A few weeks ago, we shared everything we know about the Kia Sportage of the next generation which will not hit our market until 2023. It seems the sketches that had been leaked online were telling the truth: Kia has just lifted the veil on the production model, and it is exactly as we had it. predicted.
It is not surprising, however, to see the Sportage modernize at last. After all, the model was getting old. It was also in the middle of a range of vehicles which has just been modernized and which adopts a new stylistic language as well as a new badge. The next Sportage therefore harmonizes better with other models Kia.
Designed by Montreal-born stylist Karim Habib, this new Sportage has a much more dynamic look than its predecessor, which had a sympathetic and rather adorable face, reminiscent from certain angles of Yoshi’s egg in Mario bros.
It is quite the opposite here. We are dealing with a much more angular Sportage whose grille dominates the grille. It is adorned with LED headlights placed vertically in the shape of a boomerang. The headlights are now located in the lower part of the bumper. The rear part is closer to that of the Sorento while borrowing styling elements from the EV6, the manufacturer’s next electric vehicle.
The interior also follows the latest trends from the manufacturer with its fully digital dashboard and vertical air vents. New color schemes and better materials will give the Sportage a considerably more luxurious interior than the current model.
Unsurprisingly, this Sportage will borrow most of its mechanical components from the Hyundai Tucson, which has also just been revamped. It will therefore be based on the same platform and would be driven, in all likelihood, by the same three engines, including a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid.
However, Kia has not yet confirmed the technical characteristics for our market. The manufacturer could surprise us, however, by offering an SX version powered by the same 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine as the K5 GT. Remember that there is no engine that emphasizes performance on the side of the Tucson. The Sportage could therefore wear this hat.
The model you see on the screen is the one intended for other markets. This is the Sportage with extended wheelbase that we probably won’t get here due to the Sorento being in the North American lineup. Kia is expected to unveil our Sportage and its technical specifications sometime in the fall.
