Karmactive Team
Kia’s EV5 electric SUV is making its global debut with enhanced specifications for European markets, setting the stage for wider international availability. The mid-sized electric SUV offers up to 329 miles of range and positions itself as a practical family vehicle in the increasingly competitive electric crossover segment.
The European-spec EV5 replaces the Chinese model’s lithium-iron-phosphate battery with an 81.4 kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt unit, the same battery found in Kia’s smaller EV3 and EV4 models. This battery choice helps the SUV achieve its impressive 329-mile range under WLTP testing standards.
Charging capabilities remain practical for everyday use, with the vehicle able to recharge from 10% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes using DC fast charging at speeds up to 150 kW. While this isn’t as quick as some competitors like the EV6 (which charges at 170 kW), it still offers reasonable charging times for most drivers.
The European version will initially be offered with a single powertrain option: a front-mounted motor delivering 215 horsepower and 218 pound-feet of torque. This setup enables the SUV to accelerate from 0-62 mph in 8.4 seconds. For those wanting more power, Kia plans to introduce all-wheel-drive variants with dual motors (producing a combined 308 horsepower) and a high-performance GT model in 2026.
One standout feature is the EV5’s bi-directional charging capability. The Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function allows owners to power external devices up to 3.6 kW, making it useful for camping trips or emergency situations. The SUV is also future-ready with Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) hardware that will enable integration with smart electrical grids once supporting infrastructure is in place.
The EV5’s exterior maintains the boxy, upright SUV profile introduced in the Chinese market, resembling its larger sibling, the EV9. Key design elements include a wide nose, three-dimensional “Star Map” daytime running lights, and vertically extended rear lamps. The SUV measures 4,610 mm long with a 2,750 mm wheelbase, positioning it as slightly smaller than the Tesla Model Y but similar in size to the Hyundai Ioniq 5.
Inside, Kia has created what it calls a “lounge-like environment” with comfort-focused seating and modern technology. The cabin features a panoramic wide display that combines a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, and a 5.3-inch climate control panel. Higher trims offer Premium Relaxation Seats with massage functionality, heating, and ventilation.
The interior is designed with flexibility in mind. Notable features include a fold-out desk on the back of the front passenger seat, a sliding drawer that can heat or cool items, and a deployable shelving system in the trunk. The rear seats can be folded completely flat, creating a two-meter-long space ideal for camping or hauling larger items. Cargo space is generous at 566 liters, which is larger than what’s offered in the Volkswagen ID.4.
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Safety features include a comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems, such as Autonomous Emergency Braking, Blind-spot Warning and Intervention, Lane Following Assist, and Smart Cruise Control 2.0. The EV5 is designed to meet Euro NCAP 5-Star safety rating standards.
European-market EV5s will be built in Korea, unlike the Chinese version which is produced by Kia’s joint venture partner. While pricing hasn’t been officially confirmed, the EV5 is expected to sit between the EV4 (starting at £34,695) and EV6 (from £39,235) in Kia’s lineup, suggesting a starting price below £40,000 in the UK.
The global rollout for the EV5 begins in Korea and Europe in the second half of 2025, with North American sales starting in early 2026. However, North American availability will be limited to Canada and Mexico, with Kia confirming the EV5 will not be sold in the United States.
According to Sjoerd Knipping, Kia Europe’s COO, “The EV5 is a cornerstone of Kia’s European growth strategy,” emphasizing that the electric SUV is “tailored to the way Europeans live, work, and drive.”
With its combination of practical range, flexible interior, and competitive pricing, the Kia EV5 aims to challenge established players in the electric SUV market, including the Tesla Model Y, Volkswagen ID.4, and even its corporate cousin, the Hyundai Ioniq 5.
