2025 Kia Sportage Facelift: What to Expect from the Updated Mid-Size SUV

Kia is set to unveil a facelifted version of its popular Sportage mid-size SUV in the coming months, with an Australian launch expected sometime in 2025. The refreshed model promises a host of design updates, new features, and potential changes to its powertrain lineup, ensuring that the Sportage remains competitive in the crowded SUV market.

A Fresh Look: Design Updates for the 2025 Kia Sportage

The 2025 Kia Sportage will debut with a number of exterior revisions that align with Kia’s modern design language, known as ‘opposites united.’ This approach has been seen in other recent Kia models like the EV9, EV5, Sorento, and Carnival. One of the most notable changes will be the replacement of the current boomerang-shaped daytime running lights with a vertical ‘star map’ design, giving the front end a more futuristic and distinctive appearance.

The render commissioned by Drive from Theottle, based on a short-wheelbase model spied testing in Europe, hints at further refinements to the front and rear bumpers and updated LED tail-light graphics. Additionally, the 2025 Sportage will sport new-look 19-inch alloy wheels, contributing to its refreshed and dynamic profile.

Enhanced Technology and Features

Inside, the 2025 Sportage is expected to receive significant technology upgrades, drawing inspiration from the recent updates to its Hyundai Tucson sibling and other Kia models like the Sorento and Carnival. The facelifted Sportage will likely feature Kia’s latest ccNC infotainment software, with support for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen is expected to become standard across all variants, replacing the 8.0-inch unit in the base S variant. Higher trims may also offer a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster, enhancing the driving experience with advanced digital displays.

Another notable addition is the Kia Connect telematics system, which is likely to be introduced in Australia with this update. This system offers a range of connected features, including automatic emergency services notification in the event of a collision, and the ability for owners to control certain vehicle functions remotely via a smartphone app, such as locking or unlocking the car or starting the engine.

The 2025 Sportage is also expected to introduce intelligent speed-limit assist, which became mandatory in the European Union in 2024. This system includes an audible ‘overspeed warning’ when the detected speed limit is exceeded, although drivers may have the option to deactivate the warning using voice commands or the steering wheel mute button.

Additional updates could include a column-mounted gear selector, USB-C charge ports, a head-up display, and improved lane-keep assist for enhanced semi-autonomous driving capabilities on highways.

Powertrain Options: What’s Under the Hood?

While Kia has not officially confirmed any changes to the Sportage’s powertrain lineup, there is speculation that the facelifted model could follow in the footsteps of the updated Hyundai Tucson, which recently dropped its 2.0-litre diesel engine in all markets. However, Kia has not announced any plans to discontinue the diesel engines in its Sportage, Sorento, or Carnival models in Australia, where these options remain available alongside petrol-electric hybrid alternatives.

The current Sportage offers a variety of engine options, including a 115kW/192Nm 2.0-litre non-turbo petrol engine with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, a 132kW/265Nm 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine with all-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual-clutch auto, a 137kW/416Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine with an eight-speed auto, and a 169kW/350Nm 1.6-litre turbo petrol-electric hybrid with a six-speed auto. The 2025 update could potentially see enhancements to these powertrains, especially the hybrid variant, which may gain more power and an all-wheel-drive option.

Pricing and Availability

The facelifted 2025 Kia Sportage is expected to see a slight increase in price, reflecting the addition of new standard features and technology. Currently, the Sportage lineup in Australia ranges from $32,995 for the S front-wheel-drive petrol manual to $55,420 for the GT-Line Hybrid FWD auto. As the final mid-size SUV in Australia to offer a manual transmission option, the Sportage’s diverse lineup caters to a wide range of preferences and needs.

Kia enthusiasts and potential buyers should keep an eye out for the global debut of the 2025 Sportage in the coming months, with more details to follow as its Australian launch approaches.

Stay tuned for more updates as we learn more about what Kia has in store for the 2025 Sportage!