Kia has introduced an updated version of its highly popular Sportage SUV in Korea, marking a significant refresh. This latest iteration functions as a mid-cycle facelift, bringing with it a range of enhancements in design, functionality, and performance, alongside new customization options aimed at refining the driving experience and visual appeal.
The most noticeable update is found on the front of the vehicle. The Sportage now features a redesigned front fascia with vertically stacked headlights, giving it a more assertive and bold look. Larger bumper intakes complement the new lighting arrangement, and a reworked grille adds to the SUV’s robust appearance, creating a confident and upright stance. In terms of color options, two new paint finishes—Wolf Gray and Heritage Blue—expand the exterior palette, while new alloy wheels, available in sizes up to 19 inches, provide additional customization options. At the rear, Kia has retained the existing size and shape of the taillights, but they now feature updated inner graphics for a more refined look. The rear bumper has also been refreshed, contributing to a sleeker, modernized aesthetic.
Inside the cabin, Kia has incorporated significant technological upgrades and a more luxurious feel, enhancing the Sportage’s alignment with Kia’s higher-end models. The updated interior now includes a curved digital cockpit that combines two 12.3-inch screens, delivering a more immersive and high-tech user interface. A newly designed two-spoke steering wheel enhances the aesthetic, while updated mood lighting, slimmer air conditioning vents, and refreshed switchgear contribute to a more sophisticated cabin experience. The latest model also includes improvements in safety technology, with new features such as a grip detection system that warns the driver via steering wheel vibrations, a driver-facing camera, and the latest suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). For interior color schemes, Kia offers three options—Lounge Brown, Black, and Navy Gray—allowing for a degree of personalization. The exterior color options now include eight choices, catering to a wide variety of tastes.
Under the hood, the Korean market offers several powertrain options. The entry-level version retains the 2.0-liter LPG engine, producing 144 horsepower. For those seeking more power, a turbocharged 1.6-liter gasoline engine, generating 177 horsepower, is available and now paired with a new eight-speed automatic transmission. This new transmission promises smoother gear shifts compared to the previous seven-speed dual-clutch unit. The hybrid variant of the Sportage also benefits from a slight increase in power, adding 5 horsepower over the previous model. This version combines the 177-horsepower turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with a 64-horsepower electric motor, offering both improved performance and fuel efficiency.
Pricing for the updated Kia Sportage in Korea starts at approximately $20,600 and can reach up to $35,300 depending on the chosen powertrain and trim level. It is expected that these enhancements will be rolled out to Sportage models in other markets, though Americans may have to wait until the 2026 model year to see this refreshed version.