2027 Kia EV5 update adds power and towing in Australian filing

Key takeaways

• Front-wheel drive rises to 175kW and all-wheel drive to 249kW
• Standard Range towing limit increases from 300kg to 750kg
• Arrival understood for mid-2027, with pricing and equipment yet to be announced

Kia’s updated EV5 will bring more power and a higher towing limit for the entry-level version, according to Australian approval documents reviewed by carsales and EV Central. The electric SUV is understood to arrive in Australia in mid-2027, though Kia has not announced pricing or equipment.

The documents list single-motor front-wheel-drive versions at 175kW, up from 160kW. All-wheel-drive versions rise from 230kW to a combined 249kW, made up of a 175kW front motor and a 74kW rear motor.

2027 Kia EV5 power, towing and weight

Battery sizes are essentially unchanged at 64.2kWh for the Standard Range and 88.1kWh for the Long Range. Long Range models keep their 1250kg braked and 750kg unbraked towing limits. The filing covers four versions: Standard Range and Long Range front-wheel drive on 18-inch wheels, a Long Range all-wheel drive on 19s and a GT-Line all-wheel drive on 20s.

Kia has not published updated range, acceleration or charging figures. The current EV5 uses a 400-volt electrical system, and carsales says its charging speed has been a weak point in local testing. There is no confirmation the update will charge faster.

Current Kia EV5

Updated Kia EV5 styling and interior

Images from the filing show reshaped bumpers, revised lower body detailing and new wheels. The GT-Line gets more angular front bumper inserts, plus rear corner surrounds with vertical red reflectors.

A prototype spotted without camouflage in South Korea shows tougher bumpers inspired by the EV5 WKNDR concept. Inside it has a slim driver display and a broad central screen, replacing the current panel. A paper in the car reportedly listed the Philippines as its destination, so it may be an export version. Kia has not confirmed whether Australia will get that dashboard or the tougher bumpers.

Australians bought 4722 EV5s in the first nine months of 2026, making it Kia’s best-selling EV ahead of the EV3 on 4541. It trails the Tesla Model Y on 35,930, BYD Sealion 7 on 19,964, Geely EX5 on 12,745 and Zeekr 7X on 10,800.

Kia is yet to announce Australian pricing, equipment or a reveal date for the updated EV5.