Kia EV5 is about to get a major makeover

Even though the Kia EV5 started appearing on roads in places like Europe and Canada not that long ago, the carmaker is already testing a new and improved version. This midsize electric SUV first launched in China in 2023, but the latest sightings in South Korea show that a refreshed model is already on the way. Automotive photographers managed to take a few photos of the updated EV5 on a transport truck, giving us a sneak peek at what Kia has planned for its popular family vehicle.

The outside of the new Kia EV5 looks tougher than before. It seems to take a lot of inspiration from a rugged WKNDR concept. The front of the vehicle has Kia's new signature "three-prong" headlight design, making it look similar to its sibling EV3. The bumpers are wider and look more aggressive, and even the wheels have changed to look more "off-road," suggesting that Kia wants this car to be seen as ready for an adventure.

Inside the cabin, the changes are even more surprising. New video footage reveals a completely redesigned dashboard. Kia is about to introduce a brand-new infotainment system called Pleos, which originally comes from Hyundai. This system uses a large screen that stretches nearly two-thirds of the width of the dashboard, reaching all the way to the passenger side. To make it easier for the driver to see, the instrument display sits a bit lower than in previous models for a clear view of the road.

One of the most important updates might be hiding under the floor. The Kia EV5 uses a 400V electrical system to keep the price lower, but many EV owners want faster charging. It is quite possible the updated EV5 will switch to a more powerful 800V system. This change would allow the car to charge much faster at public stations, fixing one of the few complaints people had about the original model.

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The Kia EV5 is a true midsize SUV with plenty of room. It measures 181.5 inches long, 73.8 inches wide, and 65.9 inches tall. It also has a wheelbase of 108.3 inches, which translates to a lot of space inside. In fact, people sitting in the back get 41 inches of legroom, and Kia says that's the best in its class.

When it comes to driving distance, the current version of the EV5 offers two different battery choices. In Europe, the smaller battery provides about 249 miles of range, and the larger one can go up to 329 miles on a full charge.

Kia is working hard to prove it is more than just a "budget" brand. By adding high-tech screens and faster charging, the company wants to show that its electric cars are just as advanced as luxury brands. The EV5 has already been a big hit in Europe, Australia, and China, and the new updates should help it stay popular in other parts of the world.

We expect to see the official launch of the updated Kia EV5 toward the end of this year. Since prototypes are already driving around on trailers and public roads, more details will likely leak out soon. For now, it looks like Kia is focused on making its midsize SUV smarter, faster to charge, and better-looking to stay ahead of the competition.

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