Following the introduction of the all-new Telluride SUV and the recent debut of the redesigned Sedona minivan, the brand will bring the new-generation 2022 Kia Sportage to the market. The compact-sized Kia SUV was all for the 2017 model year and the brand applied the mid-cycle update for the 2020 version with changes on the model’s styling, infotainment system and new features. However, heavily camouflaged Sportage was already spotted testing and signaling the arrival of the fifth-generation Sportage. There are also various renderings suggesting the model’s new design.
Based on what we know so far, the all-new Sportage should come with radically changed styling similar to the new Tucson and two models will share the platform as well. The model should also come slightly larger and with a redesigned cabin.
At the performance level, the new Sportage should use the same powertrains as the redesigned Tucson but some reports indicate that unlike the all-new Tucson, the Sportage should skip the plug-in hybrid version but offer a mild-hybrid setup.
2022 Kia Sportage: Design
It’s not a secret that Kia is testing the new-generation Sportage and the model was already spotted in the prototype form. However, a heavily disguised prototype doesn’t reveal much but based on the brand’s recent launches, available renderings and new Tucson, we should have a close picture of what to expect from the new 2022 Kia Sportage.
The fifth-generation Kia Sportage will share the platform with the all-new Tucson benefitting from the use of the weight-saving materials and implementation of the new technologies including electrified powertrains. The new Sportage should also come with slightly revised dimensions with the focus to improve interior comfort and cargo capacity.
From the visual perspective, the new Sportage should come with the radically new styling. The model should adopt the brand’s new design language with styling cues like the new Sedona minivan. The model’s front end should switch to the new sleeker and wider grille design mixed with modern-looking headlights.
The profile of the model should take inspiration from the redesigned Tucson but with toned down body sculpting. There should be aggressive lines and shapes but smoother and simpler than on the all-new Tucson and with less sculpted fender flares.
The model will also have a sloped roofline at the rear and come with a redesigned rear with modern taillights and a sport-style rear bumper.
Interior, Equipment:
There are no many details about the in-cab design of the all-new 2022 Kia Sportage. The model should benefit from some interior and cargo capacity improvements thanks to slightly revised dimensions. The new Sportage should also benefit from the wider use of modern in-car and safety technologies.
Reports suggest that the redesigned Sportage should come with the new dash with a driver-focused design including a Mercedes-like dual-screen infotainment setup. The model should also go on sale with improved material quality and more standard features. The base Sportage equipment list should include an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple car play and Android Auto. The list will also cover active safety systems such as automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, a driver attention monitor and more.
2022 Kia Sportage: Performance
Kia hasn’t yet confirmed what powertrains it has in the mind for the all-new 2022 Kia Sportage but there should not be any surprises.
The new-generation Kia Sportage will share the platform with the redesigned Hyundai Tucson and two models will also be using the same powertrain solutions. Expect the new Sportage with the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine under the hood good for 190 hp and torque of 182 lb-ft. The engine should be in the mix with eth 8-speed automatic transmission. There will be both two- and all-wheel drive options.
Buyers should also have a chance to opt for the 1.6-liter turbo-4 engine good for 230 hp and torque of 258 lb-ft.
Unlike the all-new Tucson, come sources claim that the redesigned Sportage could skip the plug-in hybrid version. The hybrid version should be available.
2022 Kia Sportage: Release, Price
The fully redesigned 2022 Kia Sportage should appear in 2021 with the on-sale date in the second half of the year. The price should go slightly up considering all expected upgrades The current Sportage is available from $23,990.