Fifth-generation 2023 KIA Sportage gets radical new design

Kia is preparing to unveil a new Sportage SUV this summer, with a radically different design inside and out. Previewed in shadowy teaser shots, the fifth-generation Sportage will adhere to Kia’s new ‘Opposites United’ design language, and there’ll be a Europe-only version for the first time in the Sportage’s 28-year history.

Described by Kia as having a ‘muscular stance and a strong yet refined silhouette’, the upcoming Sportage will have sharp lines that ‘ripple across the surfaces’. A black grille will be ‘detail-orientated’ according to the Korean brand and span the SUV’s face. At the rear, pronounced shoulders will ‘drop gently’ to intersect with slim lighting elements that flank newly designed Kia and Sportage badges. “With new Sportage, we didn’t simply want to take one step forward, but rather move to a completely different level within the SUV class” said Karim Habib, head of Kia design.

The most notable interior change will be a move away from separate screens, with the Sportage instead adopting a wide curved display for the digital instruments and infotainment system. It’s not yet known if this will be a single display, or two screens cleverly integrated under a single piece of glass. It will be flanked by vertical air vents, while horizontal vents and a small selection of buttons are placed in a thin strip beneath it. A sporty three-spoke steering wheel will also get Kia’s new logo, along with metallic trim and controls mounted on its horizontal spokes.

The Sportage is set to be unveiled in full in Korea in July, with a European edition of the car set to be revealed in September, before arriving in UK showrooms early next year.