Kia has added a new Storm edition to two of its most important SUVs, the Sportage and the all-electric EV5. And honestly, this feels like one of those trim levels that could make a lot of sense for buyers who want the premium bits without going all the way to the very top of the range.
The new Storm models sit between GT-Line and GT-Line S, which is exactly where a lot of people tend to shop. You get a stronger design, plenty of comfort kit, upgraded tech and some nicer interior details, but without stepping up to the most expensive version.
For me, that is where Storm becomes interesting. This is not about reinventing either car. It is more about Kia taking two already popular SUVs and creating a version that feels a bit more special, a bit more stylish and potentially better value.
What is Kia Storm?
Storm is a new special-edition trim for the Kia Sportage and Kia EV5. Think of it as a blend of sporty styling, darker design details and proper everyday equipment.
It borrows some of the visual attitude you would expect from GT-Line models, but adds its own touches, including unique upholstery, premium paint as standard and extra comfort features.
It also keeps the buying process fairly simple. Rather than giving buyers a huge options list, Kia has bundled a lot of the desirable kit into one trim level.
That is something I really like. Car trims can get confusing very quickly, especially when you start adding packs, paint, wheels, tech upgrades and interior options. Storm feels like Kia saying: here is the version with the nice stuff already included.
Kia EV5 Storm: electric, practical and better equipped
The Kia EV5 Storm is based around the same 81.4kWh battery and front-wheel drive layout as the existing EV5 models. It is not the new all-wheel drive version, which Kia has added separately to GT-Line and GT-Line S, but it does bring a strong specification for people who want the EV5 with a bit more presence.
On the outside, the EV5 Storm gets 19-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass, flush door handles, LED lighting and gloss black detailing around areas such as the wheel arches. It also gets premium paint included as standard, with three colour choices: Gravity Grey, Fusion Black and Dark Ocean Blue.
Dark Ocean Blue is exclusive to the EV5 Storm, and I think that is the sort of detail that helps a special edition actually feel special.
Inside, the EV5 Storm gets black artificial leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated outer rear seats, an electric driver’s seat with memory function, a heated steering wheel, ambient lighting and a smart power tailgate.
The tech package is strong too. You get Kia’s three-screen layout, made up of a 12.3-inch navigation screen, a 5.3-inch climate display and a 12.3-inch driver display. There is also wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charging, four USB-C ports and an 8-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.
For a family EV, that is a pretty appealing mix. The EV5 already looks like a very practical electric SUV, and Storm seems to add the sort of comfort and cabin polish that makes it feel more premium day to day.
Prices for the EV5 Storm start from £43,145. For context, the EV5 GT-Line S starts from £47,145, so Storm gives you a useful chunk of high-spec equipment while sitting £4,000 below the top front-wheel drive model.
Kia Sportage Storm: the family SUV gets a darker edge
The Kia Sportage is one of those cars you see absolutely everywhere, and for good reason. It is practical, good-looking, easy to live with and has become one of Kia’s core UK models.
The Sportage Storm is available with either a 1.6-litre petrol engine or as a hybrid. The petrol version produces 147bhp and 250Nm of torque, while the hybrid increases that to 235bhp and 380Nm.
The petrol can be ordered with a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, while the hybrid comes with a six-speed automatic.
The Storm trim brings 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, privacy glass, gloss black exterior details, silver roof rails, silver skid plates and premium paint as standard. Colour choices include Wolf Grey, Phantom Black and Dark Penta Metal.
Inside, it gets black leather and suede upholstery that is unique to Storm, heated and ventilated front seats, heated outer rear seats, electric adjustment for both front seats, a heated steering wheel, automatic air conditioning, rear ventilation and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror.
Again, that is the sort of kit people actually notice. Heated seats are lovely in winter, ventilated seats are brilliant in summer, and a better sound system makes every journey feel that little bit nicer.
The Sportage Storm also gets a 12.3-inch touchscreen navigation system, 12.3-inch driver display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charging, USB-C ports and an 8-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.
Prices start from £34,395 for the petrol manual, £36,095 for the petrol automatic and £37,895 for the hybrid. Compared with the Sportage GT-Line S, that means the Storm could save buyers around £4,690 on the petrol automatic or £4,700 on the hybrid.
That makes the Sportage Storm look like a really sensible middle-ground trim. You still get the look, the comfort and a lot of the tech, but without having to stretch to the top model.
Why Storm makes sense
I quite like what Kia has done here. The Storm editions are not trying to be wild performance versions or completely different models. They are more about giving buyers a well-specced, stylish version of cars they were probably already considering.
That matters because a lot of car buyers do not necessarily want the cheapest version, but they also do not want to pay for the most expensive one. They want the version that feels right. The one with the bigger screen, better seats, nicer wheels, darker styling and decent sound system.
That is where Storm sits.
The Sportage Storm feels like it could appeal to people who want a family SUV that looks sharp, feels well equipped and still keeps pricing fairly sensible.
The EV5 Storm feels like it could work for people who want a practical electric SUV with a more premium feel, but do not need all-wheel drive or the full GT-Line S price tag.
What about the offers?
Kia is pushing the Storm editions with limited-time finance offers, including up to £3,000 finance deposit contribution on the Sportage Storm and £2,000 on the EV5 Storm.
That is worth knowing, but I do not think the finance offer is the main story here.
The bigger point is that Storm appears to offer a lot of the equipment buyers actually want, while sitting below the most expensive versions in the range. That is the bit that could make these models genuinely appealing.
My take
The Kia Sportage and EV5 Storm editions feel like a smart move.
Kia already has strong products in this part of the market. The Sportage is a hugely popular family SUV, while the EV5 gives Kia another proper electric SUV option below the larger EV9.
Storm adds a bit more style, a bit more comfort and a bit more showroom appeal, without making buyers jump straight to the most expensive trim.
For me, the Sportage Storm is probably the one that will have the broadest appeal. It is familiar, practical and available as a petrol or hybrid, which gives buyers more choice.
The EV5 Storm is arguably the more interesting one though. With its boxy electric SUV look, strong cabin tech and exclusive Dark Ocean Blue paint option, it feels like the version that could give the EV5 a little more personality.
I have not driven either Storm edition yet, but on paper, both look like well-judged additions to the Kia range. Not the cheapest, not the most expensive, but potentially the sweet spot.