What is the Kia Storm Edition?
Storm is a new special-edition trim designed to offer more equipment and a stronger visual identity. It combines elements from Kia’s Air, GT-Line and GT-Line S models, depending on the vehicle, while keeping the line-up simple for customers.
For many leasing customers, this type of trim can make a lot of sense. Instead of choosing a lower specification and adding options, or moving straight to the most expensive model, Storm is designed to offer a generous standard specification at a more accessible price point.
Kia EV5 Storm
The Kia EV5 Storm uses the same 81.4kWh battery and front-wheel drive powertrain as the other front-wheel drive EV5 models. Kia has positioned it as a highly equipped version of its electric SUV, with afocus on comfort, technology and safety.
Exterior features include new 19-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass, automatic flush door handles, LEDlighting and premium paint as standard. The EV5 Storm is available in Gravity Grey, Fusion Black andDark Ocean Blue, with Dark Ocean Blue exclusive to the Storm model. Kia says there are no optionalextras, which should make the ordering process more straightforward.
Inside, the EV5 Storm comes with black artificial leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats,heated outer rear seats, an electric driver’s seat with memory function, automatic air conditioning and asmart power tailgate.
Technology is also a major focus. The EV5 Storm includes a three-screen layout made up of a 12.3-inchnavigation touchscreen, a 5.3-inch climate control screen and a 12.3-inch driver display. It also featureswireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, four USB-C charging ports, wireless phone charging and aneight-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.
Kia EV5 gains all-wheel drive options
Alongside the new Storm Edition, Kia has also added all-wheel drive versions to the EV5 range. These are available on GT-Line and GT-Line S models rather than Storm.
The all-wheel drive EV5 adds a rear motor, reducing the 0 to 62mph time from 8.4 seconds to 7.4 seconds. It also increases maximum braked towing capacity to 1,800kg, which could make the EV5 more suitable for drivers who need to tow heavier trailers or caravans. Kia says all-wheel drive versions use the same 81.4kWh battery and can charge from 10 to 80% in 30 minutes when connected to a suitable 150kW charger.
Kia Sportage Storm
The Kia Sportage remains one of the UK’s most popular family SUVs, and the new Storm Edition gives buyers another well-equipped option in the range.
The Sportage Storm is available with a 1.6-litre T-GDi petrol engine or as a hybrid. The petrol version produces 147bhp and 250Nm of torque, with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. The hybrid produces 235bhp and 380Nm of torque and uses a six-speed automatic gearbox.
Standard exterior equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers, privacy glass, heated and folding door mirrors, gloss black detailing, silver roof rails and premium paint.
Inside, Sportage Storm models get black leather and suede upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated outer rear seats, electrically adjustable front seats, automatic air conditioning and a heated steering wheel. The trim also includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen navigation system, a 12.3-inch driver display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Harman Kardon audio and wireless phone charging.
Why this matters for leasing customers
Special-edition trims can be appealing on a lease because monthly cost is not based purely on list price. Residual value, demand, equipment and availability all play a role. A well-equipped trim that sits in the middle of the range can sometimes offer a strong balance of monthly cost and everyday usability.
For families, the Sportage Storm is likely to be the more familiar choice. It offers petrol and hybrid options, strong practicality and plenty of standard equipment.
For drivers ready to move into a fully electric SUV, the EV5 Storm gives Kia another competitive electric family car, with the benefit of a high standard specification and simple colour choices.
Rivervale view
Kia has done well here by focusing on the trim level that many customers actually want. The Storm Edition models add the features people tend to notice every day, including heated and ventilated seats, upgraded screens, premium audio, strong safety technology and useful driver assistance.
For leasing customers, the key question will be whether Storm offers better value than GT-Line or GT-Line S once monthly rentals are confirmed. On paper, it looks like a sensible addition to both the Sportage and EV5 ranges.
FAQs
What is the Kia Storm Edition?
Storm is a special-edition Kia trim that sits between GT-Line and GT-Line S. It adds extra equipment and styling while keeping the price below the highest trim level.
Kia has announced Storm Edition versions of the Sportage and EV5 for the UK.
The Kia EV5 Storm starts from £43,145 on-the-road.
The petrol Kia Sportage Storm starts from £34,395, while the Sportage Hybrid Storm starts from £37,895.
No. The EV5 Storm uses a front-wheel drive powertrain. Kia has added all-wheel drive versions to the EV5 range, but these are available on GT-Line and GT-Line S models.
