Next-gen Kia Sportage spied testing with rugged new design, debut around 2028

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The redesigned Kia Sportage has been spied undergoing testing in Europe.

It sports a more upright and linear design that echoes the Seltos and Telluride.

Crossover will likely be powered by new hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains.

Spy photographers have caught the redesigned Hyundai Tucson on numerous occasions, but they’ve finally snapped the first photos of its Kia counterpart. We’re talking about the next-generation Sportage and it could debut in time for the 2028 model year.

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Spotted undergoing testing in Europe, the compact crossover is heavily disguised but appears to follow in the footsteps of newer models such as the Seltos and Telluride. Details are hard to make out, but it’s clear the redesigned model will have split lighting units. The mid-mounted headlights reside at the outside edges of a wide grille and a prominent horizontal bar. We can also get a glimpse of the lower intake, which features a central sensor pod as well as matching horizontal accents.

Review: 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid Makes Pricier SUVs Feel Like A Bad Deal

Additional styling cues are hard to make out, but it appears the model has a taller and more upright front end. The crossover also trades swoopy, curvaceous styling for a more rigid and linear setup. Speaking of the latter, there’s a flatter beltline and a more angular A-pillar.

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The Sportage retains a gently sloping roof, but it’s accompanied by thicker fender flares. We can also see stylish 18-inch wheels sporting a two-tone design.

The rear end is almost completely covered, but it appears the license plate recess has been lowered. More interestingly, the crossover adopts split lighting units out back. The taillights are in the usual location, but the turn signals appear to be mounted just above the bumper. That’s an odd setup, so we’re wondering if it’s temporary for the prototype.

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Inside, we can get a glimpse at a Pleos Connect infotainment system . It’s offered in a variety of sizes including 12.9-, 14.6-, and 17-inches. We can also expect a digital instrument cluster as well as streamlined switchgear.

Powertrain options will likely be shared with the new Tucson and this means we can expect hybrid and plug-in hybrid setups. Both should see significant improvements to maximize performance and efficiency.

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