Kia has announced pricing and specifications for the all-new Sportage ahead of its arrival in showrooms early in 2022. The launch of the new car signals the widest range of powertrains ever, with customers able to choose from mild hybrid, hybrid, petrol, and diesel. Plug-in hybrid variants will join the line-up towards the end of Q1 2022.
The fifth-generation of Kia’s popular crossover has been designed and developed to cater specifically for European tastes and roads – a tactic the manufacturer used with the release of the ProCeed shooting brake model in 2019 which was similarly engineered on European roads, for European drivers.
Kia Sportage exterior
Developed on a new architecture, the new Sportage has been engineered with optimal wheelbase, dimensions and proportions for Europe.
From the front, the new Sportage showcases Kia’s signature Tiger Nose grille which links to the distinctive futuristic-styled boomerang-shaped LED daytime running lights. This in turn creates solid boundary lines for the striking Matrix LED head lamps.
Paying homage to its origin as an SUV, the side profile of the new Sportage creates a stirring road presence which combines with the more traditional crossover appeal highlighted by the inclusion of the contrasting black roof which accentuates the sporting profile and highlights the C-pillar.
This extends to the rear of the car with its swooping fastback design flowing into the rear lamps. This connects into the slim horizontal design to give a wide stance and underscores its everyday practicality and usability.
Kia Sportage interior
The interior of the new Sportage furthers the European-centric appeal of the crossover by offering increased luggage capacity, headroom and legroom over the outgoing model.
The cutting-edge interior offers a driver-orientated space which has been carefully crafted to fuse breakthrough tech with luxury features, premium materials and modern style.
Central to this is a state-of-the-art integrated curved display: this high-tech 12.3-inch touchscreen and advanced integrated controller act as the nerve centre for driver and passenger connectivity, functionality and usability.
An ergonomic centre console has been optimally positioned for the driver and front passenger, providing storage, operating system configuration, cupholders and soft-touch switches as well as a wireless smartphone charging bay.
Combining practicality, functionality and versatility, the new Sportage offers 996mm legroom for second-row passengers while headroom at the rear is 998mm. Luggage capacity is 591 litres which can be extended to 1,780l with the rear 40:20:40 split seats folded down.
Kia Sportage tech
The high-tech 12.3-inch touchscreen is equipped with the latest-generation full thin-film-transistor liquid-crystal display for incredibly precise and clear graphics and benefits from the latest over-the-air software and map updates.
The advanced connectivity software in new Sportage also allows users to connect with their vehicle remotely via the Kia Connect smartphone app. This interactive, easy-to-use tech also gives users access to key onboard features such as Kia Live Services, Online Navigation, Online voice recognition and Calendar integration from your smartphone.
Fully immersive, in-car surround sound is delivered to the occupants of the new Sportage via Harman Kardon premium sound system.
To create a dynamic, engaging and optimal driving experience for European roads, the new Sportage also debuts numerous highly innovative technologies. These include a new-generation Electronic Controlled Suspension to provide optimum comfort and superior safety thanks to its continuous damping control. A new Terrain Mode also gives the Sportage outstanding ride capabilities in more challenging conditions such as snow, mud and sand.
Kia Sportage engines
The new Sportage will be launched with a comprehensive range of powertrains, including state-of-the-art hybrid and plug-in hybrid as well as the very latest petrol and diesel engines.
The PHEV Sportage features Kia’s award-winning 1.6-litre T-GDI petrol engine, a 66.9kW permanent magnet traction electric motor and a 13.8kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack. This combines to deliver a total system power output of 265PS.
The Hybrid model utilises the same 1.6 T-GDI engine with a 44.2kW permanent magnet traction electric motor and a 1.49kWh battery to offer 230PS.
The new 1.6 T-GDI petrol engine is also offered with a mild hybrid system. Mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual, it has been developed to reduce emissions and optimize frugality, combining enhanced efficiency with sporty performance to generate 150 or 180PS.
Also included in the launch line-up is a highly efficient 1.6-litre clean diesel engine. Available with 115 or 136PS power outputs, it is paired with either a six-speed intelligent manual or 7-speed dual clutch and features active emissions control technologies to cut NOx pollutants. The 136PS diesel model is also available with mild-hybrid technology, further reducing emissions and enhancing efficiency.
Kia Sportage pricing and specs
Following the same straightforward grade structure that characterises every model in the Kia range, Sportage ‘2’ starts from £26,745. A 148bhp 1.6-litre turbo petrol or a 113bhp 1.6-litre diesel (£27,745) is offered in the range, with equipment highlights including 17-inch alloys, LED headlamps, front and rear parking sensors with a reversing camera, cruise control and auto lights and wipers with an auto-dimming rear-view mirror.
An 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system features DAB radio, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, with a range of safety features including Forward Collision Avoidance with pedestrian, cyclist and junction detection offered.
GT-Line (from £29,745) introduces a 48v mild-hybrid versions of the 1.6-litre petrol and 1.6-litre diesel offered with a seven-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox. A plug-in hybrid is set to arrive after the initial launch priced from £38,395.
It features the same kit as ‘2’, with additions including gloss black detailing on its radiator grille, side sills and wheel arches for a sportier appearance and has 19in wheels, a 12.3in infotainment display with sat-nav, rear privacy glass, Kia’s smart entry system and chrome skid plates.
Sportage ‘3’ (£30,945-£39,595) shares the same engine range as the GT-Line and gains 18in wheels, the 12.3in display, a digital driver’s display, heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel and smart cruise control.
Sportage ‘4’ comes with 48V mild-hybrid technology across its engine range and all feature all-wheel drive. Prices start from £36,445 for the 1.6-litre T-GDi engine and climb to £41,795 for the all-wheel drive PHEV.
This trim includes a panoramic sunroof, a premium Harman Kardon speaker system, adaptive LED headlights, ambient lighting, a 360* camera and a blind-spot view monitor.
At the pinnacle of the all-new Sportage line-up is ‘GT-Line S’ specification which takes the ‘4’ model as its basis and adds GT-Line styling, 19in alloy wheels, artificial leather and suede upholstery, a 10-way adjustable driver’s seat and eight-way passenger seat with memory function, a smart tailgate and an optional two-tone black roof. Prices start from £38,445 for the 148bhp 1.6-litre T-GDi and rises to £43,495 for the all-wheel drive PHEV model.