The 2028 Kia Sportage is taking shape as Kia tests camouflaged prototypes of the next-generation SUV. With the Hyundai Tucson already revealing its latest design, there are early clues about what Kia could be preparing for its mechanical twin.
The current Sportage remains relatively fresh, but Kia appears ready to make significant changes. The next version is expected to grow in size, adopt a more upright design and receive a major technology upgrade, although details remain limited.
A More Upright Kia Sportage Design
Recent spy shots suggest Kia is moving away from the softer curves of the current Sportage in favor of a boxier, more upright appearance. The design could combine elements associated with the Telluride with styling cues from Kia’s latest electric vehicles, including the EV3 and EV5.
At the front, the next Sportage is expected to feature vertical lighting, a wider grille and a squared-off bumper. The sides appear to lose the current model’s swooping lines, while the rear could feature vertical taillights and a more distinctive tailgate.
The wheelbase is reportedly expected to stretch to about 2,790 mm, or roughly 109 inches, potentially creating additional interior space. Prototypes have also been spotted with larger wheels, conventional door handles and substantial black exterior trim for a more rugged appearance.
The images accompanying this report are AI-generated visualizations of what the next Sportage could look like. They are based on spy shots, reports and expected changes from Kia and should not be considered official images.
Hybrid Power Could Take Center Stage
Kia’s electrification push is expected to play a larger role in the next Sportage lineup. A mild-hybrid setup could combine a turbocharged gasoline engine with a 48-volt system, while a conventional hybrid could pair a gasoline engine with an electric motor and battery.
A plug-in hybrid is also reportedly being considered, potentially offering up to 62 miles (100 km) of electric-only range on the WLTP cycle.
There are also reports that the next Sportage could borrow its powertrain from the new Telluride Hybrid. That setup would use a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing about 242 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque.
Final specifications are expected to vary by market, so those figures remain estimates for now.
2028 Kia Sportage Could Arrive After a 2027 Reveal
Kia has not announced a launch date for the next-generation Sportage. Since the 2027 Sportage has already been announced for America, the new model is not expected to arrive immediately.
The current expectation is that Kia could reveal the next Sportage in 2027, followed by sales as a 2028 model. That timeline would give the automaker time to develop the new platform, hybrid systems, towing capabilities and technology before the SUV reaches showrooms.
For now, the camouflaged prototypes offer the clearest preview of Kia’s next move. If current reports prove accurate, the next Sportage will be larger, boxier and more electrified than the current model.
