The New Kia Sportage Refresh for 2025

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The New Kia Sportage Gets a Brilliant Refresh for 2025

Kia’s best-selling SUV has just got even better! The brand has unveiled a significantly updated Sportage that’s ready to hit UK roads this autumn, and we’re rather excited about what’s on offer.

A Fresh New Look

The refreshed Sportage boasts a much more confident appearance thanks to some clever design tweaks.

Up front, you’ll notice the enlarged tiger nose grille that brings it in line with Kia’s latest models like the EV6 and EV3.

The headlights have been completely redesigned with a stacked LED setup, whilst the distinctive ‘Star Map’ daytime running lights replace the previous boomerang-style units.

Round the back, the changes are equally impressive.

The rear bumper and skid plate have been redesigned to give the Sportage a wider, more planted stance, whilst the new Star Map-style rear lights echo the front design beautifully.

The tailgate now features a more defined profile with a strong crease running across it, giving the whole rear end a more purposeful look.

One subtle but welcome change is the replacement of the previous full-length silver trim with a more understated black detail on GT-Line models – it’s less angular and looks far more sophisticated.

Interior Upgrades

Step inside and you’ll find Kia has listened to feedback about the previous model.

The glossy piano black centre console (a magnet for dust and fingerprints) has been swapped for a brushed-effect finish that’s much more practical for daily use.

The tech has had a major upgrade too. There are now dual 12.3-inch screens with more squared-off corners, running Kia’s new connected car Navigation Cockpit system.

This includes an AI chat assistant powered by ChatGPT, handy for those moments when you need quick answers on the go.

The steering wheel gets a fresh two-spoke design similar to the EV3, with plenty of physical buttons and rolling switches.

Cleverly, the drive mode and terrain mode controls have moved from the centre console to the steering wheel, making them much easier to access whilst driving.

GT-Line S models get a customisable 10-inch Head-Up Display, whilst all variants come with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.

There are even entertainment packages available, letting you access Netflix, Disney Plus, and YouTube when parked up – perfect for keeping the kids happy on longer journeys.

Powertrain Options

Here’s where things get interesting. For the first time, all three powertrains – petrol, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid – will be available across every trim level. This gives buyers much more flexibility when choosing their ideal Sportage.

Petrol Power

The 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine produces 147bhp and 250Nm of torque and comes with front-wheel drive.

You can have it with either a six-speed manual (available only on Pure trim) or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.

Hybrid Efficiency

The hybrid variant pairs the same 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine with a 1.49kWh battery pack and 64kW electric motor. Power has actually increased over the previous model to 235bhp and 280Nm of torque, whilst a six-speed automatic transmission is standard.

What’s particularly clever is the new regenerative braking system. In Eco mode, the paddle shifters let you cycle through different levels of energy recovery to maximise efficiency. Switch to Sport mode, and they revert to gear changes.

There’s also a real-time hybrid data centre on the infotainment screen to help you monitor performance and improve economy.

Plug-in Hybrid Coming Soon

The PHEV variant will arrive later in 2025, and for the first time, it’ll be available with front-wheel drive as well as all-wheel drive.

This should help reduce the entry price and improve efficiency for those who don’t need the extra traction.

Three Trim Levels, All Well-Equipped

Kia has simplified the range to just three trim levels: Pure, GT-Line, and GT-Line S.

Pure

The entry-level Pure trim is remarkably well-equipped. You get 17-inch alloys, LED headlights, automatic air con, heated seats, a 12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation, parking sensors, a reversing camera, and a comprehensive suite of safety systems including Lane Keep Assist and Forward Collision Avoidance.

GT-Line

This mid-range trim traditionally accounts for nearly half of all Sportage sales, and it’s easy to see why. You get larger alloy wheels (18-inch on petrol, 19-inch on hybrid), GT-Line styling inside and out, LED fog lights, privacy glass, heated front seats and steering wheel, and smart Bio PU leather and suede upholstery.

GT-Line S

The range-topper adds dual LED headlights with adaptive beam, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, electric seat adjustment with memory, smart power tailgate, Harman Kardon sound system, 360-degree cameras, and advanced driver assistance features like Remote Smart Parking Assist.

Why This Matters

The Sportage is genuinely important for Kia, as it makes up nearly 38% of the brand’s UK sales and is currently the best-selling SUV in the country.

Over 450,000 have been sold in the UK since 1995, with more than seven million worldwide.

This refresh keeps the Sportage competitive in an increasingly crowded market whilst adding genuinely useful technology and improving efficiency.

The fact that you can now get hybrid power at entry level is particularly welcome, making electrified motoring accessible to more buyers.

When Can You Get One?

Paint options include standard Fusion White, with premium colours like Phantom Black, Blue Flame, and the rather lovely Experience Green available for a little extra. GT-Line S models can also be had in a smart two-tone Lunar Silver with black roof finish.

The refreshed Sportage looks like a well-judged update that addresses the previous model’s few weaknesses while building on its many strengths.

With improved tech, better efficiency options, and that striking new look, it should continue to be a firm family favourite for years to come.

Order books are open soon, with first UK deliveries expected this autumn.

Contact one of our Kia Dealers today for more information.

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