This is the very first spy shots of the next-generation Kia Sportage. Spotted for the first time in Europe around the Nürburgring Nordschleife race track, the fifth-generation Kia Sportage looks nothing like the outgoing model. Sure, the prototype is fully wrapped up in camouflage but it appears to feature the final production body with no plastic padding whatsoever.
The low headlights and recessed taillights
seem to be the real deal as well, though we’re not 100 percent sure about the
latter. The 2022 Kia Sportage reminds a bit of the all-new Hyundai
Tucson as far as the body shape, proportions, and surface treatment are
concerned. That’s not that surprising because the Sportage will share the
platform with the latest Tucson. The upcoming Sportage doesn’t look like
anything from Kia’s current lineup and is likely to inaugurate a new design
language for the brand.
Carscoops photographer says this
particular prototype was a plug-in hybrid because it lacked any engine noise at
startup – though during the laps the ICE made its presence heard. Expect the
Sportage PHEV to combine a 1.6-liter turbocharged petrol engine with an
electric motor and a 13.8 kWh battery pack. As with the Tucson, the EV driving
range should be around 45 km. The rest of the engine lineup is
likely to emulate that of its Hyundai sibling and include a 187 HP naturally
aspirated 2.5-liter Smartstream unit and a 1.6-liter self-charging hybrid in
North America. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid models should come with standard AWD.
In Europe, the 2022 Kia Sportage could
offer a total of five electrified options including mild-hybrid, hybrid, and
plug-in hybrid powertrains, as well as a 1.6-liter CRDi turbo diesel. Transmission
options will include the six-speed Intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT) and a
seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Expect the all-new Sportage to debut in
April 2021 in Korea and later on in Europe and North America.
