Kia EV5 Update is Already on the Way
Although the Kia EV5 electric crossover appeared on the market relatively recently — debuting in China at the end of 2023 and gradually entering other markets — the company has already confirmed that its update is planned for the end of 2026. The launch of the updated version in most regions, except China, is expected in 2027.
Kia Australia’s General Manager of Product Planning, Roland Rivero, noted that the update will include both cosmetic changes and technological improvements. Although specific details are not yet disclosed, it is obvious that the updates are intended to make the model more competitive.
Technical Aspects Requiring Attention
One of the key areas for improvement could be charging speed. Unlike Hyundai’s flagship models, the EV5 is built on the more affordable 400-volt N3 eK platform, not the modern 800-volt E-GMP architecture. This limits the maximum DC fast charging speed to 140 kW, resulting in a 10 to 80% charge time of 38 minutes.
This figure lags behind direct competitors such as the Tesla Model Y and BYD Sealion 7, and is significantly slower than the Hyundai Ioniq 5 or Kia’s own EV6.
Although a full transition to an 800-volt architecture during the facelift is not expected, Kia engineers may be working on optimization to reduce charging time. The model may also receive efficiency improvements to increase its range.
Possible Exterior and Interior Changes
Some hints about future updates can be seen in the Kia EV5 Weekender concept presented last month. This version, equipped with numerous off-road enhancements, demonstrates potential changes to the interior.
For example, the concept abandoned the dual driver and multimedia display setup of the current model in favor of a single panel that combines the infotainment screen and a passenger display. A thin digital instrument cluster was positioned in front of the steering wheel.
Kia also installed a new distinctive steering wheel for the concept and removed the unusual center tunnel present in the production version.
The Weekender concept may indicate not only an update to the base model but also the appearance of a new, more off-road-oriented modification in the updated lineup.
The quick announcement of a facelift for a car that has not yet had time to establish itself on the market indicates the dynamic development of the electric crossover segment. Competition from players like Tesla and BYD is forcing manufacturers to accelerate update cycles to offer customers the latest technology. The focus on charging speed and efficiency is absolutely logical, as these parameters often become decisive for electric vehicle buyers. The Weekender concept, in turn, shows that Kia is exploring opportunities to expand its range and attract new categories of customers looking for more versatile and adventure-ready vehicles. The success of the updated model will largely depend on how successfully the current technical limitations can be resolved while maintaining an attractive pricing policy.