Currently reading: Kia Sportage facelift brings chunky look and upgraded hybrid

One of the UK’s best-selling family cars gets a major update inside and out

The Kia Sportage has been updated in its native Korea, gaining a bold new look inside and out, plus a new range of powertrains.

Its styling has been revised to more closely match that of the brand’s electric cars, the EV3, EV6 and EV9, with new column-like headlights and a blockier front grille. At the rear, the Sportage gets new lights and a more prominent bumper.

Inside, a new 12.3in curved infotainment touchscreen runs an updated version of Kia’s ccNC operating system. There is a new two-spoke steering wheel too and an LED mood light that spans the width of the dashboard.

The car has also been fitted with more sound-deadening material around the B-pillars and door cards to improve rolling refinement.

The new Sportage uses the same turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine as the outgoing car, but the mild-hybrid models now get an eight-speed automatic gearbox rather than the current seven-speed dual-clutch unit. 

The full-hybrid model still uses a six-speed gearbox, but its electric motor has an extra 5bhp and it is said to provide smoother acceleration. The motor’s regenerative braking can be adjusted using the gearshift paddles behind the steering wheel and there is also an 'Infant' driving mode that further smooths power delivery to minimise car sickness for children in the back seats.

Kia Sportage facelift dashboard

Both engines put out 177bhp and 195lb ft.

Specifications have yet to be announced for the UK and Kia has so far not clarified whether the 212bhp hybrid or 248bhp plug-in hybrid will remain in the line-up – although it is likely that they will.

Pricing is expected to remain broadly the same when the new Sportage arrives in the UK next year, with the current car kicking off at £29,390.

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Charlie Martin

Charlie Martin Autocar
Title: Editorial assistant, Autocar

As part of Autocar’s news desk, Charlie plays a key role in the title’s coverage of new car launches and industry events. He’s also a regular contributor to its social media channels, providing videos for Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook and Twitter.

Charlie joined Autocar in July 2022 after a nine-month stint as an apprentice with sister publication What Car?, during which he acquired his gold-standard NCTJ diploma with the Press Association.

Charlie is the proud owner of a Fiat Panda 100HP, which he swears to be the best car in the world. Until it breaks.

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catnip 6 November 2024

I think the front of the current model is nicer than this one, the grille has become too large, a trend which seems to be returning with the likes of the Qashqai and 3008 etc. I'm not sure about the rear, either, its maybe become more bland?

SunnyTomato 6 November 2024

Look at the grill size! Any bigger and you'd have to market it as a grill with a car and not the other way round. Shiny and bright, but is it a good taste? I wonder ...

Lanehogger 5 November 2024

This is a facelift of the North American version. I assume the European version will feature a similar revision?