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Kia EV5 Specifications & Features
Unveiling their latest innovation, Kia introduces the Kia EV5, an electric compact SUV boasting a design reminiscent of the larger EV9 crossover. While Kia officially confirms its availability in China, we anticipate its imminent arrival in the U.S. The vocabulary suggests a positioning below the EV6 in both pricing and dimensions. Anticipate the production model sharing underpinnings with Kia’s recent EV releases, embracing the brand’s swift-charging 800-volt electrical architecture. Expect a variety of configurations, from single to dual-motor options, with potential choices for standard or extended-range battery packs. Kia’s EV5 promises a dynamic range of possibilities for eco-conscious drivers, aligning with the brand’s commitment to electric innovation.
What’s New?
Should the EV5 venture into the U.S., Kia will introduce a fresh addition to its lineup, positioning it beneath the mid-size EV6 and aligning it with the gasoline-driven Seltos crossover. Sharing the E-GMP platform with the EV6 and EV9, the EV5 brings versatility to its lineup. In China, consumers can choose from three variants: a short-range front-wheel-drive, a long-range front-wheel-drive, and an all-wheel-drive model with an extended range. This diverse range caters to various preferences, marking the EV5 as a dynamic and adaptable option in the electric vehicle market.
Kia EV5 Battery, Motor & Performance
The base configuration features a 64.0 kWh battery, propelling 215 horsepower to the front wheels. According to China’s CLTC standard, the estimated range is 329 miles. Moving up to the single-motor long-range model, the EV5 enhances its battery to 88.0 kWh while maintaining the 215-hp motor for the front axle, achieving an impressive 447-mile range by CLTC standards. Opting for the long-range AWD version introduces a second, slightly less powerful motor to the rear, elevating the total output to 308 horsepower. Using the same battery as the single-motor long-range model, the CLTC-estimated range reaches 404 miles. The EV5 offers similar variants in the Korean market, featuring marginally smaller batteries and outputs.
Kia EV5 Dimensions & Interior
Explore the anticipated features of the EV5! Notably, Kia will introduce a heat pump alongside three-zone climate control for optimal comfort. The dashboard boasts a seamless integration of a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. Climate controls are conveniently housed in a separate 5.0-inch display. Kia prioritizes a sleek cabin with minimal physical buttons, primarily found on the steering wheel. The front row’s bench seat, more a driver’s seat and a wide passenger seat, cleverly replaces the traditional center console, at least in China; other markets retain the conventional armrest-style center console. Seating choices range from recycled PET plastic to plant-based leather, with optional massaging seats. Excitingly, the interior transforms for stargazing, adding an intriguing dimension to the EV5 experience.
Kia EV5 Pricing
| Kia EV5 Trims | Price (USD) |
| Standard | $40,000 (est) |
| Standard Plus | $45,000 (est) |
| GT-Line | $49,000 (est) |
| GT | $54,000 (est) |
Kia has officially announced the development of a high-performance EV5 GT, although details remain under wraps. Demonstrating the value of patience, enthusiasts eagerly await more information. Delving into the U.S. market, clarity becomes somewhat elusive. During Kia’s on-the-record EV Day press conference on October 10, President and CEO Ho Sung Song hinted at the EV5’s Stateside arrival. This sentiment gained further weight through another high-ranking Kia official in a concurrent roundtable. While specifics on the EV5 are scarce, preliminary expectations set its starting price at around $40,000, mirroring the trim-level structure seen in the EV9. Stay tuned for more updates on this electrifying addition to Kia’s lineup.