“$15,000 MORE for the Same Car?! Kia EV5’s Price Gap Sparks Outrage in Korea”

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 “Why Is the Kia EV5 $15,000 More Expensive in Korea? Outrage Over Price Gap!

The Kia EV5, a brand-new electric SUV, has sparked heated debate in Korea—not for its design, not for its performance, but for its price. As soon as preorders opened, the first reaction among consumers was: “Why is it so expensive compared to China?”

The controversy is simple: the Korean version of the EV5 is nearly 20 million KRW (about $15,000) more expensive than the Chinese version. This has reignited the long-standing frustration about so-called domestic price discrimination.

The Kia EV5, a brand-new electric SUV

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1. Same Name, Different Cars: China vs. Korea

At first glance, it looks like Kia is charging Koreans unfairly. But a deeper look reveals that the two versions of the EV5 are actually very different.

• Chinese EV5: Priced at around 29 million KRW (~$22,000). It comes with a cheaper LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery and lacks key safety features such as collision-avoidance assistance or pedal misoperation prevention. It’s essentially a budget EV designed for affordability.

• Korean EV5: Starts at about 48 million KRW (~$37,000). It includes a higher-grade NCM (Nickel-Cobalt-Manganese) battery, reinforced body structure, and 9 airbags as standard. On top of that, Kia added brand-new features like pedal misoperation prevention and acceleration limit assist, making it safer for families.

In short, the Chinese version is a “bare-bones” EV, while the Korean version is closer to a fully loaded premium SUV.

In short, the Chinese version is a “bare-bones” EV, while the Korean version is closer to a fully loaded premium SUV.

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2. Kia’s Defense: “It’s Not the Same Car”

Kia insists that the price gap isn’t about overcharging but about different standards.

• The Korean model is built to meet European safety regulations, which require more advanced features.

• The battery was upgraded from LFP to NCM for longer range and performance stability.

• Global strategy demands that the Korean version serve as a flagship model with comprehensive safety and convenience features.

So yes, they both wear the “EV5” badge, but technically, they’re two different cars.

They both wear the “EV5” badge, but technically, they’re two different cars.

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3. Consumer Backlash: “Still Too Expensive”

Despite Kia’s explanation, many Korean consumers remain unconvinced.

• Critics say: “Why should domestic buyers pay so much more for a car made by a domestic brand?”

• Some argue: “Even with more features, the jump feels unreasonable.”

• Others highlight: “It still uses a Chinese-made battery—so why the huge markup?”

In online forums, many people admit they expected a higher price than China’s but were shocked by the scale of the difference.

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4. Could the Story Flip? The Santa Fe Example

Interestingly, price and design controversies don’t always kill sales. Just a few months ago, Hyundai’s new Santa Fe was mocked for looking like a “lunchbox.” Yet, when it hit the market, it sold out and exceeded expectations.

Analysts suggest the EV5 could follow a similar path: initial outrage online, but strong sales once it’s on the road and consumers actually experience its features.

The Santa Fe

 

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5. EV5 at a Crossroads

The Korean EV market is at a turning point.

• Consumers want fair pricing and trustworthy quality.

• Automakers emphasize global competition and differentiated safety features.

The EV5 is right at the center of this clash. It may start as a symbol of “price controversy,” but depending on real-world reception, it could still become a hit.

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* Comparison Table: Chinese vs. Korean EV5

Category	Chinese EV5	Korean EV5
Price	~29M KRW (~$22,000)	~48M KRW (~$37,000)
Battery	LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate)	NCM (Nickel-Cobalt-Manganese)
Safety Features	Basic only	9 airbags, body reinforcement, collision-avoidance assist, pedal misoperation prevention, acceleration limit assist
Convenience	Minimal functions	Full-option standard, advanced driving assistance
Market Position	Budget-friendly EV	Premium global flagship

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 Conclusion

The Kia EV5’s price gap between China and Korea has sparked outrage, but the reality is more nuanced. The two cars may share the same name, yet their batteries, safety systems, and market roles are entirely different.

Still, perception matters. For many consumers, the phrase “$15,000 more expensive” hits harder than the technical justifications. Whether Kia can turn this backlash into a success story will depend on how the EV5 performs once it finally hits the streets.

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