Pricing details for the all-new 2025 Kia EV5 have been announced in China and they reveal that the entry-level model is nearly half the price of a Tesla Model Y that starts at 266,400 yuan (equal to about $37,000 at current exchange rates) for the base RWD model.
Kia launched the new EV5 in China last Friday and has confirmed the base powertrain will be sold in three grades; the 530 Light, the 530 Air, and the 530 Land. The base model starts at just 149,800 yuan (~$20,900) while the mid-range model is 159,800 yuan (~$22,300), and the flagship version starts at 174,800 yuan (~$24,400). So, what do you get for your money?
The entry-level model is underpinned by BYD’s LFP Blade battery with a 64.2 kWh capacity, a 160 kW (215 hp) and 229 lb-ft (310 Nm) electric motor, and 329 miles (530 km) of range on the generous Chinese test cycle. It is not yet clear what differentiates the Light, Air, and Land models but it appears that all have the same powertrain.
For those looking for additional power and range, there’s some promising news. Kia will also sell the EV5 with a larger 88 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery with the same 160 kW (215 hp) motor but with a more impressive 447 miles (720 km) of range. The company is also tipped to offer the EV5 with a dual-motor powertrain combining a 160 kW (215 hp) front electric motor with a 70 kW (94 hp) rear motor and the same 88 kWh battery. Pricing details for these two variants have not yet been announced.
The Kia EV5 draws evident design inspiration from the larger EV9 and measures 4,615 mm (181.7 inches) in length, with a 2,750 mm (108.3-inch) wheelbase. This size places it in a similar category as the Kia Sportage. The cabin design closely resembles the EV9, featuring the brand’s new digital dashboard that integrates a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a 5-inch climate control panel, and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. Additionally, there’s a chunky four-spoke steering wheel and touch-sensitive buttons on the dashboard for essential infotainment and climate control functions.
Kia will sell the EV5 in a host of markets other than China but it has not yet been confirmed for the U.S.