Kia EV5 Expands Kia’s Electric SUV Lineup, Skipping the U.S. Market for Now

Kia Unveils the Kia EV5, a Compact Electric SUV

Kia Corporation has officially unveiled the Kia EV5, a fully electric compact SUV designed to deliver exceptional versatility and comfort for modern lifestyles. The EV5 is set to launch in Korea and Europe later this year, with Canada following in early 2026. Notably, there is no mention of a U.S. release, suggesting that the EV5 will not be available in the United States.

A New Chapter in Kia’s Electric Mobility Strategy

The Kia EV5 is built on Kia’s E-GMP platform, shared with models such as the EV6 and EV9. It combines practical SUV capability with the benefits of all-electric performance, featuring an 81.4 kWh battery and a 160 kW motor. The EV5 has a WLTP-rated range of up to 530 km on a single charge and can fast-charge from 10% to 80% in just 30 minutes. Future variants, including Standard Range and Long Range AWD models, are expected to broaden the lineup further.

Design and Features

The EV5’s exterior design reflects Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ philosophy, merging robust SUV proportions with futuristic styling cues. The vehicle measures 4,610 mm long and 1,875 mm wide, balancing presence and practicality with a dynamic, boxy silhouette. The interior emphasizes versatility, comfort, and digital innovation, featuring a three-zone climate control system, sliding center console, and nearly flat-folding rear seats.

Key Features:

• Panoramic Wide Display: A unified interface combining a 12.3-inch digital cluster, 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 5-inch climate control display.
• Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS): Includes Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2.0) and Remote Smart Parking Assist 2 (RSPA 2.0).
• i-Pedal 3.0 Regenerative Braking System: Provides a refined one-pedal driving experience.
• Pet Mode: Maintains a safe cabin temperature for pets while parked.

Sustainability and Availability

The EV5 is part of Kia’s broader sustainability vision, incorporating 10 sustainable material solutions throughout the vehicle. Kia has confirmed that sales of the EV5 will begin in Korea and Europe in late 2025, with Canada following in early 2026. The absence of the EV5 from U.S. announcements suggests that Kia does not currently plan to launch the EV5 in the American market.