The Kia EV5 electric medium SUV is set to receive a significant update in 2027, with more power, revised styling and improvements to its driving dynamics as the Korean brand looks to strengthen its position in Australia’s increasingly competitive EV market.

Details of the facelifted EV5 have emerged through Australian Design Rule (ADR) certification documents, revealing several changes ahead of its expected arrival in local showrooms in mid-2027.

Among the most significant upgrades is an increase in power across both drivetrains, with the front-wheel drive model now producing 175kW (up 15kW) and the dual-motor all-wheel drive now making 249kW (up from 230kW). Torque figures are yet to be confirmed, but the current model makes 310Nm in front-drive form and 480Nm with all-wheel drive.

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Updated EV5 from ADR certification documents

Despite the extra grunt, the EV5 will continue to use its existing 64.2kWh and 88.1kWh LFP battery packs, with its driving range yet to be confirmed. For reference, the current model can travel between 400km and 555km on the WLTP cycle.

Another important improvement is expected to come beneath the skin, with Kia Australia understood to be developing revised suspension and steering tuning specifically for local conditions. Those changes could address one of its main criticisms, as it currently attracts mixed reviews in that area.

On the outside, from what we can see in the ADR documents, the updated EV5 debuts subtle styling changes like redesigned front and rear bumpers, revised trim elements and new alloy wheel designs. The top-spec GT-Line retains its sportier styling to differentiate it from other models.

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2025 EV5 WKNDR concept

We are yet to see the inside, though it could adopt a new dashboard layout with a 27-inch display and a separate 10-inch digital driver’s display, which are changes that were also previewed by the EV5 WKNDR concept car. The huge display also features on the related Hyundai Elexio, and the Chinese-market Kia Seltos.

The updated EV5 will continue its role as an important product for Kia Australia. In the first nine months of 2026, 4722 EV5s were registered locally, which is a 21 per cent increase on the same period in 2025 and enough to make it Kia’s best-selling EV locally.

More details about the facelifted Kia EV5 are expected ahead of its Australian arrival in mid-2027.