Kia is raising the bar for its popular SUV, the Kia Sportage, in 2025 with a fresh design and upgraded transmission. The new model was unveiled in South Korea, and while we’re still waiting for more details about the European version, the showcased car is almost identical to what we can expect to see in Denmark next year.
Bolder and more distinctive
At its core, the new Sportage is essentially the same vehicle, but it’s received a design update that aligns with Kia’s latest models, from the compact Picanto to the spacious Sorento and the electric EV6. The front, in particular, stands out with a prominent large grille and modern LED headlights, giving the car a completely new and more powerful look.
On the chassis side, Kia has enhanced it with a two-way damper that reduces road noise and improves ride comfort. Additionally, extra soundproofing materials have been added to the B-pillars, dashboard, and door panels, making the cabin quieter and more pleasant.
Under the hood, Kia has made only minor adjustments to the base models for its home market in South Korea, which includes a 2.0-liter gasoline engine with 146 hp and a 1.6-liter turbo with 180 hp, both intended for markets outside Europe. In Denmark, however, the Sportage is expected primarily as a hybrid, with a 1.6-liter turbo gasoline engine paired with a 65 hp electric motor in a hybrid version, with a plug-in hybrid to follow. An interesting update is that Kia has replaced the previous 7-speed dual-clutch transmission with a more traditional 8-speed automatic gearbox. However, it remains unclear if this transmission will also be standard for both hybrid variants.
Premium feel and enhanced safety
Inside the cabin, Kia has elevated the Sportage with a curved digital cockpit that combines two 12.3” screens and a new head-up display. The redesigned two-spoke steering wheel, improved ambient lighting, slimmer air vents, and updated controls give the interior a more premium feel. Safety has also been enhanced with new technology, including a grip detection system with a vibration alert in the steering wheel, a driver-facing camera, and advanced assistance systems. Buyers can also choose from three interior color options: Lounge Brown, Black, and Navy Gray, giving them more freedom to personalize the cabin to their taste.
With these updates, Kia Sportage cements its place among the best mid-size SUVs. It will be exciting to see and learn more about the European model when it’s finally introduced next year.
