The EV5, Kia’s new midsize electric SUV, is getting an overhaul. While the exterior already looks improved, the interior offers an unexpected surprise.
Kia EV5 SUV facelift spotted with new design and tech
After launching the EV5 in China in 2023, Kia’s new electric SUV made its global debut in late 2025. Although it’s just rolling out across Europe, Korea, Canada, Australia, and other global markets, Kia is already working on an updated version.
The EV5 facelift was recently spotted on a car carrier in Korea for the first time, revealing several new design updates.
Although it’s covered, you can now see the headlights feature Kia’s signature three-prong design, as seen on the K4, K5, and EV3.
The front bumper also appears to feature a wider, more aggressive design, similar to the EV5 WKNDR Concept, Kia’s “adventurous” electric SUV concept from last year’s Guangzhou Auto Show in China.
From the rear, it looks even more like the WKNDR (pictured below) with a complete bumper redesign, while new wheels add the rugged, off-road feel.
We also got our first look at the interior, thanks to a new video from HealerTV, revealing a completely new setup. At the center of it all is Hyundai’s new Pleos infotainment system and OS.
The updated EV5 was caught with the same setup as Hyundai vehicles equipped with Pleos (such as the China-made Elexio), but the instrument display is slightly lower than on Hyundai vehicles, which places it at the top of the dashboard. The display now stretches all the way to the passenger seat.
According to TheKoreanCarBlog, the new model may feature an 800V electric system rather than the current 400V, which would drastically improve charging speeds, fixing the EV5’s biggest flaw.
Measuring 4,610 mm in length, 1,875 mm in width, and 1,675 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,750 mm, the current EV5 is around 10 mm wider, 70 mm longer, and 30 mm taller than the Kia Sportage.
Kia’s midsize electric SUV offers “best-in-class” rear passenger space with up to 1,041 mm of second-row legroom.
In Europe, the Kia EV5 is available with the same battery packs, with WLTP ranges of 400 km (248 mi) and 530 km (329 mi). In the UK, prices start from £39,295 ($53,000), on-the-road (OTR).
Kia is expected to launch the updated model in early 2027, so we should learn more soon with prototypes now in testing.
The EV5 has been a cornerstone of Kia’s comeback in China and has emerged as a top-selling EV in overseas markets like Australia. Kia is updating its midsize electric SUV to compete with top-selling EVs such as the Tesla Model Y and the BYD Sealion 7.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
