- New Kia Sportage is ‘most refined ever’
- Refreshed model set to arrive later this year
- Will launch with petrol and hybrid engines
- Gains new Hybrid AWD model with 239 PS
Here’s your first look at the facelifted new Kia Sportage, as Britain’s best-selling SUV is poised for a major update later this year.
The Sportage is pretty much the quintessential family SUV, with 47,163 of ‘em registered in 2024 and with 7 million units sold since its launch back in 1993.
Now Kia’s school run favourite is being improved for 2025, with an enhanced model arriving at the back end of the year.
The rejuvenated Sportage is wearing a new face with a more squared-off front end, new front and rear bumpers, and LED star map lighting contributing to what Kia says is a ‘powerful stance’.
It’s not a radical departure from the Sportage you can lease right now, but it’s enough of a nip and tuck to keep competitors on their toes.
The other big bit of news is that the Sportage is gaining a more powerful hybrid powertrain.
The existing full-hybrid set-up involves a 1.6-litre petrol engine that develops power of 212 PS, with a bit of help from a small battery and electric motor.
The new Hybrid Sportage, however, ups the power to 239 PS and will be available with a front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive system.
A traditional 1.6-litre petrol engine with 150 PS will also be up for grabs from launch.
Besides the sleek new looks and improved powertrains, there are new alloy wheels in various sizes while the steering wheel in the cabin is now a modern two-spoke affair.
Kia says the Sportage will continue to offer one of the most spacious cabins in the class, with more than a metre of rear legroom for passengers in the second row. If you want three rows and seven seats, you’ll need to lease a Kia Sorento instead.
The Sportage’s new interior will feature dual 12.3-inch curved panoramic displays and a new 10-inch head-up display (HUD) while Kia’s In-Car Payment tech lets drivers pay for on-street parking directly from their car.
And that’s about all we know so far, with full spec and pricing details still to be revealed.
As ever, the car’s the Sportage will have to contend with are the Nissan Qashqai, Hyundai Tucson, Volkswagen Tiguan and the ever-so-slightly-smaller Skoda Karoq.
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