2028 Kia Sportage Spied Without Camouflage - First Look

Less camo, bolder shape: first clear spy photos

Kia's upcoming 2028 Sportage has been caught again on public roads, this time wearing noticeably less camouflage while on towing duty. The latest spy shots reveal a much boxier silhouette than the current fifth-generation model — a design direction that has many observers comparing it to a compact, shrunken Telluride. Whether you love the rugged, squared-off look or prefer the smoother lines of the outgoing Sportage, there's no denying that Kia is aiming for a strong visual statement.

What the new Sportage looks like

The front end appears completely reworked. The nose sits flatter, with distinct upper and lower grille sections and covered headlamp clusters in the spy shots. Based on previous digital renderings and the camouflaged units here, expect an evolution of Kia's vertical headlight layout and Y-shaped daytime running lights — but straightened and possibly joined by a full-width light bar.

The hood adopts a more clam-shell appearance, while the roofline and pillars form sharper, more angular shapes. Side windows are significantly more squared off than before, and designers seem to have cleaned up the lower door area and side skirts for a tidier profile. Small details in the photos include chunkier mirrors and flush-mounted door handles — cues that point toward a more premium, modern feel.

At the rear, the license-plate recess appears lower on the tailgate and the rear glass looks shorter (camouflage may be deceiving here). The tail lamps seem to be vertically oriented flanking the tailgate, though they could mirror the front-light signature or be connected by a light bar. A bigger, more pronounced roof spoiler and familiar wheel designs seen on earlier prototypes round out the exterior changes.

Interior: tech upgrades expected

Inside, the new Sportage is expected to receive the Hyundai Motor Group's latest Pleos Connect infotainment system, available in screen sizes up to 17 inches. Anticipate a full digital gauge cluster, updated switchgear, a redesigned steering wheel, a new center console layout, and refreshed trim and upholstery materials. Improved advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) will likely accompany the interior tech jump, bringing the cabin into line with segment rivals.

Highlights:

• Pleos Connect infotainment (up to 17-inch display)
• Digital instrument cluster and new center console
• Updated ADAS and refined interior switchgear

"The cabin is shaping up to be a meaningful upgrade — more tech, more convenience, and a clearer move upmarket," one industry observer commented after reviewing the images.

Space and platform ties to the new Tucson

Kia's new Sportage shares close engineering ties with the all-new Hyundai Tucson. The Tucson's longer wheelbase and increased overall footprint hint that the Sportage will benefit from more interior room and improved packaging versus the outgoing model. Expect rear-seat space and cargo flexibility to be improved, which will be important for buyers comparing compact SUVs in the crossover segment.

Powertrain possibilities and performance

Powertrain rumors point to shared engines with the new Tucson, including a turbocharged 1.6-liter electrified option that produces around 242 bhp and 280 lb-ft (380 Nm) of torque. That setup lets the Tucson achieve 0-62 mph in about 8.5 seconds — a benchmark that suggests the Sportage could offer similar on-paper performance. Electrified variants (mild-hybrid, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid) are expected to carry forward or expand within the Sportage lineup.

For comparison, the current 2027 Sportage is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder making 187 bhp and 178 lb-ft (241 Nm), paired with an eight-speed automatic and optional all-wheel drive. The potential move to smaller displacement turbocharged electrified units would align with industry trends toward improved efficiency and stronger low-end torque.

Market positioning and pricing context

Kia is likely positioning the new Sportage to compete more directly with premium-feeling compact crossovers while retaining strong value. As a reminder, 2027 Sportage pricing in the U.S. starts at $28,990 for the LX, with higher trims like SX and X-Pro Prestige topping out near $39,890. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants for 2027 begin at $30,590 and $40,590 respectively, offering 232 bhp and 268 bhp in those configurations.

The 2028 Sportage will probably carry a modest price premium depending on powertrain and equipment levels, especially if Kia expands standard tech and safety features.

Production and launch timing

Kia's current fifth-generation Sportage entered production in 2021 and is built at multiple plants worldwide, including the West Point, Georgia facility in the U.S. The recent facelift arrived for the 2026 model year and will likely remain available for a short period before the new-generation model reaches showrooms. Expect an official unveiling in the coming months and a 2028 model-year launch.

Why this matters

The Sportage is a key player in Kia's global crossover portfolio. A bold redesign that improves cabin space, modernizes infotainment and ADAS, and offers more electrified powertrain options could give the Sportage stronger appeal in a highly competitive compact-SUV market. The more muscular, Telluride-like styling direction also signals Kia's intent to broaden the Sportage's customer base toward buyers who want rugged looks without stepping up to a larger SUV.

Key takeaways:

• The 2028 Sportage features a boxier, more angular design and cleaner side profile.
• Interior gains include Pleos Connect infotainment, digital cluster, and updated ADAS.
• Expect shared powertrains with the new Tucson, including a 1.6L turbo electrified unit.
• Official unveiling is likely within months; a 2028 model-year launch is anticipated.

Are you excited by the Sportage's new direction — the squared-off, Telluride-inspired stance — or do you prefer Kia's softer, more rounded crossovers? The official reveal will answer many questions, but these spy shots already make one thing clear: Kia is taking a confident step with the new Sportage.