- The Kia EV5 slots between the EV6 and EV3 crossovers.
- Underneath, it uses the same e-GMP platform as the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6 and others.
- Kia says it has no plans to offer the EV5 in the U.S.
Some important heads of state may see things differently, but Canada is a different country than the U.S. Taste in vehicles along with economic conditions in the two countries are not always the same. Thus, although the two markets can resemble each other, there are cases where Canada gets a unique model or trim that doesn’t migrate south of its border.
Looks like the Kia EV5 is about to be one of those cars that will stay in the Great White North and won’t drive south of the border. It certainly wouldn't be the first EV Kia to stay a Canada-only special. Remember the Kia Soul EV?
For those not in the know, the Kia EV5 is a compact electric crossover that slots below the EV6, but above the forthcoming EV3. In terms of design, it looks like a downsized EV9, but it's nearly identical to a Toyota RAV4 in size.
They’re all on the same Hyundai Motor Group E-GMP platform, but there are a few mechanical differences. The EV6 is RWD or AWD and uses the 800-volt variant of the e-GMP platform. By contrast, the EV5 is FWD (or AWD) and uses the cheaper 400-volt variant of the e-GMP chassis. On average, it tends to be a bit cheaper than the EV6.
Still, those differences haven’t seemed to hurt the EV5. Currently, the model is made in China or Singapore and sold in much of Asia. It’s been a fairly decent seller, responsible for helping turn around Kia’s fates in China. Since its introduction, Kia China has once again surpassed the 200,000-units-sold mark, and its Chinese venture is profitable again for the first time in seven years.
Yet, when The Drive pressed and asked why or if the EV5 would come to the U.S., Kia didn't really elaborate why. It said that the brand has no plans to offer the EV5 down here. Kia has previously indicated that the car's original intentions to be sold at a lower price-point in China may have had something to do with its perceived viability in the U.S. Yet like the U.S., Canada also has a 100% import tariff on EVs produced in China. Maybe Canadian-sold units will come from the plant in Singapore? It’s not clear.
Pricing isn’t clear, either. Kia Canada says the EV5 will be an affordable way to get Canadians into EV ownership, but not much else. At least for Canadians, this model looks poised to pick up the slack if Canada really does stick a 100% tariff on Tesla.
Yet not offering the EV5 in the U.S. seems like a misstep. The EV5’s lower price and unmistakably rectilinear upright SUV shape would entice lots of EV buyers, many for the first time. I’d wager it would pick up all the stragglers who like the EV9, but don’t have the cash or don’t want a third row of seats.
Historically, Kia has been wishy-washy with the future of both the EV5 and EV3 for North America. In late 2023, our own Patrick George traveled to South Korea for a sneak preview of Kia’s new EVs, one of them being the EV5. Initially, Kia’s representatives said it would head to the U.S., but within a day or two Kia's leadership reneged. Now, it’s back but only for Canada.
The Canadian-spec EV5 will come with a Tesla-style NACS port like other new Hyundai and Kia models, however. It does feel like it could be just a few moves away from American dealerships if the stars aligned.
If you’re in Canada, you can see the EV5 in the flesh at this year’s Canadian International Auto Show, which starts Feb. 14.
Contact the author: Kevin.Williams@InsideEVs.com
