Kia Philippines has introduced the all-new 2026 Kia EV5, the latest addition to its EV lineup. It slots below its EV9 bigger brother and also somehow replaces the now-discontinued EV6 in the Philippine market.
So how is it? Well, first things first, let’s get to the looks. The EV5 does look quite handsome with a rugged, macho design, thanks to its boxy proportions.
On the front end, the C-shaped DRLs and headlights, which Kia calls “Star Map LED lighting,” steal the show with quite a unique look. The Digital Tiger Face design, Kia’s EV-specific design language that separates the signature tiger-nose grille from their ICE/HEV models, is a looker. It gives off a clean, but menacing look.
The cohesiveness continues all the way to the rear end, with similarly shaped LED taillights that should stand out in the dark, and the boxy proportions of the vehicle, along with the two-tone 18-inch aero-style alloy wheels, give it the presence of a larger SUV than it actually is.
Of course, large is relative. While it may not be positioned as a larger crossover, the interior space is indeed something else. It feels airy and very spacious, and passengers can really stretch their legs inside the EV5 and really feel comfortable. The addition of the panoramic moonroof (GLS variant-specific) already adds a breath of fresh air to an already spacious cabin.
Driver and passenger comfort aren’t the only things worth mentioning; there are also many smart storage solutions and cubbyholes throughout the car. The trunk space, aside from being spacious, is ingeniously designed with storage bins beneath and smaller compartments on the sides to keep smaller items from flying. Those wanting to keep other items out of sight or to free up valuable trunk space will be happy to see the addition of a frunk, which also gives the impression that Kia has really designed the EV5 from the ground up as a pure EV platform, and it really shows.
Tech is also present. You have a 12.3-inch LED customizable digital gauge cluster and an intuitive 12.3-inch infotainment system. The unique addition here is the central 5.5-inch HVAC touch-type control, which enables you to see your AC temperature and fan speed at all times, freeing up valuable real estate for the infotainment system. Meaning, your wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are displayed well, and maximized throughout the screen. Oh, and did we mention that the climate control system also has tactile buttons? A huge godsend.
Before we say anything about how it drives in our initial impressions, we have to mention what’s under the hood or lack thereof (if you read this far, then you already know it has a frunk). The Kia EV5 has two variants with two different battery capacities. The base GL variant has a 64.2 kWh battery good for 400 km of range, while the top-spec GLS variant has an 88.1 kWh battery pack, which delivers an even better 550 km of range. Power remains the same for both variants, with 214 hp (217 ps) and 310 Nm of torque, with a top speed of 185 km/h.
As you would have noticed, figures are nothing crazy, but the power is indeed usable. Of course, this being an EV, 310 Nm of torque is available from literally zero, enabling quick overtakes and instantaneous maneuvers. You have a selection of drive modes (Eco, Normal, Sport, Snow), and as you would expect, the EV5’s behavior differs depending on the mode, but we’ll need to get the car for a full review to really test it out, but as per our quick drive with the car, eco and normal mode has incredibly light steering at low speeds for an easy city drive, but tightens up a bit at higher speeds. Sport tightens the steering even more and gives even better throttle response.
Despite the huge cabin space, the EV5 remains easy to drive and should fit a variety of lifestyles, especially for city dwellers who love a taste of adventure here and there.
Initial Verdict:
End of the day, the EV5 doesn’t seem to pretend to be a sporty crossover with any sporty pretensions. It’s aimed to be a friendly, approachable EV crossover that’s great for families and everything in between, and it seems easy to drive in a variety of situations.
The Kia EV5 is priced to sell at P2,298,000 for the base GL variant, while the GLS variant is listed at P2,698,000. If figures are your priority, the price may be a tough ask; however, if the overall package and experience are your goals, the price may be worth it.
Those that want to watch our First Drive Impressions of the 2026 Kia EV5 may also do so below:
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