2024 Kia EV5 revealed as Sportage-sized electric SUV

The 2024 Kia EV5 electric SUV has debuted as a shrunken, Sportage-sized EV9.

Unveiled at the Chengdu motor show in China, the EV5 mid-size electric SUV will arrive in China later this year before a global version launches in 2024.

Kia said more product information for the EV5 will be announced at an ‘EV day’ event scheduled for October, where it will detail its “global vision for electrification”.

Measuring 4615mm long, 1875mm wide and 1715mm tall, the five-seat EV5 is similar in size to the internal-combustion Sportage mid-size SUV and its Tesla Model Y rival.

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Technical details for the EV5 have yet to be announced.

Earlier this month, the Korean Car Blog [↗] reported that Chinese-market versions will feature a lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery pack, while overseas models will reportedly have nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) batteries.

The report also said the Kia EV5 will be priced at 50 million won (AU$59,000) for the standard range variant and 57 million won (AU$67,000) for the long-range, with the latter said to have a 600km driving range.

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In many ways, the Kia EV5 is a shrunken take on the full-size EV9 due in Australia in October with a similar design, including its ‘digital tiger nose’ and ‘signature star map’ front end.

The side profile is also similar to the EV9, with “pushed-back” D-pillars said to improve visibility.

However, the rear end differs with a full-width light strip connecting the tail-lights, rather than adopting the EV9’s vertical look.

Nine gloss and one matte colours will be offered for the EV5, including snow white pearl, clear white, starry night black, magma red, ivory silver, frost blue, iceberg green, tide blue, shale grey, and ivory silver matte.

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Inside, the design similarities continue with a single-piece display for the infotainment system, climate control setting, and full-digital infotainment cluster.

“Drawing additional inspiration from the recently launched larger EV9 SUV, they have endowed the EV5 with an extensive interior space that is closer in concept and execution to a home lounge than a traditional car cabin,” said Kia.

Kia has confirmed the EV5 will feature 64-colour interior ambient lighting, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, heated and cooled cupholders, a moving centre console similar to the Hyundai Ioniq 5, aeroplane-style rear fold-down trays, and a lift-up shelf in the boot.

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Four interior colours and five upholstery options are available, with the seat patterns including two woven options and one artificial leather option for the base model.

The 2024 Kia EV5 will launch in China later this year, with the brand confirming it will “debut in select global markets” in 2024.

Kia has confirmed more information will be released at its EV event in October.

Last year, Kia Australia product planning boss, Roland Rivero, said the firm has its hand up to receive as many EVs as possible, telling Wheels it hopes to soon launch at least two additional models in two completely different segments – one of which is the EV9 due by Christmas.