The wraps have come off the new fifth-generation Kia Sportage, set to go on sale towards the end of 2021. The latest SUV from the Korean brand will hit the market with a fresh and bold look and an entirely new interior loaded with new technology.
The brand will unveil a model specifically designed for the European market in September. So, this first look is at the international market specification: the car we’ll see later this year, destined for the UK, might look slightly different.
The new Kia Sportage takes inspiration from the design of the all-electric EV6, which shares the same C-shaped daytime running lights and an aggressive hood line at the front, and a streamlined version of the EV’s full-width light bar at the rear. Other similarities include a raised waistline and triangular D-pillars. The Tiger Nose radiator grille, Kia’s trademark, makes an appearance, being the most significant interpretation of the distinctive design feature on any of the brand’s vehicles to date. Two-tone paint will also appear for the first time on the Sportage. The brand has yet to share exterior dimensions or boot capacity figures, so we’re not sure if the new design is more spacious or practical than before.
Inside, Kia’s revisions for the Sportage are equally extensive. Like the EV6, there’s a massive curved infotainment system on the dashboard, flowing into a digital instrument cluster. Kia has not confirmed any specifications yet, but it’s likely to be the same setup found in the recently launched Hyundai Tucson, making use of two 10.25-inch screens. The central console also has controls for the infotainment system, along with a shift-by-wire automatic selector.
Kia has also confirmed that it will launch a new X-Line sport specification on the new Sportage. The sportier body kit will include a new front bumper, lower side skirts, and a curved roof rack, along with a choice of two unique upholstery finishes in sage green or black. The cabin will also feature quilting and black metal wood trim.
New Kia Sportage 2021: Engines and Transmissions
Kia has not confirmed any details about the engine and transmissions of the upcoming Sportage yet, but, like the current model, it is expected to share much of its mechanics with the Hyundai Tucson.
If the next Sportage makes use of the full range of Tucson engines, there will be a choice of front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. Electrification will also be a significant focus across the range; Hyundai’s lineup starts with petrol and diesel engines, including a 48-volt mild-hybrid setup.
The system, already offered in some engines of the current Sportage lineup, harnesses braking energy when slowing down and charges a small battery. This then deploys its charge to reduce the load on the engine under acceleration. The MHEV technology will be paired with the group’s Intelligent Manual Transmission, a manual gearbox featuring an electronically controlled clutch to allow coasting with the engine off.
The next step in the hybrid range will be a more traditional petrol-electric combination. A 1.6-liter combustion engine will be combined with a 59 bhp electric motor, for a combined power of 227 bhp and 350 Nm of torque. The hybrid will enable short-distance driving in electric-only mode, with the batteries charged either on the go or from the engine itself.
A plug-in model will offer the most potential for low fuel bills, while low tax rates will be a big incentive for company car users. The same 1.6-liter petrol engine is likely to be featured, but with a larger capacity battery and a more powerful electric motor, it should return a zero-emission range of around 30 miles.
If it follows in the footsteps of the Tucson fully, the Sportage could offer configurable suspension, thanks to the option of adaptive dampers. A semi-autonomous driving system is also planned, allowing the Sportage to accelerate, brake, and drive in lanes for short periods before needing driver intervention.
