MIAS 2026: Kia launches all-new EV5 crossover
Kia Philippines is beefing up its battery-electric vehicle (EV) lineup with the official debut of its all-new EV5 compact crossover at the 2026 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) last Thursday.
It joins the EV6 crossover and the flagship, three-row EV9 crossover as the South Korean automaker makes more headway into the Philippines’ fast-growing, electrified-vehicle segment. Two variants are available, namely the GL and the range-topping GLS.
“The Kia EV5 marks an essential new chapter in our electrification journey, perfectly slotting into our diverse lineup to bridge the gap between innovation and everyday utility,” said Kia Philippines managing director Jay Lopez in a press statement.
“It serves as a purposeful companion that brings electrified mobility closer to more Filipinos, making the transition to a sustainable future more rewarding than ever,” he added.
Mini EV9
The EV5 carries over the “Opposites United” design philosophy of its bigger cousin, the EV9.
Its “Digital Tiger Face” combines strong styling elements like the prominent lower bumper with the delicate Star Map LED lighting that emulates a traditional front grill. The EV5’s side profile has familiar EV9 touches like the pop-out door handles and the upward kink in the D-pillar, along with two-tone, 18-inch alloy wheels.
There’s also sleek, matte-black protective cladding on the fenders and the bottom of the doors. Out back, the EV5 diverges from the EV9, with the former getting wide 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.
The new Kia comes in five colors, namely Frost Blue, Ivory Silver, Shale Gray, Snow White Pearl and Starry Night Black.
Big space for 5
Similar to the EV9, the EV5 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 dual-zone, climate-control system.
In addition, a row of touch-type controls on the center console allows for instant access to the EV’s various functions, which are complemented by physical knobs and switches. Only the GLS variant gets a power-adjustable driver’s seat, part-leather upholstery, a panoramic moonroof, an electric tailgate and an auto-dimming, rear-view mirror.
All EV5 models get a 60-40, split-folding rear seats and a 250-volt outlet in the cargo area for vehicle-to-load functionality, while the steering-column-mounted gear selector means additional storage in the center console.
All-electric punch
Both the EV5 GL and GLS get a front-mounted electric motor producing 214 horsepower and 310 Newton-meters of torque.
The difference is in the battery – the GL has a 64.2-kWh pack for a claimed WLTP maximum range of 400 kilometers on a full charge, while the GLS gets an 88.1-kWh pack for a claimed maximum WLTP range of 550 kilometers.
All models get the Kia DriveWise active-safety suite that includes Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist and Parking Distance Warning. The GLS variant adds Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist, 360-Degree Surround View Monitor and Blind-Spot View Monitor.
Under P3M
The EV5 lineup starts at P2,298,000 for the GL model, while the top-spec GLS is priced at P2,698,000.
All EV5 models get Kia’s comprehensive warranty – 8 years/160,000 kilometers for the battery and 5 years/160,000 kilometers for the vehicle, whichever comes first. Interested customers can visit the Kia MIAS booth until April 12, 2026 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City to test-drive Kia’s latest EV.
Outside of MIAS 2026, the EV5 will be available in selected dealerships. These include Kia Acropolis, Kia Alabang, Kia Aseana, Kia BGC, Kia Fairview, Kia Makati, Kia Marikina, Kia New Manila, Kia Ortigas, Kia Pasig, Kia Bacoor, Kia Clark, Kia Lipa, Kia Pampanga and Kia Sta. Rosa.
Free charging credits
To simplify the transition to electric, ACMobility offers a Home Charging Package that includes a free home charger with a one-year warranty.
It also provides a P25,000 subsidy for standard home installation, which is backed by a two-year warranty for workmanship and materials, plus P2,000 in charging credits that are valid for one year at any ACMobility EV Charging Station.
“At ACMobility, our mission is to build the ecosystem that makes electric vehicle ownership the preferred choice for Filipinos,” said Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala, the CEO of Kia Philippines importer and distributor ACMobility, in a press statement.
“The introduction of the Kia EV5 underscores our commitment to bridging global innovation with local needs, fully supported by the Philippine EV Spine, our nationwide charging backbone,” he added. “Together, we are offering transformative value and a cleaner, more reliable way to move forward.”
