practicality in pursuit of style. Boot space remains generous even with multiple seats in place, and the modular layout allows owners to adapt the interior to changing needs, whether that’s family holidays or hotel shuttle duties. It’s only available as a five-seater right now, which is slightly disappointing in a vehicle of this size, but Kia has confirmed that a seven-seat version will follow later this year.

Kia PV5 interior

Rivals still have strengths. The ID Buzz offers distinctive design appeal, and some conventional MPVs can undercut both it and the PV5 on price. But the PV5 feels more rationally engineered, more spacious and ultimately better aligned with what buyers in this segment actually need: comfort, flexibility and long-term usability.

scroll for more

By combining dedicated electric architecture with intelligent interior design and genuine everyday usability, while undercutting its most obvious rival by thousands of pounds, the Kia PV5 Passenger sets a new benchmark for van-based MPVs.

For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter here