Kia’s mid-size EV SUV caught testing in the US [Images]

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 mid-size electric SUV was spotted testing in the US again, but this one is different.

Is Kia finally bringing the EV5 to the US?

After launching the EV5 in China in 2023, the mid-size 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 with US plates. The EV5 has been caught several times now in the US in different variations, raising speculation (or maybe hope) that Kia changed its mind.

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The latest spy shots from KindelAuto show a blacked-out Kia EV5 GT test car with Michigan plates. Although it looks about the same as the EV5 sold in other countries, the prototype has front amber lights, a requirement in the US.

While Kia could be preparing to introduce the EV5 for the US, it could also be testing the GT variant for Canada just south of the border.

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.

2027 Kia EV5 trim	Starting Price (CAD) (FWD/AWD)	Battery	Target Range (FWD/ AWD)	Selling Points
Light traction	$43,495	60.4 kWh	335 km	Entry-level price, standard battery life
Wind	$47,495 / $49,995	81.4 kWh	460 km / 415 km	Long-life battery, heat pump
Land	$49,995 / $52,495	81.4 kWh	460 km / 415 km	Panoramic roof, smart tailgate, V2L
GT-Line	$55,495 / $57,995	81.4 kWh	460 km / 410 km	HDA2, FCA 2, ventilated seats, sporty style
GT-Line Limited	$58,995 / $61,495	81.4 kWh	460 km / 410 km	Head-up display, RSPA 2, Harman Kardon, digital key

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 mid-size 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 finally unveiled the US-spec EV3 earlier this month, which is set to launch later this year.

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