After a few years on the market, Kia has given the third-gen Sportage a facelift for 2014 made up of minor visual upgrades and a revamped powerplant. Unveiled in Irvine, California, the refreshed Sportage comes with a revised grille and restyled headlights with the option of HID headlights and LED taillights. The base 2.4-liter inline-four now comes with direct injection for improved efficiency and a modest boost in output from 176 hp and 168 lb-ft of torque to 182 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque.

By axing the base trim level from the 2014 Sportage range, Kia has gotten rid of the manual box, but the LX model now comes with high-performance dampers in line with the EX and SX trims. Interior upgrades are limited to some more standard equipment in the shape of a tilt/telescope steering column, reclining rear outboard seats and a rear seat ventilation system. A Premium package adds ventilated front seats, leather-trimmed seats, panoramic sunroof, and power-folding outside mirrors, while the addition of UVO eServices enables drivers to connect to the internet via their smartphone.