Exciting Updates on the Facelifted Kia Sportage Coming to Australia!
Kia enthusiasts and SUV fans alike have reason to be excited! The facelifted Kia Sportage is set to make its debut in Australia in the second quarter of 2025. While the refreshed mid-sized SUV has yet to be officially revealed, we’ve gathered some exciting details based on recent spy photos and Kia’s latest announcements.
What’s New in the Facelifted Sportage?
Recent camouflaged prototypes of the Sportage have been spotted testing on the roads, and they reveal a significant design update. The new Sportage will adopt Kia’s latest corporate identity, featuring more vertically oriented lighting elements, which is a shift towards a more modern and cohesive look.
Design Changes:
- Front End: The refreshed Sportage will see alterations to the grille and front bumper, though photos indicate that the grille will retain much of its current character. The standout change will be the squared-off lighting elements, which will give the SUV a fresh, distinct appearance.
- Rear and Wheels: Previous spy images have hinted at updated bumper designs, revised taillights, and new wheel designs that further enhance the Sportage's aesthetic.
Kia has been gradually rolling out this EV9-inspired front end design across its lineup, which has also been incorporated into models like the refreshed Picanto and Sorento.
Interior Upgrades Expected
While we haven’t seen the interior of the updated Sportage yet, we can expect significant enhancements. The new model is anticipated to feature a small climate control touchscreen situated between the digital instrument cluster and the infotainment touchscreen, similar to the layout found in the EV9.
Currently, the Sportage offers:
- An 8.0-inch or 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen
- A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- A smaller 4.2-inch information screen flanked by uniquely styled digital displays
These upgrades are expected to improve user experience, making the cabin more intuitive and user-friendly.
Powertrain Possibilities
As of now, details regarding any changes to the Sportage’s powertrain offerings remain under wraps. Currently, the Australian market offers a choice of:
- Naturally aspirated 2.0-litre petrol engine
- Turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine
- 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine
- 1.6-litre turbo hybrid engine
There’s also a turbo 1.6-litre plug-in hybrid available overseas. It remains to be seen whether the updated Sportage will continue to offer the diesel engine option, especially given the trend seen with the related Hyundai Tucson.
Sales Performance
The Sportage has been a standout performer for Kia in Australia, with impressive sales figures. As of September 2024, Kia has sold a total of 16,095 Sportages this year, making it the brand’s best-selling model. The Cerato follows closely with 12,805 sales, but the Sportage’s popularity underscores its critical role in Kia’s lineup.
Conclusion
With its anticipated facelift, the Kia Sportage promises to deliver an exciting blend of updated design, enhanced technology, and continued performance excellence. As we await its arrival in Australia in 2025, stay tuned for more updates on this popular SUV! Whether you're a current Sportage owner or considering joining the Kia family, the refreshed model is sure to impress with its modernized features and capabilities.