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Kia will play a significant role if the Hyundai Motor Group is going to achieve its goal of becoming one of the top three electric vehicle (EV) producers globally by 2030, so its entry into an important segment needs to be a hit.
The 2026 Kia EV5 compact crossover was designed to be just that by appealing to a broader audience of buyers who want an EV without compromise, and one of those compromises is paying too much. But the new model has its work cut out for it.
The EV5 enters a busy segment shared by the Honda Prologue, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Nissan Ariya, and Volkswagen ID.4, all perfectly — and quietly — competent compact crossovers. The EV5 combines that same competence with striking style that's highlighted by futuristic lighting, a handsomely boxy shape, great proportions, and a cohesive design. Its attractive lines help it stand out amongst its competitors, and Kia is backing those looks up with an excellent powertrain, everyday usability, and a focus on being family-friendly. If it's priced right, it might be the brand's most important EV to date.
Powertrain and Driving Details
Not all Canadian figures were been revealed as of this writing, but the EV5 will be available with two battery options: a 60.3-kWh base unit, or an 81.4-kWh long-range version. Front-wheel drive (FWD) models make 215 hp and 218 lb-ft of torque, while all-wheel drive (AWD) ones generate 261 hp and 284 lb-ft of torque. Range is estimated at as much as 530 km for the FWD model and 505 km for the AWD version using the overly optimistic European testing cycle; expect Canadian figures to be lower once tested according to the more stringent North American standards.
Indeed, after a day’s worth of mixed driving, the indicated efficiency was a very decent 18.5 kWh/100 km; however, its estimates for range were nearly 100 km off. We started our day with an indicated and overly optimistic 579 km of range with 91 per cent full battery, drove 194 km, and saw 289 km remaining with 53 per cent.
The good news it that the EV5 will have a Tesla-style North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, an 11-kW onboard charger, and will charge from 10 to 80 per cent in as little as half an hour at a 150-kW DC fast-charger in ideal conditions. The crossover's platform also enables vehicle-to-load (V2L) bidirectional charging, so drivers can use it as a mobile power source (a helpful feature for powering campsites, outdoor activities, or for use during emergencies). It also has the hardware for vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capabilities that will be enabled via an over-the-air update in the future. Towing capacity is rated at 816 kg (1,800 lb), and the trip computer will detect the trailer weight and adjust range estimates automatically.
From behind the wheel, the EV5 feels composed and balanced thanks in part to its low centre of gravity. The suspension balances handling with comfort perfectly well, and power delivery is smooth, with plenty of passing power. The one-pedal driving is easy to modulate and get used to, and the strength of the regenerative braking can be adjusted via paddles on the steering wheel. Meanwhile, its compact size makes it easy to park and manoeuvre. Ultimately, there are really no red flags with how it drives: it’s easy, intuitive, comfortable, and composed.
Focus on Features and Practicality
Knowing that most EVs feel quite similar to drive, Kia seems to have set its focus on style and features to help set it apart from its competition. The EV5’s cabin offers an excellent blend of high-tech features and low-tech solutions.
Practicality and family-friendliness are two standouts. The trunk measures 965 L, which expands to 2,080 L with the rear seats folded flat. Levers in the trunk can fold the seats, but they must be lifted back into place manually. The frunk is 44 L, the trunk has a big underfloor storage compartment with the ability to lower the whole floor, and the rear seat has a useful pass-through in the middle so drivers can carry long items while still having room for four passengers. Flexible storage bins have cup holders that can retract when not in use to make room for large items in both the front and back, and there are numerous other large cubbies in the armrest and throughout the cabin to store stuff and keep small items organized.
User-friendliness is also a highlight. Physical buttons and toggles are used to operate the climate control, though a section of the touchscreen is also always visible for the climate system. Useful shortcuts for the most-used functions are displayed on a backlit touch-capacitive woodgrain panel under the touchscreen, which keeps the dashboard looking clean, though it sacrifices a bit of usability to do so. The infotainment system is otherwise responsive and easy to navigate, so you never have to dig around too many menus to complete a simple task.
Other highlights in the top trim include a head-up display, USB-C charging for every passenger, one wireless charging pad for a phone, three-zone automatic climate control, customizable ambient lighting, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a massaging driver’s seat, heated steering wheel, digital key, active noise cancellation, fingerprint scanning, and a first-for-Kia pet mode that keeps the cabin temperature comfortable for a pet while a message on the main screen notifies passersby that you’ll be back soon.
Of course, the EV5 comes packed with every safety and driver-assistance feature Kia has to offer, including blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and collision avoidance, forward collision avoidance, adaptive cruise control with lane change assist, lane-keep and steering assist, and remote parking assist.
A few interesting features that likely won’t make it to Canada include the augmented reality navigation system, an AI voice assistant, speed and red light camera alerts, speed limit-based acceleration limiter, reclining front lounge seats, matte and two-tone paint, automatic toll payment system, and a useful airplane-like tray table with a rubberized slot to hold tablets or phones.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Kia EV5 has the potential to be a game-changer as the new segment leader. It's well-rounded, cleverly designed, packed with useful features, built with practicality in mind, and doesn’t make any major compromises. Of course, its price will play a big role in determining how many Canadians will be able to have one in their driveway, but if Kia keeps its promise to make the EV5 accessible, it has all the right ingredients to be a hit.
The 2026 Kia EV5 arrives at Canadian dealerships in early 2026, with pricing to be announced closer to its arrival.
