Kia EV5 Long Range AWD

Overview

The 2026 Kia EV5 Long Range AWD is poised to shake up the electric compact SUV segment as a stylish, tech-forward "baby EV9." This dual-motor, all-wheel-drive trim is the one to have, offering a fantastic blend of all-weather capability and energetic performance. Its standout feature is the advanced 800-volt architecture, a rarity in this class that promises efficient power delivery. While official US pricing remains under wraps, the EV5 is expected to land as a seriously compelling and competitive alternative to established rivals like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E.

What's New for 2026?

As an all-new model for 2026, everything about the EV5 is fresh. It introduces Kia's bold "Opposites United" design philosophy and the versatile E-GMP platform to the mainstream compact SUV class for the first time. The Long Range AWD trim is a highlight of the debut lineup, bringing a potent dual-motor powertrain that provides both impressive acceleration and the confidence of all-wheel drive right out of the gate. This vehicle represents Kia's ambitious push to deliver cutting-edge EV technology and design in a more accessible package.

Design & Exterior

The EV5 makes a bold statement with its futuristic, chiseled look, heavily inspired by its larger EV9 sibling. It features the distinctive "Digital Tiger Face" front end, complete with signature Star Map LED daytime running lights that give it an unmistakable presence. Its boxy-yet-aerodynamic silhouette measures 181.7 inches long, 73.8 inches wide, and 67.5 inches tall, creating a solid, confident stance on the road. This Long Range AWD version is expected to feature unique alloy wheel designs that enhance its rugged, tech-savvy aesthetic.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the EV5 boasts a minimalist, lounge-like cabin focused on comfort and technology. A stunning panoramic widescreen display, merging the driver’s cluster and central infotainment screen, serves as the cabin's high-tech centerpiece. Expect high-quality, sustainable materials throughout. For hauling gear, it's surprisingly practical, offering a useful 18.1 cubic feet of trunk space. Fold the rear seats down, and that expands to a cavernous 60.5 cubic feet. As a bonus, a 2.4 cubic foot frunk under the hood provides the perfect spot for charging cables or a small bag.

Performance & Driving Experience

This dual-motor AWD model is no slouch, packing a combined 308 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of instant torque from its front and rear Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors. That's enough grunt to launch the EV5 from 0-60 mph in a brisk 5.8 seconds, with a top speed of 115 mph. While quick, the driving experience is tuned for comfort and refinement, delivering a quiet, composed ride. Multiple regenerative braking modes, including a true one-pedal "i-Pedal" setting, make stop-and-go traffic a breeze and help you squeeze out every last mile of range.

Range, Battery & Charging

Engineered for road trips, the Long Range AWD model features a 78 kWh usable battery pack. This powers it to an impressive Green Cars Compare's calculated 'real-world' range estimate of 475 miles, showcasing its fantastic efficiency of 6.09 mi/kWh. Its 800V architecture enables quick top-ups, even with a modest 120 kW peak DC fast-charging speed, which can take the battery from 10-80% in about 30-35 minutes. It will feature a NACS port for the US market and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) to power your devices on the go.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

While official NHTSA safety scores are pending, the EV5 is expected to perform exceptionally well, building on Kia's reputation for safety. The Long Range AWD trim will come generously equipped with Kia's DriveWise suite of advanced driver-assistance systems. This includes essentials like Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Lane Keeping Assist as standard. Expect Highway Driving Assist 2, Kia's excellent semi-autonomous system for adaptive cruise control and lane centering, to also be included for less stressful highway journeys.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

Kia's industry-leading warranty is a huge selling point and provides incredible peace of mind. The EV5 will be protected by a 5-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty. Even better, the critical electric drive components and the high-voltage battery are covered for an outstanding 10 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. This comprehensive coverage, which includes a guarantee against major battery capacity loss, makes the long-term ownership proposition one of the best in the business.