Kia Unveils New Sportage: Ready for Every Adventure and Lifestyle

Kia has introduced the latest generation of its best-selling compact SUV, the Sportage, which has sold over seven million units globally. The new model features extensive upgrades in design, technology, powertrain options, and interior comfort, setting fresh standards in the competitive compact SUV segment, particularly tailored for European customers.

Bold and Refined Design

The new Sportage embraces Kia’s “Opposites United” design philosophy, blending smooth, soft surfaces with rugged, powerful forms to create a confident yet refined look. The vehicle’s wheelbase has been shortened specifically for Europe without sacrificing interior space, striking a balance between city-friendly dimensions and passenger comfort.

The front showcases Kia’s signature tiger nose grille flanked by eye-catching LED Star Map lighting and distinctive daytime running lights. Wheel options range from 17- to 19-inch, with exclusive designs for the sportier GT-Line and GT-Line S trims. The bold front and rear bumpers create a strong, athletic silhouette suitable for urban and off-road adventures alike.

Inside, the vehicle is a step above typical compact SUVs, with dual 12.3-inch curved panoramic displays dominating the dashboard and a new 10-inch head-up display projecting vital information into the driver’s line of sight. The minimalist interior features a new two-spoke steering wheel, hidden air vents, and premium materials. GT-Line trims offer a stylish black and white artificial leather and suede interior.

Kia also emphasizes sustainability with Dinamica®, a premium microfiber suede fabric made with a high percentage of recycled polyester, featured in door and seat inserts. The water-based production process and increasing recycled content highlight Kia’s commitment to environmentally responsible manufacturing.

Passenger comfort is ample, with over one meter of rear legroom and a spacious cargo area offering 587 litres behind the second row, expandable to 1,776 litres with the seats folded. Hybrid models include a dual-level cargo floor to enhance load flexibility.

Advanced Technology and Connectivity

The Sportage’s digital cockpit centres on the Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (CCnC), combining dual 12.3-inch curved panoramic displays and a 10-inch head-up display for easy access to navigation, infotainment, and driver assistance information.

Wireless Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ come standard, while Kia Connect enables over-the-air updates to add new features without dealership visits. The innovative

Feature-on-Demand platform allows drivers to add apps like arcade games and streaming services such as YouTube, enhancing the infotainment experience.

Convenience features include Kia In-Car Payment for on-street parking, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot supporting up to five devices, and Connected Routing that optimises travel routes based on real-time and historical traffic data. Digital Key 2.0 lets drivers unlock and start the car with a smartphone and share access with others securely. A premium Harman Kardon audio system delivers rich sound, complemented by a wireless charging pad and a 360-degree Surround View Monitor with 3D bird’s-eye view to aid parking.

Efficient Powertrains and Dynamic Driving

At launch, the new Sportage offers petrol and hybrid powertrain options to suit varied customer preferences. The petrol version features a 1.6-liter turbocharged petrol direct injection (T-GDI) engine delivering 150 ps, paired with a 6-speed manual or 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, and front-wheel drive.

The hybrid model combines the same 1.6-liter turbo engine with an electric motor and a 6-speed automatic transmission, producing a combined 239 ps. It is available with front-wheel or all-wheel drive, providing a blend of performance and efficiency.

Kia has engineered the Sportage for dynamic driving, aided by aerodynamic design, a low centre of gravity, and new-generation transmissions, resulting in confident handling and smooth ride quality.

Comprehensive Safety and Driver Assistance

Kia equips the Sportage with a full suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) aimed at enhancing safety:

Auto Emergency Braking detects pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles, automatically applying brakes to prevent collisions.

Highway Driving Assist 2 uses cameras, radar, and navigation data to maintain speed and distance on highways, assist with lane changes, and provide evasive steering help.

These systems enhance driver confidence and contribute to safer journeys.

Production and Availability

The new Sportage will be produced at Kia’s Žilina plant in Slovakia, with deliveries to European showrooms expected in the third quarter of 2025. Full pricing and specifications for the UK will be announced closer to launch.

Technical Summary

Exterior: Length 4,540 mm, Width 1,865 mm (excluding mirrors), Height 1,645 mm, Wheelbase 2,680 mm

Interior: Rear legroom over one meter; cargo space 587 litres (up to 1,776 litres with seats folded)

Fuel tank capacity: Petrol 54 litres, Hybrid 52 litres

Powertrains:

o Petrol: 1.6L turbo, 150 ps, 6MT/7DCT, FWD

o Hybrid: 1.6L turbo, 239 ps combined, 6AT, FWD/AWD