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Kia prides itself on movement that inspires, as it brings South Korean inspiration stateside. Next year, car buyers will see the Kia EV5 in North America for the first time. How will it impact the automotive industry, and will it affect how other manufacturers build cars? Its success could be a turning point in the American market. Here’s what you need to know about this new car.
The Kia EV5 Makes Its North American Debut
The Kia EV5 is a relatively new vehicle, as the South Korean manufacturer has produced it since 2023. However, it’s taken a while to bring the car to the red, white and blue. In 2024, Kia introduced the electric vehicle (EV) to countries like Brazil, New Zealand and Pakistan. Thailand residents got it as soon as March 2024, becoming the first country to receive exports from China.
Kia has long been an automotive player in the U.S., as car fanatics know it as a value brand. You can find affordable cars for teens and adults, whether the Sorento or Sportage. Soon, you might see it come to the U.S., though it’s unclear when that will be. Motor Trend expects the car to be in America for the 2025 model year, but others are more skeptical.
Why It Took So Long
Selling a car anywhere is harder due to the global supply chain and big-picture economic issues. From semiconductor shortages to high interest rates, production has become much more expensive. These factors have trickled down to higher prices for buyers, and manufacturers are getting pickier about where they sell their vehicles.
Those problems existed before 2025 and the new presidential administration. Now, the executive branch is making it harder for international automakers to sell their products in the U.S. Tariff policies have antagonized companies in Japan, South Korea and other prominent nations. Therefore, Kia’s hesitation about the American market is understandable.
Tall Tales of Tariffs
Tariffs significantly affect the cost of cars, trucks, and SUVs on dealership lots. However, other American policies aren’t helping the cause. For instance, the U.S. offers a rebate on EVs if they meet sourcing requirements. Electric cars completed in domestic automotive plants can get a discount and help people afford cars. However, the Kia EV5 comes from China, Singapore and South Korea.
Canada has similar EV incentives at the federal level despite having to pause the program. However, it will sell Kia’s new vehicle when it arrives in 2026. Why is it only coming to the friends up north instead of America? Kia America told The Drive it has no plans to bring the Kia EV5 to the U.S.A., yet offered no reason for its absence.
What Is the Kia EV5?
So, why is there a big fuss about the new Kia? It’s arguably among the best value EVs worldwide. Here’s what you need to know about it.
1. Design
This electric Kia is a compact electric SUV boasting a tiny frame. It’s a family-friendly car that’s great for road trips, especially if you’ve mapped charging stations and fun stops along the way! It’s smaller than fellow Kias but equally gets the job done.
The Kia EV5 stands out because it’s among the most sustainable cars on the market. Its interior design includes sustainable materials like recycled plastic and plant-based leather, though it looks upscale. Plus, it has a beverage cooler and massaging seats!
2. Power
Don’t expect 670 horsepower like you’d see at a NASCAR race. However, this electric Kia holds its own with 215 horsepower in the entry-level model. The other trims include the Wind, Land and GT models, which boast 308 horsepower.
Besides horsepower, the vehicle boasts a strong 800-volt electrical architecture and fast-charging capabilities. It’ll come in clutch when you need a quick charge before heading to work.
3. Range
The entry-level models include a small battery with 64 kilowatt-hours of power. However, the upper-level trims will get a more potent pack with 88 kilowatt-hours. Kia says the Light and Air models get around 300 miles, whereas the Earth Long model will last over 400 miles.
The range is decent for an EV, falling behind competitors like the Mercedes-Benz EQS or the Volvo ES90. However, you must consider the value you get from Kia vehicles and their lower prices.
4. Price
The Kia EV5 will run you about $40,000 for the cheapest model, the Light RWD. However, prices increase if you want a better trim. For instance, Car and Driver estimates the Land e-AWD will cost $49,000 — meanwhile, the GT-Line e-AWD tops the list at $54,000.
The price could be better for car buyers, but you must remember two things: it’s an EV and an SUV. These cars aren’t cheap nowadays, so $40k for a new car isn’t as bad. Would you rather spend cash on an accident-prone Tesla Model Y or save money with the EV5?
Closest Kia EV5 Comparisons in the U.S.A.
The newest Kia car might not come to America for a while, so you’ll have to improvise. Here are the closest domestic comparisons to this vehicle:
- Hyundai IONIQ 5: The IONIQ 5 is a close competitor, unrelated to its South Korean roots. Hyundai and Kia share a parent company and platforms, so these vehicles have similar designs and value.
- Nissan Ariya: Nissan’s premier electric SUV has a minimalist focus and a futuristic design, identical to the Kia EV5. These automobiles have dual-motor, all-wheel drive capabilities.
- Ford Mustang Mach-E: Ford used the Mustang nameplate to create a crossover SUV resembling the Kia car. It’s a little bigger but has a similar approach to compact EVs.
- Tesla Model Y: The Kia EV5 is a direct competitor of the Tesla Model Y, considering they share key markets like Australia and China. However, Elon Musk’s SUV is a bit more expensive, charging between $46,000 and $61,000, depending on the trim.
- Chevrolet Equinox EV: The Equinox is among the best-value EVs in the current market. Its price point is similar to Kia’s compact SUV, which focuses on smaller electric vehicles for families.
Awaiting More EVs in America the Beautiful
Will the Kia EV5 eventually come to the U.S.? It likely won’t be in the next model year if it does. Policymakers would have to incentivize buying all EVs — not just those produced in America. Massive tariffs make international cars less accessible to American buyers, so there’s not much incentive for Kia. Until then, you’ll have to go to other markets to enjoy the electric SUV.
