Kia’s new electric SUV, the EV5, has been making waves in the global market since its launch in 2023. Initially a hit in China, where it helped Kia’s joint venture turn a profit for the first time in seven years, the EV5 has also seen success in other markets such as Australia, where it ranks as the fourth best-selling EV this year.
With plans to launch in Europe later this year and in North America in early 2026, there has been speculation about whether the EV5 will be available in the US. While Kia initially stated that the EV5 would be exclusive to the Canadian market in North America, recent sightings of the EV5 being tested in the US have sparked rumors that Kia may have changed its plans.
One such sighting revealed a new variant, the EV5 GT, which is set to receive the GT treatment like Kia’s other electric models. The GT variant was spotted towing a trailer, hinting at Kia’s testing of its towing capacity, power, and performance.
Expected to launch in early 2026, the EV5 GT will likely feature a dual-motor AWD powertrain setup with over 600 horsepower and 77 Nm of torque. This should result in a quick acceleration time of around 3.5 seconds from 0 to 62 mph. The GT variant is also expected to include features such as drift optimization, Virtual Gear Shift (VGS), and launch control, similar to the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N.
While official prices, range, and specs for the GT variant have yet to be revealed, Kia is expected to provide more details closer to the launch date. For those in the US eagerly awaiting the arrival of the EV5, it may be a waiting game as Kia’s last official statement indicated that the EV5 would be exclusive to Canada in the North American market.
As Kia continues to expand its electric vehicle lineup, the EV5 is shaping up to be a competitive option in the growing market for electric SUVs. With its sleek design, impressive performance capabilities, and advanced features, the EV5 GT is sure to attract attention from electric vehicle enthusiasts around the world.
