Only a month after Kia released official images of the striking new 2022 Sportage, it now revealed every other crunchy detail about its upcoming compact crossover.
For a first, the 2022 Sportage is 6.8″ longer, 0.3″ wider, and half an inch taller than the previous model, now standing at 183.5″ long, 73.4″ wide, and 165.3″ tall. The wheelbase also grew by 3.3 inches, to a total of 108.4 inches. As a result, Kia claims the new Sportage’s 41.3″ legroom, 39.3″ headroom, and 637-liter expandable cargo capacity are class-leading figures.
A quick scan of the SUV’s new bold exterior reveals a somewhat controversial, gloss-black ‘Tiger Nose grille’ up front, flanked by sharp boomerang-shaped LED daytime running lights and matrix LED headlights.
Furthermore, its dynamic side profile is emphasized by a crisp silhouette with deep body creases, a chrome beltline that stretches to the D-pillar, and a new optional black roof for the Sportage lineup.
A rugged diffuser integrated into the distinct bumper and a set of razor taillights linked by a light strip adds a sporty elegance to the rear. For the wheels, Kia offers sizes ranging from 17″ to 19″ depending on the trim, available in various patterns and finishes.
The cabin is home to a flowing curved display panel that combines twin 12-inch screens for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system. Other interior features include a restyled, more driver-oriented center console, soft-touch switches, a shift-by-wire transmission dial, and a Harman Kardon premium sound system. Meanwhile, debuting on the 2022 Sportage is the X-line trim bringing a rugged personality to the SUV and a sportier GT-line package.
The all-new crossover is also packed with high-tech safety features, courtesy of Kia’s Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS). The package includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot View Monitor, Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control, and Highway Driving Assist. Remote Smart Parking Assist is also available.
Then comes the main part: the powertrains. The new Sportage will be offered with a range of engine options, including a petrol-powered ICE, as well as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid configuration. Unfortunately, Kia has only released specs for two of them.
Namely, the 1.6-liter TGDI gas unit produces 177hp and 195lb-ft of torque, while the 2.0-liter turbodiesel provides 183hp and 308lb-ft of torque. The former will be paired with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed DCT automatic gearbox, while the latter will only be made available with a heavily-reengineered eight-speed automatic.
Furthermore, a new Terrain mode, aside from the default Drive mode, including Comfort, Eco, Sport, and Smart sub-settings, is another standout feature of the 2022 Sportage. When selected, the Terrain mode can change the vehicle’s capabilities while traversing rugged terrains like snow, mud, and sand. It also gets a reinforced Electric Control Suspension, which provides real-time continuous damping control for “optimum comfort and superior safety levels at all times,” claims the company.
The all-new Kia Sportage should hit global markets by the end of 2021. A dedicated European-spec model is also in the cards, which Kia will reveal at a later date.
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