2022 Kia Sportage comes with extroverted styling, multiple powertrain options

Kia has introduced the 5th generation Sportage boasting the brand's "Opposites United" design language, which we also find in the EV6 battery-electric crossover. Compared to the ongoing model, the 2022 Kia Sportage features extroverted styling thanks to alien-looking headlights, a unique grille design, and sleek and beefy bodywork.

The detail-orientated black grille graphic stretches the breadth of the front end, and the extended boomerang-shaped LED running lights twist upward, drawing to the border of the clamshell bonnet.

The side-window section tightens on the way to the rear, where blacked-out C-pillars develop a floating roof effect. We see shoulder lines leaning softly down at the back to link to the top corners of the flamboyant LED tail-light clusters.

The 2022 Kia Sportage will be available with 17-, 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels. Plenty of options in wheel designs, body colours and finishes make the compact crossover more desirable.

While the exterior design is remarkable, the interior is Avant-grade - like what we see in the facelifted Sorento. We can find uniquely formed ventilation outlets and a thin, rectangular climate-control console situated in the midpoint of the dash.

Apart from the driver-orientated cabin, the main highlight of the 2022 Sportage is the integrated curved display that features both the 12-inch digital instrument cluster and the 12-inch infotainment touchscreen.

Other things we can notice in the interior is the glossy centre console offering adequate storage, cupholders, a wireless charging pad, soft-touch switches, an engine start/stop button, and a shift-by-wire transmission dial.

The 5^th generation Sportage measures 4,660 mm long, 1,865 mm wide, and 1,660 mm high with a wheelbase of 2,755 mm. The interior room is plentiful, and the automaker claims the crossover offers 1,050 mm legroom for second-row occupants, 1,000 mm headroom, and 637 litres of boot space.

In South Africa, besides other trims, we are expecting the Sportage in a rugged X-Line model with curved roof rail, lugged bumper, and side sills in addition to a signature sage green interior trim. On the other hand, the Sportage GT-Line boasts a solid black and white interior contrast.

We are expecting the 2022 Kia Sportage in Petrol and Diesel. The 1.6-litre TGDI petrol engine would deliver 132 kW and 265 Nm of torque, mating a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox or a 6-speed manual.

Diesel fans would love to have a new 2.0-litre diesel powerplant generating 137 kW and 416 Nm, channeled to the wheels via an updated 8-speed automatic transmission.

Hybrid and plug-in hybrid models will be available in specific markets. Right now, we don’t know if they will be available in Mzansi.

There are plenty of new facilities in the new Sportage that make its drive more comfortable and responsive. Features like Comfort, Eco, Sport, Smart and the new Terrain modes, E-Handling technology, electronic all-wheel-drive, and a new Electric Control Suspension (ECS) with adjustable damping all add to its merits.

The 2022 Kia Sportage should hit the roads here in early 2022. Until then, check out the MotorHappy blog for our latest reviews on other new SUVs arriving in SA.

Please note the imagery supplied in this blog was taken off www.topspeed.com;