Kia EV5 Gets AWD and a New Storm Edition — But US Buyers Are Out of Luck

Kia just made its midsize electric SUV a lot more tempting — at least if you live outside the United States. On July 1, 2026, the automaker opened orders for a new Storm edition of the EV5 and simultaneously added all-wheel drive to its GT-Line trims, giving global EV shoppers more to work with. For American buyers, though, the expanded lineup remains out of reach for now.

What happened

Kia introduced the EV5 Storm edition as a middle-ground option sitting between the base Air trim and the premium GT-Line. It rides on the same 81.4 kWh battery pack and front-wheel-drive powertrain already found across the EV5 range, but layers on a notable collection of standard features. On the outside, Storm buyers get 19-inch alloy wheels, gloss-black detailing, body-colored door handles, privacy gloss on the rear windows and tailgate, automatic flush door handles, and adaptive driving beam headlights. Step inside and you'll find black artificial leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a four-spoke heated steering wheel, and an 8-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. Three exterior paint colors — Gravity Grey, Fusion Black, and Dark Ocean Blue — are all included at no extra cost. The EV5 Storm starts at £43,145 (roughly $57,200) on the road in the UK, with first customer deliveries expected before the end of 2026.

Separately, Kia expanded the GT-Line and GT-Line S trims with an available all-wheel-drive powertrain. The AWD version adds an induction motor on the rear axle, pushing towing capacity to nearly 4,000 lbs (1,800 kg) — a meaningful figure for anyone hauling a trailer or camper. GT-Line AWD pricing starts at £45,646, while the GT-Line S AWD tops the range at £50,145.

Why it matters

The EV5 has already proven itself a genuine hit in the markets where it's available. Since launching in the UK in late 2025, the SUV has moved over 4,000 units in 2026 alone, making it Kia's second best-selling EV behind only the smaller EV3. Adding AWD and a value-oriented Storm trim at this stage suggests Kia is actively working to broaden the EV5's appeal — not just maintain it. Kia described the Storm edition as designed to offer "more bang for your buck," and on paper the spec sheet backs that up compared to its price point against the GT-Line.

The EV5 is currently on sale across the UK, Europe, Canada, China, Thailand, and South Korea. At 4,610 mm long and 1,875 mm wide, it's a genuinely midsize SUV — slightly larger than Kia's own Sportage in every dimension.

What this means for EV owners

Here's the hard reality for American EV shoppers: despite the EV5 being spotted driving in the US on multiple occasions, Kia does not plan to bring the vehicle stateside. Import tariffs tied to the Trump administration's trade policy are cited as the barrier. So while the Storm edition and new AWD variants are exciting developments, they're headlines to watch rather than vehicles to configure — at least for now.

That said, the broader takeaway is worth noting. Automakers are getting more creative about packing value into mid-tier trims rather than forcing buyers to go top-of-the-line for desirable features. If you're shopping for an EV or EV accessories today, understanding how trim levels and powertrain options interact with real-world use — towing, range, all-weather capability — is increasingly important. If you drive a Tesla and want to make the most of what you already own, browsing purpose-built accessories by vehicle is a smart move. Check out ePlugKit's shop-by-vehicle collection to find gear matched specifically to your model, whether you're maximizing utility, comfort, or charging capability.

"More bang for your buck" — Kia's own description of the new EV5 Storm edition, which opens for orders July 1, 2026, with deliveries expected by year's end.

The bottom line

Kia's EV5 lineup just got broader and more capable. AWD with nearly 4,000 lbs of towing and a feature-rich Storm edition at a competitive price point are genuinely good moves — and they signal that the global midsize electric SUV segment is heating up fast. American buyers will have to sit this one out for now, but the competitive pressure these vehicles create tends to benefit EV shoppers everywhere over time. In the meantime, making the most of the EV you already drive is always the right call.