Kia EV5

Model Overview

The Kia EV5 is an all-electric C-segment SUV from South Korean carmaker Kia, built on Hyundai Motor Group's dedicated E-GMP EV platform. Unveiled as a special tribute to mark Kia's 80th anniversary, the EV5 represents Kia's first global strategic model to make its world debut in China, be produced locally, and be exported worldwide. The 2025 EV5 officially went on sale at the Guangzhou Auto Show in November 2024, establishing an electric lineup that spans three key series: the 530km Standard Range, the 720km Long Range, and the performance-led GT-Line. The 2026 model year further introduced RWD Long Range and AWD GT-Line variants. In terms of dimensions, the EV5 measures 4,615 mm in length, 1,875 mm in width, and 1,715 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,750 mm. Pricing-wise, the Standard variant starts from RM149,800, the Long Range variant from RM184,800, and the GT-Line AWD variant from RM214,800; the official retail price for the 2026 580 Land AWD GT-Line stands at RM231,800.

Design Language

Styling-wise, the EV5 stays true to Kia's signature  “Opposites United” design philosophy. Up front, a clean closed-off grille is flanked by vertical LED headlamp clusters paired with constellation map-inspired daytime running lights (DRLs), giving it an instantly recognizable road presence. Along the sides, crisp horizontal character lines are complemented by pronounced front and rear haunches, a floating roofline, and flush pop-out door handles, creating a rugged yet dynamic silhouette. The GT-Line variant gains a dedicated sports exterior styling kit, complete with black wheel arches, gloss black A/B/C-pillars, and black roof rails. Around the back, it features Star Map full-width LED taillights with slender C-shaped signatures and a wide, tapered profile; the 2026 model gains dynamic welcome lighting sequences for greater nighttime visibility.

Inside, the cabin revolves around a theme of “tech minimalism and practical comfort”, headlined by a 27-inch integrated triple-screen setup, with Long Range variants adding an 11.3-inch Head-Up Display (HUD) for an immersive four-screen digital cockpit. The 2025 model year introduces a new Blue-Grey interior theme, with premium synthetic leather wrapping the steering wheel, seats, and door trim panels. Gear selection is operated via a Shift-By-Wire (SBW) electronic rotary gear selector .

Powertrain and Performance

The EV5 range is powered by a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous electric motor, with both Standard and Long Range variants delivering a maximum output of 160 kW (approx. 218 PS)  and a peak torque of 310 Nm. The GT-Line AWD variant adds a rear electric motor to deliver a combined system output of 233 kW (approx. 317 PS)  and a peak torque of 480 Nm. This enables the AWD variant to complete the 0-100 km/h sprint in 6.2 seconds, before reaching an electronically limited top speed of 180 km/h.

Two battery capacities are available: the Standard variant is fitted with a 64.2 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, delivering a CLTC-rated range of 530 km; the Long Range variant packs an 88.1 kWh LFP battery delivering a CLTC range of 720 km; while the GT-Line AWD offers a range between 580 km and 630 km. The entire range comes standard with an 800V high-voltage architecture, allowing a 30% to 80% DC fast charge in as fast as 27 minutes.

Chassis and Ride & Handling

Underneath, the chassis employs a front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link (five-link) independent suspension setup. The five-link rear independent suspension is a premium setup for its class, effectively soaking up road imperfections to enhance ride comfort. Steering duties are handled by an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system. The EV5 is also equipped with a smart regenerative braking system and an i-PEDAL one-pedal driving mode, with regen levels adjustable via steering wheel paddle shifters. Four drive modes are available: Eco, Normal, Sport, and Snow. The minimum turning radius is 5.87 metres.

Cabin and Equipment

The digital cockpit features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster paired with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. Powering the infotainment is Kia's latest-generation ccNC (connected car Navigation Cockpit) system, supporting connected in-car apps such as WeChat for Auto, QQ Music, and Tencent Mini Programs, alongside a Wi-Fi hotspot, Baidu CarLife, wireless Apple CarPlay, dual-zone voice control, and real-time online navigation. The vehicle also supports Kia Connect connected services (charging management, remote vehicle telematics, and emergency SOS) alongside full-vehicle over-the-air (OTA) remote updates.

In terms of creature comforts, the EV5 comes equipped with an openable panoramic sunroof, smart powered tailgate, leather-wrapped steering wheel, front eco-leather seats, eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, 0° flat-folding rear seats (60:40-split), and a centre warming and cooling drawer (with 5°C to 55°C temperature control). Long Range models further add ventilated front seats and a one-touch Zero Gravity relaxation mode. Storage space includes a 67-litre front boot (frunk), a standard boot capacity of 513 litres, and up to 1,714 litres with the rear seats folded flat. A 220V Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) power supply function is also standard across the range.

Safety and Driver Assistance

On the passive safety front, the EV5 utilizes a high-strength steel hybrid body shell and comes standard with seven airbags—comprising dual front, front side, curtain airbags, and a segment-rare front centre airbag. The high-voltage battery is protected by a 24/7 real-time thermal monitoring system and a second-generation intelligent thermal management system.

In terms of active safety and driver assist systems, the EV5 is fitted as standard with an L2+ Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) suite, incorporating up to 18 advanced active safety functions. Key highlights include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA)  (with junction oncoming and crossing detection), Remote Smart Parking Assist 2 (RSPA 2) , Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA2) , Smart Cruise Control with Machine Learning (SCC-ML) , Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) , Blind-Spot Monitoring, Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) , and a 540-degree surround-view camera system. The sensing suite comprises one camera and eight ultrasonic parking sensors.

Market Performance and Reception

Since its market launch, the Kia EV5's sales momentum has fallen short of initial expectations. Following a six-month sales ramp-up period, monthly sales have hovered around 300 to 500 units. Industry analysts attribute this to a complex lineup of 18 variant choices causing decision fatigue among buyers, relatively basic specifications on entry-level models, and noticeable price premiums on top-spec variants. Nevertheless, the Kia brand overall continues to expand in the Chinese market—in 2025, Yueda Kia registered total annual sales of 253,964 units, reflecting a 2.3% year-on-year growth and marking two consecutive years of positive sales growth.

Within the compact electric SUV segment, the EV5 goes up against rivals like the BYD Song PLUS EV and the Volkswagen ID.4. The EV5's primary strengths lie in its segment-leading features, including an 800V high-voltage architecture, an ultra-long range of up to 720 km, a five-link independent rear suspension, and seven airbags (including a front centre airbag) . Serving as a crucial strategic model in Kia's EV roadmap, the EV5 leverages its E-GMP engineering credentials, versatile cabin packaging, and comprehensive safety package to carve out a unique, differentiated position in the RM150,000 to RM250,000 pure electric SUV segment.