2027 Kia Sportage Redesigned with Edgy Angles: Spy Shots Reveal Bold New Look

The Next-Generation Kia Sportage: A Sneak Peek

The upcoming next-generation Kia Sportage, set to compete with the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5 mid-size SUVs, has been spotted undergoing hot-weather testing in Spain ahead of its anticipated arrival in Australia in 2027.

The new Sportage boasts a more angular and upright design compared to its current model, which made its way to Australian shores in 2021 and received an update in 2025.

Although the spied prototype is still wrapped in camouflage, the disguise appears less bulky than seen on previous prototypes. Notable features of the new model include a clamshell bonnet, a more aggressive front end, and a rear roofline that tapers towards the back.

This sleeker design direction aligns with the style of the upcoming Hyundai Tucson, as both vehicles share the same underpinnings and core architecture, being part of the Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) family.

The latest images reveal a broad front radiator grille and a visible exhaust muffler at the rear, confirming the presence of an internal-combustion engine in the prototype. It is expected to be powered by one of the hybrid powertrains offered for the new model.

The next Sportage is anticipated to offer a range of electrified powertrains, including mild-hybrid (MHEV), hybrid (HEV), and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) options, possibly supplemented by extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) variants.

While the current Sportage in Australia features a hybrid powertrain comprising a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, an electric motor, and a six-speed automatic transmission, Kia expanded the hybrid lineup to more Sportage grades in February 2026, introducing the new entry-level Sportage S Hybrid priced at $44,450 before on-road costs.

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Although a PHEV variant available in other markets has not been introduced by Kia Australia, the Kia Sportage is speculated to follow its Hyundai Tucson counterpart in moving away from diesel power in its next generation.

Despite diesel models currently constituting about one-third of Sportage sales in Australia, Kia Australia maintains that there are no immediate plans to phase out diesel, though global trends may influence a shift away from this powertrain type.

Previous spy shots have also provided a glimpse of the new Sportage’s interior, expected to feature a larger central touchscreen running HMG’s Pleos Connect infotainment system, following the footsteps of the new Tucson.

Introduced earlier this year, the Android Automotive-based operating system, developed in-house by HMG, made its debut in the Hyundai Grandeur luxury sedan and is slated for integration across 20 million Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis vehicles by 2030.

In August, the Sportage topped Kia Australia’s sales charts with 1586 deliveries, securing the 15th position overall, ahead of the Hyundai Tucson with 1548 deliveries but trailing behind the Toyota RAV4, the segment leader with 5470 deliveries.

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