Table of Contents
Reviving a Family Favourite
The Kia Sportage has long been a staple in the compact SUV segment, evolving from a rugged off‑road machine into a mainstream family vehicle. In 2024 it became the second best‑selling car in the UK, trailing only the Ford Puma, and it has held that title into 2025. Kia’s brand now ranks as the fourth biggest in Britain, with the Sportage contributing roughly forty percent of the company’s sales. The 2025 facelift arrives at a time when rivals such as the VW Tiguan are pushing the envelope, yet Kia chose to refine rather than reinvent.
Design Tweaks That Keep the Brand Cohesive
The exterior updates are subtle but deliberate. The front fascia now features a larger grille and squarer bumpers, echoing the styling cues of the EV3 and EV6. The iconic boomerang daytime running lights have been replaced by a new Star‑map headlight design, giving the Sportage a more contemporary look without losing its recognisable silhouette. Inside, the cabin feels more upscale thanks to a new steering wheel, hidden air vents, and a brushed‑aluminium centre console that replaces the previous gloss black finish. These changes keep the Sportage in line with Kia’s newer electric models while maintaining a familiar feel for loyal buyers.
Powertrain Evolution and Efficiency Gains
The 2025 Sportage continues to offer a 1.6‑litre turbocharged petrol engine that delivers 147 bhp and 0‑62 mph in nine point seven seconds. Official figures claim forty miles per gallon, a figure that the reviewer was able to almost match on a mixed test route. The hybrid variant now produces 235 bhp, up from the previous 227 bhp, and achieves 8.1 seconds for all‑wheel drive and 7.9 seconds for front‑wheel drive. Fuel economy improves to fifty mpg for front‑wheel drive and forty‑four mpg for all‑wheel drive. The plug‑in hybrid, slated for early 2026, will likely retain the same 13.8‑kWh battery but will still lag behind rivals such as the Tiguan’s 77‑metre electric range.
Other mechanical updates include an updated six‑speed automatic gearbox and the addition of paddle shifters on hybrid models, allowing drivers to select a manual gear in sport mode or adjust regenerative braking in eco mode. The PHEV is now available with both front‑wheel and all‑wheel drive, expanding the range of options for buyers.
Interior Comfort and Feature Set
The Sportage’s interior remains spacious and well‑equipped, with a focus on comfort for both city driving and long‑distance cruising. The new steering wheel and hidden vents add a touch of refinement, while the brushed‑aluminium centre console gives the cabin a more premium feel. However, entry‑level models still feel noticeably cheaper, and the interior is not as versatile as some rivals. The PHEV’s electric range is also considered weak, which may deter buyers looking for a truly electric experience.
Driving Dynamics and Handling
On the road, the Sportage offers a light steering feel in eco mode that becomes heavier in sport mode, but it never feels particularly agile or entertaining. The vehicle excels as a nimble town car and a calm motorway cruiser, thanks to a well‑crafted chassis that delivers a smooth ride. The hybrid versions shine the most, providing a super‑refined driving experience that balances efficiency with performance.
Pros and Cons Summarised
- Pros: Refined styling, comfortable driving experience, diverse powertrain options, spacious interior.
- Cons: Entry‑level models feel cheaper, interior versatility lags behind rivals, weak PHEV electric range.
Why the Facelift Matters
While the changes are not groundbreaking, they address the Sportage’s previous small weaknesses and keep the model competitive in a crowded segment. By aligning the design with Kia’s newer electric lineup and improving powertrain efficiency, the 2025 facelift positions the Sportage to maintain its strong sales performance and brand presence in the UK and beyond.