2022 KIA Sportage Make its Global Debut

July 13, 2021 / By Zunair Tahir / Automotive News

Kia debuted the fifth-generation Sportage with its radical redesign about a month ago, and now the compact crossover is returning to unveil its technical details. Keep in mind that we’re dealing with the global / KDM variant, which has a larger wheelbase, whereas Europe will get a vehicle with a shorter wheelbase. By looking at the size of the rear doors, you can plainly tell this is the LWB.

Gasoline, diesel, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrains available.

Dimensions

Speaking of size, the stretched 2022 Sportage is 4660 millimeters (183.5 inches) long, 1865 mm (73.4 in) wide, and 1660 mm (65.3 in) tall, with the wheelbase measuring 2755 mm (108.4 in). According to Kia, these proportions along with the improved packaging brought by the new platform give the compact crossover segment-leading headroom, legroom, and cargo capacity (637 liters).

There’s a turbocharged 1.6-liter gasoline engine with 177 horsepower and 265 Newton-meters (195 pound-feet) of torque on offer. It may be driven with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

If you still want a diesel in 2021, Kia will offer a new 2.0-liter oil-burner with 183 horsepower and 417 Nm in the revised Sportage (308 lb-ft). You won’t be able to row your own gears if you choose the diesel, as it only works with a highly modified eight-speed automatic transmission.

Interior

Terrain Mode, which includes Drive, Comfort, Eco, Sport, and Smart selectable modes, makes its debut with the all-new crossover and adapts the vehicle’s settings to fit the kind of terrain, including mud, sand, and snow. For maximum power delivery,

Kia has also introduced a new electronic control suspension with real-time damping adjustment that works in tandem with the electronically controlled AWD system. Another first for the Sportage is an X-Line trim level, which will be available on other vehicles in the range, including the larger Sorento. It’s essentially an off-road cosmetic upgrade that gives the crossover a more rugged look.