2025 Kia Sportage Preview


The 2025 Kia Sportage is expected to be a carryover model, maintaining the distinctive styling and features introduced in the 2023 redesign. While official details are limited, industry speculation suggests the compact SUV will continue to offer a range of powertrain options, including hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants, when it likely arrives in August 2024.

Exterior Design Highlights

The 2025 Kia Sportage is expected to retain its distinctive exterior design, which has played a significant role in garnering public attention. The SUV features C-shaped daytime running lights, a split grille design, and angular trim elements on the front fascia. At the rear, angular taillights, a small spoiler, and a black bumper with an angular trim piece outline the fascia. While a mid-cycle update is anticipated for the 2026 model year, the 2025 Sportage is likely to undergo only minor alterations, potentially including updates to the color range. The hybrid version offers over ten color options across three different trim levels, with both complimentary and paid choices available.

Interior Comfort and Technology

The 2025 Kia Sportage boasts a luxurious and technologically advanced interior. The cabin features high-quality materials, including available leather upholstery and soft-touch surfaces, creating a premium ambiance. A standout feature is the available 12.3-inch dual panoramic displays, which combine to offer over 24 inches of screen real estate for navigation, diagnostics, entertainment, and vehicle information. The Sportage also offers class-leading cargo space with 39.6 cubic feet behind the second row, expandable to 74.1 cubic feet with seats folded. Comfort is enhanced by class-leading second-row legroom of 41.3 inches and available features like a Harman Kardon® Premium Audio system and wireless charging capabilities. These interior amenities, coupled with advanced driver assistance systems, position the 2025 Sportage as a competitive option in the compact SUV segment.

Engine Options and Performance

The 2025 Kia Sportage offers a range of powertrain options to suit various driving preferences. The standard engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline direct injection (GDI) unit, producing 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. For those seeking improved fuel efficiency and performance, the Sportage Hybrid combines a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with electric assistance, generating a more robust 227 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid variant achieves impressive fuel economy ratings ranging from 38 to 42 mpg combined, depending on the drivetrain configuration. Additionally, a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) option is available, offering enhanced electric-only driving capabilities. All engine options are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations available across the lineup.

Fuel Efficiency Ratings

The 2025 Kia Sportage offers impressive fuel economy across its range of powertrain options. The standard gasoline model with front-wheel drive achieves up to 28 mpg combined (25 city/28 highway), while the all-wheel drive version delivers 25 mpg combined. For those prioritizing efficiency, the Sportage Hybrid stands out with exceptional fuel economy ratings of up to 42 mpg combined in its most efficient configuration, and no less than 38 mpg combined for other variants. This significant improvement over the standard gasoline model makes the hybrid an attractive option for cost-conscious and environmentally aware consumers. The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version further enhances efficiency with an all-electric range of 34 miles before switching to gasoline power, offering a total range of 430 miles. These diverse powertrain options allow buyers to choose the Sportage that best fits their driving needs and efficiency goals.

Advanced Safety Technologies

The 2025 Kia Sportage comes equipped with an extensive suite of advanced safety features and driver assistance technologies. Standard across all trims are Kia's Drive Wise safety technologies, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and a driver attention monitor. Higher trims offer additional safety enhancements such as blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a surround-view camera, and adaptive cruise control. The Sportage also features innovative systems like the Blind-Spot View Monitor, which projects a live feed of the vehicle's blind spots onto the instrument cluster when the turn signal is activated. With ten collision avoidance and driver assist features, the 2025 Sportage prioritizes occupant safety and provides peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike.

Trim Options and Prices

The 2025 Kia Sportage offers a wide range of trim levels to suit various preferences and budgets. According to Kia America, the base LX FWD model starts at an MSRP of $27,190, while the top-tier Sportage PHEV X-Line Prestige AWD is priced at $44,190. The lineup includes gasoline, hybrid (HEV), and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) options, with both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations available. Notable trims include the X-Line and X-Pro variants, which feature dark-themed exterior enhancements for 2025, such as gloss black front and rear bumper treatments and side sills. The EX trim now offers a new Premium Package, adding features like a panoramic sunroof and smart power liftgate. All prices exclude the $1,375 destination charge, and actual prices may vary depending on dealer and location.
The 2025 Kia Sportage is expected to hit dealerships in August 2024, maintaining Kia's typical annual release schedule for the model. While official confirmation is pending, industry sources anticipate the new Sportage will be widely available across Kia's network of over 775 dealers in the United States. As with previous years, availability may vary by region and trim level, with hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants potentially having different release timelines. Kia has already announced pricing for the 2025 model year, suggesting that production and distribution plans are well underway to meet the projected late summer release date.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Kia Sportage continues to build on its reputation as a versatile and well-equipped compact SUV. With its distinctive exterior design, spacious and tech-rich interior, and a range of efficient powertrain options including hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants, the Sportage offers something for every driver. The vehicle's commitment to safety is evident in its comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, while its competitive pricing across various trim levels makes it an attractive option in the crowded SUV market. As Kia prepares for the Sportage's anticipated August 2024 release, the 2025 model year promises to deliver a blend of style, functionality, and value that should appeal to a wide range of consumers.