Kia PV5 High-Roof Variant Spotted in Road Tests, Significantly Increased Height

The Kia PV5 electric van's high-roof variant was recently captured in real-world road tests on Korean streets — marking the official start of pre-launch validation for this new configuration. Visually, the high-roof version stands markedly taller than the standard PV5 Cargo, underscoring its expanded cargo capacity tailored for commercial logistics applications.

As the first production model under Kia's Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) initiative, the PV5 has rapidly entered both retail and commercial markets since its debut last year. The PBV platform features a modular 'skateboard' chassis and flexible body system — standardizing core components like batteries and motors while enabling customizable body structures, cabin layouts, and functional modules. This philosophy positions the PV5 beyond conventional vans, transforming it into a holistic mobility solution integrated with smart charging management and intelligent cockpit software services.

At the Busan Mobility Show held in April, Kia unveiled three new PV5 variants: the 7-seat PV5 Passenger (2-2-3 layout), the PV5 Passenger Prime, and the PV5 Cargo High Roof variant now undergoing road testing. While these were previously shown only as static displays at the exhibition, the high-roof version has now progressed to real-world driving validation — and is officially slated for launch in autumn of 2026.

According to Kia, the PV5 Cargo High Roof increases overall vehicle height by 295 mm versus the standard version and optimizes the walk-through path from driver's seat to cargo area. It will be offered in both sealed and refrigerated configurations, each equipped with a safety alert feature: if the rear doors are open when the vehicle is shifted into Park (P) or Reverse (R), the system alerts the driver. The current test unit is the sealed variant.

Currently, Kia has opened pre-orders for the PV5 Passenger 7-seat version in the UK, starting at £33,195 (approx. $44,500). Beyond the high-roof model, Kia plans to further expand the PV5 lineup — including a dedicated 5-seat taxi variant (1-1-2 layout), compact freighters for SMEs, and specialized derivatives for outdoor and leisure use. Powertrain options across both PV5 Passenger and Cargo versions include 51.5 kWh and 71.2 kWh battery packs, delivering WLTP ranges of up to 183 miles (~295 km) and 256 miles (~412 km), respectively; the Cargo variant achieves 184 miles (~296 km) and 258 miles (~415 km).

Per the roadmap, Kia plans to launch the larger PV7 in 2027, with the PV9 expected before 2030.