- The fifth-gen Kia Sportage received a mid-lifecycle update, three years after its debut.
- The most important updates are the redesigned face and the curved digital cockpit.
- The facelifted SUV also benefits from chassis, NVH, and powertrain improvements.
Kia has unveiled a refreshed version of its popular Sportage SUV in Korea, three years after the fifth-generation model made its debut. This facelift introduces a sharper styled front end, a more upscale interior, and some meaningful tweaks under the hood that could extend its appeal in a fiercely competitive segment.
Following the recipe that Kia has already used on the Picanto, Sorento, Carnival, K4, and K8, this update aligns the Sportage’s look with the brand’s expanding EV lineup. The headline act is the redesigned front end, where vertically stacked, more aggressive headlights, larger bumper intakes, and a reworked grille give the SUV a more confident, upright stance.
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From the side, most of the design remains familiar, but the facelift brings new front fenders and fresh alloy wheel designs ranging from 17 to 19 inches. Out back, subtle updates keep things tidy: new LED taillight graphics and a slightly revised rear bumper sharpen the overall look without reinventing it. The X-Line trim, intended as the flagship variant, differentiates itself with sportier bumpers, extra black accents, and its own exclusive 19-inch wheels.
These design changes aren’t limited to the long-wheelbase model shown here (meant for Korea, North America, and Australia). They’re expected to be applied to the shorter, Europe-bound Sportage as well.
Kia Korea
New Screens, Smarter Technology
Moving inside, Kia has introduced a curved digital cockpit that combines dual 12.3-inch screens and a new head-up display. The redesigned two-spoke steering wheel, along with upgraded mood lighting, slimmer A/C vents, and refreshed switchgear, aim to bring the Sportage closer to the brand’s more premium models. Safety tech sees notable enhancements too: a grip detection system with a vibration warning on the steering wheel, a driver-facing camera, and the latest ADAS systems.
Kia offers three interior color schemes—Lounge Brown, Black, and Navy Gray—giving buyers a bit of customization, along with eight different exterior colors.
New 8-Speed Auto For The Turbo
In Korea, the entry-level Sportage is offered with a carry-over 2.0-liter LPG engine generating 144 hp (107 kW / 146 PS). The more potent turbocharged 1.6-liter gasoline engine produces the same 177 hp (132 kW / 180 PS), but is now mated to a new eight-speed automatic transmission, which is said to offer smoother gear changes compared to the old seven-speed dual-clutch unit.
Improved Hybrid and Plug-in Options
The hybrid variant gets a slight power bump, with an additional 5 hp (3.7 kW) over the outgoing model. Its powertrain combines the 177 hp (132 kW / 180 PS) 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with a single electric motor contributing 64 hp (47.7 kW). Kia has also optimized the regenerative braking, allowing drivers to tweak the intensity via the paddle shifters, while the adaptive braking now responds to road conditions based on navigation input. Furthermore, the electrified Kia Sportage inherits the infant driving mode from the closely-related Hyundai Tucson, offering smoother acceleration.
It is safe to assume that the plug-in hybrid option of the Sportage will remain available in other markets, including Europe, and North America.
Enhanced Comfort, Quieter Ride
In terms of the chassis setup, the front wheel strut features a new two-way damper, which is said to reduce road noise. The NVH credentials of the Sportage have been further improved thanks to the application of extra sound-deadening material on the B-pillar, crash pad, and door trim. Sound-insulating glass was already offered in the pre-facelifted model since 2023.
In Korea, pricing of the updated Kia Sportage ranges between ₩28.36 million ($20,600) to ₩48.70 million ($35,300) depending on the powertrain choice and trim level. In a clever bit of cross-promotion, Kia also announced a partnership with Netflix to showcase its models in the second season of the global hit “Squid Game.”
The North American version of the facelifted Sportage is expected to be introduced soon before going on sale next year as a 2026MY.