KIA EV5 Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Kia launched an assault on the EV market and offered the EV5 as an alternative for the Sportage lineup, but with an electric motor under its skin.

The Korean automaker introduced the EV5 at the Chengdu Motor Show in China. It made the vehicle based on the Kia EV6 platform, but unlike that model, the new crossover aimed at the families of the millennials. Not only was the exterior less aggressive than that of its sibling, but it also shared some ideas already seen on its bigger brother, the EV9. As a result, the EV5 was the electron-powered alternative for those looking for an EV version of the Sportage.

Kia's design language went through a profound transformation. The automaker went to wedged shapes from the flowing lines of the Stinger and rounded shapes of the Rio and Ceed. It joined a new retro-design styling seen on other vehicles made by other brands. Still, many modern-looking details made the EV5 attractive to those who appreciated the tech era. As a result, the car's front featured a continuous line of LEDs that formed the daytime running lights. These flanked the sides of the vehicle and ran above the upper panel of the front fascia. In addition, at the lower side, the automaker installed a trapezoidal grille needed to cool the battery pack and the car's electronics. Still, EVs didn't need a wide cooling area such as ICE-powered vehicles. From its profile, the SUV looks sporting a cab-rearward shape featuring flat panels and subtle lines across the bodywork. In addition, at the rear, the design team created an upward line that connected the window line with the D-pillars. Finally, at the back, the automaker made upside-down U-shaped taillights resembling the front daytime running lights.

Inside, the automaker installed a pair of seats at the front that looked more like a bench seat. Still, the center console didn't allow a third occupant to sit between the driver and the side passenger. The dashboard featured a minimalist design with horizontal lines and a wide and curved display on top of it. Fronting the driver was a digital instrument panel that shared the same glass panel with the infotainment's touchscreen. But Kia understood that customers still wanted physical buttons, so it left the main one in place. Furthermore, there were several other buttons on the steering wheel that controlled the sound system, onboard computer, and telephone functions. In the back, on the split-folding (60/40) bench seat, the automaker made room for three additional passengers. The flat folding bench could expand the trunk's space.

Just like its siblings, the EV6 and the EV9, the EV5 featured a battery pack installed inside the floor that sent its electrons to the car's motors. Kia offered the vehicle with either a two or an all-wheel-drive system. The EV5 used an iron phosphate battery pack made by the Chinese tech company BYD. These were heavier than those using the lithium-ion technology but offered a recycling advantage.