Kia has expanded its UK SUV line-up by introducing a premium Storm special-edition trim level for the EV5 and Sportage, alongside new all-wheel-drive (AWD) variants for the EV5.

Positioned strategically between the existing mid-tier GT-Line and flagship GT-Line S variants of the EV5 and Sportage, the Storm specification blends high-end features with styling cues inspired by the entry-level Air trim to deliver enhanced value for money.

The arrival of the EV5 Storm expands the line-up to four different trim levels. The new edition is available with the same 81.4kWh battery pack and front-wheel drive powertrain as the other variants already available, ensuring a smooth and familiar driving experience.

Priced at £43,145 OTR, the EV5 Storm combines exterior design elements of the Air and GT-Line variants, including body-coloured door mirrors from the Air, and gloss black detailing from the GT-Line and GT-Line S.

Key specification highlights include unique black artificial leather upholstery, 19-inch alloy wheels, a three-screen dashboard layout, heated/ventilated front seats, an 8-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, and highway driving assist 2.0.

The variant will also be offered in three exterior paint choices, all for no additional cost. These include Gravity Grey, Fusion Black and Dark Ocean Blue; an all-new colour exclusively offered on EV5 Storm.

As well as introducing an all-new Storm special edition variant, Kia has further diversified its EV5 line-up with the introduction of all-wheel drive (AWD) variants – meaning the Korean brand now offers the EV5, EV6 and EV9 in AWD as well as front- or rear-wheel drive.

The new AWD drivetrain is introduced as an option on GT-Line and GT-Line S grades, bringing the total EV5 line-up to six different variants. By adding an induction motor to the rear axle, the 0-62mph sprint time drops from 8.4 seconds to 7.4 seconds. Maximum braked towing capacity also increases to 1,800kg, targeting drivers who tow caravans or large trailers.

Kia is tight-lipped on technical details including EV range and efficiency for now, but AWD variants of EV5 feature the same 81.4kWh battery pack as all other EV5s, meaning charging times remain the same, so the EV5 can achieve a 10-to-80% charge in 30 minutes when connected to a suitable charger.

The Kia EV5 GT-Line AWD costs £45,645 on-the-road, whilst the GT-Line S costs £50,145.

Kia Sportage Storm launches across ICE and hybrid models

Fresh off the milestone of celebrating over half a million UK sales in its 33-year history, the best-selling Sportage also receives the new Storm special edition trim across its internal combustion engine (ICE) and conventional hybrid (HEV) models.

The ICE variant features a 150hp 1.6-litre T-GDi petrol engine, paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The HEV variant teams up the same engine with a 1.49kWh battery pack to produce 238hp, paired exclusively with a six-speed automatic transmission.

The Sportage Storm comes with bespoke black leather and suede upholstery, 18-inch alloy wheels, dual 12.3-inch digital displays, heated/ventilated front seats and gloss-black exterior trim accents.

As with the EV5, the Sportage Storm is offered with premium paint options as standard, meaning no additional cost. These include Wolf Grey, Phantom Black and Dark Penta Metal.

The Kia Sportage ICE Storm costs £34,395 on-the-road with the six-speed manual transmission, and £36,095 with the seven-speed dual clutch transmission. The HEV variant costs £37,895 on-the-road.

Order books for the new editions officially opened on 1 July 2026, with the first customer deliveries scheduled for later this year.

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