New Models
New Models

2022 Kia Sportage unveiled ahead of late 2021 Australian showroom arrival

The first all-new Kia Sportage in six years has an even more daring design than the current model. Here's what we know so far.


The 2022 Kia Sportage has been revealed ahead of its arrival in Australian showrooms sometime in the last three months of this year (fourth quarter of 2021).

Following teaser images released in recent weeks, the wraps have now officially been lifted from Kia's crucial new mid-size SUV, showing the Sportage's bold exterior styling and twin-screen dashboard layout in full.

The new Sportage adopts an even more daring design than that of its predecessor, headlined by a bold front end comprising LED headlights with "boomerang-shaped" LED daytime-running lights, a large 'tiger nose' grille, and the new Kia logo front and centre.

Pronounced rear haunches and a metallic-look D-pillar garnish are highlights of the sleek side profile appearance, while Kia says a two-tone contrasting roof is available for the first time. Tapered LED tail-lights are housed within a full-width trim element at the rear.

It's not clear whether the Sportage will mirror its Hyundai Tucson twin under the skin by offering two wheelbase lengths for different markets – a shorter wheelbase for European markets, and a longer wheelbase for North America and Australia – though Kia's mention of a "dedicated European version" suggests that will be the case.

If the related Hyundai Tucson is a guide, expect only the long-wheelbase model – believed to be pictured here, as the European version won't be revealed until September – to come to Australia.

A rugged-look Sportage X-Line will be offered for the first time, featuring unique bumpers and side sills, a roof rack, sage green or black seat trim, and a selection of unique interior finishes.

Inside, a large widescreen panel dominates the dashboard, incorporating two circa-10.25-inch displays for the infotainment system and instrumentation.

Below the panel sits a digitised climate control panel – combining physical temperature dials with touch-based buttons – and a gloss black and leather-trimmed centre console, featuring a 'shift-by-wire' push-button automatic gear selector, and an off-road drive mode selector dial.

Few details have been released regarding the new Kia Sportage's interior technology and comfort features, however Kia claims the "highest quality materials" will feature, with the brand's official images showing surfaces trimmed in leather, chrome and metallic finishes.

It's not yet clear what powers the new Sportage, however it's likely Kia's new mid-size SUV will share a selection of four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines with the related Hyundai Tucson.

Hybrid and plug-in hybrid models are expected to be offered overseas, though it remains to be seen whether these fuel-sipping powertrains will make the journey to Australia.

Further details of the 2022 Kia Sportage will be confirmed in July, ahead of an Australian launch in the fourth quarter of 2021 (October to December inclusive) – pending no further delays related to the ongoing semiconductor shortage.

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Alex Misoyannis

Alex Misoyannis has been writing about cars since 2017, when he started his own website, Redline. He contributed for Drive in 2018, before joining CarAdvice in 2019, becoming a regular contributing journalist within the news team in 2020. Cars have played a central role throughout Alex’s life, from flicking through car magazines at a young age, to growing up around performance vehicles in a car-loving family.

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