Kia is rapidly expanding its electric vehicle (EV) lineup, with the EV3 already available in Europe and potentially coming to the U.S. next year. The EV4 is also on the horizon, with a likely announcement in 2025. But there’s more: the Kia EV5, a slightly smaller version of the popular EV9 SUV, has already launched in Australia, generating significant excitement. If the EV5 delivers EV9-like qualities at a lower price point, it could be a huge success. Interested in learning more about the Kia EV5? Here’s everything we currently know.
Design and Dimensions
Despite its lower number designation, the Kia EV5 is larger than the EV6 crossover, though not quite as large as the EV9 SUV. Kia classifies it as a “compact SUV” with a boxy design reminiscent of the EV9, but with only two rows of seats.
The EV5 shares the EV9’s appealing blocky aesthetic, featuring distinctive LED light signatures at both the front and rear. Measuring 181.7 inches in length, it’s slightly shorter than the EV6, but its greater height translates to more interior space.
Kia EV9 exterior
The interior design aligns with other contemporary Kia vehicles. Two 12.3-inch displays dominate the dashboard, one for infotainment and the other for instrumentation. The Australian model features a traditional five-seat layout. If the EV5 reaches the U.S. market, this configuration is likely to be retained. Kia has also showcased renders of a six-seat variant with a front-row bench seat, though its availability remains uncertain.
Technology and Features
The EV5 boasts a suite of tech features designed to enhance the driving experience. Standard features include backup cameras, adaptive cruise control, and lane-centering technology, enabling a semi-autonomous highway driving experience. Like other Kia models, the EV5 offers wireless CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The exact feature set for a potential U.S. model is yet to be confirmed.
Available Models and Trims
The 2025 Kia EV5 in Australia is currently offered in four trims: the EV5 Air (available in standard and long-range versions), the EV5 Earth, and the EV5 GT-Line. The Air models utilize a single motor powering the front wheels, while the Earth and GT-Line variants feature dual-motor all-wheel drive. A performance-focused EV5 GT model may join the lineup in the future.
Range and Charging
The Kia EV5 offers respectable, though not groundbreaking, range figures. The base EV5 Air standard range provides approximately 250 miles (400 kilometers) on a single charge, while the long-range version extends this to around 345 miles (555 kilometers). These are WLTP estimates; EPA ratings for the U.S. market are likely to be lower. Kia has previously hinted at a potential 447-mile range version, but this has yet to materialize.
Kia EV9 interior
While initially stating that the EV5 wouldn’t utilize 800-volt architecture, the Australian model does indeed feature this technology, enabling faster charging speeds. Hopefully, this will remain consistent across all future EV5 iterations.
Pricing and U.S. Availability
Kia’s naming convention appears to correlate with price rather than size. The EV5 is anticipated to be more affordable than the EV6, potentially starting around $40,000 in the U.S. In Australia, the EV5 starts at approximately $36,583 USD (converted from $56,770 AUD). However, U.S. pricing is likely to be higher.
The EV5’s U.S. availability remains uncertain. Current production takes place in China, potentially impacting its U.S. release due to tariffs on Chinese-made EVs. While some reports suggest the EV5 won’t be sold in the U.S., others indicate a North American release is planned. A release in Canada and/or Mexico is also a possibility. If the EV5 does arrive in the U.S., it’s unlikely to qualify for the federal EV tax credit due to its manufacturing location.
Kia EV5 Outside
