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A HUGELY popular Kia model is set for a thorough refresh with a host of new features to be added and its look completely re-designed.
The much-loved Sportage model is the Korean brand’s top seller – and is loved the world over by motorists for its striking design, high-quality interior, and reasonable price.
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According to Car & Driver, the fifth-generation Sportage, which was released last year, is set for a mid-cycle refresh in 2026.
Along with a restyled front end that will match other cars in Kia’s range, the compact crossover SUV will also get a new steering wheel and a revised dash.
It will also come packed with a plethora of tech upgrades, from a head-up display to remote parking assist.
But its the design of the Sportage’s front that will be most apparent to many, with Car & Driver claiming they will replace its face with “something that’s more normal”.
Already unveiled in Korea, it seems the version coming to the US will differ slightly, with a larger grille that’s more upright and bookended by vertical daytime running lights.
The front bumper has also been changed with a squared shaped air intake.
Inside, the updated Sportage will get a new-look dashboard that’s taken away the vertical air vents and introduced a new display featuring Kia’s latest infotainment system, which includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Folks in the driving seat can also enjoy a new steering wheel with top and bottom sections that have flatter edges.
Other new upgrades include a fingerprint-authentication system, a head-up display, Highway Driving Assist 2 with lane-changing capability, and remote parking assist.
The new Sportage is expected to make its debut at the Los Angeles Motor Show later this week as it prepares to release the model poised to take on the likes of the Hyundai Tucson, Ford Kuga, Volkswagen Tiguan and Toyota RAV4.
Currently, prices for the Sportage and Sportage Hybrid start at $28,565 and $29,965, respectively.
Kia recently debuted its first-ever pickup truck that’s far roomier than its rivals, with plans to launch it in the first half of next year.
At 213 inches long, it is roughly five inches shorter than the rival Jeep Gladiator.
With a 128.7-inch wheelbase, it is about 10 inches longer than its Korean competitor Hyundai’s Santa Cruz pickup.
Elsewhere, a woman who bought a Kia brand new three years ago, and just finished paying it off – now she faces an $11,000 repair.
The diagnosis was made after an independent shop told her she didn’t need an oil consumption test.
Jill St. Marie, a Canadian Kia owner, bought her 2016 Forte from a dealership three years ago and loved how reliable and affordable it proved to be.
That was until she noticed how often she had to top the engine off with oil, even though it was under 100,000 miles.
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