Kia’s midsize electric SUV spotted in the US again, but this one is different [Image]

The EV5 is about the size of Kia’s best-selling Sportage SUV and the Tesla Model Y. After opening orders in Europe and Canada, Kia’s midsize electric SUV was spotted testing in the US again, but this one looks a little different.

Is Kia finally bringing the EV5 to the US?

After launching the EV5 in China in 2023, the midsize electric SUV has been a cornerstone of Kia’s comeback in the country.

The EV5 is now available to order in Europe, South Korea, Thailand, Australia, and even Canada, but not in the US.

Kia made it pretty clear last year that the EV5 is “exclusive to Canada for the North American market,” but another prototype was recently spotted testing in the US. The EV5 has been caught several times now in the US in different variations, raising speculation (or maybe hope) that Kia changed its mind.

The latest spy shot from KindelAuto shows a blacked-out Kia EV5 test car, likely the GT-Line trim. Although it looks about the same as the EV5 sold in other countries, the prototype has front amber lights, a requirement in the US.

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While Kia could be preparing to introduce the EV5 in the US, it could also be testing the GT-Line variant just south of the border for the Canadian market.

Kia opened EV5 orders in Canada in December, starting at $43,495 CAD. It’s available in nine trims with prices ranging from $43,495 CAD to $61,495 CAD for the range-topping AWD GT-Line Limited edition.

All EV5 trims, except the Light variant, are powered by an 81.4 kWh battery, providing up to 460 km (285 miles) of driving range.

The entry-level Light uses a 60.4 kWh battery, good for a driving range of up to 335 km (208 miles). It even has a built-in NACS port for charging at Tesla Superchargers.

Inside, the electric SUV features nearly 30″ of screen space with Kia’s new Connect Car Navigation (CCNC) infotainment system. The setup includes dual 12.3″ driver display and touchscreen navigation screens, plus a 5″ climate control screen.

Kia said the midsize electric SUV offers “best-in-class” rear passenger space with up to 1,041 mm of second-row legroom.

Measuring 4,610 mm in length, 1,875 mm in width, and 1,675 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,750 mm, the EV5 is about 10 mm wider, 70 mm longer, and 30 mm taller than the Kia Sportage.

In the UK, EV5 prices start from £39,295 ($53,000), on-the-road (OTR). It’s available with the same battery packs, providing a WLTP range of up to 530 km (329 miles).

The EV5 is already among the top-selling EVs in some overseas markets, such as Australia. Will Kia bring it to the US? Let’s hope so. Kia unveiled the US-spec EV3 last month, which will finally go on sale later this year.

Electrek’s Take

While Kia has delayed the EV4, its first electric sedan, “indefinitely” for the US, the EV5 would make more sense. SUVs and trucks dominate US auto sales.

Outside of the Tesla Model 3 and Cybertruck, the top 10 best-selling EVs in the US in the first quarter were all SUVs with the Tesla Model Y (1), Toyota bZ (3), Hyundai IONIQ 5 (4), Chevy Equinox EV (5), Rivian R1S (6), Ford Mustang Mach-E (7), Lexus RZ (8), and Cadillac Lyriq (10).

Kia’s EV sales rebounded last month, with sales of the three-row EV9 up 481% from April 2025. Through the first four months of 2026, Kia sold 4,089 EV9s in the US, up from 3,988 in the same period last year.

With the EV3 expected to start at around $35,000 or less, it will likely be one of the most affordable EVs in the US alongside the new Chevy Bolt EV, Nissan Leaf, Hyundai IONIQ 5, and Toyota bZ.

The EV5 would fit perfectly as a midsize option, positioned between the EV3 and EV9. What are your thoughts? Should Kia bring the EV5 to the US? Maybe we should start an open letter.