Modified appearance, streamlined and optimized engine range: this is how the Kia Sportage will appear in summer 2025. (Photo: © Kia)
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August 2025
Kia has given its Sportage a facelift and a new engine. We drove the new version.
One in three cars sold in the first half of 2025 was an SUV. It's no wonder, then, that the industry is keen to stick with this vehicle class, launching new models and nurturing successful vehicles. This also applies to Kia 's Sportage , the Korean manufacturer's number one volume model, which competes for customers in the fiercely competitive C-segment. Seven million units have been sold worldwide since its initial launch in 1993 , and the latest version is available as a combustion engine, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid.
In terms of dimensions, the Sportage has remained virtually unchanged. It has only grown by two centimeters in length , due to the redesigned front bumper and the engine compartment, which was expanded to accommodate the technical implementation of the future Euro 7 emissions standard. Together with new headlights, this results in a slightly altered front appearance , while the fenders and door panels have been modified. At the rear, there are new taillights and a redesigned bumper.
Inside, the new two-spoke steering wheel stands out against the now slimmer dashboard, and the navigation system with its three screens has also been modified – owners of the EV9 will immediately recognize its origins. Furthermore, Kia has done away with the piano black trim on the center console, replacing it with matte plastic that is less prone to fingerprints. The Sportage is now also available with the optional Digital Key 2.0 and enhanced driver assistance systems. The "hands-on" function, in particular , has been improved, eliminating the system's previous warnings that hands should be on the steering wheel, even when they were already on it.
The most significant changes have been made to the engines. Kia has reduced the previous 160 hp output of the 1,2-liter engine by ten hp , while the 1,5-liter turbo gasoline engine now delivers 180 hp, an increase of 20 hp . The plug-in hybrid's system output has increased by 24 hp to 239 hp , and the mild hybrid diesel engine retains its 136 hp.
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Mobility - Commercial vehicles
Mobility - Commercial vehicles
The extra 20 hp has done the combustion engine good. The car accelerates more quickly and drives with its usual composure . The blind spot camera is always a welcome feature when turning, displaying the view behind you. However, during a U-turn, you also notice that the Sportage has a relatively large turning circle.
With a capacity of 550 liters, the trunk is also relatively spacious, which isn't really surprising given the dimensions of 4,54 meters in length , 1,86 meters in width , and 1,64 meters in height , with a wheelbase of 2,68 meters. With almost a meter of legroom in the second row – it's not even half a millimeter short – the Sportage boasts the best value in its class, compared to the Cupra Formentor, the VW Tiguan, or the Ford Kuga. And for those who can't load enough into the Sportage, a trailer hitch allows you to tow up to 1.950 kilograms, depending on the model.
Conclusion: With the refreshed Sportage, Kia offers buyers more car at a good price-performance ratio , especially if they're looking for an SUV in this class. The Kia Sportage is available as a gasoline model starting at €29.571,43 (net), the hybrid from €32.764,71 (net), and the mild hybrid diesel from €31,420,17 (net).
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