Check out 4 reasons to buy Kia EV5

Kia Philippines, under the distributorship of ACMobility, has introduced the EV5 all-electric crossover at the 2026 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS). 

In doing so, the brand has gained a better foothold in the local electric vehicle (EV) segment and a worthwhile answer to the likes of the BYD Atto 3, Tesla Model Y, and the GAC Aion V. 

Clearly, its competition is stacked. So, on this note, are there any particular reasons why a potential car buyer should lean towards the Kia EV5? Let’s find out here. 

Good range, performance

Propelling the Kia EV5 is a single electric motor that’s capable of producing up to 215 horsepower (hp) and 310 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. With that kind of figures, the Kia-made all-electric crossover has enough performance to become a nimble ride that will have an easy time performing overtakes on the highway. 

Be aware, however, that it isn’t the most powerful nameplate amongst its competitors since the Tesla Model Y’s Long Range all-wheel-drive version can put out 434 hp. 

On the one hand, the Kia EV5 sits high on the totem pole when it comes to range. Specifically, its top-spec GLS trim can cover up to 550 kilometers (km), according to the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP). This is thanks to its 88.1-kilowatt-hour battery, which is one of the largest in the segment. 

Apart from those bits, the Kia EV5 also comes standard with regenerative braking, vehicle-to-load capabilities, and a CCS2 Type 2 charging port. According to Kia, its port can increase its state-of-charge to 100 percent in just 38 minutes when using a direct current charger. 

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Attractive styling

Another big reason to purchase the Kia EV5 is its unique styling cues. Specifically, it strikes a good balance between the recognizable crossover shape and hyper-modern designs. So no, it doesn’t look like any crossover in the market, but it also retains a familiar silhouette that won’t make it appear too bombastic or overly styled. 

Key elements of the Kia EV5’s exterior design include its “Digital Tiger Face” front fascia, which is further made more attractive by the South Korean car brand’s “Star Map LED Lighting” design. The aforementioned is complemented by subtle-looking front and rear bumpers, a good number of character lines, C-shaped LED taillights, and a relatively straight but tall window line. 

For its more practical exterior features, the vehicle’s top-spec GLS trim comes with the following: 

• Automatic lighting control
• Roof-mounted rear spoiler
• Power-folding/adjustable side mirrors with heating
• Power tailgate
• Roof rails
• Panoramic sunroof
• Rain-sensing wipers

Completing the look of the Kia EV5 is a set of 18-inch alloy wheels. And, depending on the buyer, the model may come in Frost Blue, Ivory Silver, Shale Gray, Snow White Pearl, and Starry Night Black. 

For reference, the Kia EV5 is 4,615 millimeters (mm) long, 1,715 mm wide, and 1,875 mm in height. It also has a ground clearance of 161 mm and a wheelbase length of 2,750 mm. 

Loads of amenities, safety gear

As expected from an EV that’s positioned on the premium segment, the Kia EV5 offers its driver and occupants plenty of creature comforts. 

Inside the Kia EV5 is a five-seater layout equipped with leather and fabric upholstery, an automatic climate control system, a 60:40 split-folding rear seat, and power-adjustable front seats with lumbar support.

Exclusive for the EV5’s driver are the following features: 

• Electronic parking brake
• Electrochromic mirror
• Synthetic leather steering wheel
• Tilt and telescopic steering column
• Paddle shifters
• 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster
• Smart key with push-to-start button
• Center front cabin armrest with cup holders

Handling on-board entertainment and other in-car functions is a 12.3-inch infotainment display. The said screen is seamlessly linked to the car’s 12.3-inch digital display to form a panoramic screen. Additionally, the model also comes with a six-piece speaker set, a wireless smartphone charging pad, USB ports, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. 

Coupled with the Kia EV5’s plentiful amount of comfort-oriented equipment is a wide array of passive and active safety gear. 

On the passive side, the model has dual front airbags, curtain airbags, a front thorax airbag, anti-lock braking, electronic stability control, downhill brake control, hill-start assist, tire pressure monitoring, and a rearview monitor. 

Its active array of safety features, meanwhile, includes smart cruise control, parking collision-avoidance assist, lane-keep assist, forward collision-avoidance assist, a 360-degree around-view monitor, multi-collision brake, and blind-spot monitoring. 

Strong warranty

Warranties, especially from car brands that offer electrified rides, are particularly attractive nowadays, but the one Kia Philippines is offering for the EV5 is quite noteworthy. 

For the model’s battery, the brand’s local arm provides up to eight years or 160,000 km, whichever comes first. The entire car (bumper-to-bumper), meanwhile, spans five years or 160,000 km, whichever comes first. 

Kia EV5: specifications

Model	Kia EV5 GLS
Exterior
Dimensions (L x W x H, in mm)	4,615 x 1,715 x 1,875
Wheelbase (mm)	2,750
Ground clearance (mm)	161
Wheel size	18-inch
Lighting system	LED
Interior
Material	Leather and fabric
Amenities	Automatic climate control Electronic parking brake Smart key Push-to-start button Paddle shifters Power-adjust front seats with lumbar support Panoramic sunroof 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster Wireless smartphone charging pad 60:40 split-folding rear seats Tilt and telescopic steering column Front cabin armrest Rain-sensing wipers Electrochromic mirror Automatic headlamps Roof rails Power tailgate Six-piece speaker set
Infotainment system	12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Seating capacity	Five
Powertrain
Electric motor setup	Single permanent magnet synchronous motor
Electric vehicle range	550 km (WLTP)
Battery size	88.1 kWh
Horsepower	215
Torque	310 Nm
Other EV-related features	Regenerative braking CCS2 Type 2 charging port DC fast charging Vehicle-to-load functionality
Technology
ADAS	Smart cruise control Parking collision avoidance Lane keep assist Forward collision avoidance 360-degree view camera Multi-collision braking Blind spot monitoring
Safety	Dual front airbags Front thorax airbag Curtain airbags Anti-lock braking Electronic stability control Traction control Downhill brake control Hill-start assist Reverse camera Tire pressure monitoring ISOFIX
Price	P2.698 million

Final thoughts

Overall, the Kia EV5 is an attractive package that has a good balance of style, comfort, and performance. Sure, it isn’t the most affordable EV in its class, but it isn’t a slouch either due to the sheer number of features it offers its would-be adopters. 

So, for those liking what they see in the Kia EV5, do take your time to visit the nearest Kia dealership and ask for a test drive. Because who knows, this could be the one that will finally make you jump into the world of all-electric mobility. 

Also read:

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New year, new ride: Kia EV5

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