The sixth-generation Kia Sportage crossover has been spotted during road tests with production body panels. The new model is expected to feature a design inspired by the electric Kia EV5, a longer wheelbase, and 20-inch wheels, according to infohub.kz.
One of the key changes will be the wheelbase. Measurements of the prototype suggest it will be around 2790 millimeters, compared to 2755 millimeters on the current model. The source reports that the 35–40 mm increase should provide more space for second-row passengers and a larger trunk.
Another notable detail will be 20-inch alloy wheels fitted with Michelin tires. For comparison, the current Sportage tops out with 19-inch wheels.
The front end of the new Sportage will follow the design language of the Kia EV5. The hood and front fenders feature similar styling cues, with vertical daytime running lights that flow into the headlights below. The prototype already has production front-end elements: a body-colored grille with a surround-view camera in the center, and a front radar below. The vertical headlights house stacked projectors. At the rear, there will be simple vertical taillights, with turn signals integrated into the bumper.
Inside, a new infotainment system called Pleos Connect with a 17-inch screen and a new steering wheel are expected. The exact interior design has not yet been revealed.
According to preliminary information, for the European and Korean markets, Kia will drop versions of the Sportage with only an internal combustion engine. The lineup will include three types of powertrains: mild hybrid (MHEV), full hybrid (HEV), and plug-in hybrid (PHEV). This strategy does not apply to the US. The shift to hybrid versions is likely driven by growing interest in such vehicles and slowing demand for pure electric cars.
Earlier it became known that the gasoline-powered Kia Sportage could be phased out. It was also reported that Kia and Hyundai retained the most battery capacity after 100,000 kilometers of use.