Kia Sportage Set for a Stylish Makeover: What to Expect in 2025

Kia is gearing up to give its popular Sportage a stylish facelift, aligning it with the design language of its newer models. Scheduled to launch in Australia in the second quarter of 2025, the updated Sportage is poised to impress both existing fans and new customers alike.

A Fresh New Look

The upcoming facelift for the Sportage will introduce Kia’s latest front-end design, which has already been seen in recent models like the Sorento, Carnival, and Picanto. This new look features vertically oriented headlights inspired by Kia’s flagship EV9 electric vehicle, giving the Sportage a more modern and cohesive appearance.

In addition to the revamped front end, the updated Sportage will showcase new tail-light internals, bumpers, and wheel designs. While Kia has teased the changes with shadowy images and short video previews, details about the specific design elements are still under wraps. However, spy shots of a camouflaged prototype have surfaced, revealing some exciting hints about the vehicle’s transformation.

Enhanced Interior and Features

The interior of the updated Sportage is expected to receive some attention as well. Recent spy images suggest revised seat trims and door cards, along with a more squared-off steering wheel that could enhance both comfort and usability. These changes aim to elevate the overall driving experience, making it more appealing to modern consumers.

Powertrain Possibilities

While Kia has not confirmed whether there will be changes to the Sportage’s powertrain offerings, the current model in Australia features a robust selection of engines. Options include:

• Naturally aspirated 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine
• Turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine
• 2.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine
• 1.6-litre turbo hybrid

Additionally, a turbo 1.6-litre plug-in hybrid is available in overseas markets. It remains unclear if the Australian-market Sportage will continue to offer a diesel engine option with the update, similar to the Hyundai Tucson, which may lose its diesel variant.

Market Performance

The Sportage has established itself as Kia’s best-selling model in Australia, with 16,095 units sold by the end of September this year. It significantly outsells the second-best performer, the Cerato, which has recorded 12,805 sales. Given its popularity, the upcoming facelift is crucial for maintaining the Sportage's competitive edge against rivals like the Toyota RAV4.

Looking Ahead

As Kia continues to evolve its model lineup, the updated Sportage is set to be a key player in the brand’s Australian offerings. With its stylish new design and potential interior upgrades, it promises to cater to the needs of both loyal Kia customers and new buyers. Keep an eye out for more details as we approach the anticipated launch in 2025!