2022 Kia Sportage Hybrid specs emerge: Australian arm “keen” on 169kW Toyota RAV4 Hybrid fighter
The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid could soon have a rival from South Korea, with Kia Australia confirming it's looking into the new Sportage Hybrid for Australia – though right-hand-drive production has yet to be confirmed.
Kia Australia has expressed interest in bringing the 2022 Kia Sportage Hybrid to Australia, as specifications emerge for the brand's new hybrid mid-size SUV.
Online outlet The Korean Car Blog reports the new Sportage Hybrid will be powered by a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine, paired to an electric motor and a six-speed automatic transmission to develop 169kW.
While not explicitly confirmed, it's highly likely that Kia's new SUV features the same hybrid system as its twin under the skin, the Hyundai Tucson, which offers a choice of front- or all-wheel drive, and claims to sip 4.9 litres per 100km combined – 0.2L/100km more than Australia's Toyota RAV4 Cruiser Hybrid.
Speaking to Drive, a Kia Australia spokesperson said the car maker is "certainly keen" on the Sportage Hybrid, but cautioned right-hand-drive production has yet to be confirmed for the vehicle, and any potential launch would take place later than the regular petrol and diesel Sportage models, due in October or November 2021.
Also contributing to a final decision of the Hybrid's prospects for Australia is where it would be built, with both Hyundai and Kia reiterating (with a few exceptions) that high shipping costs and a poor exchange rate mean it is not cost-effective to import vehicles Down Under from Europe – including the related Hyundai Tucson Hybrid.
However, Kia will introduce hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of the larger Sorento later this year, sourced from South Korea – indicating the Korean brand will bring hybrid SUVs to Australia, if the numbers stack up.
Meanwhile, Kia Australia confirmed to Drive there is "no discussion" on a local launch for the upcoming plug-in hybrid version of the Sportage, though a local launch has not been explicitly ruled out.
The 2022 Kia Sportage will launch in Australia in October or November 2021, in regular petrol and diesel forms. Further details on the new model are expected to be confirmed next month (July 2021).