Kia Sportage: first European test prototypes of the sixth generation

With more than seven million units sold since 1993, the Kia Sportage stands as the best-selling model in the South Korean manufacturer’s history.

Now in its fifth generation, and despite being launched in 2021 and refreshed at the end of 2024, it remains one of the segment’s key benchmarks.

But because “standing still is dying”, Kia is already working on the sixth generation of the Sportage. The first test prototypes are starting to appear on European roads, shortly after we also “caught” the upcoming Hyundai Tucson - the model with which it will continue to share its technical underpinnings.

Even under heavy camouflage, a few features are already hard to disguise, and most of them relate to styling. Everything points to the sixth-generation Korean SUV adopting the brand’s latest design language, introduced on the Seltos, which we have already had the chance to test.

Straight-line design takes over

Details are still difficult to make out, but one thing seems certain: the next Kia Sportage will move away from the current car’s softer, more curved surfacing in favour of a straighter, more angular look. Expect a more horizontal waistline, a sharper A-pillar, and wheel arches with more geometric forms.

That is paired with a taller, more upright front end where it is possible to spot - more or less - a new split lighting signature, positioned at the outer edges of a large grille. A lower air intake is also visible, featuring a central sensor and horizontal elements on both sides.

Moving towards the rear, it becomes clear the future Sportage will keep its sloping roofline. This end of the car, however, remains largely concealed by the camouflage.

Even so, all indications suggest split rear light clusters will be used here too. The tail-lamps should stay in their usual position, while the direction indicators could appear lower down, near the bumper.

Electrification across the range

In this new generation, the Korean SUV is expected to rely exclusively on mild-hybrid, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, all of them based on an updated version of the current 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine.

Official technical details have not yet been released, but the hybrid version is expected to use the new, more efficient TMED-II system, recently introduced on the Hyundai Palisade.

The plug-in hybrid variant, meanwhile, could offer - for the first time - an electric-only range of more than 100 km (WLTP), bringing it closer to the best offerings in the segment.

When will it arrive?

While the new-generation Hyundai Tucson is expected to be unveiled in the coming months, the Sportage looks set to take a little longer. Rumours point to a mid-2027 debut, with market launch anticipated for 2028.