kia sportage 588361 v1
kia sportage 588363 v2
kia sportage 588364 v2
kia sportage 588359 v3
kia sportage 588360 v2
Carsales Staff6 Jul 2021
NEWS

New Kia Sportage detailed

Futuristic features for Kia’s new-generation Toyota RAV4 rival, but hybrid powertrain not locked in

UPDATED 06/07/2021 6:00pm: Kia Australia has confirmed three engine options for locally-delivered Sportage SUVs, starting with a carryover 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine (117kW/191Nm) for entry-level models.

Up-spec model-grades will get the same 1.6-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine (132kW/265Nm) and 2.0-litre turbo-diesel four-pot engine (137kW/417Nm) as the new Hyundai Tucson.

That means the current 2.4-litre (135kW/237Nm) petrol engine will be dropped when the new-generation Kia Sportage arrives in Australia from around November 2021.

Original article published 06/07/2021 5:30pm: Kia showed us the exterior and interior design of the 2022 Kia Sportage a month ago, and now the South Korean car-maker has filled out all-important details for its next-generation mid-size SUV.

Set to arrive in Australia around November 2021, with prices tipped to rise compared to the current $30,000 to $50,000 range, the new Kia Sportage claims to have class-leading headroom, legroom and luggage space.

Kia says the new Sportage is “ahead of its competitors” in terms of cabin space and technology, the latter headlined by twin 12.0-inch screens that dominate the cabin and cover a large portion of the dashboard.

Other major advances for the Toyota RAV4 and Nissan X-TRAIL competitor include sleeker and simpler climate controls and a circular dial-type gear selector, while top-spec model grades (most likely GT-Line) will offer heated and ventilated front seats and a Harman Kardon sound system.

kia sportage 588364 v2

Wireless phone charging is on offer, while over-the-air software and map updates are part of the package and an E-Handling system with “electric control suspension” is claimed to deliver improved ride and handling “thanks to its continuous damping control in real-time”, according to Kia.

While Australian specs are still to be confirmed, the new Kia Sportage will definitely deliver more interior space, with the vehicle’s overall length extending from 4485mm to 4660mm. Cargo space (with the rear seats upright) rises from 466 litres to 637L.

kia sportage 588363 v2

Based on the brand’s latest ‘N3’ platform architecture, the Sportage’s wheelbase has grown by 85mm to 2755mm – the same as its twin sibling, the Hyundai Tucson, which was recently crowned carsales’ Best Mid-Size SUV 2021.

The extended wheelbase serves to increase legroom in the second row, while more rear seat headroom is reflected by a 15mm increase in overall vehicle height, now at 1660mm height.

The new Sportage is also 10mm wider at 1865mm.

A shorter version of the Kia Sportage is also available overseas, but it’s likely to be offered chiefly in European countries.

kia sportage 588362 v2

More safety systems

As expected, the fifth-generation Kia Sportage will also deliver dozens of new safety systems and driver assistance technologies.

Like the Hyundai Tucson, the new Kia Sportage comes with the latest autonomous emergency braking (AEB) tech that can detect vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians.

Autonomous steering, braking and acceleration can be accessed via systems such as navigation-augmented adaptive cruise control and lane centring assist, while an advanced blind-spot collision avoidance assistance system with camera view in the digital instrument panel is also provided.

kia sportage 588360 v2

Like it’s bigger brother, the Kia Sorento, the new Sportage even has a remote smart parking assist feature, where drivers can use the key fob to remotely control forward and reverse movement without anyone inside the vehicle.

Other new features include matrix LED headlights with auto-dipping high beams. There’s also a rugged X-Line model that features a chunkier exterior design with extra body protection, roof racks and green interior decor. However, it’s not clear if this variant will be offered in Australia.

kia sportage 588359 v3

Powertrain options

For now, Kia’s international info on the new Sportage details two conventional engines: a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder (132kW/265Nm), and a new 2.0-litre turbo-diesel four (137kW/416Nm), both of which are already found in the Hyundai Tucson.

The petrol engine combines with a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, while the diesel pairs with an eight-speed auto. All Aussie models are expected to be auto-only.

Details of the forthcoming series-parallel and plug-in hybrid powertrains have not been disclosed, but they’re expected to mirror the Tucson’s offerings overseas, which are based around a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine.

kia sportage 588358 v1

Kia Australia is currently considering its options on the hybrid powertrains, with a spokesperson saying they’re “not completely off the agenda but definitely not confirmed either”.

There are other engines in the mix, too, including a carryover 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine (115kW/192Nm) that connects to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Stay tuned for more Australian-market details on the 2022 Kia Sportage, including pricing and model line-up.

Share this article
Written byCarsales Staff
See all articles
Our team of independent expert car reviewers and journalistsMeet the team
Stay up to dateBecome a carsales member and get the latest news, reviews and advice straight to your inbox.
Download the carsales app
    AppStoreDownloadGooglePlayDownload
    App Store and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc. Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC.
    © CAR Group Ltd 1999-2024
    In the spirit of reconciliation we acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.