Kia EV5 to reach the US by 2026: all-wheel drive, 308 horsepower, and starting price from $49,000

It's finally official: Kia has confirmed plans to launch the EV5 electric vehicle in the North American market. The model debuted nearly two years ago and has since appeared in several countries. Now, the automaker is preparing for a global launch: sales will begin in South Korea and Europe by the end of 2024, and in the US and Canada only in early 2026.

This release is part of Kia's ambitious strategy to release at least 15 electric vehicles by 2027. Unlike the streamlined EV6 or Tesla Model Y, the EV5 has a more angular, classic crossover design.

The technical basis is the E-GMP platform from Hyundai, the same used in the flagship EV9. Depending on the region, buyers will be offered batteries with capacities of 60.3 or 81.4 kWh. According to WLTP data, the range reaches 530 km, but in the American EPA cycle, the figures will be more modest.

The base version is front-wheel drive with 215 hp, but for those who love dynamics, an all-wheel-drive version (308 hp) is available, accelerating the car to 60 mph in six seconds. The interior features a sleek design with two 12.3-inch screens, a touch climate control panel, and an optional fingerprint scanner.

Exact prices for the US will be announced later, but Kia intends to stay below the $50,000 mark. By comparison, the EV6 currently starts at $42,600. Production is based in China and Korea, with Korean factories likely supplying the US market. In the future, production may be relocated to the US due to new tariff regulations.