Kia Sportage’s New Design: Is It a Mini Sorento?

Best-selling SUV in South Korea in 2023
Preparation for the Sportage’s change
What does a realistic design look like?

What model was the best-selling SUV in South Korea last year? If you expected Sorento or Santa Fe, you were wrong. Last year, the No. 1 selling SUV model in South Korea was the Kia Sportage, with sales of 64,010 units. It widened the gap not only with its rival, the Hyundai Tucson (40,156 units), but also with mid-size SUVs Sorento (49,412 units) and Santa Fe (43,661 units, old and new combined). 

The NQ5 (5th generation) Sportage, currently on sale, is in its third year since its launch in 2021. This means that, following the Tucson, the launch date of the facelift version of the Sportage is approaching. A prototype was spotted recently, and an expected design emerged, attracting attention.

Expected design based on spy shots
The front part is similar to Sorento

Kolesa, a Russian automobile media, published the expected design of the Sportage facelift model on March 19th. Unlike existing renderings based on imagination, it is more realistic as it was created based on the latest spy shots in South Korea. First, the front part is completely different from the current model and attracts attention if we look at the spy shot.

Like a triangle or diamond, the headlamp box has been changed to a vertical shape, creating a different impression. It is a similar change to the previously launched Carnival and Sorento facelift models. Only part of the Star Map signature DRL is visible in the spy shot, but it is also likely to have a shape close to the Carnival and Sorento. The grille that fills the space between both headlamps is expected to narrow the area and add to the beauty of the blank space.

Newly added rear lamps

The expected rear design was also created. Since there are relatively few likes and dislikes for the rear part, it seems that improvements will be limited to minor details. Looking at the expected design, the shape of the tail lamp is maintained, but the internal graphics have been significantly changed to create the atmosphere of a new model. The star map signature lighting element provides the impression that the vehicle is wider. 

At present, it is difficult to determine the shape of the rear bumper through spy shots, but this is also likely to be a change emphasizing simplicity. According to the expected design in the new car, the backup light in the center was moved to the corner, along with the reflectors on both sides. The rear diffuser below has been boldly enlarged to emphasize a more rugged atmosphere. 

Set to launch in the second half of the year
Will it come with an 8-speed automatic transmission?

Meanwhile, the industry predicts that the facelift version of Sportage may be launched earlier than expected as the Tucson facelift model released earlier continues to receive favorable reviews.  It appears to have begun driving testing early this month and is expected to be released in the second half of this year. The powertrain is likely to be the same as the existing Sportage. However, some predict that the 7-speed DCT installed in the gasoline version may be changed to an 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission.