Let’s talk about the Kia Sportage. Not just any SUV, but a car that’s been a trusty companion for years. And now, in 2025, Kia has given this old friend a facelift so fresh you’d almost forget it’s not an entirely new model. This isn’t a subtle refresh, dear readers—this is a transformation that’ll make even the most critical car enthusiast raise an eyebrow, and not out of irritation.
The Sportage has always had a bit of an underdog charm. Not a roaring sports car, not a luxury limo, but a practical, no-nonsense SUV that does what it promises: gets you from A to B without fuss, with a dash of style. And that style? It’s been cranked up a notch. The front of the 2025 Sportage is a real head-turner. Gone are the “Boomerang” LEDs that, let’s be honest, were starting to feel a bit dated. In their place, we get Kia’s latest “Star Map” lighting. Picture sharp, angular lines that look like they’ve been plucked straight from a sci-fi flick. It’s as if the car is staring at you, saying, “Yeah, I know I look good.” The grille has been revamped too—wider, bolder—while the bumper adds a rugged edge. It’s not a revolution, but it’s exactly what the Sportage needed to hold its own in a market brimming with shiny crossovers.
The rear is a different story. The international version, already unveiled in South Korea and the US, is longer than the European variant. Why? Because we Europeans apparently prefer compact cars that can squeeze into our tight parking spaces. The taillights have been slightly tweaked, but don’t expect jaw-dropping changes. The real magic happens inside. Step into the Sportage, and you’re greeted by a dashboard that looks like it was lifted from a far pricier car. Two new screens sit in a gently curved glass panel, giving off a premium vibe. Below them, you’ll find touch-sensitive shortcuts that feel like something from a high-end smartphone, and—hold onto your hats—actual, physical buttons on the center console. Yes, really! In an era where everything’s a touchscreen, this is a breath of fresh air. The new steering wheel seals the deal, with a sleek design that makes your hands itch to drive.
But let’s talk engines, because this is where things get tricky. Kia’s keeping quiet about the specs for Europe, and there’s a reason for that. International markets get different powertrains, and we Europeans have our own demands—think stricter emissions standards and a love for hybrids. Looking at the previous generation, we can hazard a guess at a mix of mild-hybrid, full-hybrid, and maybe even plug-in hybrid options. Back in 2021, we had a 1.6-liter petrol and diesel with 150 and 136 hp respectively, plus a hybrid with 230 hp and a plug-in with 265 hp. Chances are Kia will offer something similar, perhaps with a touch more efficiency thanks to the latest tech. But until the official European reveal, expected in the coming weeks, it’s all speculation. What we do know is that Kia’s “DriveWise” safety systems are back, with features like adaptive cruise control and an emergency braking assistant that even spots oncoming traffic at junctions. Handy for those who occasionally forget to look in the chaos of a city roundabout.
Is this the perfect SUV, then? Not quite. The Sportage still isn’t a car that sets your heart racing like a Porsche Cayenne might. But that’s not what it’s trying to be. This is a car for people who want a reliable, stylish, and modern ride without emptying their savings. The facelift makes it sharper, more contemporary, and ready to take on rivals like the Hyundai Tucson and Toyota RAV4. And let’s be real: for a facelift, this is a damn fine effort.
For those already itching to get behind the wheel of a Sportage, or just curious about what’s out there, check out our marketplace. At https://volty.be/nl/buy/cars/overview/, you’ll find a wide range of cars, from brand-new models to reliable second-hand gems. Who knows, you might soon be cruising in a gleaming Sportage—or something else that steals your heart.
