New Storm Edition brings extra value to Kia EV5

The global EV market keeps shifting as automakers look for different ways to attract budget-conscious buyers. Kia took a big step in this direction by expanding its vehicle lineup. The South Korean automaker opened order books in the UK for a new version of its popular midsize electric SUV - the Kia EV5 Storm edition. This fresh variant targets consumers who want premium features but prefer to avoid the high price tag of premium models.

Since arriving in the United Kingdom in late 2025, the EV5 has earned a strong reputation, with more than 4,000 units of the midsize model sold during the first half of 2026. The EV5 has quickly become Kia’s second most popular vehicle, trailing only the smaller EV3. The company also introduced a matching Storm trim level for its best-selling traditional family model, the Sportage hybrid.

Customers can buy the entry-level Kia EV5 Storm edition for $59,251. For drivers who still prefer gasoline-hybrid power over pure electric cars, the newly introduced Sportage HEV Storm starts at $52,041. Kia plans for customer deliveries for these new trims to start before the end of 2026. The EV5 is available across major international markets, including Europe, Canada, China, Thailand, and South Korea, but motorists in the United States should not expect to see the car in local dealerships due to high import tariffs.

The EV5 has a slightly larger footprint than its hybrid sibling, the Sportage. The electric SUV measures exactly 181.5 inches in length, 73.8 inches in width, and 65.9 inches in height. It also has a wheelbase of 108.3 inches. When you put the two vehicles side by side, the EV5 stretches 2.76 inches longer, stands 1.18 inches taller, and spans 0.39 inches wider than the standard Sportage model.

On the outside, the Storm edition combines visual elements from the entry-level Air trim and the sporty GT-Line. The EV5 gets body-colored door handles that sit completely flat and pop out automatically when the driver approaches. Gloss-black exterior detailing, distinctive 19-inch alloy wheels, and dark privacy glass on the rear windows and tailgate help differentiate this model from standard versions. Drivers also get electric side mirrors that automatically fold, dip downward when reversing, and heat up to clear away ice. Advanced LED daytime running lights and adaptive high-beam headlights complete the exterior package.

The EV5 Storm uses the familiar 81.4 kWh battery pack, which delivers energy exclusively to a front-wheel-drive powertrain setup. The Storm version focuses on everyday efficiency rather than high performance, but Kia upgraded the EV5 lineup with an all-wheel-drive (AWD) option for the upscale GT-Line variants. The new powertrain adds a secondary induction motor onto the rear axle, allowing the vehicle to tow heavy loads up to 3,968 lb.

Inside the cabin, technology dominates the entire dashboard layout. The driver looks at a massive triple-screen configuration that displays all vital vehicle data. This setup includes two separate 12.3-inch digital screens - one acting as the main driver instrument cluster and the other serving as the primary touchscreen navigation system. The infotainment system fully supports wireless connections for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A smaller 5.3-inch screen sits right under the larger displays to handle all interior climate control settings without forcing the driver to navigate complex menus.

Kia loaded the Storm trim with some premium cabin upgrades to give buyers extra value. The interior gets unique black artificial leather upholstery, a heated four-spoke steering wheel, and front seats that offer both heating and ventilation. For entertainment and convenience, the package adds an eight-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system, customizable interior ambient lighting, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and a smart power tailgate. Buyers can choose between three distinct exterior paint colors at no extra cost: Gravity Grey, Fusion Black, and Dark Ocean Blue.

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