Hot on the heels of announcing pricing for its upcoming EV9 electric SUV, Kia unveiled a suite of new electric vehicles. Dubbed EV3, EV4, and EV5, these new models will eventually flesh out the South Korean automaker’s battery-powered product portfolio.
Coming Soon? 2025 Kia EV5
The EV5 “keeps it in the family” so to speak with its interior and exterior design that makes it look like a pint-size version of the larger EV9. It’s built on the same “E-GMP” platform, but its running gear is different. Instead of using rear-wheel drive like its larger cousin, the EV5 adopts a front-drive propulsion system courtesy of a single-motor that produces 214 horsepower. All-wheel drive will also be available and versions so equipped will have 308 horsepower. Battery capacities will span 64 to 88 kilowatt-hours, resulting in estimated driving ranges of about 330-450 miles.
Some of the EV5 Concept’s interesting features are a rear seat that folds flat and coverts into a bed. The passenger-side front and rear seats can also swivel 90 degrees to make exit through the suicide door setup easier for older or mobility challenged individuals. There’s also a small refrigerator.
While the EV5 has been given the green light for production, Kia officials were cagey on whether it will be sold in North America. The company has no plans to build the vehicle at its Georgia assembly plant, at least not any time soon. That means EV5s would need to be imported from South Korea, which would hurt its prospects in the US market by rendering it ineligible for federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act.
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CG Says:
EV5’s design and powertrain specs make it look like a serious threat to the segment’s sales leader, the Tesla Model Y. While we are certain the brand’s big wigs are giving it serious consideration, it would be both unsurprising and disappointing if it doesn’t end up making the cut for sale in the US. Indeed, it’s more likely we would see EV5 offered in Canada and/or Mexico, and we think those nations will be lucky to have it.
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2025 Kia EV5 Gallery
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Consumer Guide Car Stuff Podcast, Episode 186: EV Charging Levels Basics (Bonus Episode)
