► SUV best-seller gets mid-life update
► First time European model has been seen
► New front-end design and more tech
Kia’s smash-hit Sportage has had a mid-life facelift, getting the bold grille from the Sorento and more technology in the process.
It’s the first time we’ve seen the European Sportage facelift, following the reveal of the global version at last year’s LA Auto Show. Versions of the SUV destined for other markets, such as the US, Asia and Australia, have a longer wheelbase than those in Europe and a different rear end.
The Sportage now adopts Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design language, rolled out on everything from its EV9 to the Sorento and Picanto in the ICE world, with this new model’s front end looking a lot like those latter two cars. Highlights are a wider grille and striking new LED headlights and GIANT front indicators.
New front and rear bumpers are also fitted, while a range of new alloy wheel designs are available depending on trim level.
Moving inside, the Sportage’s most notable revision is a two-spoke steering wheel, while a head-up display is also available on the SUV for the first time. New seat covers are also fitted, with more recycled material used in the suede inserts on the most popular GT-Line and GT-Line S trim levels.
The Sportage’s striking 12.3-inch curved panoramic displays remain, as do its dual-purpose buttons, which can flick between controlling media and climate functions at the press of a button. It’s a good way of keeping physical controls while reducing the clutter.
The revised bumpers add 2.5cm to the Sportage’s length, now measuring 4.54m in length, with interior dimensions unchanged. As before, you get a practical 587-litre boot, expanding to 1,776 litres with the rear seats folded. Family SUV box ticked.
Kia has also tweaked the Sportage’s engine range. From launch it will be available as a 148bhp 1.6-litre petrol turbocharged petrol engine, available with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed DCT automatic.
Kia also continues to offer a hybrid model, using the same 1.6-litre petrol engine but with electrical assistance that takes power up to 235bhp – a notable uplift compared to the 212bhp offered on the outgoing Sportage, though technical specifications are still to be confirmed.
While not yet announced, we expect mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions to return to the line-up in time. The PHEV is likely to be tweaked compared to the current model with a larger battery and more competitive electric range than the 40 miles the outgoing model offers.
Pricing of the updated Kia Sportage is expected to be announced in July, with a small increase expected over the current car’s £30,170 entry price. The same 2, 3, GT-Line and GT-Line S trim levels are expected to remain.
The Kia Sportage continues to be one of the UK’s most popular cars, and year-to-date (until the end of April 2025), it is the second best-selling car, only behind the Ford Puma. We reckon this new model could end up topping the overall list when full production is up and running.
Senior staff writer, car reviewer, news hound, avid car detailer.
By Ted Welford
Senior staff writer at CAR and our sister website Parkers. Loves a car auction. Enjoys making things shiny
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