Kia’s EV5 electric SUV has officially launched in China, quickly rising to become Australia’s best-selling EV while demonstrating strong sales growth in a highly competitive market.
Kia’s latest electric SUV, the EV5, made its official debut at the Chengdu Motor Show in August 2023, marking its launch into the market.
Launching at an appealing price of 149,800 yuan (around $20,000), the Kia EV5 swiftly gained momentum, emerging as Australia’s best-selling electric vehicle in 2025 with 1,167 units sold—outpacing all models from BYD.
Since its introduction to international markets, the EV5 has demonstrated consistent sales growth, with monthly figures climbing from 289 units in January to 478 units by March.
Kia EV5 Launches, Becomes Australia’s Best-Selling Electric SUV
Although BYD’s Sealion 7 briefly surpassed the EV5 in sales during March, Kia’s electric SUV continues to attract strong consumer interest in Australia, indicating a steady foothold in the rapidly evolving and competitive EV market.
Despite facing challenges from the ongoing EV price war and the rise of affordable domestic models, Kia has delivered an impressive performance. The company surpassed 200,000 vehicle sales in China for the first time in four years, marking a significant 49.2% year-on-year increase.
The launch of the EV5 has played a pivotal role in Kia’s recent turnaround, prompting its joint venture, Weda Kia, to embark on ambitious expansion plans—aiming to increase exports to 180,000 vehicles annually across 76 countries.
Looking ahead, Kia intends to roll out the EV5 in additional global markets, including Canada, South Korea, and Mexico—though the model won’t be launched in the U.S. Notably, the Canadian version of the EV5 will come equipped with a native NACS charging port, enabling compatibility with Tesla Superchargers and enhancing its appeal to North American consumers.
As Kia expands its electric vehicle lineup, the EV5’s performance across these diverse markets will offer key insights into the company’s evolving global strategy.
Design and Features
The Kia EV5 embraces the brand’s “Opposites United” design philosophy, blending a bold, futuristic exterior with a minimalist and tech-forward interior. It offers features like:
- Panoramic sunroof
- Dual 12.3-inch screens for infotainment and driver display
- Sustainable materials throughout the cabin
- Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS)
Powertrain and Range
Depending on the market, the EV5 is expected to come in multiple configurations, including:
- Standard and long-range battery options
- Front-wheel drive and potentially all-wheel drive variants
- Estimated driving range of up to 720 km (CLTC) for the long-range version
Platform and Charging
Built on Kia’s E-GMP platform (or a modified version for affordability), the EV5 supports:
- Fast-charging capabilities
- Vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, allowing power supply to external devices
- Compatibility with ultra-fast DC chargers for minimal downtime
Target Market and Positioning
The EV5 is strategically positioned to appeal to younger, tech-savvy families and eco-conscious drivers looking for an affordable yet feature-rich electric SUV. Its pricing undercuts many competitors in the segment, making it a strong contender against models like the BYD Song Plus, Tesla Model Y (in premium tiers), and MG ZS EV.
Manufacturing and Localization
The EV5 is manufactured in China through Kia’s joint venture with Yueda, allowing for efficient local production and competitive pricing. This strategy also strengthens Kia’s foothold in the world’s largest EV market.
As the EV5 continues its global rollout, its market performance will be critical in shaping Kia’s role in the next era of electric mobility.
