A new Kia EV5 variant spotted in the US for the first time [Images]

The EV5 is about the size of the Tesla Model Y and is already a hot seller in some markets. A new EV5 variant was caught towing a trailer in the US for the first time, but will Kia bring it to the states?

Is the new Kia EV5 launching in the US?

After launching the EV5 in 2023, Kia’s new electric SUV turned out to be a huge success in China. The EV5 helped Kia’s joint venture in China, Yueda Kia, turn its first profit in seven years in 2024.

It’s not only proven itself in the world’s biggest and most competitive electric vehicle market, with top dogs like BYD and Geely; it’s also top-selling EV in other markets too.

In Australia, the Kia EV5 is the fourth-best-selling EV this year, behind only the Tesla Model Y, BYD Sealion 7, and the Model 3.

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Now, Kia is preparing to launch it in Europe later this year and in North America in early 2026. Although the company specifically said the EV5 would be “exclusive to the Canadian market in North America” earlier this year, we’ve seen it testing in the US a few times now, sparking rumors (or perhaps, hope) that Kia may have changed its mind.

The latest sighting from KindelAuto reveals a new variant, the new Kia EV5 GT. The EV5 is set to receive the GT treatment like Kia’s other electric models, including the EV6 GT and EV9 GT.

Although it’s covered, you can still see a few design elements pulled from other GT models, like the neon green brake calipers and sporty wheels that suggest this is the flagship variant.

The fact that it was also spotted towing a trailer hints that Kia is testing out its towing capacity, power, and performance.

Kia will launch the EV5 GT in early 2026, following the standard version later this year. In Europe, the electric SUV is powered by an 81.4 kWh battery, providing 329 miles WLTP range. Kia will offer 60.3 kWh and 81.4 kWh battery options in Canada with a range of up to 310 miles (500 km).

The EV5 is about slightly smaller than the Tesla Model Y, measuring 4,610 mm in length, 1,875 mm in width, and 1,675 mm in height.

Although specs for the GT variant have yet to be revealed, you can expect it to arrive with a dual-motor AWD powertrain setup. Like the EV6 GT, it’s expected to pack over 600 horsepower and 77 Nm of torque, which should be good for a 0 to 62 mph (0 to 100 km/h) acceleration time in about 3.5 seconds.

It will also pull fun features from the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N, like drift optimization, a Virtual Gear Shift (VGS), and launch control.

Kia will reveal official prices, range, specs, and more closer to launch. Those in the US will have to wait to learn more. Until then, don’t get too excited, the last official statement from Kia said the EV5 would be exclusive to Canada in the North American market.

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