The Kia EV5 is a mid-size, all-electric C-SUV on the E-GMP platform. Kia quotes up to about 329 miles WLTP range on the long-range battery, roughly 30 minutes for a 10–80% DC fast charge.
Highlights
• Long-range option: Up to 530 km (≈329 miles) WLTP with the larger battery. and the EV6/EV9 in • Family-focused cabin: Flat second row, sliding tray, rear seat tables and a panoramic wide display. • Practical EV tech: Two battery choices (60.3 / 81.4 kWh), 150 kW DC charging, V2L and planned V2G capability.
What the 2026 Kia EV5 is
Kia positions the EV5 as a mid-size electric SUV for families and active owners. It slots between the EV4 and the EV6/EV9 in Kia’s line-up and uses the Hyundai Motor Group E-GMP architecture for drivetrain and electrical systems. The EV5 offers notable interior space and a set of features aimed at everyday use.
How the EV5 stacks up (quick spec comparison)
Two direct alternatives to the Kia EV5 are the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the Volkswagen ID.4. All three are mid-size electric SUVs designed for similar buyers.
| Spec | Kia EV5 | Hyundai Ioniq 5 | Volkswagen ID.4 |
| Range (manufacturer test) | Up to 530 km WLTP (~329 miles WLTP). | Up to ~303 miles EPA on long-range U.S. trims (WLTP can read higher). | Up to 275 miles EPA (82 kWh pack). |
| Battery (pack / usable) | 81.4 kWh long-range pack. | ~77.4 kWh long-range pack in many markets. | 82 kWh gross, ~77 kWh usable. |
| Peak DC fast charge | Up to 150 kW (10–80% ≈ 30 min claimed). | Up to 350 kW on compatible chargers thanks to 800-V architecture. | Up to 170 kW on DC fast charge (10–80% in about 30–36 min). |
Quick note: EV5 figures are WLTP; EPA ratings for North America will be lower. The Ioniq 5 and ID.4 numbers above reflect EPA estimates for the U.S. market.
Availability and positioning
Kia will start the global rollout in Korea and Europe in the second half of 2025, with North American sales scheduled for early 2026. The EV5 is being presented as a core volume model and should be widely available rather than a limited halo product.
Design and packaging
The EV5 uses a boxy, contemporary silhouette with geometric surfacing and a rearward-shifted D-pillar to help rear visibility. Nineteen-inch wheel options add presence without calling attention to themselves. The front lamp treatment uses a three-dimensional “Star Map” daytime running light motif that updates Kia’s tiger-face theme. The design emphasizes usable cabin volume.
Interior of Kia EV5
Kia fits the EV5 with a Panoramic Wide Display that pairs a 12.3-inch instrument cluster with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a 5-inch climate panel. The dash is low and horizontal to open the cabin visually, and a sliding center tray reaches rear passengers. The second row folds flat to create a near-continuous load floor with the cargo area, and integrated seat-back tables add simple utility for longer drives.
Powertrain, batteries and range
Kia offers two battery sizes, 60.3 kWh and 81.4 kWh. The long-range setup is quoted at up to 530 km WLTP, which converts to roughly 329 miles. The EV5 supports DC fast charging up to 150 kW, and Kia lists 10–80% charging in around 30 minutes under optimal conditions. WLTP numbers typically run higher than EPA results, so expect lower range figures once EPA testing is published for North America.
Key spec highlights from Kia’s sheet:
• Long-range WLTP: 530 km ≈ 329 miles.
• Alternate WLTP figure: 505 km ≈ 314 miles, depending on market and trim.
• Battery options: 60.3 kWh and 81.4 kWh.
• DC charging: up to 150 kW, 10–80% ≈ 30 minutes.
• Motor output: 160 kW (about 215 hp).
Performance
Kia lists 0–100 km/h in 8.4 seconds, roughly 8.1 seconds to 0–60 mph. The EV5 is tuned for composed driving and stable highway manners. i-Pedal 3.0 offers stronger regenerative braking for one-pedal driving, and all-wheel-drive variants will be offered for buyers who need extra traction or towing capability.
Towing, V2L/V2G
Kia includes Vehicle-to-Load for external power and plans Vehicle-to-Grid capability for the future. The release lists towing as up to 1,200 kg in Korea and Europe and 1,800 lb in North America; those figures do not line up directly and should be verified for your market before planning heavy towing. Trailer mode, which estimates range with a trailer attached, is a straightforward feature for weekend trips.
Safety and driver aids
Kia says the EV5 is engineered to meet Euro NCAP 5-Star and KNCAP Grade 1 standards. The structure will be reinforced and seven airbags are standard. ADAS includes Highway Driving Assist 2 with Hands-On Detection, Remote Smart Parking Assist 2, blind-spot and cross-traffic collision avoidance systems, and other assists designed to reduce daily driving stress.
Visit the official website of KIA for more information on Safety features.
For more information about the Safety features & crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Practical considerations — what to watch for
• WLTP versus EPA: WLTP range will likely translate to lower EPA numbers in North America.
• Regional spec differences: towing capacities, charging software and trims may vary by market; verify North American specs when they are published.
• Real charging speed: 150 kW is a peak figure; actual charge times will depend on battery state, temperature and charger conditions.
Early Thoughts:
Buyers who need a roomy, practical electric SUV with family-friendly packaging should consider the EV5. The 81.4 kWh battery with quoted WLTP range near 329 miles will interest buyers who do occasional long drives, but it will be sensible to wait for EPA figures and independent range testing before committing.
Pros / Cons (quick sidebar)
Pros
• Spacious, flexible interior with practical storage solutions.
• Long WLTP range option and 150 kW DC charging.
• V2L (and planned V2G) plus trailer mode add functional utility.
Cons
• WLTP figures will likely be optimistic for North America; EPA numbers should be lower.
• Regional spec differences, especially towing, require verification.
• The EV5 is not built for sporty driving; buyers wanting sharper handling will look elsewhere.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and may not reflect the most accurate, latest updates or specific model configurations. Always consult official website/sources for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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