2022 KIA Sportage Release Date & Preview
Published Date: 5th Jan 2022
The all-new 2022 KIA Sportage is available to order now with first deliveries to customers as soon as the first quarter of this year.
The Sportage has become one of the most popular SUV/Crossover vehicles in the UK, and for several months in 2021 new Sportage models outsold the Qashqai which for a long time has reigned supreme as the UK’s favourite best-selling mid-sized crossover. A surge in sales later in 2021, probably due to the all-new 2021 Nissan Qashqai helped Nissan regain the top slot.
So as the Qashqai and Sportage slug it out for the crown of Britain’s favourite Crossover in 2022, who will come out on top? The New 2021 Qashqai model represented a huge leap forward in quality and features, so what will the 2022 Sportage bring to the table?
2022 KIA Sportage Engines
The 2022 KIA Sportage trumps the Qashqai for choice here, if petrol, diesel, mild hybrid and self-charging hybrid options available, later in the year there will also be a plug-in hybrid powertrain too.
Mild hybrid powertrains will offer an all-wheel drive option, but you’ll need to move up to the top-grade ‘4’ or GT-Line S Editions if you want all-wheel drive.
The plug-in hybrid available later in the year will also feature all-wheel drive and be available for ‘3’, ‘4’, GT-Line and GT-Line S Edition models.
The new Sportage also features new/improved suspension and a ‘terrain’ drive mode that helps to improve traction, stability and handling in more demanding driving conditions.
2022 KIA Sportage Trim-Levels
The entry-level ‘2’ model includes 17-inch alloy wheels, silver roof rails and LED headlights.
Inside there’s an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with Bluetooth, DAB radio and Android Auto/Apple CarPlay for smartphone mirroring.
There’s plenty of driver aids too for an entry-level model, with front/rear parking sensors, reversing camera. Other hi-tech driver/safety features include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) which is KIA’s automatic emergency braking system with city, pedestrian, cyclist, and junction covering. Lane Following Assist (LFA) and Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA) and Hill-start Assist Control (HAC).
If you skip the entry-level ‘2’ model and move up to the ‘3’ trim-level you get twin large 12.3-inch screens inside, one for the infotainment system and the second for digital driver display. Other additions include larger 18-inch alloys, Rear privacy glass, part faux leather upholstery, heated front and rear outer seats and a heated steering wheel, the front seats are additionally power adjustable.
Next in the line-up is the ‘4’ model which further adds a panoramic sunroof and some dashes of gloss black and matt chrome exterior trim. It also adds some additional driver/safety tech including a 360 around view monitor, blind spot monitoring and intervention and parking collision avoidance and dual LED headlights.
Inside, the ‘4’ model adds ambient lighting, wireless phone charger and a premium Harman Kardon audio system.
Full hybrid and plug-in hybrid models also get remote smart parking assist.
The sportier models are the GT-Line and the top-grade GT-Line S Edition.
The GT-Line includes all the features of the entry-level ‘2’ model and adds unique GT-Line styling, larger 19-inch alloy wheels (18-inch on full hybrid models).
Inside you get the large 12.3 infotainment screen with integrated navigation, suede leather upholstery, D-shaped steering wheel, sports pedals and aluminium trim on the doors.
Exterior enhancements for a sportier look include a gloss black radiator grille, side sills and wheel arches and chrome front and rear skid plates.
Other additions include rear privacy glass, LED front fog lights, smart entry, and start/stop technology.
The GT-Line S Edition is the top grade model, it takes all the equipment of the ‘4’ model and further adds GT-Line’ sports styling, artificial leather and suede interior, 19-inch alloys (18-inch on full hybrid models), ventilated front seats, 10-way driver and 8-way front passenger power adjustable seats (driver’s seat with memory function), a smart power tailgate and the option of two-tone black roof.
2022 KIA Sportage Summary
With new dynamic exterior styling, improved suspension, and a long list of standard features and driver aids, even on entry-level models, the Sportage delivers a lot for the price.
If your budget can stretch to a ‘3’ model or above, you’ll get the twin large 12.3-inch screens which are impressive.
The Sportage and Qashqai are sure to slug it out in 2022 for the title of Britain’s favourite new mid-sized SUV but don’t rule out some other worthy contenders like the Ford Kuga, Hyundai Tucson and VW Tiguan, in such a crowded segment there are plenty of SUVs to choose from for a wide range of budgets.