The Kia EV5, a practical and spacious five-seat SUV, has been confirmed for the UK market in 2025. Positioned as a rival to the Ford Explorer, the EV5 will sit alongside the petrol-powered Kia Sportage, offering an all-electric alternative for families seeking a versatile and capable vehicle.
Expanding Kia’s Electric Line-up
The EV5 is the third model in Kia’s dedicated E-GMP electric vehicle range. Initially unveiled at the Chengdu Motor Show in April, the EV5 was first introduced as a China-specific model. However, Kia has now confirmed that the vehicle will be sold globally, including in the UK.
The SUV will arrive following the launch of the smaller Kia EV3 and will be positioned between that model and the flagship Kia EV9 in the brand’s growing EV line-up. Sharing key design elements with its siblings, the EV5 features its own interpretation of Kia’s distinctive ‘Tiger face’ grille. The vehicle’s wheels have also been pushed to the corners to maximise interior space and improve stability.
Platform and Charging Capabilities
Built on a modified version of Hyundai Motor Group’s E-GMP platform, the EV5 will differ from the Kia EV6 and EV9 in its charging capabilities. Instead of the 800V system used in those models, the EV5 will operate on a 400V system, which helps lower costs but results in slower charging times.
Chinese-market versions of the EV5 will be produced locally in China, while models for the UK and other global markets will be manufactured in South Korea. Technical specifications will also vary depending on the market, particularly in terms of battery size and chemistry.
Powertrain and Performance
Chinese-market versions of the EV5 will offer 64kWh and 88kWh battery options, while South Korean-built models will come with a choice of 58kWh or 81kWh batteries. Kia will offer both single- and dual-motor configurations. Standard and Long Range variants will feature a 215bhp front-mounted motor, while the Long Range AWD model will include an additional 94bhp rear motor, bringing the total output to an impressive 302bhp.
In addition to these versions, Kia has confirmed that a high-performance EV5 GT is in development. However, no official technical details have been released for this variant yet.
Range and Charging
Kia states that the EV5’s range will be adapted to meet market-specific demands. In China, the vehicle will offer a driving range between 330 and 403 miles, based on the country’s official testing cycle. The all-wheel-drive version for the Chinese market will be capable of charging from 30% to 80% in just 27 minutes, indicating a charging speed of around 125kW.
Advanced Features and Connectivity
All variants of the Kia EV5 will be equipped with an advanced heat pump as standard, ensuring efficient temperature management in various climates. Regenerative braking, including a single-pedal driving mode, will also be available.
Furthermore, the EV5 has been designed to support over-the-air software updates, enhancing its long-term functionality. The vehicle will also offer both vehicle-to-load (V2L) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capabilities, allowing owners to power external devices or contribute electricity back to the grid when needed.
With its combination of practicality, performance, and cutting-edge technology, the Kia EV5 is set to become a strong contender in the UK’s rapidly growing electric SUV market.