Kia Sportage…
Sharper looks, broader choice and improved tech keep Kia’s bestseller firmly on top
Few cars define Kia’s success in the UK quite like the Sportage. First launched in 1995 and now into its fifth generation, it has become not only Kia’s best‑seller, but one of the country’s most popular vehicles overall. In 2025, Kia has given the Sportage a comprehensive mid‑life update, refreshing the design, upgrading in‑car technology and simplifying the range while expanding powertrain choice. The result is a family SUV that feels more contemporary and competitive than ever.
Design and presence
The refreshed Sportage takes a more assertive approach to styling. At the front, a reworked bumper, a wider interpretation of Kia’s ‘tiger nose’ grille and stacked LED headlights give it a bolder road presence. The new LED ‘Star Map’ daytime running lights replace the previous boomerang-style units and visually link the Sportage to newer Kia models such as EV3, EV6 and Sorento.
Subtle revisions continue along the sides, with redesigned fenders, new wheel designs and fresh cladding lending a cleaner, more modern look. At the rear, slimmed lighting graphics, a revised bumper and a more sculpted tailgate help the Sportage look wider and more planted. On higher ‘GT-Line’ and ‘GT-Line S’ trims, exterior detailing switches to darker finishes, giving the range-topping models a sportier edge.
Interior and technology
Inside, the Sportage remains firmly family-focused, but the sense of quality has been improved. The dashboard now features Kia’s latest connected car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC), with a 12.3-inch central touchscreen standard across the range. ‘GT‑Line S’ models also gain a matching full-size digital instrument cluster, while lower trims use a smaller driver display.
The revised centre console replaces glossy piano black plastic with a brushed-effect finish, reducing glare and fingerprints. A new two-spoke steering wheel, with physical buttons and rolling controls, adds a tactile, user-friendly feel. Drive mode and terrain mode controls have moved to the steering wheel, making them easier to access when on the move.
Technology is a strong point. Wireless Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ are standard, while ‘GT‑Line S’ models add a 10‑inch head-up display, Digital Key 2.0 and a Harman Kardon® premium audio system. Kia has also introduced an AI chat assistant powered by ChatGPT, allowing drivers to control vehicle functions, access information and plan journeys using natural language voice commands.
Space and practicality
As before, the Sportage excels in day-to-day usability. Cabin space is generous, with over a metre of rear legroom and a flat, comfortable seating layout for passengers. Boot capacity stands at up to 591 litres in petrol versions and 587 litres in hybrids, with rear seats folded to offer up to 1,780 litres of load space depending on powertrain. Hybrid battery placement beneath the rear seats ensures minimal compromise to space.
Engines, gearboxes and driving
Kia has simplified the line-up to three trims – Pure, GT‑Line and GT‑Line S – while ensuring all powertrains are available across each level. Buyers can choose between a 1.6‑litre T‑GDi petrol engine or a 1.6‑litre hybrid, with a plug‑in hybrid returning later in 2025.
The petrol engine produces 147bhp and 250Nm of torque, with a six-speed manual gearbox available exclusively on the entry-level ‘Pure’ trim, and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission offered elsewhere. The petrol Sportage drives competently, with firm but supportive seating and predictable handling, though the DCT gearbox can feel hesitant at low speeds.
The hybrid is the pick of the range. With 235bhp and up to 50.4mpg on the WLTP cycle, it delivers smoother performance and noticeably better efficiency. A new regenerative braking system allows drivers to adjust energy recovery using the steering-wheel paddles in Eco mode, improving real-world economy and refinement.
All hybrids use a six-speed automatic gearbox, and ‘GT‑Line S’ models are available with all-wheel drive for added traction and towing capability.
Pricing and specifications
Pricing starts at £31,395 on the road for the Sportage ‘Pure’ petrol, with hybrid versions priced from £34,895. The simplified range structure means equipment levels are generous, and paint colour remains the only optional cost.
UK pricing (on-the-road)
- Pure 1.6 T‑GDi petrol (6MT) – £31,395
- GT‑Line 1.6 T‑GDi petrol (6MT) – £33,895
- GT‑Line S 1.6 T‑GDi petrol (7DCT) – £40,795
- Pure Hybrid (6AT) – £34,895
- GT‑Line Hybrid (6AT) – £37,395
GT‑Line S Hybrid AWD (6AT) – £44,195
Verdict
The refreshed Kia Sportage builds on a proven formula. It looks sharper, feels more modern inside and offers an unusually broad choice of engines and specifications for a family SUV. While the petrol DCT isn’t the smoothest, the hybrid’s efficiency, refinement and strong equipment levels make it a standout in the class. With competitive pricing, seven-year warranty cover and a reputation for reliability, the Sportage remains one of the safest and smartest choices in the UK SUV market.