Kia develops next-generation Sportage SUV with updated design

Kia has begun testing prototypes for the next generation of its Sportage SUV. Based on spy photos and renders from Auto-Moto, the upcoming model is expected to undergo a significant design shift, moving away from the complex, curved lines of the current generation toward a flatter, more angular aesthetic.

The new design language is expected to align more closely with Kia’s electric vehicle (EV) lineup, featuring vertical daytime running lights and slim, horizontal main headlights. However, the Sportage will not transition to a fully electric platform; it will continue to offer internal combustion and hybrid engine options, meaning a traditional radiator grille will likely remain.

Additional design changes may include more prominent wheel arches and protective elements along the body to enhance its SUV character. While official technical specifications and release dates have not been confirmed, early indications suggest a potential reveal in 2027, possibly at the Munich Motor Show, with sales beginning in early 2028.