2022 Kia Sportage Release date, Spy Photos, Specs, and Price. The 2022 Kia Sportage will start the new generation of the SUV. How can we know that? Well, the Korean company do it every five years. 2005, 2010, and 2015 brought us the new version of the flagship model. Now, with the situation in this market speeding up, changes are happening even faster. No matter the current version is doing well, the new update will have to push the SUV to another level. And the new series of the compact crossover SUV is the right choice.
Major changes for the 2022 Kia Sportage will happen under the hood. Engineers will refresh the lineup with a hybrid engine. Well, that is also a big upgrade, especially in the compact SUV market. What’s more, Sportage is not getting so big cosmetic treatment. Headlights, bumpers, grille, and other parts could change a bit, but overall shape and dimensions will remain the same. Inside, the company will revisit existing packages of equipment. Top of the line editions will get even more features. These are GX Turbo and GT Line.
2022 Kia Sportage Release Date, Spy Photos
Growing sales numbers are making the Korean company thinking forward. Well, in the compact crossover segment, no mistakes are allowed. The 2022 Kia Sportage must keep up the pace with the huge competition. Far, this SUV is doing it well.
The new generation of the vehicle will arrive during 2019. We could see it already in New York. Well, spy photos are already there. The company is still mysterious about it, the SUV will hit dealerships later this year. Well, spy shots are not unveiling too much, but these confirm the existence of the 2022 Sportage.
2022 Kia Sportage Specs
Standard offer for the 2022 Kia Sportage will include a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. It is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The company is developing the new gearbox, but this one is not going to be ready for 2022 Sportage. This system is capable to produce 180 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque. It will allow the SUV to challenge most of the other vehicles in the same class. We can say these are average outputs for compact crossovers. The fuel economy could be even better for the next season. The company will use more lightweight materials for the body. It will lead to the boost from the current level (30 mpg highway). Towing capacity will stay at 2,000 lbs.
2022 Kia Sportage side view
The other engine available for the 2022 Kia Sportage is a turbo-four 2.0-l unit. It comes with the SX Turbo package as one of the most interesting models in the lineup. The engine is capable to deliver 240 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Well, the displacement is smaller, but the high output increases the fuel consumption. The SX Turbo model returns only 25 mpg combined and 27 mpg on the open road. With AWD, the rate drops even lower.
Hybrid to Arrive in 2022?
Well, Kia is working on a few hybrid vehicles for the next season or two. It is not official, one of them should be the 2022 Kia Sportage. Nissan Rogue is the best-selling vehicle in the class, and it also offers such configuration. Honda recently launched CR-V Hybrid in Europe, and it is just a matter of time when it will be available in the US. Ford also announced Escape with electric batteries, and Toyota Rav4 is also on the way. By not responding to these changes, Kia would have no chance in the compact crossover market.
Well, rumors are saying the Korean company is building a hybrid based on a 2.4-liter petrol engine. After the upgrade, the system will increase the mileage to 30 mpg combined. The power output will go up to 190-200 hp. Well, the development still needs some time, but we will definitely learn more from official sources by the end of 2019.
2022 Kia Sportage Prices, GT Line
The new 2022 Kia Sportage comes with new prices. The starting price for the entry-level crossover won’t go over $25,000. Top of the class model in the US comes with a turbo engine and loaded with a lot of equipment. That is GX Turbo version, and its price will be around $35,000.
In some other markets, Kia will offer the 2022 Sportage with GT Lina badge. This one is even more equipped than the SX Turbo. And it costs more. This package will bring some unique upgrades. Of all, there is a diesel engine. Less power but more torque is coming out of this drivetrain. Inside, buyers of the 2022 Kia Sportage GT Line will get the premium audio system, large infotainment screen with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, and plenty of safety features. Converted to US dollars, this model will be available for around $40,000. Kia is not going to bring it to the US.