Following a short teaser last week, Kia has now unveiled the all-new Sportage SUV in full. As seen in these first images, the fifth-generation Kia Sportage debuts with an all-new design inspired by the carmaker’s latest “Opposites United” design philosophy, first seen on the EV6.
Although sharing the same design language, the two models can’t be any more different, particularly in front. While the EV6 gets a clean and minimalist design, the Sportage’s front fascia can only be described as loud, featuring a large full-width Tiger Nose grille with black mesh graphics.
The grille is bookended by boomerang-style daytime-running lights, which in turn forms the boundary lines for the headlights. We’re not sure if it’s just us, but does the whole boomerang-inspired styling not remind anyone of Mitsubishi’s Dynamic Shield face? Well, at least it’s a good look.
The bubbly bodywork of its predecessor is now replaced by taut lines and sharper creases, including a chrome belt line that kicks up significantly at the back to meet the distinctive D-pillar accent. The greenhouse is also now significantly sleeker, and pairs well with the optional blacked-out roof (for the first time ever on the Sportage) for a proper sporty appearance.
Round the rear is where the resemblances to the EV6 are most apparent, particularly with the full-width taillights – although, the Sportage is significantly more “conventional” in design, paired to a more upright rear window and tailgate design.
As we’ve seen in the teaser previews, the all-new Kia Sportage features a completely redesigned cabin, characterised by the wide curved display panel and three-dimensional air vents that reinforces the SUV’s “driver oriented”, “slim cockpit feel”.
One of the biggest changes on the all-new Sportage is the all-new centre console panel, featuring a new shift-by-wire rotary dial for the transmission, alongside “soft-touch switches” that controls the various driving and seat ventilation settings.
Kia is keeping mum on the Sportage’s further details, aside from the availability of a “X-Line” model featuring unique bumpers, side sill, curved roof rack, alongside unique upholstery and finishes on the inside. The all-new Kia Sportage is scheduled for a global market launch later this year, so we expect more information – including the powertrain options – to be slow-dripped as we edge closer to the launch.
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