Who would believe that it’s been three decades since the Kia Sportage hit the market? A lot has changed during that time, notably, the SUV segment’s slice of the market share.

Being the go-to style of vehicle for many, car manufacturers are churning these Sport Utility Vehicles out like bread rolls at the bakery section, and the latest batch to emerge from the oven dons the Kia badge, it’s the all-new Sportage.

2022 Kia Sportage design

Kia pulled out a blank canvas for this one, redesigning the Sportage to create something we have not yet seen. The futuristic design is impressive no doubt, no surprise though, as the Sportage model has been known to scoop some serious design awards in its past.

Kia has made it available with three wheel size options, depending on the variant, of course. The entry-grade Kia Sportage LX gets a set of 17’s, while the range-topping variant sits on 19-inch wheels. For those with a flair for colour, there are now 12 exterior hues to choose from when configuring your new Sportage. Your options are Experience Green, Orange Fusion and Splash Lemon to complement well-loved colours such as Casa White, Black Pearl, Blue Frame and Infra Red Metallic.

Features and tech

You can expect to find features such as Matrix LED lamps, USB and USB-C charging ports a 12.3-inch touch-screen and much more in the new Kia Sportage. On the safety front, you have 6 airbags are on standby, as well as other driver aids such as ESC, Hill Start Assist and Trailer Stability Assist. Keyless start and an electronic parking brake are on the house.

What size engine does the new Kia Sportage have?

When looking at the engine options one can’t help but assume that the Koreans may have blown their budget on the design wing. As a result, only one engine option is available in the all-new Sportage, a 1.6 Turbo petrol. This motor is utilised across the four model range and pushes out 132kW plus a torque figure of 265Nm. The new Kia Sportage comes paired with a 6-year/90 000km pre-paid service plan, as well as Kia’s unlimited kilometre/5-year warranty.

How much is the new Kia Sportage?

Pricing for the new Korean SUV starts at R539 995 for the entry-grade Kia Sportage LX. Have a look at the comprehensive price list below.

Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GDi LX:                            R 539,995

Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GDi LX:                            R 539,995

Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GDi EX:                           R 593,995

Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GDi GT-Line:                   R 649,995

Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GDi GT-Line Plus:           R 677,995

Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GDi GT-Line S:               R 734,995

Words: Gugu Masuku