Next Gen Kia Sportage Spied with EV5 Inspired Styling

The next-generation Kia Sportage is a C-segment family crossover sport utility vehicle (SUV) developed by South Korean manufacturer Kia, distributed locally in Malaysia by Dinamikjaya Motors. Positioned as Kia's best-selling model globally, it addresses the need for practical family transport, offering spacious passenger dimensions, advanced driver-assistance technology, and diverse powertrains ranging from internal combustion petrol engines to full hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) systems. For Malaysian drivers navigating congested urban areas like the Klang Valley and long-distance cross-country routes, the forthcoming sixth-generation Sportage introduces angular styling cues derived from the dedicated Kia EV5, expanded cargo space, and advanced artificial intelligence infotainment software.

Key Facts

How Does the Next-Gen Kia Sportage Borrow Design from the Kia EV5?

The sixth-generation Kia Sportage adopts an angular aesthetic inspired by the dedicated electric Kia EV5 compact SUV. Captured under heavy camouflage during road tests in October 2026, the prototype displays a tall roofline, elevated bonnet, and generous ground clearance, aligning its internal combustion visual identity with Kia's 'Opposites United' design philosophy.

According to spyshots published by Auto Express, the next-generation SUV aligns with stylistic themes previously seen on the EV3 and EV4 concepts, as well as the 'Star Map' lighting elements introduced during the 2024 Sportage facelift. While heavy cladding conceals the production grille, headlight units, and lower trim, the vehicle retains structural proportions tailored for family utility. The manufacturer is steadily eliminating styling divergence between its battery-electric vehicles and traditional combustion-powered portfolio.

"Sportage kekal sebagai model paling popular Kia walaupun jenama itu kini mempunyai rangkaian EV dalam pelbagai segmen."

— Careta, 17-10-2026

The sixth-generation Kia Sportage bridges the styling gap between internal combustion models and electric vehicles by integrating the geometric design language of the Kia EV5.

What Are the Projected Dimensions and Cabin Upgrades?

The next-generation Kia Sportage is expected to expand in overall vehicle dimensions by sharing underlying architecture with the latest Hyundai Tucson. This modular platform yields a 35 mm increase in length, a 35 mm increase in width, and a 20 mm increase in vehicle height, delivering enhanced passenger legroom and utility.

Cargo volume is projected to approach the 695-litre benchmark demonstrated by its Hyundai platform counterpart. Inside the cabin, the SUV will introduce Hyundai Motor Group's proprietary Pleos operating system, an AI-supported infotainment software first deployed on the Hyundai Ioniq 3 and Tucson. The Pleos ecosystem supports display sizes measuring 12.9 inches or 17 inches, featuring AI voice recognition and built-in native streaming applications like Spotify and YouTube. Hyundai Motor Group aims to roll out this software platform across 20 million vehicles globally by 2030.

By adopting Hyundai Motor Group's Pleos software ecosystem, the new Sportage brings AI-assisted voice control and screen options up to 17 inches into the C-segment SUV cabin.

What Petrol, Hybrid, and PHEV Engine Options Will Be Offered?

The next-generation Kia Sportage will offer petrol, 48V mild hybrid, full hybrid, and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations. Baseline petrol variants deploy a 1.6-litre T-GDI engine producing 150 PS (148 hp) mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, while mild hybrids utilise a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Higher-tier electrified variants include a 243 PS (240 hp) full hybrid connected to a six-speed automatic gearbox. The anticipated PHEV specification features an enlarged 17.1 kWh traction battery delivering an all-electric driving range of up to 80 km on a single charge. This marks an improvement over the existing fifth-generation Sportage PHEV, which relies on a smaller 13.8 kWh battery providing an electric range of up to 71 km. Final torque output and market-specific drivetrain allocations remain unannounced by Kia.

The anticipated plug-in hybrid Sportage variant upgrades to a 17.1 kWh battery pack, extending its zero-emissions electric range up to 80 km.

How It Compares for Malaysian Users

For Malaysian motorists residing in urban condominium towers in Kuala Lumpur or suburban landed homes in Selangor and Johor, the next-generation Kia Sportage addresses local commuting challenges through hybrid efficiency and versatile charging. The projected 80 km pure electric driving capability of the PHEV variant allows urban owners to complete daily cross-city commutes entirely on electric power, recharging via standard Malaysian 240V alternating current (AC) infrastructure equipped with UK-style Type G outlets or dedicated Type 2 wallboxes.

The expanded exterior footprint—adding 35 mm in length and width—delivers interior cabin space well-suited for multi-generational Malaysian families travelling along the North-South Expressway during festive balik kampung periods. Furthermore, the extensive 695-litre benchmark boot capacity handles heavy cargo demands without encroaching on second-row seating comfort under high-temperature tropical motoring conditions.

Common Questions

When will the next-generation Kia Sportage launch in Malaysia?

An official Malaysian launch date has not been announced by local distributor Dinamikjaya Motors. Global automotive media forecasts indicate Kia will reveal the sixth-generation Sportage in 2027, following the local launch of the fifth-generation model at KLIMS on 4 December 2024.

How much will the new Kia Sportage cost in Malaysia?

Official pricing for the sixth-generation Sportage has not been confirmed. By comparison, the fifth-generation model was introduced to the Malaysian market across four variants with retail prices starting from RM147,219 at the Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show (KLIMS) in December 2024.

What electric driving range does the new Sportage PHEV offer?

The sixth-generation Sportage PHEV is expected to feature a 17.1 kWh battery providing an electric driving range of up to 80 km. This surpasses the 71 km electric range delivered by the current model's 13.8 kWh battery configuration.

Sources and Methodology

This technical overview synthesises spy photograph analysis and technical reporting published by Careta (written by Qalif Latif on 17 October 2026), alongside platform engineering and timing evaluations sourced from Auto Express. Baseline Malaysian market context is established from historical model distribution records published by Dinamikjaya Motors during the Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show (KLIMS 2024).

Metric dimensions, powertrain outputs in PS and horsepower, and battery capacities are preserved from primary technical specifications. Malaysian ringgit (RM) valuations reflect historical domestic distributor figures referenced in source material. Localisation details incorporate Malaysian standard domestic electrical parameters (240V, 50 Hz, UK-standard Type G infrastructure). This article was last updated on 17 October 2026. Information specific to Malaysia was verified against Careta automotive coverage.