The all-new Kia Sportage SUV has been revealed and this fifth-gen model has been completely overhauled, inside and out.
- New Kia Sportage shares underpinnings with latest-gen Hyundai Tucson
- Gets fresh design and region-specific versions suitable to local preferences
- Long features list includes soft-touch switches and a curved digital display
2022 Kia Sportage: what’s new on the outside?
For the first time in the Sportage’s 28-year life cycle, Kia has confirmed a Europe-specific variant (apart from a North American and ASEAN-spec) to arrive in September, though, visually, it will be closely related to the one revealed here. A bespoke chassis tune and lightly revised styling will set it apart, and it will be built exclusively in Slovakia.
The Sportage is the second production model after the new Kia EV6 to be designed under Kia’s new ‘Opposites United’ ethos. The Sportage’s relationship with the new flagship electric car is evident from shared elements, including its distinctive ‘boomerang’ headlights, concave bootlid, swollen rear arches and prominent spoiler. It was designed as a collaborative effort by Kia’s Korean, German, US and Chinese design centres.
For the first time, the Sportage is available with a contrasting roof, while a chrome beltline is said to create “harmonious lines with the rear spoiler that further adds to the sporting pedigree of the car”. A new Sportage X-Line is due, too, bringing rugged bodystyling and a curved roof rack, though it’s not confirmed for the UK or Europe.
2022 Kia Sportage: what’s new on the inside?
Inside, the Sportage gains a curved digital display, a new touchscreen infotainment display and an array of ‘soft-touch’ haptic switches on the gloss-finish centre console. Kia claims to have used “the highest-quality materials” throughout to ensure the Mk5 Sportage “is a special place to spend time”.
2022 Kia Sportage: engine and powertrain options
Kia has yet to detail any of the Sportage’s available powertrains, though it is likely to follow the closely related and recently updated Hyundai Tucson in gaining a range of mild-hybrid, full-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains based around a 1.6-litre petrol engine.
Kia SUV, MPV line-up in India: 2021 and beyond
Kia currently sells the Seltos, Sonet and the Carnival in India. The company will also introduce an all-new MPV (Codename: KY) in India sometime early next year.
Also see:
Kia Soul name registered in India
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Kia Carnival offered with 30 day return scheme
Kia Seltos real world fuel economy tested, explained