EV Day! Kia debuts production EV5 and concept EV3, EV4

Oct. 12, 2023 is a special day for South Korean automaker Kia.

That’s because this date is the brand’s EV Day, which is a showcase of the latest in Kia’s electric vehicle (EV) technology.

It also chose this date to unveil three EVs in its lineup to augment the existing EV6 and EV9 crossovers.

Production EV5 gets 313 PS, AWD

First is the production version of the EV5 that debuted after the concept version had been revealed on August 2023.

The EV5 is essentially a shrunken-down, five-seater version of the EV9. It carries similar styling cues to the larger EV, from the C-shaped daytime running lights to the crisp, formal roofline.

The interior of the EV5 retains the clean, minimalist look of other Kia EVs, with the digital gauges and the touchscreen infotainment system all in one cluster.

Kia also announced details of the EV5’s powertrain – a dual-motor setup with 218 PS for the front axle and 95 PS for the rear axle for a total combined output of 313 PS.

The company said the crossover’s battery uses an advanced heat pump system to help it function in extreme hot and cold conditions. The EV likewise features V2G (vehicle-to-ground) capability that lets you supply the vehicle’s electricity to the power grid.

It also has a comprehensive active-safety suite that includes:

• Highway Driving Assist 2 – Helps maintain distance from the vehicle ahead, maintain the set speed and keep the vehicle centered in the lane

• Remote Start Park Assist 2 – Parking assistance function that recognizes parking lines on its own

EV3 Concept subcompact crossover

The second EV that Kia debuted was the EV3 Concept, which slots under the EV5 as a subcompact crossover.

Although the design language is identical to the rest of the Kia lineup, the roofline is more akin to the Range Rover Evoque. This is exemplified by the downward slope from the windshield, as well as the black trim in the D-pillar that leads the eye to the intricate LED taillights.

Inside, there’s a blend of gray and light jade-green upholstery to give the little EV an airy feel.

The funky pedals and the space-age headrests will likely not make it into production, but the single digital cluster and the floating center console likely will.

EV4 Concept sedan

The last EV in the Kia trio is the EV4 Concept, which seems to be an even more eye-catching version of the already very stylish Hyundai IONIQ 6.

Much like its sibling, the EV4 Concept is a hatchback, although it features a higher rear end. Distinct styling cues include the upward quarter window and the matte-black trim around the wheel arches that give the sedan a more rugged appearance.

Inside, the EV4 Concept has a beige-and-salmon-pink motif that incorporates patterns from the EV3. Given Kia’s bolder design approach to Hyundai, the EV4 Concept could be a sort of crossover-style sedan similar to the old BMW 5 Series GT.

Which of Kia’s newest EVs are you most fond of?

Rate this story now using the five stars below. It will help us provide content that you enjoy!