We previously reported about the design of the fifth-generation Kia Sportage that sports a sleeker and more modern look. Kia said that the design of the new version has taken inspiration from the brand relaunch and the introduction of the EV6, which looks like a vehicle you would see in the future.
2022 Kia Sportage
As the Kia Sportage is nearing its global market launch slated this year, the Korean automaker has revealed more official specifications to give interested car buyers what to expect. It is said to be carefully crafted from the ground up to be the ultimate urban compact crossover SUV.
“Our new Sportage is a true inspiration for the SUV category in every sense. Be it the forward-thinking, stellar interior, next-generation tech, efficient and responsive powertrains, the highest levels in safety systems or the very latest engineering breakthroughs that guarantee a responsive and optimal drive – the all-new Sportage is the ultimate urban SUV,” said Kia Corporation Senior Vice President Artur Martins.
Snazzy-looking compact crossover
Developed with the brand’s new design language called Opposites United, the 2022 Kia Sportage bears crisp character lines that give the compact crossover its innovative look. Kia engineered the new model to sport with a dimension that spans 4,660mm in length, 1,865mm in width, and 1,660mm in height.
With these numbers, the compact crossover is said to offer 1,050mm of legroom for second-row passengers, 1,000mm of headroom, and 637 liters of luggage space. The rear seats can be folded down with the simple press of a button to further increase the size of the cargo.
Depending on the variant, the 2022 Sportage can be equipped with 17-inch, 18-inch, and 19-inch wheels. These can be configured into seven different alloy designs, colors, and finishes. Further improving the design of the next-gen version is its black roof which helps accentuate the sporting profile and highlight its dynamic C-pillar. The final look is a result of a collaborative effort between Kia’s main global design network in Korea, Germany, the US, and China.
A significant improvement as compared to the outgoing model
Inside, the cabin is designed to display a luxurious, premium, and innovative look which shows on the dashboard finish. It is integrated with a high-tech 12-inch touchscreen and an advanced integrated controller to improve functionality and help drivers focus more on the road.
The new top-of-the-line X-Line gets more features to enhance the design of the model inside and out even more. These variant-exclusive features include a lugged bumper, curved roof rack, side sill, and a sage green color cabin with bold quilting and black metal wood to provide a more premium finish.
Kia has unveiled two different powertrains for the fifth-generation Kia Sportage. The first option is a 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engine that can make 178 hp and 264 Nm of torque, while the second option is a 2.0-liter diesel engine that produces 183 hp and 417 Nm of torque.
Futuristic details are integrated into the cabin
The turbocharged gasoline engine can be paired to either a standard 6-speed manual or 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). On the other hand, the diesel powertrain is available with an improved 8-speed automatic transmission.
Soon, the Korean automaker will introduce hybrid (HEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants of the Sportage which should further expand its range. These options will deliver a no-compromise eco-friendly that will help the compact crossover slowly adapt to the inevitable electric vehicle (EV).
Safety-wise, the new Kia Sportage is equipped with an in-house developed Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) technology to avoid potential hazards. This safety tech comes with Kia’s industry-leading Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA), Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control (NSCC), Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), and more.
It should be out before the year ends
As said earlier, Kia will launch the next-gen Sportage to global markets later this year. Other important information such as the official pricing and the specific hybrid powertrains that will be used should be revealed before the Korean compact crossover’s global debut.
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