Kia EV5 GT Spotted in US: 600 HP Electric SUV Coming in 2026

Kia’s EV lineup is quickly growing, and the brand’s mid-size EV5 SUV has already proven to be a strong seller in markets like China and Australia. Now, a new variant – likely the Kia EV5 GT – has been spotted testing in the United States for the first time, sparking speculation that Kia could expand its launch plans beyond Canada.

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Kia EV5 GT Design and Styling

Although the test vehicle was heavily camouflaged, several signature GT details were visible. The prototype was fitted with neon green brake calipers, sporty alloy wheels, and a slightly more aggressive stance compared to the standard EV5. These design cues mirror what we’ve already seen on the EV6 GT and EV9 GT, both of which combine performance upgrades with subtle styling changes.

Kia EV5 GT Spotted in US: 600 HP Electric SUV Coming in 2026

The EV5 itself is slightly smaller than the Tesla Model Y, measuring 4,610 mm in length, 1,875 mm in width, and 1,675 mm in height. Despite the compact dimensions, Kia has designed the SUV to offer a practical and family-friendly cabin.

Powertrain and Performance

While Kia hasn’t officially confirmed specs for the Kia EV5 GT, expectations are high. Based on other GT models in the lineup, the new variant is likely to feature a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup, delivering over 600 horsepower and 770 Nm of torque. This should enable 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) acceleration in around 3.5 seconds, putting it firmly in performance EV territory.

The sighting of the EV5 GT towing a trailer suggests that Kia is also testing its towing capacity and power delivery, which would make it more versatile for buyers looking for both performance and practicality.

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Kia EV5 GT Battery and Range

Kia EV5 GT Spotted in US: 600 HP Electric SUV Coming in 2026

The standard EV5 is available with 60.3 kWh and 81.4 kWh battery options, depending on the market. In Europe, the larger pack offers up to 329 miles WLTP range, while Canadian models are expected to deliver up to 310 miles (500 km). The GT version is likely to use the bigger battery to balance performance with usable driving range.

Kia EV5 GT Launch Timeline and Price

Kia has confirmed that the Kia EV5 GT will launch in early 2026, following the rollout of the standard EV5 in Europe later this year. Pricing details have not yet been announced, but it will likely sit above the standard EV5 as Kia’s performance-focused flagship in the lineup.

For now, US buyers should remain cautious – Kia has so far said the EV5 is exclusive to Canada in North America. However, repeated sightings of camouflaged models in the US suggest plans could change before launch.

Disclaimer: Specs and details are based on current information as of August 2025. Final specifications may vary by market.

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