In its 30-year history, the fifth-generation Kia Sportage is the first to offer hybrid technology. Here’s what we know and expect from the upcoming Kia Sportage Hybrid facelift set for its U.S. release next year.
Design
We expect the Kia Sportage Hybrid facelift to feature comprehensive exterior changes, mostly focused at the front. Test prototypes have been spotted in South Korea and Europe since March 2024, in both the EU- and global-spec guises.
As we’ve depicted in our exclusive rendering, the new Sportage is expected to feature a more dominating front-end with new vertical headlamps that consists of four light modules and a T-shaped daytime running light signature.
A new radiator grille that’s smaller and introduces black inserts, a new bumper with vertical side air inlets, and repositioned fog lamps (in the lower air intake) are expected to be among the changes at the front. On the sides, the Kia Sportage Hybrid facelift may come with newly designed 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels. At the back, we expect a new bumper and tweaked tail lamp graphics to be the main updates.
Interior
Inside, we expect the Kia Sportage Hybrid facelift to feature new upholstery and decor elements, and upgraded electronics. The new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, both with the latest software that includes a sharper user interface and smoother animations, is expected to take center stage. The new software will be more intuitive and respond to inputs faster.
Unlike the current Sportage Hybrid’s 12.3-inch infotainment system, the new model’s unit should come with wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto support. The current touchpad with climate and audio controls has been widely criticized, but we don’t see Kia offering a fix for that until the next-gen model arrives around 2027.
Specifications
The Kia Sportage Hybrid facelift should come with an improved version of the current powertrain that teams up a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with a permanent magnet synchronous motor for 227 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque.
While exact specifications for the new Sportage are under wraps, the refreshed Hyundai Tucson (MY2025) has received a slightly more powerful electric motor (+5 hp), which could potentially result in quicker acceleration, if applied to the Sportage too. Kia is expected to continue with the 6-speed automatic transmission in the Sportage Hybrid facelift and similarly offer a mechanical all-wheel drive system option.
Like the updated Tucson, the new Sportage Hybrid is expected to include a new ‘Green Zone’ drive mode that optimizes pure EV mode for use in urban roads with specific eco-focused requirements. This would allow customers to shut off the engine and use the car silently on electric power when they want, provided there’s sufficient charge in the traction batteries.
Price & Release Date
At the 2024 Kia CEO Investor Day on April 5, Ho Sung Song, President & CEO of Kia Corporation, presented the company’s mid-to-long term strategy. In the slide titled ‘2024 New Vehicle Launch Plan,’ he confirmed that the enhanced Sportage is planned for its (global) release in the October-December 2024 timeline. He stated that the improvements are targeted at enhancing the SUV’s current sales momentum.
The Kia Sportage Hybrid facelift should start at just under USD 30,000 (excl. DPH fee). The updated model is likely to start arriving at U.S. dealerships, from the AutoLand Gwangju (South Korea) plant, in the first half of next year as the MY2026 Kia Sportage series.
The Kia Sportage (incl. gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid variants) recorded its highest annual sales in 2023. Kia sold 140,780 units of the compact SUV in our market in 2023, about 12% more than in 2022. The Hyundai Tucson’s corporate cousin remains the best-selling Kia model in the United States in 2024, setting a new sales record with 79,853 units sold in the first half of the year.
2025 Sportage is a carryover model
On July 8, 2024, Kia America confirmed the details and pricing of the 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid. It continues without design changes, but the EX trim now offers a Premium Package that includes a panoramic sunroof and smart power liftgate.
TopElectricSUV says
The Kia Sportage Hybrid has lots of space, offers great ride quality, and has a smooth powertrain that feels sufficiently powerful. However, handling and fuel economy are areas that need to be relooked, and there’s some room for improvement on the in-cabin technology side, too. We think the Kia Sportage Hybrid facelift will offer gains in these areas, and flaunt a fresh look for added appeal.
Kia Sportage Hybrid facelift FAQs
What is the release date of the Sportage Hybrid facelift?
We expect the new Sportage Hybrid to arrive at U.S. dealers in the first half of 2025.
What will be the price of the Kia Sportage Hybrid facelift?
The new Sportage Hybrid is expected start at just under $30,000 (excl. DPH fee).
Which models will be the new Kia Sportage Hybrid’s rivals?
Featured Image: TopElectricSUV’s exclusive rendering of the new Sportage.
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 16 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading CEOs and vehicle developers from around the world.
