SPY PICS: Short-wheelbase 2025 Kia Sportage spotted

The renders were accurate: the facelifted 2025 Kia Sportage will adopt the latest ‘Starmap Lighting System’ as seen on the Kia EV9, Sorento, new Carnival and upcoming EV3.

Our spy photographers in Germany recently snapped these images of a European-spec (short-wheelbase, with less rear overhang) Kia Sportage testing near the Nurburgring wrapped in dense camouflage, and while the proportions might be different to the Korean (and Aussie) version, there’s no difference at the front.

Through the camouflage we can see the upgraded Kia Sportage will dispense with its current and quite distinctive lighting signature in favour of the vertically-stacked arrangement as seen on the aforementioned models and recent renders.

The headlights themselves aren’t really changing position – just their design – but the daytime running lights will be completely overhauled into a stylised T- or L-shape similar to the bigger Sorento’s.

Elsewhere, you can expect to see some redesigned alloy wheels, quietly sharpened tail-lights and a new grille design, but don’t bet on any major powertrain or chassis enhancements.

Kia Australia has previously pledged to continue offering turbo-diesel powertrains in its Sorento, Sportage and Carnival line-ups, as well as the inbound Tasman ute, opting not to follow sister brand Hyundai in ditching the fuel type Down Under.

Other guaranteed enhancements include an updated safety suite, including the infuriating intelligent speed limit assist system, however, there’s a solid chance it will also come with the newly announced mute function that saves drivers having the delve into the infotainment system while on the move.

The current Sportage is carsales’ reigning Best Mid-Size SUV – and accolade it has now won twice on the trot.

Odds are the new model will make its global debut at the tail-end of this year, before arriving Down Under in the first half of 2025.

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