All-new Kia Sportage Teased a Few Weeks Ahead of World Debut
[[UPDATE-06/01/2021: The world premiere has been announced for June 8.]]
Following its cousin, the Hyundai Tucson, the Kia Sportage is about to get a complete makeover. The fifth-generation model promises to put on quite a show.
- Also: Is This Actually the New 2022 Kia Sportage?
- Also: Five Things to Know About the 2019 Kia Sportage
The Korean automaker today revealed early images that offer a preview of the redesigned compact SUV, which will reportedly establish new benchmarks in the segment.
Instead of drawing inspiration from its highly successful little brother, the all-new Seltos, the next-gen Sportage is influenced by Kia’s new design language, called “Opposites United,” which was introduced with the Kia EV6 electric crossover earlier this year. It sports a much sleeker and angular silhouette than the outgoing Sportage, that’s for sure.
Up front, the dramatically re-styled grille and headlight combination will be a real head-turner, especially with those large, boomerang-shaped daytime running lights. There are new wheels and crisp character lines on the sides, while the redesigned taillights are pretty eye-catching, too. Let’s not forget the new Kia logo.
Now, wait until you see the interior. Behind the revised steering wheel and atop the cleaner-looking dashboard is a huge, curved digital display that combines the instrument panel and centre touchscreen. This is very similar to the EV6, though with Sportage-specific design cues all around.
The infotainment system will be improved for better connectivity, Kia says. Look for ambient lighting, as well.
“Taking inspiration from an ethos we created where nature meets technology, the all-new Sportage challenges the norm with an adventurous and contemporary exterior and a carefully conceived, beautifully detailed interior,” explains Canadian Karim Habib, Kia’s Senior Vice President and Head of Global Design Center. “With the all-new Sportage, we were fully focused on challenging ourselves and pushing our fifth-generation SUV to a new level.”
What’s under the hood? The company is keeping a tight lip for now, simply hinting at “responsive yet highly efficient powertrains.” As is the case with the 2022 Tucson and 2021 Kia Sorento, hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants will likely be part of the lineup at some point.
The all-new Kia Sportage will be unveiled in a world premiere in July. The exact date remains unspecified. Keep following The Car Guide for all the details!