Kia Updates EV5 for 2027 Model Year

Government homologation documents show a 2027 Kia EV5 facelift with mild exterior changes and a revised powertrain lineup for Australia.

Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Electric Vehicles

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Images of the updated 2027 Kia EV5 have appeared in Australian government homologation documents, revealing four configurations and mild exterior changes. The Australian launch of the updated model is due in mid-2027.

Why it matters

The filings give Australian buyers an early look at how the EV5 range will change ahead of its arrival. The update follows criticism of the current model's comfort and roadholding on local roads.

Single-motor FWD output rises from 160kW to 175kW in the 2027 model, while dual-motor AWD is expected to quote up to 249kW, up from 230kW. Battery capacities of 64.2kWh and 88.1kWh are carried over from the current model.

The players

Kia

Kia is a South Korean automaker, a subsidiary of the Hyundai Motor Group, that sells the EV5 electric SUV in Australia and other markets.

The details

Government documents list four 2027 EV5 configurations: Standard Range FWD, Long Range FWD, Long Range AWD and GT-Line Long Range. The interior is expected to feature a 27-inch touchscreen replacing the current twin 12.3-inch screens, and suspension and steering are expected to be retuned for Australian roads.

Late 2026 or early 2027: previously expected Australian launch window, since slipped.
2 November 2026: images appear in government documents.
Mid-2027: expected arrival of the updated EV5 in Australian showrooms.

Roadmap

The 2027 EV5 carries over the 64.2kWh and 88.1kWh lithium-iron-phosphate batteries supplied by BYD, extending the current model's chemistry rather than changing it. The update is an incremental refresh of an existing electric SUV within Kia's Australian line-up.

The current EV5 is priced at $49,990 drive-away on special offer, while the 2027 model's pricing has not been confirmed. Buyers weighing a purchase now should compare the existing range of 400km to 555km WLTP against the updated specifications when they are released.

The takeaway

Buyers considering an EV5 can expect incremental updates rather than a redesign, with the current battery chemistry and a larger central screen. Waiting for the mid-2027 launch may bring clearer pricing and tuning changes for Australian roads.