New Kia Sportage first impressions: what’s new about this family SUV?
June 04, 2025 by Jamie Edkins
Car changing is a big deal
This is the new Kia Sportage, and it’s been given a new face and updated tech for 2025. We’ve had a poke around this new SUV to see what’s what.
The Kia Sportage is the second best-selling car in the UK in 2025 so far, and now it’s been given a mid-life update to keep it looking fresh against alternatives such as the Volkswagen Tiguan and Skoda Karoq.
In addition to the refreshed styling, the new Sportage also gets new standard equipment such as a head-up display and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Prices will be revealed later this year, however we expect it to start from just over £30,000.
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New Kia Sportage design: what’s changed?
The main change made to the new Kia Sportage can be found at the front, because it has a completely new bumper and light design.
It’s been brought in line with the EV3 and EV9 electric cars thanks to the new vertical headlights and zig-zag LED running lights. The grille is also now wider and more square than before, giving it a more imposing look.
Beyond this front-end facelift, the rest of the car looks pretty much the same as before. There are a few new alloy wheel designs to choose from, and the rear lights have been tweaked ever so slightly with a different LED signature.
New Kia Sportage interior and technology: new features to make life easier
Inside, the new Kia Sportage has only been given a couple of minor design updates to keep it feeling modern. You get a new steering wheel courtesy of the EV3, and the gloss black plastic on the centre console has been replaced with a metal-look trim.
This should help to reduce scratches and fingerprints, and the button layout has also been simplified slightly to make things easier to use.
You can also now get a 10.0-inch head-up display to go alongside the two 12.3-inch screens in the car, which can show you things like navigation directions and information from the driver assistance systems in your direct eyeline.
Kia has also finally introduced wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to the Sportage. Until now you had to use a cable to get phone mirroring, so this update will make connecting your phone much easier.
New Kia Sportage engines
From launch, the new Kia Sportage will be available with either petrol or hybrid engines. There’s no mention of a plug-in hybrid for now, however this will make a comeback further down the line.
The 1.6-litre petrol engine puts out 150hp and is paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox; the option of a manual is now gone. If you go for the hybrid then you get the same basic engine, only it has an electric motor to make a combined 239hp.
The basic petrol version is front-wheel drive only, whereas the hybrid is offered with a choice of front- or all-wheel drive.
New Kia Sportage price and specs
Kia hasn’t announced prices for the new Sportage just yet, that’s coming in the next few weeks. We’d expect it to fetch a small premium over the current car though, so a figure of just over £30,000 seems likely.
Standard equipment for UK cars will also be revealed soon, but expect all models to get the twin 12.3-inch screen setup.
Car change? Carwow!
Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.
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