Kia Sportage Updated with Chunky EV Look and Revised Hybrid Powertrain

This is what one of the UK’s big-selling SUVs, Kia Sportage, will look like when the facelifted variant goes on sale next year. There’s a new look on both sides of the glasshouse, with updated technology that includes a fresh hybrid offering. 

Kia is hoping to make the Sportage more appealing with this mid-life update, competing in a sea of also popular midsized high rise metal. 

New features include a revised headlight design, along the lines of its EVs. There’s also a new grille, a bumper refresh and additional foglights in the lower section. 

Alloy wheel designs in 17, 18 and 19-inch sizes are new, while the rear pillar and side skirts are slightly different. At the rear are fresh lights and a redesigned bumper. 

A simplified dash design includes twin 12.3-inch curved screens that used to be the preserve of higher-specification versions. LED mood lighting spans the width of the dashboard. 

There is still a dedicated area for the climate air and radio controls in the lower portion of the dash. Its two-spoke steering wheel is borrowed from EV3. The infotainment system can now receive over-the-air updates.

On the powertrain front, the entry-level mild hybrid remains. However, it now has 133kW and is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission sending power to all four wheels. Topping the range is a 133kW 1.6-litre full-hybrid model with front-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic gearbox. An Infant drive mode smooths things out to keep those in the back nausea free.

Additional sound deadening in the B pillars, door trim and the floor quieten the interior. New two-way dampers up front evidently reduce road noise. 

There is no word yet on whether the higher power plug-in hybrid powertrains will continue to be available but that is the expectation.