2027 Kia Sportage spied testing with more angular look

The next-generation Kia Sportage, a rival to the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5 mid-size SUVs, has been spied hot-weather testing in Spain ahead of its expected Australian arrival in 2027.

The new Sportage has a more upright, angular shape than the current model, which arrived here in 2021 and was updated in 2025.

While the spied example still wears plenty of camouflage, this disguise is less bulky than on previously spied prototypes.

The new model appears to feature a clamshell bonnet, a bluffer front end than the current model, and a roofline that tapers towards the rear.

The sharper design direction mirrors that of the upcoming Hyundai Tucson. The Sportage and Tucson share underpinnings and core architecture, as Kia and Hyundai are both part of Hyundai Motor Group (HMG).

The latest images show a wide front radiator grille and, at the rear, a clearly visible exhaust muffler, confirming the prototype has an internal-combustion engine. It could be powered by one of the hybrid powertrains expected for the new model.

A range of electrified powertrains is expected for the next Sportage, including mild-hybrid (MHEV), hybrid (HEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) options, potentially joined by extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) variants.

The current Sportage is offered here with a hybrid powertrain comprising a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, an electric motor and a six-speed automatic transmission.

In February 2026, the hybrid was expanded to more Sportage grades, lowering the starting price to $44,450 before on-road costs for the new entry-level Sportage S Hybrid.

A PHEV version offered overseas hasn't been introduced by Kia Australia.

The Kia Sportage could follow its Hyundai Tucson cousin in ditching diesel power for its next generation.

That's despite diesel-powered models currently accounting for around one-third of Sportage sales in Australia. Kia Australia has said it has no plans to drop the fuel type here for the time being, though its hand may be forced by a move by global headquarters away from this powertrain type.

Previous spy photos have also revealed the new Sportage's cabin, which is expected to follow the new Tucson in adopting a larger central touchscreen running HMG’s new Pleos Connect infotainment system.

Unveiled earlier this year, the Android Automotive-based operating system was developed in-house by HMG.

After introducing Pleos Connect in the Hyundai Grandeur luxury sedan, which isn't sold in Australia, the company plans to roll it out across 20 million Hyundai, Kia and Genesis vehicles by 2030.

The Sportage was Kia Australia’s best-selling model in August, with 1586 deliveries. That placed it 15th overall, one position ahead of the Hyundai Tucson with 1548 deliveries, but well behind the segment-leading Toyota RAV4 on 5470.

MORE: Explore the Kia Sportage showroom