Kia unveils bigger, bolder Sportage

MANILA: Kia has officially unveiled the fifth-generation Sportage, which was developed as part of the brand’s new global brand transformation, “Movement that Inspires.” As Kia’s longest-running nameplate which pioneered its segment, the Sportage receives its most significant update to date.

The 2023 Sportage is significantly larger, more capable and powerful, and is designed to be more fuel-efficient. It is the first Sportage model to have an available dual panoramic curved digital display and an exciting new variant that will literally take customers to new heights. Most Sportage trims will now be assembled at Kia’s manufacturing site in Georgia, USA, alongside the award-winning Telluride, Sorento, and K5.

“While Kia moves purposefully toward electrification, we are further strengthening the Sportage lineup by adding a variety of options suited for all different kinds of customers,” Kia North America President and Chief Executive Officer Sean Yoon stated. “The tremendous success formula of our current stable of SUVs has been infused into every ounce of the new Sportage, transforming it into a leader of the pack with its cutting-edge design, adventurous capability and desirable in-car technology.”

The Sportage’s striking exterior incorporates all components of Kia’s new “Opposites United” design philosophy. Rugged, sheer forms contrast with smooth, soft surfaces, merging off-road confidence with cutting-edge modern cues. Its Tiger Nose grille features a more technical appearance with a floating design perched atop a blacked-out grille graphic that spans the entire width of the front fascia. The vehicle is also equipped with distinctive “boomerang” daytime running lights with sharp angles that push the uniquely shaped headlights to the outer corners. It is also built with muscular shoulders around the rear, which flow into futuristic “notch-shaped” taillights that are linked by a thin black graphic that runs across the tailgate.

The Sportage’s interior is inspired by high-end outdoor products, furniture, and modern architecture. This new concept transforms the cabin into a pleasant living space with near-luxury features. The futuristic driver cockpit features the dual panoramic curved display that connects two screens—the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and the 12.3-inch infotainment screen. The asymmetrical console places controls and buttons conveniently in the driver’s hand, as well as smart storage solutions, including cup holders that come undone when they need to hold something other than a cup.

The seats are designed with real stitching, detailed pattern, and animal-free leather to provide a luxurious ambience. An innovative coat hanger is installed behind the front headrests, with useable seatbacks that also come with USB ports and an integrated hook for shopping bags or for organizing charging cables.

The Sportage has grown from being one of the smallest SUVs in its class to being one of the largest. Rear passengers will surely appreciate its best-in-class rear legroom, which provides a more comfortable and relaxing space. The Sportage also has a best-in-class rear cargo capacity of 39.6 cu-ft and a dual-level cargo floor.

All Sportage trims are equipped with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay to keep drivers connected and informed on what is going on around them. Meanwhile, the Sportage’s multi-connection Bluetooth feature allows two smartphones to be simultaneously linked to the vehicle’s infotainment system. A new smart touchpad with climate and audio controls can be found beneath the infotainment screen, while a wireless charging pad is built inside the upper tray. The driver can also set their own personalized profile to save climate and infotainment settings and phone connection pairings.

To take the Sportage ownership experience to the next level, the available Kia Connect services provide customers with advanced embedded connectivity. These services include Wi-Fi Hotspot that connects up to five devices to 4G LTE-based internet, over the air map updates, refreshed Kia Access App with newly added compatibility through Apple- and Android-based smartwatches to access features like remote climate control and door lock/unlock, stolen vehicle tracking and immobilization capability, Connected Routing, and smart speaker integration that lets the driver use Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant enabled smart speakers or devices to remotely control some functions like remote start.

The Sportage is powered by a new 2.5-liter I-4 engine that churns out 187 hp. The engine is mated to a new eight-speed automatic transmission. According to Kia, an additional available powertrain will be released at a later date.

The new Sportage is also available in the X-Line and X-Pro trims. Both variants come standard with AWD and tread-like stitching pattern on SynTex synthetic leather seats.

The Sportage X-Line features a sporty and rugged exterior highlighted by its unique front and rear bumpers with satin chrome surround; gloss black side mirrors, roof rack, and window surround; and raised roof rack rails.

Meanwhile, the Sportage X-Pro comes with off-road hardware to complement its design elements. It is equipped with BF Goodrich all-terrain tires, 17-inch matte black off-road wheels, LED fog lights, heated windshield and wiper washer nozzle, multi-terrain drive modes (Normal, Sport, Smart, and Snow), available two-tone roof, ventilated front seats, and eight-way power front passenger seat.

The new Sportage also comes standard with advanced driver assistance systems such as driver attention warning (DAW), high beam assist (HBA), lane following assist (LFA), lane keeping assist (LKA), forward collision avoidance (FCA) with cyclist detection capability, rear occupant alert (ROA), rear view monitor (RVM) with dynamic parking guidance, and reverse parking distance warning (PDW-R).

The Sportage will also be offered in a hybrid variant, following the footsteps of the Sorento. Details on that will be revealed at a later date, while gasoline variants are expected to hit the US market in the first quarter of 2022.

Photos from Kia

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