Kia EV5 Long Range FWD

Overview

Get ready for the 2026 Kia EV5, a sharp new contender in the electric compact SUV arena. Slotting in neatly below the EV9, the Long Range FWD trim brings that same bold, futuristic design to a more city-friendly size. It’s aiming squarely at popular rivals with its compelling mix of style, tech, and promised practicality. While it’s named FWD, the provided specs point to a punchy dual-motor setup. Official US pricing hasn’t been announced yet, but expect it to be a seriously competitive package when it lands, shaking up the segment with Kia’s signature value and flair.

What's New for 2026?

As an entirely new model, everything about the EV5 is fresh. It marks Kia's aggressive expansion of its next-generation EV lineup, built on a cutting-edge 800V architecture for the global market, which promises wicked-fast charging speeds. This is a significant step up from the 400V system used in the version launched elsewhere. For its US debut, it will rock the Tesla (NACS) charging port, making it ready for the future of public charging. Inside, it will feature Kia’s latest ‘ccNC’ infotainment system, ensuring a slick, modern user experience with over-the-air updates.

Design & Exterior

The EV5 is a stunner, looking every bit like a "baby EV9." It proudly wears Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design language, with a tough, boxy profile that commands attention. The front is dominated by the signature "Star Map" LED daytime running lights, giving it a unique and unmistakable look. Measuring 181.7 inches long, 73.8 inches wide, and 67.5 inches tall, it has a planted, substantial stance without being unwieldy. The clean, muscular body lines and aero-focused wheels give it a look that is both rugged and sophisticated, a real head-turner.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside, and the EV5 greets you with a minimalist, lounge-like cabin focused on space and comfort. The dashboard is dominated by a gorgeous panoramic display merging the driver’s instruments and central infotainment into one seamless screen. Expect high-quality, sustainable materials throughout. It’s a practical beast, too, with a generous 18.1 cubic feet of trunk space, which balloons to a massive 60.5 cubic feet when you fold the rear seats flat. Plus, a handy 2.4 cubic foot frunk under the hood is perfect for stashing charging cables or a small bag.

Performance & Driving Experience

This EV5 packs a surprising punch with its dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, featuring Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors on both axles. The powertrain delivers a combined 160 kW (about 215 hp) and a healthy 354 lb-ft of instant torque. While not a rocket ship, it gets from 0-60 mph in a respectable 8.6 seconds, making it feel brisk and responsive around town. The AWD setup ensures confident, all-weather grip. Expect a smooth and quiet ride, with adjustable regenerative braking modes that will likely include Kia’s excellent ‘i-Pedal’ for true one-pedal driving.

Range, Battery & Charging

The EV5 Long Range is built for the long haul. It features a 78 kWh usable battery pack that delivers an outstanding real-world range estimate of 527 miles, as calculated by Green Cars Compare, thanks to its incredible efficiency of 6.76 mi/kWh. Its 800V architecture is a game-changer, allowing it to hit a max DC fast-charging speed of 120 kW. It uses the NACS port for US charging. At home, the standard 11 kW on-board AC charger provides convenient overnight top-ups. Versatile Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality will also be available to power your gear on the go.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

While official NHTSA and IIHS safety ratings are still pending for this new model, expect a top-tier safety performance. The EV5 will come equipped with Kia’s comprehensive "Drive Wise" suite of advanced driver-assistance systems. Standard features are set to include essentials like Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Blind-Spot Monitoring. Look for the availability of the highly-rated Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA2), which combines adaptive cruise control with lane centering for a more relaxed and confident highway driving experience.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

Kia’s warranty is one of the best in the business and a massive selling point. The EV5 will be covered by a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, which is excellent. Even better is the industry-leading powertrain and battery coverage, which protects you for an impressive 10 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. The battery warranty guarantees it will retain at least 70% of its original capacity during that period. Unlike some rivals, Kia doesn't typically include complimentary maintenance, but the exceptional warranty provides fantastic long-term peace of mind.