Kia isn’t wasting any time updating its Sportage-sized EV5 electric SUV. Leaked images just gave us our first look at what’s changing.
The Kia EV5 is due for an overhaul
While Kia doesn’t sell the EV5 in the US, the electric SUV has been a hit in other global markets. It first went on sale in China in 2023, and Kia launched the global model last year; it is now available in Europe, Canada, the UK, and other overseas regions.
The electric SUV has played a major part in Kia’s turnaround in China and is among the top-selling EVs in places like Australia.
Kia is already preparing to introduce an updated version in 2027. The updated EV5 was revealed through Australian Design Rule (ADR) regulatory documents, including images of the new version and some powertrain specs.
Front- and all-wheel-drive variants will get a power boost with up to 234 hp (175 kW) in FWD and 334 hp (249 kW) for AWD models.
The new EV5 will still use the same 64.2 kWh and 88.1 kWh battery packs, but updated range figures have yet to be announced.
Kia’s current model offers a WLTP range of up to 248 miles (400 km) from the smaller battery and 345 miles (555 km) from the larger battery.
As previous spy images have shown, the updated Kia EV5 features a few slight exterior design changes.
These changes include new front and rear bumpers, similar to those of the rugged EV5 WKNDR Concept Kia revealed last November at the Guangzhou Motor Show.
Recent spy photos in Korea from ShortsCar revealed the EV5 update features a 27″ center infotainment screen, similar to the Hyundai Elexio and Kia Seltos that are made in China.
A sticker on the back said the vehicle was destined for the Philippines, meaning it’s the EV5 that’s produced in China.
Since Kia launched the China-made EV5 in 2023, it’s due for a refresh around 2027. Whether and when Kia will introduce the updated global version, which is produced in Korea, has yet to be confirmed.
Source: Australian ROVER
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