Kia is rolling into the 2024 Los Angeles Auto Show, showing off a bunch of updated cars. One of them is the Sportage, their top seller. We already know what it looks like, though, because South Korea got this model first. Now, it’s North America’s turn to see it, with some tech improvements in the mix.
The first thing you’ll notice is the front end. Kia’s calling the design style “opposites united,” which basically means straighter lines on the grille and headlights. Gone are those funky, zig-zag daytime lights. What’s in? A cleaner, upright vibe. People seem to dig that these days, especially in crossovers. Around the back, the changes are smaller—updated taillights, slight tweaks to the bumpers, and a fresh set of wheels ranging from 17 to 19 inches.
Inside is where stuff really gets exciting. They’ve smoothed out the dashboard, giving it a sleeker, more modern feel. Two massive 12.3-inch screens sit together in a single curved panel, standard on every trim. Everything looks neat and driver-focused. Apple CarPlay plus Android Auto are totally wireless now. That’s free. But if you want your phone to be the actual key to the car with Digital Key 2.0, yeah, you’ll have to shell out extra.
Speaking of upgrades, there’s a new 10-inch head-up display. It shows navigation and music info if your phone’s connected. If you opt for the Kia Connect system, it unlocks even more cool stuff, like letting you see your SUV’s 360-degree camera view straight from your phone. Handy, but it’s not standard.
Engines are pretty much the same. The Sportage Hybrid’s power jumps slightly, now up to 231 horsepower. It pairs a 1.6-liter turbo engine with an electric motor. The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version also gets a bump, hitting 268 horsepower. For the regular gas model, the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine stays at 187 horsepower. Higher trims with all-wheel drive include Terrain Mode, which helps tackle snow, sand, or mud.
Trim options for the Hybrid have grown. The new S trim has black exterior accents, 18-inch wheels, heated seats, and blindspot monitoring. Fancy! Meanwhile, the X-Line trim steps it up with 19-inch wheels, LED lighting, better cabin materials, and even a power liftgate. Luxury touches are becoming more common in these crossovers.
Safety features? Kia’s packing in plenty. Standard across the board is automatic emergency braking, which even detects cyclists. Steering wheel sensors ensure you’re actually paying attention when using driver assists. Extras include advanced collision avoidance and a parking assist system that warns you if something’s too close.
Dealers will start selling the 2026 Sportage by late spring 2025. Prices? Kia’s keeping quiet about that for now. But with all these updates, it’s likely to remain a solid choice for buyers looking for a stylish and tech-packed crossover.
Source and Images: Motor1