Kia is preparing to launch its all-electric SUV, the Kia EV5, in Korea this August. Originally developed as a China-exclusive model, the EV5 is expanding globally due to strong demand, including in the Korean market. The upcoming launch has put competitors like Renault Korea, which recently opened pre-orders for its Scenic EV, on high alert.
Kia EV5: Korea Sales Begin in July, Deliveries Start in August
According to recent industry reports, Kia has finalized the domestic version of the EV5. Trial production has been ongoing at Kia’s Gwangju plant since April 2025. Customer pre-orders are expected to begin in July, with official deliveries scheduled for the end of August.
The EV5 is designed to fill the gap between the compact EV3 and the mid-size EV6, completing Kia’s EV lineup from EV3 through EV6. Alongside the flagship EV9, Kia also plans to introduce the EV2, a micro electric vehicle designed for the European market, next year — bringing the total EV lineup to six models.
EV5: Kia’s Most Promising Mainstream EV
While Kia introduced the EV4 earlier this year, its compact sedan form limits its appeal. The EV5, on the other hand, targets a broader audience, especially families, and is expected to become a key player in Kia’s electric vehicle strategy.
Impressive Range and Practical Size: Up to 500km on a Single Charge
Classified as a compact SUV, the EV5 boasts a length of 4,615mm — 70mm shorter than the Kia Sportage — but its 2,750mm wheelbase is only 5mm less. With a width of 1,875mm and a height of 1,715mm, the EV5 is actually 10mm wider and 50mm taller than the Sportage, offering a spacious feel for passengers.
The design features Kia’s signature diagonal styling with clean lines and “Star Map” signature lighting. Inside, it offers a unified display panel with a 12.3-inch digital cluster, a 5-inch climate control screen, and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen — all seamlessly integrated.
Kia applied a few tweaks to the Korean/Overseas version
Advanced technology includes:
- ccNC infotainment system
- Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2)
- Remote Smart Parking Assist 2 (RSPA 2)
- Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) capability for two-way energy transfer
Shared Platform with the EV3: Long-Range Battery up to 500km
The EV5 uses the same front-wheel-drive E-GMP platform as the EV3. The EV3 offers a single motor setup with 204 horsepower and two NCM battery options: 58.3kWh and 81.4kWh.
Using the long-range battery, the EV5 is projected to offer a driving range of approximately 500 kilometers (310 miles) on a single charge for the Korean standards, which translated to WLTP or EPA could be equivalent to 574 km or 310 miles respectively.
Pricing is anticipated to fall between the EV3’s base price of 39.95 million KRW (~$29,000 USD) and the EV6’s starting price of 46.6 million KRW (~$34,000 USD), making it an attractive mid-tier option.
Conclusion
With its spacious design, advanced features, and up to 500km range, the Kia EV5 is poised to be a major contender in the electric vehicle market. Its arrival signals a significant step in Kia’s global EV strategy and raises the bar for competitors in the compact electric SUV segment.
