It is not the first time we have seen the updated Kia Sportage. It was unveiled at the end of last year, albeit only in the version intended for the South Korean market, which stands out for being 85 mm longer.
Kia has now just revealed the European-spec Sportage 2025, which is set to begin arriving at dealerships in the third quarter of 2025.
Updated exterior
Aside from the dimensions, the differences compared with the South Korean version largely stop there. In other words, the new Sportage adopts cues from the latest “Opposites United” design language and the “Star Map” lighting signature first seen on the all-electric EV9.
Up front, the highlight is the large grille that spans virtually the vehicle’s full width, with a pattern that changes depending on the trim level.
At the rear, the updates are more understated. The tail-lights keep their familiar proportions, but they are now framed by a black surround and feature a new light signature. The bumpers have also been revised, albeit only subtly.
The interior is almost entirely new
The biggest changes are concentrated inside the cabin. The refreshed Kia Sportage now comes with two 12.3-inch curved screens - one for the instrument cluster and another for the infotainment system - complemented by a 10-inch head-up display (HUD).
In front of the driver, the steering wheel has been redesigned, and the air vents are now partially hidden.
Crucially, Kia resisted the urge to remove physical controls: it has kept the multi-mode touch panel that lets you switch between multimedia and climate functions, while still retaining physical buttons.
More powerful hybrids
Under the bonnet, the Sportage continues to offer combustion powertrains - petrol and Diesel - with varying degrees of electrification: mild-hybrid, hybrid and plug-in hybrid.
The Diesel option (1.6 CRDi 48V, 136 hp) remains in the line-up, always with front-wheel drive, and can be paired with a six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed automatic (dual-clutch). On the petrol side, the 1.6 T-GDI carries over, with outputs of 150 hp and 180 hp, manual or automatic transmissions, and either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
The most significant changes appear to be reserved for the hybrid versions, which have gained power. For the HEV (full hybrid), total system output (1.6 T-GDI plus an electric motor) is now 239 hp, which is 24 hp more than before.
For the Sportage PHEV (plug-in hybrid), combined maximum output rises by an even larger 36 hp, reaching 288 hp. It remains to be seen how the all-electric range has evolved.
Both hybrid variants are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and can be specified with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. In the case of the PHEV, the front-wheel-drive version is a first.
When will it arrive?
For now, the only information available is that the new Kia Sportage will reach European dealerships in the third quarter of this year. There is still no official date for its arrival in Portugal, so pricing should only be announced later.
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