Sometimes, all it takes is a small design tweak to make a huge difference—and that’s exactly what the 2026 Kia Sportage has in store! It’s getting a sleek mid-cycle refresh for the 2026 model year, set to arrive in 2025. While it’s not a complete redesign, this update will give the Sportage a fresh, updated feel with improved styling and new tech features. Kia just unveiled the updated version in South Korea and even shared a couple of teaser videos on YouTube, so we’ve enjoyed getting a little sneak peek at what’s to come here at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis.
Since Kia often offers the same version of the Sportage in both South Korea and the U.S., we can expect this updated model to roll out here in the States too—so keep your eyes peeled! The 2026 Sportage looks more polished than ever, with a more mature and refined appearance.
Kia’s compact SUV has always been a go-to, especially with its impressive list of standard features at an affordable price. The previous generation, which ran from 2017 to 2022, had a more rounded, bulbous look but made up for it with amazing value—hello, Kia’s unbeatable 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty! It was a solid pick for anyone looking for a long-term investment.
The 2023 redesign gave the Sportage a new look, with sleeker lines and a sharper, more angular style inside and out. Now one of the bigger choices in the compact SUV segment, it kept all the great features people love, just wrapped in a more stylish package. The updated Sportage has definitely turned heads, standing out for its strong value and bold, fresh design.
One unique feature of the 2024 Sportage that stood out is its bold boomerang-shaped daytime running lights. These lights instantly catch your eye with their striking design, making a strong first impression. While they add a distinctive flair, they don’t fully blend with the SUV’s otherwise refined and mature styling. It’s a playful touch on an otherwise polished vehicle, adding a bit of character to its modern look.
For 2026, we’ve enhanced the Sportage’s styling with a polished, contemporary update. With the addition of our signature "star map" linear lighting theme, the design feels more refined and cohesive, aligning beautifully with the bold style of the Sorento and Telluride. The rear lights have a subtle, sophisticated feel, and inside, the dual screens now feature a slight curve for an even sleeker, more modern vibe. We've also upgraded the gear shifter to a more stylish dial, adding another touch of elegance to the interior.
Some reports from Asia suggest a smaller 4-cylinder engine may be used in Korean models, but it’s still unclear if this change will extend to U.S. versions. We’ll have to wait and see!
It might take a little while before we get all the full details—automakers are just now starting to roll out 2025 models. So, it could be late next year before Kia officially unveils the 2026 Kia Sportage for the U.S. We'll keep you posted with the latest updates as soon as we have more information. In the meantime, stay tuned for any teasers or sneak peeks that might hint at what’s coming next!
