Kia has revealed it’s building an electric pickup for the North American market.
The truck will be built around a new EV platform and beat rivals for space.
Kia promises advanced infotainment and safety features, plus off-road ability.
Kia’s EV rollout shows no sign of slowing down, and the automaker isn’t scared to push into segments it’s never played in before, including electric trucks. The Korean company confirmed that it would launch an electric pickup in North America, and it should be here within the next couple of years.
Trucks are consistently some of the best-selling vehicles in the US, and although Kia doesn’t have any on sale in America, it recently revealed the aesthetically-challenged Tasman that’s already earmarked for sale in Australia, another nation of truck lovers.
Skipping the Tasman, Straight to EV
But it looks like Kia isn’t interested in bringing the Ford Ranger-rivaling Tasman to the US, and will instead jump straight into the electric pickup market with an entirely different truck. We already knew, thanks to a spy video captured last year by Kindel Auto, that an EV was in development, with the prototype showing a more conventional Kia front-end design, and intel suggesting body-on-frame construction.
Screenshot Kindel Auto / YouTube
No details on its size were given today, but Kia CEO Ho Sung Song had previously expressed a desire to sell a mid-size truck to the US – one that would be built in the US, probably at Hyundai’s Georgia plant, to avoid both the older Chicken tax on imported light trucks and Trumps new import tariffs. Hyundai should get its own version of the pickup.
Kia’s statement says the pickup will be built on a new platform and be ‘designed for both urban and outdoor use.’ It described the model as ‘innovative,’ claiming it would have best-in-class interior and cargo space, a ‘robust’ towing system, be capable off road and have advanced media and safety systems.
Big Goals in a Small Market
Kia says its long-term goal is 90,000 annual sales and a 7 percent market share of the overall truck market. Ford only sold 7,187 examples of the F-150 Lightning in Q1, and Tesla shifted fewer than 12,000 Cybertrucks, so Kia is really aiming high with its new electric hauler.
But electric pickup choices are few and far between, and there are literally no options for anyone wanting a midsize or smaller electric truck, meaning Kia could be shooting at an open goal if it gets the thing to market quickly.
But how quickly it’ll come, Kia didn’t say. Based on last year’s spy shots, we’d say a 2026 or 2027 debut looks realistic. We’re hoping it has some of the butch attitude of the new Tasman Weekender revealed this week (pictured below), but we’re still not sure about that face.
US-delivered Kia EV6 models have shipped with subpar lead-acid 12-volt batteries.
As of late 2024, Kia is believed to have been fitting better AGM batteries to its EVs.
The owner of this 2024 EV6 Wind RWD has initiated a lemon law claim for the faults.
One of the benefits of owning an electric vehicles is reduced maintenance compared to ICE-powered cars. That’s the theory, at least. In practice, one owner has found his Kia EV6 to be less of a technological marvel and more of a recurring electrical problem. His 2024 model has chewed through multiple 12-volt batteries in just a year, prompting him to file a lemon law claim.
While the EV6 has been broadly praised as being an excellent EV, it’s not without fault. Over the years, there are have been several reports of battery failures. We’re not talking about the expensive high-voltage battery pack that powers the motors, but rather the 12-volt battery. According to one Facebook group user, he has gone through three of four of these batteries and says he’s initiated a lemon law claim.
Most Kia EV6s delivered in the United States come standard with traditional lead-acid 12-volt batteries, rather than AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) batteries, which are generally considered to be far more superior. AGM batteries use a fiberglass mat to hold the electrolyte, offering better cycling performance and longer lifespan.
The most recent battery installed in this particular EV6 appears to have been one of the lower-grade OEM lead-acid units, and it clearly failed well ahead of schedule.
A photo he shared on the EV6 owner’s Facebook page shows acid leaking from the failed battery and corroding the tray beneath it. According to the owner, his EV6 Wind RWD has only about 4,500 miles on the odometer after one year of ownership and yet it’s already gone through multiple 12-volt batteries.
The general consensus among other EV6 owners appears to be that the original 12-volt batteries from Kia aren’t up to par, and it’s better to just install an AGM and move on. What’s puzzling is that the dealership handling this particular case hasn’t done so, especially since, according to users on the Kia EV Forums, the Korean carmaker began equipping EV6s with AGM batteries from the factory as of late 2024.
PROS ›› Competitive pricing, very spacious, great tech, eye-catching looks CONS ›› Torque steer, easily induced wheelspin, plasticky interior
If there’s one automaker that’s decided to go all-in on electric vehicles—and do it quickly—it’s Kia. Few legacy brands have cranked out as many notable EVs in such short order, and Kia’s made it clear they’re not just dabbling. The company’s goal is to sell 1.6 million EVs per year by 2030, and depending on your location, there’s already a variety of sleek, electrified options to choose from.
The EV6 was the first of a new generation of electric vehicles from Kia and quickly proved itself to be a solid Tesla rival. It’s since followed it up with the larger seven-seat EV9, and, more recently, the smaller EV3 and EV5. Of that bunch, the EV5 may turn out to be the most important.
Why? Because while the EV6 is a solid product, it doesn’t follow the traditional SUV formula—it has a more coupe-like styling that puts it somewhere between a crossover and a hatchback. That’s where the EV5 comes in. It’s a more conventionally shaped, all-electric compact SUV, and it undercuts the best-selling Tesla Model Y on price in many markets. To find out how it performs day to day, we spent a week living with the entry-level EV5 Air Standard Range model.
QUICK FACTS
› Model:
2025 Kia EV5 Air – Standard Range
› Starting Price:
AU$56,770 (~$33,500)
› Dimensions:
4,615 mm (181.6 in.) L
1,875 mm (73.8 in.) W
1,715 mm (67.5 in.) H
2,750 mm (108.2 in) Wheelbase
› Curb Weight:
1,910 (4,210 lbs)*
› Powertrain:
Front-mounted electric motor / 64.2 kWh battery
› Output:
215 hp (160 kW) / 229 lb-ft (310 Nm) combined
› 0-62 mph
~8.5 seconds*
› Transmission:
Single speed
› Range
249 miles (400 km)*
› On Sale:
Now
*Manufacturer
SWIPE
Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops
Bargain Price
Perhaps the most important thing about the new EV5 is its price. For many years, legacy brands couldn’t compete with Tesla on that front. Then, new competitors from China started to undercut Tesla’s offerings. The EV5 has done the same thing.
In Australia, prices for the EV5 start at AU$56,770 (~$33,500), including all on-road costs. That makes it significantly cheaper than the entry-level Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive, which carries a AU$64,347 (~$40,300) tag. This also means the EV5 is far cheaper than the EV6, which is priced from AU$78,564 (~$49,200). Indeed, even the flagship EV5 GT-Line, starting at AU$75,990 (~$43,600) is cheaper than the base EV6. It seems inevitable that the EV5 will poach sales from its sibling.
Unfortunately, though, Kia has no plans to sell the EV5 in the United States.
FWD And AWD Options
Three different powertrain configurations are available. The base model, which we tested, has an electric motor at the front axle, rated at 215 hp (160 kW) and 229 lb-ft (310 Nm) of torque. This motor receives its juice from a 64.2 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery and has a claimed WLTP driving range of 400 km (249 miles).
To put that into perspective, the cheapest Model Y has a quoted range of 466 km (290 miles). However, Kia buyers who aren’t satisfied with 400 km (249 miles) of range can opt for the 2WD Long Range version, which retains the same 215 hp (160 kW) motor, but uses a large 88.1 kWh battery. This model boosts the range to 555 km (345 miles), and yet, at AU$63,990 (~$40,100), it’s still cheaper than the Tesla.
The EV5 is also sold in Earth AWD Long Range and GT-Line AWD Long Range versions. This models add a 94 hp (70 kW) and 125 lb-ft (170 Nm) motor to the rear axle, resulting in a combined 308 hp (230 kW) and 354 lb-ft (480 Nm). They have the same 88.1 kWh pack, but the range drops to 500 km (311 miles) for the Earth and 470 km (292 miles) for the GT-Line. On paper, then, the EV5 sounds like the perfect electric family SUV.
Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops
Basic Interior, But Good Tech
Stepping into the EV5 for the first time, there’s no mistaking that this is a base model. But, for most, it will be more than adequate.
Sharp lines and edgy surfaces dominate the design of the cabin. This is most apparent with the dashboard itself, which is very striking. Unfortunately, almost the entire dash is made from hard black plastic, with not a square inch of soft-touch material in sight. It’s a similar story with the door panels. Other than the small arm rests and material near the door handles, the entire door is hard black plastic.
Fortunately, the seats feel a little more premium, neatly combining soft leather inserts and cloth accents. They’re soft, supple, and hugely supportive. Nice headrests, similar to those found in the EV9, are also featured.
Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops
Several other parts have been borrowed from the EV9, including the four-spoke steering wheel and the same volume slider and physical switches for the fan speed and temperature control. All EV5 models also come standard with a panoramic display, combining a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. There’s also a 5-inch screen for the climate control between those two 12-inch displays.
The center console of the EV5 is one of its biggest talking points. Rather than installing a normal item, Kia has extended the material from the front passenger seat across the center of the cabin, making it look like there are three seats up front. There’s then a large armrest and some open storage compartments lower down in the console. It looks pretty cool but has no advantage over a normal console. In fact, it’s worse, as there’s no covered storage area. Not even the chunky armrest opens up to provide any storage.
Fortunately, space at the front is ample and both screens work well, while Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are supported. The second row also offers heaps of space. Unlike the EV6 which has a sedan-crossover body style limiting headroom, the EV5 stands much taller, benefiting rear passengers. It’s also a lot roomier than a Model Y. I’m 6’2” and I had roughly 2 inches of headroom and 4 inches of legroom in the back with the driver’s seat in my preferred position. That means the EV5 is plenty big enough for families. There are also individual air vents in the pillars and USB-C ports on the back of both front seats.
The positives don’t stop there. Much like Honda’s ‘Magic Seats,’ the backrests of the EV5’s rear seats are hinged to the bases, allowing them to be folded down perfectly flat. There’s plenty of carrying capacity at the rear, too, with a rated 513 liters (18.1 cubic-feet) of cargo capacity with the rear seats up.
Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops
A Good Daily For The Family
As the EV5 represents a new era of affordable electric vehicles from Kia, it perhaps should come as no surprise that it doesn’t quite feel as polished as the EV6. Even still, it’s pretty good.
Compared to a Sportage, the EV5 rides noticeably firmer. It’s not uncommon for EVs to ride more harshly than their ICE rivals, and weighing in at 1,910 kg (4,210 lbs), the base EV6 is 402 kg (886 lbs) heavier than the entry-level Sportage. As a result, it can feel a little bumpy and unsettled across changing road surfaces.
Those who place an emphasis on driving experience should also be aware that the front-wheel drive EV5 has hot hatch levels of torque steer, even at 70% throttle. With 215 hp (160 kW) and 229 lb-ft (310 Nm), it’s not particularly powerful, but that grunt does tug at the wheel when accelerating in a straight line or while cornering. But, for most drivers, who will rarely ever press the throttle more than 50%, it’s a non-issue.
In wet conditions, the EV5 really struggles to put its power to the ground. Just look at the throttle the wrong way, and the traction control system will quickly cut power, trying to stick the tires to the pavement. Turn off the traction control and the EV5 will furiously spin up its inside front wheel while exiting corners, leaving a thick black line in your wake. The choice of tires is partly to blame for this. They are Nexen Roadian GTXs that simply aren’t up to the task.
Overall, this is not an EV that wants to be driven in an aggressive manner. Instead, it responds much better to soft and smooth inputs and remains well-insulated from outside noise even at highway speeds. The steering is light and direct, and as with other EVs from Hyundai and Kia, the braking is excellent. In fact, it’s impossible to detect when the mechanical brakes take over from the regenerative ones.
The level of regen can be adjusted with the paddles behind the steering wheel, and there is a one-pedal driving mode that works brilliantly. From behind the wheel, the EV5 does feel quite big, even though it’s almost exactly the same size as a Sportage, but it remains easy to place on the road.
The EV5 needs roughly 8.5 seconds to hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in this guise, which feels more than adequate.
Unlike most other Hyundai and Kia EVs, the EV5 does not use the group’s E-GMP platform and instead, is underpinned by the cheaper N3 eK 400-volt system. This means it’s capped at 140 kW peak charging speeds, and thus needs 36 minutes to charge from 10-80%. During our time with the EV5, we averaged 17.6 kWh/100 km, and depending on how you drive, eking 249 miles (400 km) out of the battery is definitely achievable.
Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops
Verdict
As a family SUV, the EV5 feels mostly well-resolved. In this base form, it does not have the same dynamic prowess as the EV6, nor even the much larger EV9 GT-Line, and there are areas of the cabin where it’s clear Kia has tried to save some money. However, at this price point, the EV5 doesn’t really have any compelling rivals that aren’t from China. Even the uninspired Toyota bZ4X is roughly AU$10,000 (~$6,200) more expensive.
We’ve yet to drive the new Model Y, but if the old model is anything to go by, I suspect the new one will ride better and be more enjoyable to drive than the EV5. However, the cabin of the Kia is far more expansive, and for most family buyers, that’ll be more important than having fun behind the wheel.
Kia has used the Seoul Mobility Show to introduce two PV5 Spielraum concepts.
One is essentially a mobile fashion retailer, while the other has a lounge and a kitchen.
Kia and LG are joining forces to bring AI and appliances to PBV models starting in 2026.
The Hyundai Motor Group stormed the Seoul Mobility Show with an impressive array of concepts and production models. Besides the redesigned Nexo and facelifted Ioniq 6, Genesis brought a beautiful G90 coupe and convertible.
That brings us to Kia, which introduced a couple of PV5 Spielraum concepts. Named after the German word for “play space,” the vans are built for digital nomads.
The first is the Spielraum Studio concept, and it’s essentially a store on wheels. The rear doors open to reveal shelves that can display products, while the cargo area has a clothes rack as well as clear cases holding shoes.
The oddities continue inside with a smart mirror, coffee machine, and what appears to be a refrigerator. They’re joined by a round chair as well as an LG Styler, which is billed as a “clothing care solution designed for garment caring, focusing on sanitization and deodorization through TrueSteam technology.”
Since AI is the latest buzzword, artificial intelligence has been incorporated into the concept to monitor your schedule and calculate the remaining travel time to your destination. It also recommends settings for the LG appliances housed within.
The Spielraum Glow Cabin concept goes in a different direction thanks to a lounge-like interior with a wraparound sofa and covered walls. Kia says this variant was “designed to cater to the growing demand for car picnic experiences,” so it features a refrigerator, oven, and wine cellar. We can also see what appears to be a cooktop and storage compartments.
This would make for an interesting tailgating vehicle, and Kia noted the appliances are covered by color-changing MoodUP panels. Users can adjust their look via the LG ThinQ app.
It’s no coincidence that Kia and LG teamed up for the concepts as the two firms have decided to “collaborate on the implementation of mobility space solutions based on PBV (Platform Beyond Vehicle) technology.” The companies didn’t go into many specifics, but we can expect to find LG’s AI and appliances in PBV vans.
The firms said the tie-up will enable owners to transform their vehicles into a personalized office, studio, or lounge. We can expect to learn more in the future as the partnership is slated to bear fruit in the second half of 2026.
Kia Norway posted an EV3 photo featuring an “I Bought This After Elon Went Crazy” sticker.
The sticker echoes sentiments of Tesla owners expressing opposition to Elon Musk’s actions.
Kia extended its marketing strategy to Finland with a newspaper ad subtly referencing Musk.
Elon Musk has long been one of the most polarizing figures in the automotive world, and his recent political entanglements have only amplified that reputation. Sensing an opportunity to capitalize on the controversy, Kia’s Norwegian division jumped into the conversation—using the Tesla CEO’s name to generate some buzz and perhaps sell a few more EVs in the process.
The Korean company posted a photo of the new Kia EV3 electric crossover on Instagram, featuring a bumper sticker that read: “I Bought This After Elon Went Crazy.” At first glance, it looked like a cheeky joke from a Kia owner, but it was actually uploaded by Kia Bil Norge AS—the official Instagram page of Kia Norway.
A Not-So-Subtle Swipe at Tesla
This marketing move riffs on the “I Bought This Before Elon Went Crazy” bumper stickers, which became popular among Tesla owners experiencing buyer’s remorse over Musk’s increasingly erratic behavior. Kia’s version flips the phrase, positioning its EVs as an appealing option for those having second thoughts about their Tesla loyalty.
Predictably, the Kia ad didn’t sit well with some Tesla fans, particularly Tesla stock holders, who were quick to voice their outrage on X (formerly Twitter). Among them was vocal Tesla investor Sawyer Merritt, who called out Kia Norway for what he deemed a “bad look” for the brand. Critics argued that the post risked alienating potential customers, while some even suggested it inadvertently implied Kia’s EVs were only worth buying as a protest against Musk, rather than on their own merits.
The Instagram post, originally shared in late February, was quietly removed on March 10, likely in response to the backlash.
Kia Doubles Down in Finland
Norway wasn’t the only place where Kia took shots at Musk. On March 7, Finland’s largest newspaper, Helsingin Sanomat, ran a full-page front-cover ad for the Kia EV4 sedan with the headline “Voi näitä Elon päiviä.” This Finnish phrase, a play on “Voi näitä ilon päiviä” (“Oh, these days of joy”), swapped out “joy” for “Elon,” creating a not-so-subtle jab at the billionaire’s recent antics.
Of course, Kia’s cheeky marketing isn’t the only criticism Musk has faced. Protests against him have erupted in multiple countries, with similar campaigns gaining traction in recent months.
Tesla’s Reputation Problem
Musk’s controversies extend beyond his now-infamous salute and his public alignment with far-right politics. His role in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a Trump administration initiative aimed at slashing federal spending, which has led to widespread layoffs, further fueling public backlash.
The impact on Tesla’s bottom line has been undeniable. European Tesla sales plummeted 45% in January 2025 compared to the same period last year, a stark contrast to the overall growth of the EV market in the region. Meanwhile, Tesla’s stock price has followed a similar downward trajectory, dropping from a peak of $479.86 on December 17, 2024, to $248.33 as of March 10, 2025, roughly the same level it was at before the US elections in November 2024.
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