Kia Sportage Hybrid facelift (2024/25 release): Here’s what we expect

In the 30-year history of the Kia Sportage, the fifth-gen model is the first one available with hybrid technology. According to a report ChosunBiz released on November 6, 2023, a facelifted version of the SUV will enter production at the AutoLand Gwangju (South Korea) plant in the second half of 2024. The same factory makes the Sportage Hybrid, which we assume will simultaneously get the refresh alongside the gas model. Here’s what we expect from the Kia Sportage Hybrid facelift:

Design

We expect the Kia Sportage Hybrid facelift to feature comprehensive exterior changes, mostly focused at the front. As we’ve depicted in our exclusive rendering, the new Sportage should feature a more dominating front-end with new vertical headlamps that consist of four light modules and a T-shaped daytime running light signature.

A new radiator grille that’s smaller and introduces black inserts, a new bumper with vertical side air inlets, and repositioned fog lamps (in the lower air intake) may also be among the changes at the front. On the sides, the Kia Sportage Hybrid facelift may come with newly designed 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels. At the back, we expect a new bumper and tweaked tail lamp graphics to be the main updates.

Interior

Inside, we expect the Kia Sportage Hybrid facelift to feature new upholstery and decor elements, and upgraded electronics. We expect Kia to use a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, both with the latest software that includes a sharper user interface and smoother animations. The new software will be more intuitive and respond to inputs faster.

Unlike the current Sportage Hybrid’s 12.3-inch infotainment system, the new model’s unit should come with wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto support. Moreover, unlike in the former, Android Auto may work in full-screen mode. The current touchpad with climate and audio controls has been widely criticized, but we don’t see Kia offering a fix for that in the new Sportage.

Specifications

The Kia Sportage Hybrid facelift should come with an improved version of the current powertrain that teams up a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with a permanent magnet synchronous motor for 227 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque. We don’t expect the output figures to be different in the new model, but the fuel economy figures, which have scope for improvement in the current model’s case, should be better.

Kia is likely to continue with the 6-speed automatic transmission in the Sportage Hybrid facelift and similarly offer a mechanical all-wheel drive system option. The new model may have an EV drive mode, allowing customers to shut off the engine and use the car silently on electric power when they want, provided there’s sufficient charge in the traction batteries.

Price & Release date

The Kia Sportage Hybrid facelift should start at just under USD 30,000 (excl. DPH fee). The updated model is likely to start arriving at U.S. dealerships by early 2025.

The Kia Sportage (incl. gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid variants) recorded its highest annual sales in 2023. Kia sold 140,780 units of the compact SUV in our market in 2023, 15,535 units or roughly 12% more than in 2022. The Hyundai Tucson’s corporate cousin continues to be the best-selling Kia model in the United States.

TopElectricSUV says

The Kia Sportage Hybrid has lots of space, offers great ride quality, and has a smooth powertrain that feels sufficiently powerful. However, handling and fuel economy are areas that need to be relooked, and there’s some room for improvement on the in-cabin technology side, too. We think the Kia Sportage Hybrid facelift would offer gains in these areas, and flaunt a refreshed design for added appeal.

Kia Sportage Hybrid facelift FAQs

Featured Image: TopElectricSUV’s rendering