Has anyone removed the chrome trim from their 2025 Sportage door panel?

My wife just got a 2025 Prestige SX, and she’s thinking about removing the chrome and silver accents from the door panels. I have some experience with trim removal, but I’m curious if anyone knows whether this trim piece is attached with pop clips or 3M tape before I start messing with it.

Also, the black replacement part looks like it could just be removed without needing to be replaced. Has anyone dealt with this before?

@Cillian
I forgot about plastidip. Not a bad idea to try that.

TurboTraveler said:
@Cillian
I forgot about plastidip. Not a bad idea to try that.

It’s cheap, easy to use, and won’t damage the finish underneath. Only downside is that it doesn’t have a glossy finish.

@Cillian
Apparently, there’s a glossy version now. Just need to figure out what type to use on the car.

TurboTraveler said:
@Cillian
Apparently, there’s a glossy version now. Just need to figure out what type to use on the car.

@Cillian

@Lilyharper
She’s a beauty! I really want one of those front bumpers. It’s one of the nicest front ends out there.

@Lilyharper
Wow, you have a 4-digit number plate on your Sportage. Nice .

I replaced the same trim on a 2023 SX (not the Prestige). It was held on by one screw at each end and about a dozen pop-in clips in between.

A few things to keep in mind:

  1. You’ll likely break some clips when removing the trim. It’s tricky to remove without breaking, even if you know where to push.

  2. The trim hangs over the door, and if you remove it, your door will look shorter vertically. You’ll also see all the holes left behind.

  3. If you remove the trim, you can also take out the metal trim accent in the middle, but you’ll be left with bolt holes.

My suggestion: Just use some vinyl wrap and cover the metal accent in the middle.

@Washington
Thanks for the heads up. I appreciate the info .

I’m looking at getting this model too. How’s the car aside from the door panel trim?

snoop said:
I’m looking at getting this model too. How’s the car aside from the door panel trim?

We’ve had the 2023 PHEV for almost two years. It’s been great with no issues. My commute is perfect for the plug-in, so I mainly drive it in electric mode. When the engine kicks in, the acceleration is good in sport mode.

snoop said:
I’m looking at getting this model too. How’s the car aside from the door panel trim?

Can’t say much yet. I’ve only had it for two days. So far, it’s very cozy, and I’m impressed with the features.

@TurboTraveler
How’s the acceleration? It’s the main issue I hear about with these cars.

snoop said:
@TurboTraveler
How’s the acceleration? It’s the main issue I hear about with these cars.

I’m not a good judge of that. I drive a modified WRX STI, so it all feels slow to me. I only drove it for a test drive, it’s my wife’s car, I’m just helping her with what she wants.

snoop said:
@TurboTraveler
How’s the acceleration? It’s the main issue I hear about with these cars.

I’m looking at the gas model, was concerned about the acceleration, but I think the hybrid should be better.

Wrapping it seems like the best option. It saves you from accidentally breaking clips and other issues.

What about using PPF wrap instead of vinyl wrap? I had it on my 2021 Sorento, and it’s a very durable material. It comes in both glossy and matte finishes.