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Stuff.tv
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Stuff.tv
The fab new Kia Sportage Hybrid will keep me going until I get my hands on the plug-in
Stuff Verdict The Kia Sportage in GT-Line hybrid guise packs in plenty of appeal although the forthcoming PHEV version might suit school run folks slightly better. Pros Tried and tested format is nicely honed Respectable performance from all versions Lots of room and plenty of comfort too Cons There's no fully electric option Can feel a little wafty when pushed Exterior looks might prove divisive The Sportage has gone gangbusters for Kia over its many generations; I liked earlier editions of the family-focused SUV and so did plenty of others based on the large numbers of them I see being driven around. It's no surprise, then, to see the Korean carmaker stick to the format – albeit in a much fresher incarnation here. The new edition is a much stronger package, with lots of in-car tech complimenting those already solid practical foundations. There's lots of strong competition in the family SUV arena, with the likes of the Nissan Qashqai, Ford Kuga and fellow Korean brand Hyundai with its Tucson, all vying for attention. However, Kia is coming on strong on the pricing front, with prices starting at £30,885 for the base level petrol model. I've just been driving a pre-production Kia Sportage Hybrid though, which comes in at £36,925 and is my own preferred pick of the new crop. Kia will also introduce a PHEV edition of the Sportage later on down the line. If it's anything like the rather good hybrid, I'd probably head for that one instead as I'm lucky enough to have a home charger. In the meantime, there are three model variants to choose from, starting out with the Pure, followed by the GT-Line and topped off with the snazzy GT-Line S. How we test cars Every electric car reviewed on Stuff is tested on a range of road surfaces and, where possible, in varying weather conditions. We use our years of experience to compare with rivals and assess ergonomics, technology features and general usability. Manufacturers have no visibility on reviews before they appear online, and we never accept payment to feature products. Find out more about how we test and rate products. The styling I like the continuity of the current Kia range and the styling of the new Sportage is on a par and just as impressive as any of the angular lines seen on the likes of the Kia EV3 or Kia EV9. Things get off to a cracking start with the front end. There's quite a lot going on and the imposing grille and the quite dramatic lights might not be to everyone's approval. I like the overall effect though, and I also think this car looks great in plain old white. And that's from someone who doesn't like white cars. However, Kia's so-called 'opposites united' design approach works to even better effect on the duo tone models with a nice line on colour contrast and funky alloys across the range including 19s on the GT-Line hybrid driven here. I loved the chunky door mirrors too, which offered up a good view backwards to compliment the generally good sight lines delivered by the sizeable expanse of glass all round. As usual, things taper towards the back and there's some compromise to be had, but overall, the high-riding position makes it easy to get the Sportage in and out of less generous spaces. Around at the back, there's a very generous boot hiding behind the neatly styled tailgate. Meanwhile, the interior feels like a real success story with an excellent combination of materials and low-key trim colours. The dashboard is dominated by lots of kit that will be familiar if you've already sampled recent Kia's and it's all easy to use and works as it should. After driving the GT-Line hybrid, I was also really impressed with the comfort levels. Those front seats were really accommodating and the room in the back is very decent too. The drive Kia is offering the Sportage in a range of powertrains, from a meat-and-potatoes 1.6 turbocharged petrol, a mild hybrid as well as a self-charging hybrid and a soon-to-arrive plug-in hybrid armed with a 13.8kWh battery. Anyone wanting full electric with similar dimensions and practicality will have to opt for the similarly soon-to-arrive Kia EV5, due later in the year. Driving the Kia Sportage GT-Line hybrid was everything I'd expected from such a proven workhorse. Sure, there's a little bit of roll and a touch of bounce from the suspension if this car is pushed but, driven casually as it probably would be in everyday family ownership scenarios, the Kia Sportage is a very comfortable car. Performance is fine too, with enough oomph for times when it's needed but, equally, clever use of the power for delivering great fuel economy. I also quite like the circular twist-and-go drive selector located in the central console. This is certainly different to other Korean models, where drive options are on the column, but this format worked well for me. The Sportage was also a doddle to park, with light steering making it an easy thing to wend around city streets. The suite of camera views made reversing into tight spots no big deal either, which when you consider this car is a mid-size, feels all the more impressive. The technology I'm pretty happy with what Kia has going on in its cabins for the current range, with the dashboard of the new Sportage being dominated by a now-familiar 12.3in touchscreen infotainment screen. I also like the way it works, with good levels of control options both in the screen and in the long touch button panel, which sits immediately below it. These offer easy access to climate controls and navigation options. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also present. My test car came with lots of additional goodies, like heated and cooled seats, with the latter option being mighty handy in the hot temperatures. There's other neat stuff too, like the way the instrument panel shows the view down the side of the car when either indicator is on, which has been present on Kia's for a while now. I still think it's a nice touch, although I'm not sure just how useful people find it if they already use their door mirrors. Kia Sportage verdict I think Kia has got the Sportage just about right now and there's something for everyone in the powertrain department. I'll personally be heading in the direction of the plug-in edition when that arrives, with its ability to offer 40 miles of all-electric range being perfect for my needs. However, the GT-Line hybrid car seen here is an excellent SUV that offers a decent driving experience, oodles of practicality plus enough storage space to make it a proper family car option. Stuff Says… Score: 4/5 The Kia Sportage in GT-Line hybrid guise packs in plenty of appeal although the forthcoming PHEV version might suit school run folks slightly better. Pros Tried and tested format is nicely honed Respectable performance from all versions Lots of room and plenty of comfort too Cons There's no fully electric option Can feel a little wafty when pushed Exterior looks might prove divisive Kia Sportage technical specifications Powertrain petrol engine + permanent magnet synchronous motor Battery 1.49 kWh Power 177 bhp Torque 184lb-ft 0-62mph 8.1sec Top speed 121mph Cargo volume 587 litres
Motor Trend
14-07-2025
- Automotive
- Motor Trend
2026 Kia Sportage First Drive: Comfy and Cool—But Quick Enough?
Kia messed with a good thing. Just three short years into its current form, the Sportage gets refreshed for 2026 with updated cosmetics and newer tech, among other changes. It's reliably been a strong contender in our Ultimate Car Rankings, so we drove the updated Sportage to see if it's still worthy—yes, but its main shortcoming remains. The 2026 Kia Sportage refresh features updated styling, enhanced tech, and improved driver assists but its base engine is still a sluggish 2.5L four-cylinder. Despite its slow acceleration, the X-Pro we drove offers a smooth ride, impressive build quality, and good value. This summary was generated by AI using content from this MotorTrend article Read Next Updates to the 2026 Kia Sportage This generation of Sportage went on sale for 2023 with weird but cool styling; sculpted bodywork and swoopy lighting shapes add visual personality that prosaic compact SUVs often lack. That somewhat alien aesthetic is toned down for 2026, as the Sportage now wears LED-accented headlights with a vertical theme. These give it a relatively upright, SUV-ish appearance that better aligns with other Kia SUV models. Beyond new wheel styles and paint colors, other exterior design changes include subtle adjustments to the taillights and lower bumpers. Inside, the 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen once reserved for higher trims becomes standard, but more important it runs a new user interface. Called CCNC ('Connected Car Navigation Cockpit' in Kia parlance), it has higher processing power, a revised menu structure, and greater over-the-air update capability. It's embedded in a restyled dashboard that, like the exterior, trades some funky shapes for relatively plain straight-line trim. In the driver assist suite, front and rear parking sensors become standard, the adaptive cruise control is refined, and the lane keep system is paired with a capacitive touch sensor in the new two-spoke steering wheel. Our review here focuses on the standard all-gas Sportage, which remains powered by the same engine as before. However, the Sportage Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid gain more power—you can read about updates to those models here. Still Slow If Kia had changed anything about the Sportage for 2026, we wish it was that gas engine: a 2.5-liter I-4 producing 187 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, joined to an eight-speed automatic with standard FWD or available AWD. It's slow—in MotorTrend testing, a 2023 Sportage X-Pro just like we have for 2026 needed 9.3 seconds to get to 60 mph from a stop. But is it too slow? Usually not. In normal driving, the engine doesn't feel like it's working hard, simply getting on with its business and keeping pace with traffic just fine. Ask for more, though, and it's gutless. Pedal down, the engine needs time to gather itself, eventually producing more noise than urgency. The Sportage isn't defined by its lethargy, but it's a factor—just forget about zipping around corners, jumping into gaps in traffic, or winning lane-merge drag races. The transmission tries to help by readily downshifting to make power available, yet the general lack of power undermines that effort. Still, shifts are smooth, lending a fluid sensation to driving. The only transmission oddity is when it occasionally lurches pulling away from a stop, a quirk more common in dual-clutch gearboxes than the torque converter unit found here. Fuel economy should come in at about 23–24/26–30 mpg city/highway with AWD, somewhat low among the Sportage's competitive set. Note as well that the Sportage Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid are not only more fuel efficient but also considerably quicker. Otherwise, Smooth Beyond its lack of speed, the Sportage leaves very little to complain about—rather, it provides plenty to enjoy. The ride quality is supremely comfortable, verging on luxurious. With tall, supple all-terrain tires adding cushion between the cabin and road, the high-end X-Pro model we evaluated likely rides the best of any Sportage. Still, it uses the same basic suspension as other versions, so every 2026 Sportage should have a similarly plush feel that soaks up road imperfections nicely. Handling perhaps suffers due to the soft suspension, as the body rebounds and wobbles in reaction. The Sportage feels mostly stable, but it's clearly not meant to cut up a road, as if the meager power didn't make that obvious. How the steering and brakes are tuned aligns with this relaxed demeanor. Sporty the Sportage isn't, so just cruise and relish the smoothness. How's CCNC? Kia's previous user interface left some to be desired, and CCNC makes improvements in key areas. This evolution of the previous menu structure remains mostly intuitive, but the entire system is finished with graphics that look more modern and improve clarity. Touch responsiveness is quicker, though still a blink behind newer smartphones. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. More reconfigurability in the digital gauge cluster would be nice, which hopefully could arrive in a future over-the-air update among other improvements. A 12.3-inch touchscreen isn't particularly big among today's affordable crossovers, but it's a good size: legible and useful but not so large that it seems shoved into the cabin. Below that, the slightly clumsy touch-sensitive multifunction climate and media control panel remains. Kia's driver assist features continue to make highway driving easier, aiding collaboratively to keep things steady. Having a capacitive steering wheel sensor for the lane keep assist is a nice upgrade, even if that system needs a fair amount of human management. Might Be Underpriced Fully loaded at about $42,000, this Sportage X-Pro comes across as a tremendously good deal. The amount of equipment—ventilated seats, panoramic sunroof, premium audio, 360-degree camera, and more—for that price is quite impressive. (As a point of reference, the 2026 Sportage starts a hair over $30,000.) But more impressive still is the degree of quality throughout the Sportage, in this trim or any other. It feels remarkably well-made, every touchpoint actuating with nice tactility and all surfaces joined in a tight, solid way. Thick sealing around the doors and windows secures the cabin against outside sounds. It all feels substantial, not something that can be said about every compact SUV. That shows up in how it drives, too. Its cushy ride is no accident, and even if the rest of the experience is a bit dull, there's refined cohesion in how it comes together. A humdrum engine is only one aspect of the Sportage, as its value, comfort, tech, and useful layout otherwise promote it as a good choice for an everyday SUV. The updated Sportage seems competent as ever as it enters 2026.
Scottish Sun
12-07-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Holiday driving mistakes Brits risk abroad – including safety item you must carry at all times & little-known permit
A car expert says Brit drivers should consider insurance, permits and driving on the other side of the road before getting behind the wheel abroad this summer SUMMER HOLIDAY Holiday driving mistakes Brits risk abroad – including safety item you must carry at all times & little-known permit A CAR expert has urged Brits looking to drive abroad this summer to be extra wary of certain rules and regulations. Whether you're using your own or a hired car, driving across a foreign country can be pretty nerve-wracking - but also incredibly fun. 3 Driving abroad requires research and preparation, from understanding local signage to carrying essential equipment like warning triangles and high-visibility jackets Credit: Getty 3 Driving on the right-hand side for the first time can be daunting, but following road markings and traffic flow will help you adjust quickly Credit: Getty 3 On roundabouts, for example, remember to give way to the left, signal correctly, and adjust to unfamiliar traffic flow for a safe journey Credit: Getty However, speaking exclusively to Sun Motors, Auto Express consumer editor Tom Jervis revealed drivers from Blighty should consider insurance, permits and driving on the other side of the road before getting behind the wheel overseas. Make sure you carry the correct equipment with you; driving in France, for example, you have to carry with you at all times a warning triangle and a high-visibility jacket Tom Jarvis, Auto Express Indeed, driving abroad requires some prep - including some study on local signage, speed limits and general rules beforehand. Furthermore, in the EU, a "UK" sticker placed on the rear of your car is mandatory, while some countries require equipment, like a warning triangle and high-visibility jacket, to be carried inside the car at all times. Tom said: 'Driving abroad isn't simply a matter of getting off the ferry/train onto the other side of the road. 'As with many other things, there are certain habits and rules - written and unwritten - to bear in mind. 'It's worth researching beforehand the signage and speed limits of any country you're planning to visit so you're not caught out. 'It's also a legal requirement that, when driving in the EU, you affix a 'UK' sticker to the rear of your car so locals can identify you as a tourist and, hopefully, give you a little extra breathing space. 'On that point, we recommend that you allow plenty of time; being in a rush means you're more likely to make mistakes and this could spell disaster when you're in an environment you're not familiar with. 'Finally, make sure you carry the correct equipment with you; driving in France, for example, you have to carry with you at all times a warning triangle and a high-visibility jacket, among other things. 'Fitting some headlamp reflectors or adjusting your headlights electronically can also help prevent blinding other road users.' Inside Kia's refreshed Sportage including comfy cabin, punchy new looks and driving mode young families will love RIGHT OR WRONG? As Brits, our brains are hardwired to drive on the left from our right-hand-drive vehicles. That means driving on the other side of the road for the first time can be quite daunting - although Tom suggests following the road markings, signs and other traffic it will soon become second nature. Rural roads might be where many come unstuck - especially at night - as there are likely no lines on the road in these areas to help out. Tom's five tips for driving on the right (wrong) side of the road The Centre Line: Ensure you're staying in lane by lining up the central road marking with the left-hand corner of your car's windscreen. Ensure you're staying in lane by lining up the central road marking with the left-hand corner of your car's windscreen. Use Your Sat-Nav: Your navigation system will guide you where to turn and serve as a helpful reminder on roundabouts. It's especially useful for navigating one-way systems with unfamiliar road signs, and it will alert you to changes in speed limits. Your navigation system will guide you where to turn and serve as a helpful reminder on roundabouts. It's especially useful for navigating one-way systems with unfamiliar road signs, and it will alert you to changes in speed limits. Dual Carriageways: Stick to the right-hand lane, as this is the normal driving lane unless overtaking. Remember, your blind spot will now be over your left shoulder. Stick to the right-hand lane, as this is the normal driving lane unless overtaking. Remember, your blind spot will now be over your left shoulder. Turning Left: This manoeuvre involves cutting across traffic, so give way to oncoming vehicles – similar to making a right turn in the UK. On fast-moving roads, you may need to pull over to the right before crossing at a right angle to avoid blocking traffic. Pay attention to the signs. This manoeuvre involves cutting across traffic, so give way to oncoming vehicles – similar to making a right turn in the UK. On fast-moving roads, you may need to pull over to the right before crossing at a right angle to avoid blocking traffic. Pay attention to the signs. Roundabouts: Give way to the left rather than the right at roundabouts and don't forget to signal right when exiting. Thankfully, Brit drivers with a full UK photocard driving licence won't need an International Driving Permit to drive in the EU. But in 140 other countries, including the USA, Turkey and Japan, it's either a legal requirement or recommended. Tom added: 'Thankfully, the website has an extensive list of each country's requirements, so there's no need to search around. 'The permit costs £5.50 and you can apply for one from larger Post Office branches or anywhere with a PayPoint.' UK residents also don't need to carry a special document proving they have insurance for driving abroad. These documents, known as an insurance 'green card', will only be needed if you intend to drive your car in many countries outside the EU. Tom said: 'To apply for one, you simply need to telephone your insurer and ask; it will usually be e-mailed across with no charge or only a small admin fee. 'Check that the cover is the same as you have in the UK rather than just being the legal minimum, and tell your insurer exactly where you're going. 'That will ensure the green card is valid in every country you're travelling through.' 'If you have car insurance in the UK, you will automatically have third party cover in the EU,' he added. 'However, most people driving abroad will want to get fully comprehensive insurance for travelling in Europe, and you will need to check your insurance policy to see exactly what is covered. 'It may be included or you may have to make special arrangements with your insurer. In any case, it's important to carry details of your insurance policy with you when driving your car abroad.' HIRE & GO For petrolheads, renting a vehicle on holiday can be great fun - giving you a chance to drive something different. Tom added: 'It's also less stressful to let the hire company take care of all the legal necessities, such as the high-visibility jackets, winter tyres and warning triangles that you may need when driving abroad. 'But you still need to be on your guard to make sure your rental car doesn't empty your wallet.' Tom advises that first, you should make sure you have the right licence to drive in the country you are visiting - this may include an International Driving Permit if it is outside Europe. 'You will also need to check that you are within the age range specified by the hire company; there will be upper and lower limits, but these can sometimes be stretched for an extra fee,' Tom said. 'When looking for deals online, check out the insurance restrictions. 'Many companies offer basic cover but suggest you upgrade to a more comprehensive package. "It's usually cheaper to arrange this with a third-party company before you leave. Also take note of the situation with fuel. 'Some firms supply the car with a full tank and insist you return it full. Check where the nearest filling station is to the airport and leave time to top up on your return, or you will be charged a steep fee. 'Finally, make a note of any existing damage to the car before you leave the company lot, preferably with photos, and try to get the details acknowledged by a member of staff.'
The Irish Sun
12-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Holiday driving mistakes Brits risk abroad – including safety item you must carry at all times & little-known permit
A CAR expert has urged Brits looking to drive abroad this summer to be extra wary of certain rules and regulations. Whether you're using your own or a hired car, driving across a foreign country can be pretty nerve-wracking - but also incredibly fun. Advertisement 3 Driving abroad requires research and preparation, from understanding local signage to carrying essential equipment like warning triangles and high-visibility jackets Credit: Getty 3 Driving on the right-hand side for the first time can be daunting, but following road markings and traffic flow will help you adjust quickly Credit: Getty 3 On roundabouts, for example, remember to give way to the left, signal correctly, and adjust to unfamiliar traffic flow for a safe journey Credit: Getty However, speaking exclusively to Sun Motors, Auto Express consumer editor Tom Jervis revealed drivers from Blighty should consider insurance, permits and driving on the other side of the road before getting behind the wheel overseas. Make sure you carry the correct equipment with you; driving in France, for example, you have to carry with you at all times a warning triangle and a high-visibility jacket Tom Jarvis, Auto Express Indeed, driving abroad requires some prep - including some study on local signage, speed limits and general rules beforehand. Furthermore, in the EU, a "UK" sticker placed on the rear of your car is mandatory, while some countries require equipment, like a warning triangle and high-visibility jacket, to be carried inside the car at all times. Tom said: 'Driving abroad isn't simply a matter of getting off the ferry/train onto the other side of the road. Advertisement Read more Motors News 'As with many other things, there are certain habits and rules - written and unwritten - to bear in mind. 'It's worth researching beforehand the signage and speed limits of any country you're planning to visit so you're not caught out. 'It's also a legal requirement that, when driving in the EU, you affix a 'UK' sticker to the rear of your car so locals can identify you as a tourist and, hopefully, give you a little extra breathing space. 'On that point, we recommend that you allow plenty of time; being in a rush means you're more likely to make mistakes and this could spell disaster when you're in an environment you're not familiar with. Advertisement Most read in Motors Exclusive 'Finally, make sure you carry the correct equipment with you; driving in France, for example, you have to carry with you at all times a warning triangle and a high-visibility jacket, among other things. 'Fitting some headlamp reflectors or adjusting your headlights electronically can also help prevent blinding other road users.' Inside Kia's refreshed Sportage including comfy cabin, punchy new looks and driving mode young families will love RIGHT OR WRONG? As Brits, our brains are hardwired to drive on the left from our right-hand-drive vehicles. That means driving on the other side of the road for the first time can be quite daunting - although Tom suggests following the road markings, signs and other traffic it will soon become second nature. Advertisement Rural roads might be where many come unstuck - especially at night - as there are likely no lines on the road in these areas to help out. Tom's five tips for driving on the right (wrong) side of the road The Centre Line: Ensure you're staying in lane by lining up the central road marking with the left-hand corner of your car's windscreen. Use Your Sat-Nav: Your navigation system will guide you where to turn and serve as a helpful reminder on roundabouts. It's especially useful for navigating one-way systems with unfamiliar road signs, and it will alert you to changes in speed limits. Dual Carriageways: Stick to the right-hand lane, as this is the normal driving lane unless overtaking. Remember, your blind spot will now be over your left shoulder. Turning Left: This manoeuvre involves cutting across traffic, so give way to oncoming vehicles – similar to making a right turn in the UK. On fast-moving roads, you may need to pull over to the right before crossing at a right angle to avoid blocking traffic. Pay attention to the signs. Roundabouts: Give way to the left rather than the right at roundabouts and don't forget to signal right when exiting. Thankfully, Brit drivers with a full UK photocard driving licence won't need an International Driving Permit to drive in the EU. But in 140 other countries, including the Tom added: 'Thankfully, the website has an extensive list of each country's requirements, so there's no need to search around. Advertisement 'The permit costs £5.50 and you can apply for one from larger Post Office branches or anywhere with a PayPoint.' UK residents also don't need to carry a special document proving they have insurance for driving abroad. These documents, known as an insurance 'green card', will only be needed if you intend to drive your car in many countries outside the EU. Tom said: 'To apply for one, you simply need to telephone your insurer and ask; it will usually be e-mailed across with no charge or only a small admin fee. Advertisement 'Check that the cover is the same as you have in the UK rather than just being the legal minimum, and tell your insurer exactly where you're going. 'That will ensure the green card is valid in every country you're travelling through.' 'If you have car insurance in the UK, you will automatically have third party cover in the EU,' he added. 'However, most people driving abroad will want to get fully comprehensive insurance for travelling in Europe, and you will need to check your insurance policy to see exactly what is covered. Advertisement 'It may be included or you may have to make special arrangements with your insurer. In any case, it's important to carry details of your insurance policy with you when driving your car abroad.' HIRE & GO For petrolheads, renting a vehicle on holiday can be great fun - giving you a chance to drive something different. Tom added: 'It's also less stressful to let the hire company take care of all the legal necessities, such as the high-visibility jackets, winter tyres and warning triangles that you may need when driving abroad. 'But you still need to be on your guard to make sure your rental car doesn't empty your wallet.' Advertisement Tom advises that first, you should make sure you have the right licence to drive in the country you are visiting - this may include an International Driving Permit if it is outside Europe. 'You will also need to check that you are within the age range specified by the hire company; there will be upper and lower limits, but these can sometimes be stretched for an extra fee,' Tom said. 'When looking for deals online, check out the insurance restrictions. 'Many companies offer basic cover but suggest you upgrade to a more comprehensive package. Advertisement "It's usually cheaper to arrange this with a third-party company before you leave. Also take note of the situation with fuel. 'Some firms supply the car with a full tank and insist you return it full. Check where the nearest filling station is to the airport and leave time to top up on your return, or you will be charged a steep fee. 'Finally, make a note of any existing damage to the car before you leave the company lot, preferably with photos, and try to get the details acknowledged by a member of staff.'
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
KIA AMERICA EMBARKS ON EPIC ROAD TRIP IN NEW TWO-PART CREATIVE CAMPAIGN FOR THE 2026 SPORTAGE COMPACT SUV
Campaign highlights versatility and capability of Kia's longest-running nameplate Episodic broadcast effort features the new 2026 Sportage X-Pro and Sportage Hybrid models IRVINE, Calif., July 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Kia America is reveling in the joy, adventure and excitement of the classic American road-trip in a new two-part creative campaign for the 2026 Sportage SUV. As the fast-growing brand's longest-running nameplate, the popular Kia Sportage was recently updated to include a dynamic exterior design featuring a broad, upright grille and a tech-forward cabin with advanced wireless connectivity. The episodic campaign features two 30-second spots that take viewers along for the journey of a lifetime. Entitled "Keep the Adventure Going" and set to "Rock'n Me" by the Steve Miller Band, the first episode follows a young man in a Sportage X-Pro as he drives through various weather conditions and over multiple terrains, with the progress of his cross-country road trip charted by the location on his ever-changing t-shirt. Making a stop in Texas, the driver meets his match – literally – when he spots a young lady wearing the same t-shirt. Hinting of things to come, the tagline "Keep the Adventure Going" appears before the spot cuts to the happy couple, now seated side by side in the Sportage, wearing his-and-hers "Virginia is for Lovers" t-shirts. Picking up where the first let off, we next see the couple – now driving a Sportage HEV with a turbo hybrid powertrain – continuing their adventure and celebrating life's milestones along the way. "Sportage is Kia's longest-running nameplate for a reason, because it is the perfect SUV for every driver regardless of life stage," said Russell Wager, vice president, marketing, Kia America. "With its class-leading interior space, advanced driver assistance features, a tech-forward cabin and available electrified powertrains, Sportage is built for anything people might encounter on the road of life." In addition to the 30-second broadcast spots, making their debut in July, the campaign includes 15-second shorts, digital, print and out-of-home components as well as paid social media including social skins and banners ads across a variety of platforms including: TikTok, Pinterest, Meta, Reddit and Snapchat. Kia America – about us Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys. Kia is recognized as one of the TIME World's Most Sustainable Companies of 2024. Kia serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and WNBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric vehicles sold through a network of nearly 800 dealers in the U.S., including several cars and SUVs proudly assembled in America*. For media information, including photography, visit To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at * Select trims of the 2025 all-electric EV6 and EV9 all-electric three-row SUV, Sportage (excludes HEV and PHEV models), Sorento (excludes HEV and PHEV models), and Telluride are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Kia America Sign in to access your portfolio
