2026 KIA SPORTAGE LOSING ITS UNIQUE FACE
Two months ago, Kia updated the Sportage for 2025, the Korean automaker's best-selling model, and although the updates were nothing to scoff at, the crossover's unique appearance was left unchanged. But for the next major update, the Sportage will get fresh new looks, as seen in a spy video obtained by CarBuzz at the Nürburgring. As denoted by the yellow decals, this test vehicle is based on the hybrid model.
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2024 Kia Sportage
Base MSRP $27,190Engine 2.5L Inline-4 GasHorsepower 187 hpFuel Economy 25/33 MPG -
2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid
Base MSRP $28,590Engine 1.6L Turbo Inline-4 HybridHorsepower 227 hpFuel Economy 84 MPGe/35 mpg (PHEV) | 42/44/43 mpg (Hybrid FWD) | 38/38/38 mpg (Hybrid AWD)
Overall, the basic shape and most of the design elements of the crossover have been left unchanged, but the front fascia has seen a major overhaul to bring the styling more in line with that of other Kia products, specifically the award-winning EV9 three-row SUV and the small EV3 crossover. The Kia EV6 was recently updated for a more familial appearance, too.
Vertical Headlights Increase Visual Width
While the current Sportage wears boomerang-shaped DRLs and diamond-shaped headlights, the facelifted model will get longer clusters placed on the edges of a large, almost square Tiger Nose grille. The lower intake seems to be broadly similar, but the various accents and trim elements surrounding it will likely be updated. Moving further backward, the hood hasn't changed very much, and both the front and rear fenders seem to be the same as before, but elements of the side profile are refined.
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Behind the C-pillar, the glasshouse trims were previously flush with the window, but now it seems that a small recess has been added between the glazing and the glass, creating a wider and more athletic look. The rocker panels also appear to have been reworked. At the rear, the taillights will still be connected to each other with a narrow black strip, but the clusters themselves are sharper and boast new graphics. There's also a new roof spoiler, and the diffuser trims will surely be updated to match.
Interior Changes Expected To Mirror EV5
In the cabin, the hot-selling crossover is expected to feature the 12.3-inch driver display and another matching touch display for infotainment. If it follows the EV5's features all the way, the climate controls will be handled by a separate 5.0-inch screen. A new steering wheel design and some extra ambient lighting are expected to be joined by new trims and materials.
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As for the powertrains, things are expected to stay unchanged. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque will likely continue feeding an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the hybrid option will likely stick with its 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with 227 hp, while the plug-in hybrid and its 261 hp should also carry over. We're hopeful that some slight gains can be made, but then again, this is a winning recipe that buyers love, so the formula won't be messed with too much until the next generation. The 2026 Sportage facelift should be launched sometime in the first half of next year.