Sportage gets retro wheel as part of cabin update
Styling comes in line with brand’s other SUVs
Kia has just launched an updated version of the Sportage in Korea. The compact crossover ditches its boomerang lights for the face of the Sorento and Carnival, while it gets tech updates inside and a new eight-speed auto to replace the old seven-speed DCT.
While this is the KDM model, we don’t expect the upcoming North American 2026 Kia Sportage to look any different. That includes the Star Map headlights that replace the old boomerang lights and a grille that’s much wider, taller, and more upright than the part it replaces. The fenders have been tweaked to match the new grille, and there are some new square fog lights. Small changes at the back include new taillights and a bumper that drops the old silver trim.
Kia is ditching the seven-speed DCT on 1.6-turbo models. The change must be in response to owner complaints because Kia says the new eight-speed automatic will offer big improvements in smoothness. Speaking of smoothness, the hybrid model will get a new Infant Driving Mode that smooths out acceleration and regen braking.
In the cabin, Kia has removed the upper vents that framed the dash displays and fitted new infotainment system software. That software can now be updated over the air, and includes better and smoother operation. The gearshift is gone, replaced with a dial that makes the cabin look more airy than the old model. It also adds an extra enclosed storage bin at the front.
More sound insulation should quiet the Kia inside. Other tech changes include a fingerprint authentication system and augmented reality navigation. While there are no details yet from Kia North America, we expect our version of the Sportage to get the same upgrades and arrive sometime in 2025.
