Kia EV5 electric SUV overhaul coming for 2026: New styling, longer driving range and more tech for Tesla Model Y rival
Just two years after it landed in Australia, the Kia EV5 will be treated to a comprehensive makeover in 2026.
Expect the upgraded Tesla Model Y fighter on-sale in Australia before the end of the year.
The reason for the prompt mid-life facelift of the Chinese-built EV5 is the arrival of more advanced rivals that offer more performance, a longer range and faster charging.
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Currently, the Kia EV5 Air Standard Range with the 64.3kWh battery can only cover up to 400km on the WLTP test-cycle, while a Tesla Model Y with a smaller 62.5kWh power pack can drive 466km.
DC charging is also off the pace. The EV5 takes 38 minutes for a 10 to 80 per cent top up, almost twice as long as the Zeekr 7X or the XPeng G6.
One limitation that could see the EV5 still lag behind some of its rivals is it is based on the car-maker’s N3 eK platform with 400V electrics and not the more powerful E-GMP 800V platform other Kia and Hyundai models use.
There’s no word if the EV5 might also benefit from the Korean brand’s next-gen e-motor tech that could unlock more power and higher levels of efficiency.
When it comes to its new styling, expect more aggressive design cues that will pick up where the latest EV4 left off.
So expect a set of new vertical-stacked headlights, new front and rear bumpers and a revised wind-cheating measures that will be rolled out to improve real-world efficiency.
Inside, it’s thought the next EV5 cabin has already been previewed by the recent WKNDR concept.
If so, expect a small slimline digital instrument cluster to be combined with a single seamless display that stretches from the steering wheel almost to the door card, replacing the current car’s dual-12.3-inch displays.
Below, the fresh infotainment is a new centre console that is primed to replace the current bench-like set-up.
Other changes include a single-spoke steering wheel and bold use of colours like lime green.
It’s thought the updated Kia EV5 will be teased later this year.
“The EV5 takes 38 minutes for a 10 to 80 per cent top up, almost twice as fast as the Zeekr 7X or the XPeng G6.”
I’m assuming that is meant to say ‘..almost twice as LONG’
The EV5 definitely needs an overhaul, and fast.
I was very keen on it pre-launch. When I got to sit inside of one, it was such a disappointment. So much ‘cheap’ plastic feel to it. The inefficient front seat design wasting centre console storage space, 400V architecture, etc.
I ended up waiting a few more months and bought the Zeekr 7X AWD which kills the EV5 in nearly every aspect for not much more money.