The Kia EV5 electric sport utility vehicle is scheduled to undergo a comprehensive mid-cycle refresh in the Australian market before the conclusion of next year. This strategic update is designed to strengthen the vehicle's competitive position against formidable rivals, including the Tesla Model Y, BYD Sealion 7, and other prominent electric vehicles in the segment.
While the specific details regarding the refreshed EV5 remain undisclosed at this time, Kia has officially confirmed that the updated model is anticipated to arrive in Australian dealerships during the latter half of 2026, assuming no unexpected delays occur. Interestingly, the EV5 will have been available in local showrooms for approximately two years by the time its refreshed version debuts. However, considering that the vehicle originally launched in the Chinese market during late 2023, this timing aligns perfectly with the conventional lifecycle patterns observed across Kia's SUV lineup, making it due for its customary mid-life revision.
Roland Rivero, who serves as Kia Australia's general manager of product planning, provided insights to Drive regarding the upcoming EV5 refresh. He explained that the updates would follow the typical expectations for what Kia internally refers to as a "PE" or facelift. According to Rivero, customers can anticipate both cosmetic enhancements and technological improvements with the refreshed model.
The mention of "tech" in Rivero's comments potentially indicates substantial technical modifications beneath the exterior, rather than merely interior technology upgrades. These engineering changes would specifically address certain limitations present in the current Chinese-manufactured EV5 models currently available in Australian showrooms.
One notable area requiring improvement is energy efficiency. The current entry-level EV5 Air Standard Range variant achieves only 400 kilometres of driving range according to European WLTP testing standards from its 64.2kWh battery pack. In comparison, the Tesla Model Y RWD variant delivers a claimed 466 kilometres from a smaller 62.5kWh battery. Additionally, DC fast charging capabilities present another opportunity for enhancement. The Long Range EV5 models currently require approximately 38 minutes to recharge from 10 to 80 per cent, which is several minutes slower than both the Model Y and BYD Sealion 7, and takes roughly twice as long as competitors like the 7X or XPeng G6.
Anticipated exterior styling modifications could encompass redesigned vertically-stacked headlight assemblies, revised front and rear bumper designs, and new wheel options. These changes would bring the EV5's appearance in line with more recent additions to Kia's electric vehicle portfolio, including the EV4 and the updated EV6.
Regarding interior modifications, the current EV5 features Kia's existing infotainment system. However, the refreshed model might incorporate design elements inspired by the recently unveiled Weekender concept vehicle. This concept replaced the standard dual 12.3-inch display arrangement with a single expansive screen extending across a substantial portion of the dashboard, complemented by a slimmer instrument cluster positioned in front of the driver. This configuration bears resemblance to the Hyundai Elexio, which is the EV5's platform sibling and offers a comparable widescreen layout designed specifically for Chinese market preferences.
Furthermore, the EV5 Weekender concept incorporates design cues from the traditional centre console found in Korean-manufactured, European-market EV5 production models. This alternative console design could potentially be introduced to Australian models with the facelift, replacing the current bench-style configuration.