2026 Kia EV5.
Last Updated:
The Kia EV5 EV has now been launched globally. It was previously only offered in China.
If it looks familiar, that’s because it was actually introduced to the Chinese market back in 2023. It was also launched in Australia and Brazil last year. And Kia had introduced a Canadian version a few months ago. Which will go on sale early next year.
At that time, Kia had confirmed that, unfortunately, the new EV5 would not be sold in the US. However, the current official word mentions new “key markets including Korea, Europe, and North America”. Not just Canada. Which could mean the US is now included…
So far, at least, the Kia EV5 will only be available with one motor in Europe. While AWD is already available in other markets. Just like with all other new Kia/Hyundai EVs, 2 batteries will be available. With up to 329 miles of range in the European test cycle.
Of course, pricing is still a mystery. It looks like an obvious Tesla Model Y competitor. The Tesla starts at $45,000 for the RWD model. Bringing an “EV5”, one would expect its price to be lower than the $43,000 EV6. At least if sold in the US. A starting price below $40,000 could give an advantage over Tesla and be very competitive against many other EVs.
It would be too bad to miss out on this in the US. Especially since it will be sold in Canada with a standard NACS charging plug. Of course, with crazy tariffs applied on everything, it might be very difficult for Kia to make any money selling this in the US. At least for the next few years…
This is the one new Kia that I actually like and would buy. Of course we don’t get anything nice (Mazda 6e, Nissan 7) here