Joshua Galyon
The fifth-generation Sportage saw the light of a day with several updates, but only in Korea. While used car lots in the US are waiting for the Korean SUV to appear in 2025, the Indy Auto Man dealership experts got acquainted with the novelty.
What’s new
Three years after the debut of the fifth-generation model, KIA has unveiled an updated version of its super-popular Sportage crossover – a permanent competitor to Nissan Rogue. The updated Sportage has received a more aggressive front-end design, an upscale interior, and considerable changes under the hood that could increase its appeal in the face of stiff competition.
Following the path that KIA has already taken to create the Carnival, Sorento, K4, and K8, the appearance of the updated Sportage echoes the design of the brand’s expanding lineup of electric vehicles. The front of the SUV changed the most, where vertically positioned aggressive headlights, larger air intakes in the bumper, and a new radiator grille give it a more confident, upright look. The side design remains unchanged and can only boast new front fenders and alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 19 inches in diameter. New LED headlight graphics and a slightly revised bumper improve the rear view without changing it dramatically. The flagship X-Line trim gets sportier bumpers, additional black accents, and exclusive 19-inch wheels. All the design upgrades apply not only to the long-wheelbase model intended for Korea, North America, and Australia but also to the more compact European Sportage.
Upgraded screens and technologies
The interior of the new Sportage offers a curved digital instrument cluster that combines two 12.3-inch screens and a head-up display. A revised two-spoke steering wheel, improved ambient lighting, narrower air-conditioning vents, and new switches should bring the updated Sportage closer to premium models. The Kia Sportage offers three interior colors: brown, black, and dark gray, and eight body color options.
Eight-speed automatic for turbo
The entry-level Sportage has a 2.0-liter engine running on liquid petroleum gas, producing 144 hp. The more powerful 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline motor produces the same 177 hp but combined with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which provides smoother shifts compared to the previous seven-speed dual-clutch unit.
Hybrids and options
The hybrid version received 5 hp more power. It includes a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with 177 hp and an electric motor with 64 hp. KIA has optimized regenerative braking in the Sportage, allowing drivers to adjust intensity using steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. In addition, the electrified Sportage inherits the “novice driver” mode (like the Hyundai Tucson), which provides smoother acceleration.
Silence and comfort
The chassis received a new two-way damper in the front shock absorber strut, which is claimed to reduce road noise. In general, the additional sound-absorbing material, protective pads, and door trim have noticeably improved the Sportage’s noise insulation. Starting in 2023, sound-insulating glass was offered in the pre-facelift model.
As part of a large-scale advertising campaign, KIA announced a partnership with Netflix and their plans to showcase its models in the second season of the popular worldwide series “The Squid Game.” On the wave of excitement, previous generations will soon begin to fall in price. Therefore, those who plan to sell their Kia Sportage should start looking for buyers before another depreciation stage.
