Kia Sportage 2022: futuristic EV6-inspired styling revealed

---

Kia has officially unveiled the fifth-generation Sportage midsize SUV that is set to make its way to Australian shores towards the end of this year.

The sharp and aggressive styling follows the brand’s new ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy that debuted on the fully electric EV6 and was cheekily teased last week.

Starting from the front, the Korean manufacturer has opted for sharp daytime running lights that begin from the bottom of a large, wide grille and continue up to the bonnet, while the regular headlights are housed inside the circular design.

Continuing a two-tonne theme seen on the Seltos, the Sportage has black panelling on the front bumper side skirts extended rear bumper and on the roof that provides a sportier feel. 

With a strong indent into the bodywork and an extended D-pillar at the very back, Kia says it has created a more muscular design – which looks like it could even increase rear visibility.

The taillight design of the new Sportage heavily echoes that of the EV6, but unlike that model, the housing is made up of two different lights which are connected by a black styling strip rather than one continuous LED light. 

Moving inside, the detailed images now show us the single display that encompasses the digital driver’s display and the centre multimedia screen are separated by a brief gap, as is seen in the Mercedes-Benz A-Class.

The entire cockpit appears to be pitched towards the driver with Kia also opting for a rotary controller and a separate mini display for the climate control under the main screen. 

Kia says it will offer the Sportage with a new X-line appearance package, similar to Volkswagen’s R-Line trim, that adds a unique bumper, side sill and curved roof rack.

The package continues to the inside where buyers are offered the choice of sage green or all black seat trim with quilted stitching and wood-like metal inlaid in the dash.

At the moment Kia is keeping its engine specifications and prices well under wraps but we’ll find out more as we get closer to its official Australia launch in the fourth quarter of this year.