The 2026 Kia Sorento PHEV offers something straightforward for drivers who cover a lot of ground each week: up to 55 km of all-electric range for shorter daily trips, and gasoline performance for the longer ones. For commuters who put on significant highway kilometres, the math of a plug-in hybrid SUV with AWD and three-row seating starts to look particularly clear. The Sorento PHEV uses a 1.6...
Kia built the EV5 for a market that doesn't exist yet in the United States - a mid-size electric SUV that slots between the compact EV6 and the three-row EV9, designed specifically for Canadian buyers who need more space than a crossover but don't want the size or price of a full three-row. Here are five things that set it apart.
1. Canada Gets It First - and Gets It Exclusively in North America
The 2027 Kia EV5 is a Canada-only model for now. While sold in other global markets, Kia has confirmed Canada is the only North American market where the EV5 will be available - a rare case of a vehicle built specifically for Canadian buyers ahead of the U.S. market.
Production takes place at the Kia Autoland Gwangju plant in South Korea. The Light FWD trim arrives in Q4 2026, while Wind, Land, and GT-Line trims are already at dealerships.
2. Two Battery Sizes, Nine Trim Levels, and FWD and AWD Options
The EV5 lineup is built around two battery packs and two drivetrains. The base Light trim uses a 60.3 kWh battery and front-wheel drive, Every other trim uses the larger 81.4 kWh battery with both FWD and AWD configurations available.
|
Trim |
Drivetrain |
Battery |
Starting Price |
|
Light |
FWD |
60.3 kWh |
$43,495 |
|
Wind |
FWD |
81.4 kWh |
$47,495 |
|
Wind |
AWD |
81.4 kWh |
$49,995 |
|
Land |
FWD |
81.4 kWh |
$49,995 |
|
Land |
AWD |
81.4 kWh |
$52,495 |
|
GT-Line |
FWD |
81.4 kWh |
$55,495 |
|
GT-Line |
AWD |
81.4 kWh |
$57,995 |
|
GT-Line Limited |
FWD |
81.4 kWh |
$58,995 |
|
GT-Line Limited |
AWD |
81.4 kWh |
$61,495 |
AWD models add a second motor for improved traction in winter and on gravel roads - essential for Quebec's snow and ice conditions. FWD models keep prices lower and maximize range for buyers who don't need extra grip.
3. Over 480 km of Range - and a NACS Port for Superchargers
The EV5 is rated at over 480 km of range with the 81.4 kWh battery - enough to cover typical daily driving needs with range to spare.
The EV5 comes standard with a North American Charging Standard (NACS) port - the same connector used by Superchargers. That means EV5 owners can use the Supercharger network across Canada, the largest and most reliable fast-charging network in the country, with no adapter required.
The EV5 also supports battery preconditioning, which warms the battery before arriving at a fast charger. This improves charging speed in cold weather - critical in Quebec winters when cold batteries can significantly slow charging times.
4. Nearly 30 Inches of Screen - and a Steering Column Shifter
The EV5's interior features a panoramic display spanning nearly 30 inches across the dashboard, combining the instrument cluster and infotainment screen into a single curved panel for easy access to navigation, vehicle settings, and charging information.
The shifter is mounted on the steering column, not the centre console, freeing up console space for storage - practical for phones, wallets, keys, and coffee cups.
Second-row seats fold completely flat, and the EV5 includes a front trunk (frunk) for storing charging cables and smaller items. The flat-folding seats and frunk make the EV5 ideal for families needing space for strollers, sports gear, and weekend trips.
5. 10 Environmentally Mindful Materials - and an Available Mood Lamp
Kia uses 10 environmentally mindful materials in the EV5's interior, following the approach used in the EV6 and EV9. These include recycled plastics, bio-based fabrics, and low-emission adhesives - reducing environmental impact beyond the electric powertrain.
The EV5 offers an available mood lamp that adjusts cabin lighting to match driver preference. The cabin features soft-touch surfaces, minimalist layout, and five-passenger seating sized for shoulder width and legroom - addressing the tight back-seat feel common in compact crossovers.
The EV5 Fills a Gap That Most Brands Haven't Addressed Yet
The 2027 Kia EV5 is a mid-size electric SUV built for Canadian buyers who need more space than a compact crossover but don't want the size or price of a three-row. It offers over 480 km of range, a NACS port for Tesla Superchargers, and nine trim levels covering budget-conscious commuters to buyers wanting GT-Line sport-tuned styling.
Visit Lallier Kia de Laval in Laval to explore the 2027 EV5 lineup and compare FWD and AWD configurations in person.
To learn more about the 2027 Kia EV5, visit Kia.ca
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