Just under four years after its launch, the fifth-generation Kia Sportage has undergone a facelift. The family SUV adopts the new family light signature introduced with the electric EV9 and EV3 models, while retaining its choice of electrified combustion powertrains.
The Kia Sportage has been the best-selling model from the Korean manufacturer, with over 7 million units sold worldwide since its debut in 1993. Today, the mid-size SUV is in its fifth generation, which underwent a facelift late last year in Korea. Now, the European version, which has a shorter wheelbase, has been given the same nose job.
Nose job for the 2025 Kia Sportage
The term ‘facelift’ can be taken literally in this case, as the 2025 Kia Sportage mostly gets a new nose compared to the previous model years. It features the “LED Star Map” light signature, introduced with the EV9, complemented by a new front bumper that gives the model a more aggressive appearance.
At the rear, the differences are more subtle, although the lower part of the rear bumper has also been redesigned. To complete the fresh look, new wheel designs are available in sizes ranging from 17 to 19 inches, with specific wheels designed for the GT-Line trim.
New steering wheel and dashboard design
Things have changed in the interior of the 2025 Kia Sportage, too. The new two-spoke steering wheel is borrowed directly from the EV3 and can mimic the GT-Line’s two-tone black-and-white trim. The dashboard’s crash pad has also been redesigned, while the lateral air vents are now hidden to create a sleeker look.
Kia also highlights the increase in recycled materials in the Sportage, utilizing Dinamica microfiber suede made from up to 75% recycled polyester. In the future, a mono-material Dinamica from 100% recycled polyester will be available.
The Kia Sportage’s infotainment system has been updated to the latest version of WebOS, which enables users to install external apps, such as YouTube and arcade games. The Sportage offers two 12.3-inch displays and is now also available with a 10-inch head-up display for the first time.
Other connectivity features include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a more comprehensive Kia Connect app with over-the-air updates, a connected navigation system with predictive traffic and historical information to calculate preferred routes, and a Digital Key 2.0 that allows users to share the car using smart devices, eliminating the need for additional keys.
Still available with a choice of hybrid powertrains
In terms of powertrains, Kia has not revealed all of the details yet, but the manufacturer says that “Customers can choose the hybrid powertrain that best suits their needs. Sportage offers more dynamic driving thanks to a powerful turbo hybrid powertrain, a new generation transmission, the vehicle’s aerodynamic design, and a low centre of gravity.”
It is likely that the Sportage’s current lineup of mild-hybrid, full-hybrid, and plug-in-hybrid powertrains (with an electric vehicle range of up to 78 km) will be retained. However, the 1.6-liter diesel engine may not be carried over to the facelift model.
The new Sportage will be produced at the company’s plant in Zilina, Slovakia, with models expected to arrive in Kia showrooms in the third quarter of 2025. Pricing will follow closer to the market launch.
