Kia is turning up the heat in the electric SUV segment with its upcoming Kia EV5 GT. It is a midsize all-electric crossover that is about to unleash a thrilling GT variant in early 2026. The new electric car is designed to keep pace with the Tesla Model Y. The new Kia EV5 model promises not just practicality and range but also genuine performance—with the high-octane GT model ready to take center stage.
What’s the Kia EV5, and Why Should You Care?
Kia EV5 is already a great SUV in the segment of electric cars that comes between the EV3 and EV9 after the new upgrade. Now the EV5 is considered as Kia’s answer to the Tesla Model Y. It’s a midsize electric SUV that’s a bit smaller than a Model Y but very close in size to Hyundai’s popular IONIQ 5. As we all know, the Kia EV5 has already been on sale in China since 2023, fueling a resurgence for Kia in the world’s largest EV market.
In the second half of 2025, you’ll start seeing the global version of EV5 in places like Korea and Europe. North America will get it in early 2026, but here’s the catch: it’s coming to Canada first, with no official plans for a US launch just yet.
Kia EV5 GT: High Performance Unleashed
According to The Korean Car Blog, Kia has recently confirmed that the EV5 GT will make its debut in the first quarter of 2026. It is believed that the GT model follows in the footsteps of the acclaimed EV6 GT, promising enthusiasts a midsize electric SUV with real sporting credentials.
Expected Power and Speed
While the final specs have yet to be disclosed, here’s what we expect the EV5 GT to feature. The EV5 GT should come with a powerful dual-motor, all-wheel drive setup, probably pushing out over 600 horsepower and 770Nm of torque. That could take you from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in just about 3.5 seconds. This would put it squarely in performance EV territory alongside its Kia GT siblings and rivals like the Tesla Model Y Performance and Hyundai IONIQ 5 N.
Technology and Features
Kia isn’t just bringing another SUV to market—they’re turning up the fun factor with the upcoming EV5 GT version, expected to land in early 2026. If you’re already familiar with the sporty EV6 GT, you’ll know what to expect here. The EV5 GT will likely integrate advanced features seen in other GT models, including: Virtual Gear Shift (VGS), Launch control, Drift optimizer and many more.
You’ll also get some techy goodies like a Virtual Gear Shift, launch control, and even a feature that helps with drifting (if that’s your thing). The outside will look sportier, with bold unique GT badges, updated bumpers, and blacked-out trim. For safety, automakers offers seven airbags, all the latest driver-assist tech, fingerprint authentication, a panoramic sunroof, and more.
With Versatility and Range in Focus
The EV5 is built for global markets, measuring 4,610mm long, 1,875mm wide, and 1,675mm tall, which is slightly shorter than the Tesla Model Y but close to the Hyundai IONIQ 5. Kia offers two battery options, with the global long-range version delivering up to 329 miles WLTP on a charge. You’ll have fast charging on tap, and North American models will even come with a built-in NACS port, so you’ll be able to use Tesla’s vast Supercharger network.
Interior and Comfort
From inside, the EV5 will feature Kia’s new infotainment layout that is a pair of big 12.3-inch screens plus a separate climate control display—along with premium materials and all sorts of smart features. Expect premium surfaces, GT-specific accents, and available features like three-zone climate control, fingerprint authentication, panoramic sunroof, and advanced driver assistance systems.
Market Position and Availability
The coming Kia EV5 GT is part of Kia’s aggressive EV expansion aim, following the successful formula of affordable pricing, advanced tech, and bold design. The EV5 GT will land after the initial global launch, targeting drivers who crave an extra jolt of excitement from a practical electric SUV.
- Canada: Spring 2026 launch for the standard EV5, GT follows in Q1 2026.
- Europe, Korea: Second-half 2025 launch.
- US: No official launch announced, though Kia continues to eye opportunities for expansion.
Kia’s EV5 and its high-performance GT variant are poised to shake up the midsize electric SUV market. With sharp design, leading-edge tech, long-range capability, and a thrilling GT model set to arrive in early 2026, Kia is signaling it means business in the global EV race—especially for Canadians and, possibly soon, US drivers as well.
This makes the Kia EV5 GT one of 2026’s most anticipated electric SUV launches for North America and other tier one markets looking to blend utility, range, and true high-voltage performance.
