2025 Kia Sportage GT Review: Bold Looks, Turbo Power, and Tech-Heavy Vibes

When you slap a “GT” badge on a vehicle, it better bring something extra to the table—extra power, extra flair, and extra attitude. The 2025 Kia Sportage GT checks all those boxes, and then some. This isn't just your typical compact SUV dressed up for a night out—it’s built to make an impression, whether you’re merging onto the freeway or pulling up to brunch.

Kia’s come a long way over the last decade, and with this GT trim, they’re stepping deeper into performance-inspired territory. Let’s dive into what makes the Sportage GT a real head-turner and why it could be your next favorite daily driver.

Bold Exterior Styling: Aggressive Yet Elegant

One glance at the Kia Sportage GT, and you’ll notice it doesn’t look like your average crossover. Kia designers went futuristic with this one—and it works. You’ve got those boomerang-style LED daytime running lights, a blacked-out mesh grille, and GT-specific touches like gloss black accents and 19-inch alloy wheels.

A sportier front and rear bumper
Dual chrome exhaust tips
GT-line badging that actually feels earned

In a world full of bland SUVs, the Sportage GT isn’t afraid to be bold.

Under the Hood: Turbocharged and Ready to Run

The Sportage GT packs a 2.5L turbocharged inline-4 engine that cranks out around 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, mated to an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT).

The throttle response is sharp, the gear changes are quick, and even though this is still a front-wheel-drive-based crossover, you feel more in control when taking a tight curve or hitting an open highway. All-wheel-drive is optional, and worth it if you live in a snowy state or love weekend adventures.

Fuel Economy: EPA-estimated 24 MPG city / 28 MPG highway.

Interior: Where Tech Meets Comfort

Inside, the Sportage GT doesn’t disappoint. The cabin feels modern, sporty, and just plain cool. The dual 12.3-inch panoramic curved displays dominate the dashboard—one for your digital gauge cluster, the other for infotainment. It’s clean, responsive, and easy to use.

GT-specific seats with red stitching
Flat-bottom leather-wrapped steering wheel
Heated and ventilated front seats
Wireless phone charging and USB-C ports

Plus, over 39 inches of rear legroom and 74.1 cubic feet of cargo space make it versatile for daily life and road trips alike.

Tech and Safety: Fully Loaded, Of Course

Comes standard with Kia Connect (remote start, navigation, real-time traffic), Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an optional Harman Kardon sound system.

Standard Safety Features:

Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
Lane Keeping & Lane Following Assist
Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert

And yes, it includes Highway Driving Assist—a lifesaver for long commutes.

Driving Experience: Sporty but Not Harsh

In sport mode, the engine note deepens (digitally, but still cool), the throttle sharpens, and you get a taste of that GT spirit. Steering is tight and responsive. The ride is firmer than base models but still comfortable for daily use.

What Makes the Sportage GT Special?

The 2025 Sportage GT blends performance-inspired touches with everyday usability. Not quite a full-on performance SUV, but definitely not boring.

Think of it as the guy who shows up to the office in sneakers and a blazer—stylish, but not trying too hard.

Pricing: Worth the Step Up?

Starting around $33,000 for the AWD GT-Line trim, the Sportage GT is a great value for the style, features, and fun it delivers. It undercuts rivals like the Mazda CX-5 Turbo and Toyota RAV4 XSE in pricing, but not in personality.