Positioned below the radically styled EV6, the EV5, which we’ve encountered twice already, including the high-performance GT variant, is Kia’s ‘proper’ electric compact SUV in its global portfolio.
The company offers it in nearly every key EV market worldwide, including Canada, but it has confirmed that it has no plans for a U.S. launch.
During our travels to Malaysia, we got to experience this elusive SUV in a global specification model, where it was making its local debut. These are the five reasons we think the U.S. should have received the Kia EV5.
1. Is right-sized for the U.S.
Measuring 181.5 in. in length, 73.8 in. in width, and 66.1 in. in height, and with a 108.3 in. wheelbase, the Kia EV5 is broadly comparable to the Sportage, the brand’s best-selling vehicle in the U.S.
The compact SUV segment is one of America’s largest vehicle categories, not just for Kia but for the wider industry. Models like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V consistently rank among the country’s best-selling vehicles, and offering an all-electric option isn’t just an interesting idea at this point.
2. Sports an authentic SUV character
The Kia EV5’s upright silhouette and boxy design give it a proper SUV look, which would resonate with traditional American buyers. Its more conventional, space-focused proportions would make it more suitable for taller adults than the sleeker, sweptback EV6 sold in the U.S., especially in terms of seating position, headroom, and overall cabin feel.
3. Has usable range
In Canada, Kia claims the EV5 can deliver a range of up to 286 miles. While 300 miles feels like a safe bet for this segment, given that the average U.S. driver covers approximately 37 miles daily, the EV5 would offer enough range for most weekly driving needs on a single charge.
It would also be suitable for medium-distance trips, such as from New York City to Boston or Dallas to Austin, without a charging stop.
4. Is well-furnished
Despite being a compact SUV, the Kia EV5 comes generously appointed with premium features. Heated and ventilated front seats, a tri-zone automatic climate control system, fingerprint recognition, V2L (vehicle-to-load), and Remote Smart Park Assist 2 are some of the key comfort and convenience features Kia offers in the EV5 in Canada.
5. Can be affordably priced
If Kia followed a pricing strategy similar to its Canadian approach, the EV5 could have landed at under USD 40,000 in the U.S. That would make it a value-priced electric SUV, attractive to buyers seeking a practical EV on a budget.
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
