Breaking the monopoly
Think electric vehicles (EV) and we inevitably think of the People’s Republic.
This certainly isn’t an unnatural association – China is not only one of the world’s leading EV producers, but also where the number-one EV brand in the Philippines hails from. Indeed, the 2026 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) is dominated by Chinese brands that offer a bevy of electrified models to combat the skyrocketing cost of fuel, as of press time.
But MIAS was also the launching pad of an EV from the country that gave us kimchi, K-Pop and the exemplary Kia EV9. We got the chance to try out the all-new 2026 Kia EV5 battery-electric crossover ahead of MIAS to see if it can make headway in the Philippines’ fast-growing EV market.
Unmistakable style
If you think that the top-of-the-line EV5 GLS looks like a shrunken EV9, you wouldn’t be completely off-target.
But that’s no bad thing, mind you – its “Digital Tiger Face” combines strong styling elements like the prominent lower grill with intricate (almost delicate) Star Map LED lighting to form a futuristic appearance that has not yet been replicated.
Down the side are familiar elements from the EV9 like the pop-out door handles, the upward kink in the D-pillar and the two-tone alloy wheels (18 inches in this smaller rendition). The matte-black protective cladding that courses through the fenders and the bottom of the doors is nicely integrated, simultaneously making the EV5 GLS look rugged and sleek.
But it’s the rear where the EV5 differs greatly from its bigger sibling. Here, you get LED taillights that converge into the Kia badge in the middle of the tailgate, nicely complementing the tailgate spoiler and the chunky silver trim on the lower bumper.
Immensely practical
Almost all of the five-seat EV crossovers that I’ve tested so far suffer from poor cargo capacity because of the packaging of the drive battery.
This is not an issue with the EV5 GLS – its vast cargo area is nicely shaped, while the split-folding rear seats fold completely flat to make loading long items an absolute breeze. Other awesome touches include the 250-volt outlet that lets you make the most of the car’s vehicle-to-load functionality, although a spare wheel would have been welcome.
In addition, the EV5 GLS’ boxy appearance results in supreme headroom and legroom for five passengers, especially compared to the similarly priced Tesla Model Y. The controls are also far less infuriating than in the Tesla (and many Chinese EVs, for that matter), with the Kia blending touchscreens with physical knobs and switches for a much less distracting driving experience.
Similar to the EV9, the EV5 GLS has dual 12.3-inch screens for the gauge cluster and the infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a 5.3-inch touchscreen for the powerful, dual-zone, climate-control system. A row of touch-type controls on the center console likewise allows for instant access to the EV’s various functions.
Perhaps the only things that let down this Kia’s cabin are the hard plastics on the door cards and the lack of full leather upholstery – rivals like the Tesla Model Y remain leaders in interior accommodation that is minimalist yet plush, even though the strange controls may drive you mad.
Nonetheless, this South Korean crossover also has plenty of storage space between the front passengers thanks to the steering-column-mounted gear selector. Meanwhile, the panoramic moonroof is far more useful than the Tesla’s fixed glass roof because of the sunshade and the ability to open it for fresh air.
Crisis? What crisis?
EVs have surged in popularity in the Philippines, especially after fuel prices shot to the moon recently (thanks, in no small part, to a certain president’s “little excursion” to Iran).
Happily, the EV5 GLS handles “energy emergencies” with aplomb, courtesy of its 88.1-kWh battery pack and front-mounted electric motor for a combined output of 214 horsepower and 310 Newton-meters of torque. Claimed maximum range is 550 kilometers on a full charge – we got 5.9 to 6.3 kilometers per kWh for a maximum of 520 kilometers in city driving.
Although acceleration is adequate, this Kia is not as punchy as similarly priced rivals like the Tesla Model Y Premium Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive with around 300 horsepower and 420 Newton-meters of torque. Meanwhile, the Toyota bZ4X makes 338 horsepower and 338 Newton-meters of torque, along with having all-wheel drive.
Power deficiencies aside, the EV5 GLS gets composed suspension that handles bumps well-enough, although a full test would allow us to better explore its handling capabilities and expressway energy consumption. The light and responsive (albeit numb) steering means easy driving, but the strong brakes are operated by mushy-feeling pedal.
Finally, this GLS variant comes standard with the highly competent Kia DriveWise active-safety suite that includes life-saving features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, autonomous emergency breaking and rear cross-traffic alert. Combine all these with the wonderfully supportive front seats and you get an excellent, long-distance cruiser.
A strong contender
Overall, the 2026 Kia EV5 GLS is an impressive blend of distinctive looks and EV performance that allows you to break free from the bonds of unstable fuel prices, without losing the much-appreciated utility of a crossover.
But at P2,698,000, this South Korean contender takes on EV heavyweights like the American Tesla Model Y Premium Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive at P2,594,000 and the Japanese Toyota bZ4X at P2,699,000. Both offer greater power and range, along with more premium cabins, at the expense of the EV5 GLS’ superior practicality.
Nonetheless, Kia has proven that it has the goods to make an EV that can go toe-to-toe with not only China, but also the rest of the world – first with the groundbreaking EV9, and now with the all-new EV5.
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