Kia Sportage: Next Generation Spied Testing

The current Kia Sportage only hit U.S. showrooms for the 2023 model year and got a facelift for 2026. Now Jalopnik has spotted a prototype of its successor, suggesting a short lifecycle for Kia's top seller — over 145,000 Sportages sold in the U.S. through September. The camouflaged test car hints at a design that goes even bolder than today's model.

Design Clues

The prototype is heavily wrapped, but Jalopnik's photos show a new front end with tall, stacked LED running lights flanking a wider grille, plus a lower bumper light cluster. The hood appears to be a clamshell design, similar to the upcoming Tucson. The greenhouse looks more rakish, with a blacked-out A-pillar giving a visor effect. Those wheels are clearly just test units — nothing that boring would make production. Expect aggressive surfacing and boxy fender flares. The rear is fully covered, but Jalopnik suggests it will borrow cues from the EV3 and Telluride.

"The new Sportage will look even wackier than the current one" — Jalopnik

The prototype was spotted in Europe, so it's likely the short-wheelbase version. U.S. models will get a longer wheelbase with a unique D-pillar design but otherwise similar styling.

Interior and Tech

No interior photos yet, but Jalopnik reports the Sportage will be among the first Kias to get Hyundai Motor Group's new Pleos infotainment system. That system supports downloadable apps, expanded over-the-air updates, and advanced active-safety features. Given how well the latest Telluride and Tucson cabins are executed, the Sportage should punch above its class.

Powertrain Changes

The new Sportage is expected to drop its base naturally aspirated 1.6-liter four-cylinder. A turbocharged 1.6-liter will be the standard engine, with a little more power than before. A hybrid version pairing that turbo with an electric motor will be optional; in the Tucson that setup achieves up to 42 mpg, so the Sportage should be similarly efficient. No plug-in hybrid is planned, but a range-extender variant may appear instead.

Timing and Variants

Jalopnik estimates a global debut in spring 2028, with U.S. sales starting by the end of the year. The Tucson is getting an XRT Pro off-road trim, so expect a Sportage X-Pro equivalent. The current model already sells strongly — this next one has a lot to live up to.

• Infotainment
• Kia
• Kia Sportage
• next generation
• spy photos
• SUV