Kia Philippines unveiled the EV5 to the public for the first time during the 13th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay. The preview offered a glimpse of the brand’s direction in the country’s EV market and its ongoing efforts to make electric mobility more accessible to Filipinos.

Jay Lopez, managing director of Kia Philippines, said electrification is transforming how people move and live. He described this as a new stage for the brand, with more EVs set to arrive while fuel-efficient models remain part of the lineup.

Styled after the larger EV9, the EV5 is a compact SUV built for city driving and small families. It’s powered by a 217 PS motor and an 88.1 kWh battery that delivers an estimated 550 kilometers of range. Torque is rated at 310 Nm, and like its siblings, it supports vehicle-to-load functionality, allowing owners to power small devices directly from the car. Inside, the five-seater cabin has a minimalist design with Kia’s latest DriveWise safety and driver-assist features. Annual preventive maintenance keeps ownership simple.

Kia used the event to show how its EV lineup fits together. The EV6 serves as the performance-oriented entry point, while the EV9 stands as the flagship SUV. Visitors were able to inspect the EV5 up close and take test drives of the EV6 and EV9 to experience their performance firsthand.

The company also emphasized its ongoing work with ACMobility to expand charging infrastructure and strengthen EV readiness nationwide. By pairing its growing lineup with accessible charging and after-sales support, Kia aims to make the transition to electric driving smoother for local owners.

The EV5 is scheduled for official launch and sale in the Philippines in the first quarter of 2026, with full pricing and specifications to be announced closer to that date. For now, its preview in Manila gives a clear sense of how the EV6, EV9, and EV5 together shape Kia’s electric future in the country.