Fresh Look for the Kia Sportage Unveiled at LA Auto Show
The recently unveiled facelifted Kia Sportage has officially made its public debut at the LA Auto Show, following its initial reveal in Korea. The family SUV has undergone a significant styling update to align more closely with the design language of Kia’s electric vehicle lineup, including the EV3, EV6, and EV9.
The exterior of the Sportage now features column-like headlights, a more angular front grille, new rear lights, and a more pronounced bumper. These design changes give the Sportage a sleek and modern appearance that is in line with Kia’s latest models.
Inside, the Sportage boasts a new 12.3-inch curved infotainment touchscreen running an updated version of Kia’s ccNC operating system. The cabin also features a new two-spoke steering wheel and an LED mood light that spans the width of the dashboard, enhancing the overall ambiance of the interior.
To improve ride comfort, the Sportage has been equipped with additional sound-deadening materials around the B-pillars and door cards, reducing road noise and enhancing overall refinement.
Under the hood, the new Sportage retains the turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine from the previous model. However, the mild-hybrid variants now come with an eight-speed automatic gearbox, offering smoother gear shifts compared to the outgoing seven-speed dual-clutch unit.
The full-hybrid model has also seen improvements, with the electric motor receiving an extra 5bhp for enhanced acceleration. The regenerative braking system can be adjusted using the gearshift paddles, and a special ‘Infant’ driving mode has been introduced to minimize car sickness for passengers in the back seats.
Both engine options deliver 177bhp and 195lb ft of torque, providing a balance of performance and efficiency.
While specific UK specifications have yet to be announced, Kia has hinted that the 212bhp hybrid and 248bhp plug-in hybrid variants may still be part of the lineup. Pricing for the new Sportage is expected to be similar to the current model, which starts at £29,390 in the UK.
