Although we were pulling for it, Kia’s affordable EV5 electric SUV will not arrive in the US. In a rare move, Kia is planning to launch the entry-level EV next door in Canada next year, and it will even include an NACS port for charging at Tesla Superchargers.
Kia will launch the EV5 in Canada but not the US
We got our first look at the EV5 when it made its global debut at the Chengdu Motor Show in China in August 2023.
The EV5 was showcased during Kia’s first annual EV Day later that year, alongside the EV3 and EV4 concepts. The new models are part of Kia’s entry-level EV lineup as it expands into the mass market.
Although we were hoping Kia would bring the EV5 to the US, it doesn’t look like that will happen. Kia announced it will launch the EV5 “exclusively for the Canadian market in North America.” The electric SUV is expected to arrive at dealerships across Canada in 2026.
“Upon launch, EV5 will mark an important milestone as we introduce this vehicle as an affordable option” in Canada’s most significant segment, David Sherrard, Kia Canada’s director of strategic planning, said.
The EV5 will also feature a native North American Charging Standard (NACS) port for charging at Tesla Superchargers. Kia said the port will allow owners to access 61% more DC fast chargers.
Kia’s smaller SUV will be available in FWD and AWD powertrains with two battery sizes: 60.3 kWh and 81.4 kWh.
Although more information, including prices and specs, will be revealed closer to launch, the EV5 is expected to start at around $40,000 to $50,000 and have a range of up to 300 miles.
Kia will introduce the EV5 at the Canadian International Auto Show on February 14. Stay tuned for prices and additional specs.
Electrek’s Take
Why would Kia launch the EV5 in Canada, with a Tesla NACS port, and not the US? There could be several reasons. For one, it’s not made in the US, meaning it wouldn’t qualify for the $7,500 federal tax credit, putting it at a disadvantage to domestic rivals.
On the other hand, America loves bigger SUVs and trucks. Kia already has the three-row EV9, which sold over 22,000 units in 2024. The smaller EV6, which has been on the market since 2022, had 21,715 in sales.
The EV5 is already a hit in China, where it was first launched. Despite an intensifying price war, Kia’s low-cost electric SUV has helped the company turn things around in the world’s largest EV market.
Weda Kia, Kia’s joint venture in China, sold more than 248,200 vehicles last year, up nearly 50% from 2023. This was also Kia’s first time crossing the 200K sales mark since 2020. The biggest reason was the EV5. After selling 26,550 vehicles in June, Kia sold over 20,000 units every month through the end of 2024.
Kia launched the EV5 in China in November 2023, starting at just 149,800 yuan, or around $20,000. Not only did it hit the market at a lower price than expected, but it also undercut several top sellers, including Tesla’s Model Y, starting at 249,900 yuan ($35,000).
At 4,615 mm long, 1,875 mm wide, and 1,715 mm tall, the EV5 is about the size of a Tesla Model Y (4,760 mm long x 1,921 mm wide x 1,624 mm tall).
Tesla’s Model Y was again the best-selling EV in the US last year by a wide margin. With over 372,600 units sold, the Model Y accounted for 28.6% of the market, according to Cox Automotive data.
So why wouldn’t Kia bring the EV5 to the US? Would you buy one for around $40,000 to $50,000? Let us know in the comments.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
Comments