Kia PV5 Crew Van: From Cargo To Passenger In One Move

Kia has announced the production of the PV5 Crew, a factory-built crew van designed to transition rapidly between passenger and cargo configurations. The vehicle is part of Kia’s Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) line-up and is based on the PV5 Cargo L2/H1 long wheelbase model.

The PV5 Crew is engineered for businesses that require a single vehicle to transport both personnel and equipment. This is achieved through a one-touch seat lever system that allows the operator to switch from a five-seat crew configuration to a two-seat cargo set-up in seconds without the use of tools.

The mechanism functions by releasing the recliner, tipping the seat cushion, and sliding the partition in a single action. This process significantly reduces the time required to increase the usable load space within the vehicle.

Cargo Capacity and Technical Specifications

The available cargo dimensions and volume vary based on the chosen seating configuration:

• In five-seat mode, the available cargo length is 1,278mm with a load volume of 2.4m3.
• In two-seat mode, the cargo length increases to 1,965mm and the load volume rises to 3.7m3.

To secure atypical or non-uniform loads, the cargo compartment is equipped with an L-track mounting system on the bulkhead and eight lashing points, organized in four pairs. The cargo area also features anti-slip mats to improve safety during rainy or snowy conditions.

For power requirements, the vehicle includes Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) power outlets in the load area, allowing for the use of external devices.

Strategic Manufacturing and Market Positioning

The PV5 Crew is a central component of Kia’s Made In Plant conversion strategy. Under this model, specialist conversions are integrated directly into the vehicle at the factory rather than being added by third parties after production.

Kia states that this factory-integrated approach is intended to create a more durable and integrated end product while enabling a broader range of layout options.

The company is targeting the van toward specific professional sectors that benefit from mixed-use practicality, including:

• Construction
• Landscaping
• Maintenance
• Airport operations

Wider PV5 Platform Context

The PV5 Crew exists alongside other variants in the PV5 family, such as the PV5 Passenger. The passenger-focused model features a modular body with a 399mm low step-in and 775mm wide sliding doors.

The PV5 Passenger provides a driving range of up to 412 km according to WLTP standards and supports fast charging from 10% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes under optimal conditions.

In terms of interior flexibility, the PV5 Passenger offers 1,330 L of luggage space behind five seats. When the second row is folded flat, the cabin room expands to 3,615 L.

While the PV5 Crew has entered production, Kia notes that the vehicle is not yet available for sale in the European market and that specifications shown in certain materials may differ from final EU specifications.