2026 Kia EV5: The Baby EV9 That Customers Want

Boldness, originality, and experimentation have been at the heart of the development of many electric vehicles launched in recent years - even though manufacturers seemed to market them out of obligation without necessarily expecting success. Electric vehicles such as the BMW i3 and Genesis GV60 are prime examples of vehicles that have been used to gather data and experience, but have not been profitable.

As funny as it may seem, Kia is already seeing a slowdown in sales of the EV6, a vehicle that is difficult to categorize. Is it a car or an SUV? Compact or mid-size? And who are its rivals? When the answers to these questions remain unclear, it's a sign that the things are not optimal.

• Also: All-New Kia EV5 to Launch in Canada in Spring of 2026
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However, with the upcoming EV5 seems to have a clear mission. It’s a 100% electric SUV which is equivalent in size to a Sportage, and it aims at satisfying the needs of a wide range of buyers. Needless to say, it will clearly steal the EV6's thunder when it hits dealerships next spring.

Moreover, the EV6 is currently no longer imported into Canada because it is manufactured in the United States. Kia Canada may decide to have it manufactured in South Korea in the not-too-distant future to dodge counter-tariffs. But with the EV4 and EV5 covering most bases, one might also question the relevance of keeping it.

A pocket-sized EV9?

Today we're focusing on the EV5, which will arrive a few months after the EV4. Its lines are reminiscent of the EV9, both inside and out. Its proportions, styling elements, and interior layout are very similar...but smaller. It is 70 mm shorter than the EV6, but also shorter than the Sportage, which doesn't prevent it from offering 805 litres of cargo space. The EV5 even offers a small front compartment (under the hood) where you can store a first aid kit, a windshield washer fluid container, and a few other useful road trip essentials.

Aesthetically pleasing, the EV5 reserved for the Canadian market will differ slightly from our tester, which has Korean specifications. For example, we will have tinted windows as standard, but will still be able to choose between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions. This technology differs from that of the EV6, whose base model is rear-wheel drive.

Canadian base models will be powered by a 160 kW (215 hp) electric motor, while the all-wheel-drive version will have a 155 kW front motor and a second 70 kW rear motor. Together, they will deliver 262 horsepower, allowing the vehicle to go from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds.

Kia isn't playing the performance card here, although we anticipate the possible arrival of a GT version with 301 horsepower. In fact, the EV5 will compete directly with the Chevrolet Equinox EV and Volkswagen ID.4, but in a way that I'm sure will appeal even more to consumers. Not only because of its charming design, but also because the interior gives the impression of a much more spacious vehicle than it actually is.

The version we tested was a GT-Line model with distinctive LED lights, 19-inch wheels, and a two-tone interior combining black and cream. We know that the models destined for the US will come standard with 18-inch wheels and two 12.3-inch screens, separated by a third 5-inch screen for heating/air conditioning controls. This is identical to the EV9, where the steering wheel rim obstructs the view of the small screen.

However, this is probably the only ergonomic fault we found on the EV5, which otherwise offers a multitude of storage spaces and a well-designed floating console with a rear-accessible drawer underneath. The V2L system, which allows accessories to be charged from the vehicle's high-voltage battery, will also be available, as studies have shown that buyers make good use of it.

Range

Converting WLTP figures to North American standards gives an anticipated range of 454 km for the front-wheel drive model. This is slightly less than Chevrolet claims for the Equinox, although after traveling 250 kilometres, the EV5 still had 258 kilometres remaining on the odometer, for an actual anticipated range of 508 kilometres. The official figures will be released shortly, and we will, of course, test the vehicle under our own conditions to find out the truth. But one thing is certain: range won't be a problem.

The EV5 is based on a 400-volt architecture, allowing it to recharge from 10 to 80% in about 30 minutes, according to Kia. Equipped with an 81.4 kWh thermoregulated battery, it also features a preconditioning function that comes in handy during the winter months.

It delivers plenty of power, but doesn't have the punch of a 320-horsepower EV6 in terms of accelerations. On the flipside, it feels surprisingly lighter, even though it's not. A four-wheel-drive GT-Line model weighs in at around 2,220 kg, saving some 300 kg compared to the EV9. Once again, Kia is simply applying a 7/8 scale formula to its big brother, which is very successful in our market. That's why we anticipate the same thing with the EV5.

Exclusivity

Kia Canada's strategy with the EV5 is also interesting in that it will not be offered to our neighbours to the south because it is assembled in South Korea. Will the U.S. keep the EV6, on which they would place more emphasis? One thing is certain: this type of situation is likely to occur more frequently in the industry. The only drawback will probably be replacement part supply, which is always more complicated on a Canadian-exclusive model.

The EV5 will inevitably be priced higher than the Niro and the EV3, which will arrive in late summer 2026, but it will have to be competitive with the Chevrolet Equinox EV, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Volkswagen ID.4, which will undoubtedly be in its sights.