Footage of the new Kia Sportage was leaked to the network: how the car was changed

Car brand spies have caught a new big fish. Recently, engineers of the South Korean concern Kia were spotted testing mockups of the updated Sportage, which is due to appear in showrooms next year as a 2026 model.

According to Motorauthority, which published the pictures of the new model, Kia updated its crossover in the 2023 model year, turning it into a real hit. Last year alone, 140,780 units of the new Sportage were sold in the United States. That is why analysts do not expect any significant changes to this model in the next model year.

Nevertheless, the updated prototype has been spotted on the test track. It was heavily camouflaged, but the footage shows a new front end with vertical headlights, more similar to the one on the updated 2024 Kia Sorento. There are also new design elements for the front fascia and grille.

The rear of the car has also been slightly modified. It received new taillight graphics. Like the front lights, they look more aggressive.

There are currently no clear photos of the car's interior. But observers expect the Kia Sportage in the new model year to have a more concise panel with a floating display for the digital sensor unit and infotainment screen. Something similar can be found in the Sorento and new Kia models, including the recently introduced EV3 subcompact electric crossover.

Given the recent surge in demand for hybrid powertrains, the updated Sportage lineup is also expected to have a wider range of engine choices. For the 2025 Sportage, Kia offers three powertrains: a 187 hp inline 4-cylinder, a 227 hp hybrid engine, or a 261 hp plug-in hybrid.

The new Kia Sportage is expected to make its debut in early 2025. Sales in the United States should begin in the second half of next year. There is no information yet about plans for the Ukrainian market.

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