It’s been only a few weeks since we checked out the facelifted model, but South Korean publication ET News has reported that Kia will release the sixth-generation Sportage in the local market in the third quarter of 2027. As per the report, the next-gen Kia Sportage (code: Kia NQ6) will shift entirely to hybrid power (hybrid and plug-in hybrid), with no internal combustion engines offered.
In this article, we’ll discuss the reported details, information from Kia’s future product strategy, and our expectations from the new Sportage, having experienced the facelifted hybrid and plug-in hybrid models first-hand.
62-mile PHEV
The report says that the new Sportage’s hybrid systems will include improved motors and larger batteries. These upgrades will deliver significant gains in power and efficiency. Kia plans a plug-in hybrid version that can travel up to 100 km (62 miles) on electric power alone. The report is likely referring to the WLTP cycle metric, where the Sportage manages 43 miles currently.
Pleos Connect & Gleo AI
The next-generation Kia Sportage is expected to share many features with the next-gen Hyundai Tucson, due in 2026. The Tucson will come with Hyundai’s latest infotainment system called Pleos Connect. Kia is expected to adopt a similar system.
Pleos Connect uses Android Automotive OS. It offers voice control through an AI assistant named Gleo AI. The system features a multi-window layout, split-screen functionality, and personalized user profiles through Pleos ID. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will remain standard.
Both the next-gen Tucson and Sportage are expected to keep their premium interior features. These include a Head-Up Display (HUD), heated and ventilated seats, digital keys, and wireless phone charging. A panoramic sunroof, premium audio system, and fingerprint scanners are also expected.
1.6L ‘TMED-II’ Hybrid
Hyundai recently announced its improved hybrid technology, known as TMED-II (Transmission Mounted Electric Device II). This new system offers better fuel efficiency and more power, and has debuted in the all-new Palisade that’s coming to the U.S. later this year.
While the inaugural launch is a 2.5-liter system, the company has also confirmed that it is working on a smaller 1.6-liter version where system torque increases from 367 Nm (270 lb-ft) to 380 Nm (280 lb-ft). Fuel economy is expected to improve by over 4%, which should lead to 37-40 mpg (combined) from the next-gen Sportage lineup.
TMED-II also offers refined engine performance. Idle vibrations are expected to be reduced, and gear shifts should become smoother. Crucially, transitions between electric and gasoline modes will happen quicker, with less lag.
Smart Regenerative Braking & Stay Mode
Smart Regenerative Braking, which is a big feature of the TMED-II, adjusts brake force automatically based on navigation data and traffic conditions. Drivers of the next-gen Sportage should experience improved braking performance and comfort, and reduced cabin noise during hard acceleration. Stay Mode allows occupants to run the air conditioning and infotainment system for up to one hour without the engine running.
A new, next-generation gasoline 1.6-liter turbo hybrid powertrain will also be available.
HMC at the ‘Next-Gen Hybrid System Tech Day’ on April 21, 2025
e-Handling 2.0, e-VMC 2.0 & e-Ride 2.0
Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality, capable of delivering 3.6 kW power, is expected to be carried forward to the next-gen Sportage. This allows powering external tools or appliances. Kia’s future hybrid vehicles will continue offering electronic all-wheel drive (e-AWD), complemented by improved handling technologies such as e-Handling 2.0, e-VMC 2.0, and e-Ride 2.0. These features, developed alongside the next-gen hybrid powertrain, promise better ride comfort and stability, and are likely for the next-gen Sportage Hybrid.
For the U.S.
Toyota’s next-generation RAV4 Hybrid, arriving later this year, will also offer only hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains. Hyundai and Kia appear to be adopting the same strategy for their future compact SUVs, where hybrids are the primary path forward. We expect the next-gen Sportage to reach the U.S. in late 2027 or early 2028, with a starting price of around USD 30,000 for the Hybrid, and around USD 42,000 for the Plug-in Hybrid.
Featured image: Kia (current-gen Sportage)
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
