Kia Philippines launches the all-new EV5—an electrified compact SUV that’s the first to reach a price parity with traditional gas- and hybrid-powered offerings in the market (read about our first drive in Korea or watch our video).
With electrified vehicles now moving from the early adopter to early majority phase, the EV5 can be described as the “Goldilocks” of the range with an overall length of 4,615 mm, an overall width of 1,875 mm, and an overall height of 1,715 mm. This alone makes it perfect for those looking at an EV for daily use that doesn’t compromise on things like comfort, space, and flexibility.
Compared to the EV6 and EV9, the styling is less sci-fi and that’s on purpose. Instead, the EV5’s form and shape lean on well-accepted SUV cues like the geometric lines, boxy fenders, and large wheels. Standard features include automatic LED multi-reflector headlights, roof rails, and 18-inch alloy wheels with 225/60R18 tires. The range-topping GLS adds a panoramic sunroof and a power tailgate.
For the Philippine market, Kia is offering the EV5 in two flavors: the GL and the GLS. Both variants share the same e-GMP platform. Designed from the ground-up as a BEV, it equates to excellent performance, fast charging times, and optimized packaging. They also share the same front-mounted electric motor with 217 horsepower and 310 Nm of torque.
The difference between the GL and the GLS would be in terms of battery sizes. The GL uses a 64.2 kWh pack, while the GLS has an 88.1 kWh pack. Both use a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry. Regardless of battery size, the EV5 can cover a week’s worth of city driving or a roundtrip up and down Baguio with charge to spare. Charging is also easy thanks to its widely accepted CCS Type 2 plug. It also comes with a 7 kW wall-box charger and a portable charger.
Inside, the EV5 blends the future-oriented geometric shapes with flawless usability and sustainability. The layout should be familiar to Kia owners right now with its panoramic dual screens measuring 12.3 inches each. High-resolution graphics make for an easy-to-use experience.
Both variants have dual zone automatic climate control with rear vents, smart keyless entry with push-button start/stop, rain-sensing wipers, six-speaker sound system, and wireless device charger. The EV5 GLS builds on that with leather/fabric combination seats with a 6-way power adjustment for the driver and auto-dimming rearview mirror.
Beyond features, the EV5 also offers a cavernous interior filled with ingenious storage solutions. The center storage space, for example, contains the wireless charger and cup holders which can be retracted freeing up even more puts to put knickknacks. There’s also a center armrest storage that can be accessible by the people in the backseat. And on that note, the rear seats can be folded down revealing an expansive cargo hold.
A built-in V2L also helps power small appliances and devices when you want to chill out or maybe do some car camping.
As with any Kia, safety doesn’t take a backseat in the EV5. It comes with a multitude of safety features ranging from a full set of airbags to tire pressure sensors to a 360-degree camera and even clearance sensors all around. It also has Kia’s Drive Wise ADAS suite as standard making driving stress-free.
Compact SUVs, by far, make up the bulk of car sales globally. Apart from having the right form factor that fits in as a true “one-car solution,” this practicality is mixed in with tech and style—everything the Kia EV5 has in great measure. The Kia EV5 comes in a range of five colors: Frost Blue, Ivory Silver, Shale Gray, Snow White Pearl, and Starry Night Black.
The EV5 starts at P 2,298,000 for the GL and P 2,698,000 for the GLS. Pricing is inclusive of a 5-year or 160,000-kilometer bumper-to-bumper warranty and an 8-year or 160,000-kilometer battery warranty for the ultimate peace of mind.
2026 Kia EV5 Philippine Specs
Performance & Battery
Performance & Battery
- Driving Range: 400 km (550 km for GLS)
- Maximum Output: 217 PS
- Maximum Torque: 310 Nm
- Battery Type: Lithium-Iron Phosphate
- Battery Size: 64.2 kWh (88.1 kWh for GLS)
- Charger Type: CCS Type 2
- Portable Charger
- Vehicle-to-Load Capability
- 7 kW Wall-Mounted Charger
- Overall Length: 4,615 mm
- Overall Width: 1,875 mm
- Overall Height: 1,715 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,750 mm
- Ground Clearance: 175 mm (161 mm for GLS)
- Tire Size: 225/60R18
- Panoramic Sunroof (GLS only)
- Roof Rack
- LED Multi-Reflector 3-Cell Headlights
- Auto Light Control
- Daytime Running Lights
- LED Position Light
- LED High-Mount Stop Lamp
- Heated, Power Folding Sideview Mirrors
- Front Ventilated Disc Brakes
- Rear Disc Brakes
- Height-Adjustable Power Tailgate (GLS only)
- Fabric Seats (Leather/Fabric Seats for GLS)
- Tilt/Telescopic Steering Wheel w/ Paddle Shifter
- Auto Up/Down & Safety Power Windows
- 6-way Power Driver’s Seat w/ Lumbar Support (GLS only)
- 12.3-inch TFT LCD Screen + 12.3-inch TFT LCD Center Screen
- Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth
- Wireless Charger x 1, USB Port x 4
- 6 Speakers
- Smart Keyless Entry w/ Push-Button Start/Stop
- 60/40 Split-Fold Rear Seat
- Electronic Parking Brake w/ Auto Hold
- Dual Zone Climate Control w/ Rear Vents
- Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror (GLS only)
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System
- Rain-Sensing Wipers
- 6 SRS Airbags
- ABS with EBD
- Electronic Stability Control
- Downhill Brake Control
- Hill-start Assist Control
- Multi-Collision Braking
- Tire Mobility Kit
- Smart Cruise Control w/ Stop & Go
- Forward Collision Avoidance Assist
- Reverse Parking Collision Avoidance Assist (GLS only)
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Lane Following Assist
- Rearview Monitor (360-degree for GLS)
- Blindspot Monitoring System (GLS only)
- Parking Distance Warning: Front + Rear (Front + Side + Rear for GLS)
Wow nice price, it seems AC motor now favoring Kia over byd. it should so that Kia will extend the partnership after 2028. Could be hedging, Maybe AC now feels that byd will dump them after the contract expires.
ReplyDeleteIt’s not about contract but more about how Ayala manages their business units.
DeleteAnother day and we have the usual amatuer business takes in the comments section 😂
DeleteNot bad. Seems like this would be a more sensible choice than the made in India Toyota Urban Cruiser.
ReplyDeleteSomeone at KIA stood their ground and prevented the launch of another GT trim car. The timing is perfect as consumers are looking into EVs in the face of rising fuel costs. They should correct their mistake with the EV9 and bring in a more sensible trim at a lower price.
ReplyDeletePriced high by AC Mobility. The GLS will be eaten up by Tesla Model Y. The lower version by the new RAV4.
ReplyDeleteInitially, I was very happy that the KIA EV5 will be available locally…thinking that it will be sourced from South Korea. BUT, upon learning that it’s actually MADE IN CHINA, sorry but it would be a hard pass for me. Thats why they’re able to price it competitively because it’s MADE IN CHINA.
ReplyDeleteBetter buy a Chinese car rather than a made in China KIA.
DeleteDOA
ReplyDeleteHas Hyundai/Kia already fixed the alarmingly high failure rate of the ICCUs of their EVs?
ReplyDeletegive this at least 6 more months and surely the price will come down to at least 300k. thats for sure.
ReplyDeleteang sakit naman ng price.. realistically this price can only be accessible to high middle income customers. why do I feel like the traditional ICE car brands are pricing their EVs higher than Chinese EVs just because they can. And I thought the initial promise of EVs is that they are cheaper because of fewer moving parts and parts on general. For sure the battery is just a Chinese battery so it should not be at premium.
ReplyDeleteEVs used to be so much more expensive than ICE cars. The fact that they've reached price parity shows tremendous progress. Once newer batteries come out you'll have EVs with even more range at the same price or current range with a smaller battery and much cheaper price than ICE cars.
Delete