Kia’s new EV5 is about the size of a Tesla Model Y, and it will hit the market in the next few months. The real thrill will come with a GT version set to follow right behind it.
When is the Kia EV5 GT launching?
It has been about a month since Kia revealed the upgraded EV5, a new midsize electric SUV that will sit between the EV3 and EV9.
Although the EV5 has been on sale in China since 2023, Kia introduced the global version, which will be sold in Europe, North America, South Korea, and other markets.
The electric SUV has already helped Kia make a comeback in China, the world’s largest EV market. Despite an intensifying price war and a wave of low-cost domestic models launching, Kia turned its first profit in the first quarter of 2025, marking the first time in eight years.
Now, a new high-performance variant is on the way. Kia’s new midsize electric is getting a GT upgrade, and it’s expected to pack some serious power.
According to The Korean Car Blog, Kia confirmed for the first time that the EV5 GT will arrive in the first quarter of 2026.
The new EV5 GT will follow other Kia electric vehicles, including the EV6 GT and EV9 GT, that’s getting the performance upgrade.
Although Kia has yet to reveal official prices and specs, we have a good idea of what to expect. Like the EV6 GT, Kia’s midsize electric SUV will likely arrive with a dual-motor, AWD powertrain, packing over 600 horsepower and 770 Nm of torque. The added power should be good for a 0 to 62 mph (0 to 100 km/h) sprint in about 3.5 seconds.
Like its other GT vehicles, the EV5 is expected to pull popular features from the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N, like a Virtual Gear Shift (VGS), launch control, drift optimizer, and more.
You can also expect to see sporty new design elements, such as updated front and rear bumpers, headlights, and taillights. Added GT-specific badging and other detailing will be featured throughout.
Although we will have to wait to see it until closer to launch, a blacked-out EV5 GT-Line was recently spotted (via HealerTV) in Korea, hinting at a few design upgrades you can expect.
The interior will feature Kia’s new ccNC infotainment system, which includes dual 12.3″ central navigation and driver display screens, as well as an additional 5.3″ climate control screen.
The global EV5 is 4,610 mm long, 1,875 mm wide, and 1,675 mm tall, which is slightly smaller than the Tesla Model Y. It’s closer in size to Hyundai’s IONIQ 5.
Kia will launch the EV5 in Korea and Europe in the second half of the year. The GT variant will follow in early 2026.
The EV5 will arrive in North America in early 2026. However, it may not be sold in the US. Kia said earlier this year that the EV5 will be “exclusive to the Canadian market in North America.”
Kia’s midsize electric SUV will initially launch with two battery pack options, offering a WLTP driving range of up to 329 miles. Unlike the version sold in China, the global EV5 will be produced in Korea.
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