Just a week ago, Kia unveiled a stylish, blocky electric SUV that got the internet buzzing — the 2024 Kia EV9. If our web traffic is any sign, the bold styling got America’s attention. The company has wasted no time in following up on the move.
Kia this week revealed a stylish, blocky electric SUV. Not quite a cut-down version of the EV9, as it uses similar styling in a compact model.
This one’s just a concept for now. Kia says it will result in a production model “destined initially for the Chinese market later this year.” But company sources tell us something much like it will come to the States.
It’s called, unsurprisingly, the EV5.
EV9 Faceted Styling in Compact Form
The company hasn’t revealed specifications, but its wheelbase looks a bit shorter than the EV9 or even the sporty EV6. It wears similar, almost fractal styling to the 3-row EV9. Kia’s “Star Map” lights — thin LED lines that join at sharp angles like constellations — and hard angles blended with shadowy curves give it compelling presence.
Karim Habib, Executive Vice President and Head of the Kia Global Design Center, says the look “takes influence from the contrast and complementarity of natural landscapes and man-made architecture.” The description fits — the look imposes straight lines on gentle curves like a Frank Lloyd Wright prairie house emerging from rolling hills. It’s one of the more striking design styles found in cars today, and it works at this smaller size.
And yes, it is smaller than the big EV9. This version seats four, at least in concept form. We wouldn’t be surprised if a pair of second-row captain’s chairs becomes a bench seat by the time it reaches production.
Coach Doors, Swiveling Seats
Like the EV9 concept, the EV5 concept uses pillarless coach-style doors for a light, airy feel. Those are also unlikely to reach production.
The concept has swivel seats at all four positions — they can face out the doors. Those actually did reach production in the EV9, though just in the second row. So they may not be a concept-only idea.
The images show a coffee table matching the interior but don’t explain whether it hides somewhere in the car’s interior when not in use. Or how you’re supposed to keep anything on a table beneath your feet in any useful way.
The rear cargo area also becomes a seating area, though not when the vehicle is in motion. A unique table rises out of the floor, while the cargo floor folds up to become a backrest for two who can sit facing out. On a recent trip to South Korea we went on with Kia, the company’s engineers explained to us that this is a common practice for SUV owners in the country.
We haven’t seen it much here, but in the home of tailgate parties, it would find an audience.
Kia has provided no mechanical details on the EV5. It almost certainly rides on the same architecture as the EV6 and EV9, which would give engineers options for front-, rear-, or all-wheel drive, and power outputs ranging from 225 to 576 horsepower.
