Kia PV5 scores top five-star rating in Euro NCAP van safety test • Professional Van

The new Kia PV5 Cargo has been awarded the maximum five stars in the 2025 Euro NCAP Commercial Van Safety assessment, putting the forthcoming electric model among the safest vans on sale in Europe.

The independent tests saw the PV5 score strongly across all categories, including 75% for occupant protection, 80% for safety assist and crash avoidance, and 80% for post-crash safety — results that place it well ahead of most current electric and diesel rivals.

Euro NCAP highlighted consistent performance in real-world test scenarios, particularly the PV5’s standard-fit driver assistance systems. Autonomous Emergency Braking earned praise for its ability to detect vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists, avoiding most collisions during testing and responding reliably at higher speeds. The system can also detect pedestrians behind the vehicle, adding protection during low-speed manoeuvring.

Lane Support was described as “good”, providing gentle corrections in everyday driving and more decisive intervention when the van risked leaving the carriageway. The Speed Assistance System also performed well, combining a forward-facing camera with mapping data to recognise speed limits and present them clearly to the driver.

Kia says the result reflects the engineering principles behind its Purpose Built Vehicle (PBV) programme, including a high-rigidity body structure and packaging designed specifically for electric commercial use. It also continues the brand’s run of strong Euro NCAP scores, following five-star ratings for the EV6, EV9 and EV3.

“Achieving the top Euro NCAP five-star rating is clear validation of its safety performance and will serve as strong momentum as Kia expands its PBV lineup across Europe,” said Sangdae Kim, executive vice president and head of Kia’s PBV Business division.

The PV5 Cargo arrives in the UK as Kia’s first model from its modular PBV family, offering a choice of bodystyles built around a flat-floor electric platform aimed at urban and last-mile operators.

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Phil Huff

Phil Huff, a seasoned automotive journalist since 2011, specialises in new car and van launches for national and regional newspapers, magazines, and online platforms. As the editor of light commercial vehicle publications Professional Van and Professional Pickup, Phil delivers high-quality content for a UK audience of LCV owner-operators and small business users.