2022 Kia Sportage: Australian features detailed

The 2022 Kia Sportage will bring a significantly increased level of safety and convenience features across the range from its October launch.

Kia Australia has this week confirmed the specifications for the all-new, fifth-generation mid-sized SUV, which will again comprise the S, SX, SX+ and GT-Line trim grades.

Every model will provide more equipment than before in return for price increases, which will be confirmed closer to the new Sportage’s showroom debut.

The outgoing Sportage range spans $30,490 and $47,090 before on-road costs.

Notable features for the base S include LED headlights, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic monitoring, and adaptive cruise control (autos only), which were previously available only on the range-topping GT-Line.

Every Sportage now includes lane follow assist, tyre pressure monitoring, multi-collision brake, and camera-based speed-limit recognition.

Auto high-beam and driver attention assist are expected to be retained.

The Sportage also gains the front centre airbag first introduced on the Sorento and designed to prevent the driver and front passenger from clashing heads in the event of a heavy side impact.

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For infotainment, the S steps up from a 7.0-inch to 8.0-inch touchscreen, adds digital radio and multi-device bluetooth connectivity, and offers wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto where other grades require a smartphone to be plugged into a USB socket.

Stepping up to the SX brings key items such as 18-inch wheels (over 17s), a larger infotainment touchscreen with integrated navigation, dual-zone climate control, rain-sensing wipers, front parking sensors (adding to rear sensors), electric lumbar adjustment for the driver’s seat, one-touch front windows, and release levers for the folding second-row seats.

However, the new SX loses the JBL audio system included with the outgoing model, instead featuring a regular six-speaker set-up.

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The SX+ tempts buyers with the likes of 19-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry and start, artificial-leather seats with electric adjustment for the driver, a Harman Kardon audio system, and an auto gesture tailgate.

LED foglights, paddleshift levers and heated front seats are new features which have cascaded down from the outgoing GT-Line.

The 2022 version of the flagship Kia Sportage GT-Line is also more extensively equipped.

It features full-leather upholstery where it was previously leather-appointed, it gains a 3D surround-view monitor, and it’s the only model in the range to have a curved, panoramic digital display comprising 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and 12.3-inch instrument cluster. The latter incorporates the camera-based blind-spot collision assist.

The GT-Line’s interior also includes ventilation for the front seats, electric adjustment for the front passenger seat, electric panoramic sunroof, LED interior lights, ambient mood lamp, alloy sports pedals.

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Kia’s Uvo telematics system – which allows a smartphone or smartwatch to remotely control some functions (climate, engine start, lock/unlock) and access certain vehicle information – is still under consideration for the Australian market.

A shift-by-wire rotary transmission dial is exclusive to the GT-Line, where other models use a regular gear lever.

The exterior stands out with 19-inch machined-alloy wheels, dual LED headlights, and full LED tail-lights (other models partial LED tail-lights).

Remote parking assist is available on the diesel GT-Line.

In another change from the outgoing Sportage, all automatic variants feature an electronic park brake.

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The larger, fifth-generation Kia Sportage – which will bring increased cabin and boot space – is available with a choice of engines, depending on trim grade.

All four grades are available with a carry-over 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel with 137kW and 416N distributed to four wheels via an eight-speed auto.

A 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol with 115kW and 192N also continues for front-wheel-drive Sportages, with S and SX variants available with either a six-speed manual or six-speed auto.

The auto-only SX+ is the only grade available with three engine options, adding a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with 132kW and 265Nm borrowed from its cousin, the Hyundai Tucson.

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This all-wheel-drive turbo drivetrain is the sole petrol offering on the flagship GT-Line.

Kia Australia has for now ruled out the plug-in hybrid Sportage to join the Sorento PHEV large SUV due later this year.

Several new exterior colours have been created for the 2022 Sportage, including fusion black, vesta blue, dawning red, and jungle wood green.

Beyond the standard clear white, there’s also steel grey and snow white pearl.

Snow white pearl and jungle wood green aren’t available for the base Sportage.

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SPORTAGE S

Drivetrain options

Key features

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SPORTAGE SX

Drivetrain options

Key features over S

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SPORTAGE SX+

Drivetrain options

Key features over SX

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SPORTAGE GT-LINE

Drivetrain options

Key features over SX+