Say hello to the 2025 Kia Sportage

While we’re still waiting on whether Kia Philippines plans to bring back or not the Sportage which has been absent from their lineup for a few years now, the compact crossover has just received a rather comprehensive update.

This update to the Kia Sportage comes three years after the current fifth generation of the nameplate was initially launched in 2021. It gets redesigned exterior bits, a new dashboard, and improved safety technology.

Starting with what’s new on the outside, the front fascia has been given Kia’s latest design details with the vertical headlights featuring the brand’s signature Star Map lighting signature, matched with a much wider front grille and a more muscular-looking bumper.

The side shows new alloy wheel designs which remind us a bit of those we see on the Carnival, while the taillights get a new cluster design.

The interior has also been given a redesign but does not stray far from the previous version. The dashboard is sleeker and features horizontal airconditioning vents, a reshaped curved display housing the driver’s instrument cluster and touchscreen infotainment system, and a new two-spoke steering wheel.

Under the hood, three powertrain choices are available for South Korean buyers. The first is a 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engine that produces 180 horsepower and 265 Nm of torque, mated to a new 8-speed automatic transmission that replaces the previous one’s 7-speed dual-clutch.

Another is the same 1.6-liter turbocharged engine but paired with an electric motor and battery, making it a hybrid. The engine produces the same power and torque, with the electric motor making 65 horsepower and 264 Nm. The third option is an LPG-powered 2.0-liter engine making 146 horsepower and 191 Nm of torque. These two latter options are mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Safety has also been improved starting with a new steering wheel grip detection feature which uses electrostatic sensors and a vibration warning steering wheel that vibrates to alert drivers of dangerous situations. There’s also a new driver forward gaze warning camera that makes sure the driver is not distracted by other things while driving.

You’re probably wondering when Kia Philippines plans to launch the updated Sportage here. We’re asking the same question. What we’re sure of is that the Korean automaker could definitely have a compact crossover in their lineup, also given the fair amount of success its Hyundai Tucson sibling is currently enjoying locally.