Kia is significantly broadening its electric vehicle (EV) range. Currently, the company is launching the EV3, now available in Europe and anticipated to arrive in the United States next year. In addition, Kia is preparing to unveil the EV4, with a more extensive announcement expected in 2025. Notably, the EV5 has already made its debut in Australia, and it offers a more budget-friendly option compared to the highly praised EV9 SUV.
If the EV5 retains the appeal of the EV9, but at a lower price point, it will likely resonate well with consumers. Interested in whether the EV5 might be your future vehicle? Here’s what we’ve gathered about it so far.
Design
Although labeled as “compact,” the Kia EV5 is actually larger than the EV6 crossover, though it falls short of the EV9’s size. Kia describes it as having a boxy design reminiscent of the EV9, yet it accommodates just two rows of seats instead of three.
The EV5 follows a distinctive design language similar to that of the EV9, sporting a robust appearance and unique LED lighting signatures at the front and rear. Measuring 181.7 inches long, it is slightly shorter than the EV6 but offers more interior space due to its increased height.
Inside, the EV5 mirrors the sleek designs of other Kia models. It features dual 12.3-inch screens—one for infotainment and the other for displaying essential driving information. The Australian version is designed with five seats: two in the front and three in the rear. Should the EV5 find its way to the U.S. market, this seating arrangement is likely to be standard. Kia has hinted at a variant that includes a front-row bench seat, allowing for six passengers, including the driver. It will be interesting to see how Kia tailors different feature sets for various regions.
Tech Features
The EV5 is packed with a variety of technology to enhance the driving experience. You can expect standard features like backup cameras, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assistance, designed to facilitate a semi-autonomous driving experience on highways. Additionally, like other models offered by Kia, this vehicle supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto through a wireless connection. It remains to be seen how many of these features will be incorporated into a potential U.S. version.
Models
The 2025 Kia EV5 lineup currently includes four trims available in Australia. The EV5 Air offers both standard and long-range options, complemented by the EV5 Earth and the EV5 GT-Line. The Air variant is single-motor and powers the front wheels, while the Earth and GT-Line models feature dual motors for all-wheel-drive capability.
If the EV5 is released more widely, there could be additional models introduced, potentially including a performance-oriented EV5 GT model. Time will tell if this comes to fruition.
Charging Speed and Range
The Kia EV5 offers respectable range capabilities, although they may not be groundbreaking. The entry-level EV5 Air with standard range achieves approximately 400 kilometers (around 250 miles), while the long-range EV5 Air model boasts a maximum of 555 kilometers (about 345 miles). Remember that these figures are based on the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP), which typically yields higher estimates than the more conservative Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) evaluations in the U.S.
Kia previously mentioned that the EV5 could provide a remarkable 447-mile range. We’ll be eager to see if a long-range variant eventually becomes available.
Initially, it was indicated that the EV5 would not feature the advanced 800-volt architecture that supports ultra-fast charging at 350 kilowatts. However, the model available in Australia does include this feature. We hope this remains the case for all versions of the EV5, as it would significantly enhance charging speed.
Price and Tax Credit Status
Kia’s naming convention appears to reflect pricing rather than size. The EV5 is expected to be less expensive than the EV6, with a potential starting price of around $40,000 if it becomes available in the U.S. In Australia, the base price of the EV5 is approximately 56,770 AUD, which equates to about $36,583 in the U.S. While that price is quite appealing, it is expected to be slightly higher when released.
There are mixed signals regarding the EV5’s availability in the U.S. With indications that the vehicle won’t be produced at Kia’s American facilities, it may not qualify for the federal EV tax credit. Some sources suggest that it might not make its way to the U.S., while others hint at possible availability in North America, including Canada and Mexico. Only time will clarify its fate in the U.S. market.
Nevertheless, it is set to make a broader impact outside the U.S. at this time. The EV5 is currently manufactured in China, which plays a significant role in its limited availability in the U.S. due to the tariffs on electric vehicles made in China.
