Overview
The Kia Sportage
is due for a substantial update for the 2017 model year. Although it
will be re-engineered on its current platform, it will receive new sheet
metal and look very much like a different vehicle.
Based on images released ahead of the Frankfurt Auto Show, Kia appears to be hoping a fresh exterior will help set the vehicle apart from the competition. For its fourth generation, the automaker is opting for a more raked-back look for a sculpted appearance. This may end up helping differentiate the Sportage from the Hyundai Tucson, which was re-engineered for 2016 but features a more conventional design.
A key update appears to be a higher-positioned front headlight no longer integrated with the front grille. The design is reminiscent of the Nissan Juke, which has arguably featured one of the more quirky designs unlike traditional choices like the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4. The Kia "tiger grille" seen on models like the Kia Forte has been enlarged.
No major changes are expected to the available powertrains, which currently consist of a base 2.4-liter 4-cylinder or a more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with direct injection. The base engine currently produces 182 hp with 177 ft-lbs of peak torque, while the turbo makes 260 hp with 269 ft-lbs. Transmission choices are not due for any major updates from the current model's 6-speed automatic.
Expect more detailed info to become available closer to launch.
Based on images released ahead of the Frankfurt Auto Show, Kia appears to be hoping a fresh exterior will help set the vehicle apart from the competition. For its fourth generation, the automaker is opting for a more raked-back look for a sculpted appearance. This may end up helping differentiate the Sportage from the Hyundai Tucson, which was re-engineered for 2016 but features a more conventional design.
A key update appears to be a higher-positioned front headlight no longer integrated with the front grille. The design is reminiscent of the Nissan Juke, which has arguably featured one of the more quirky designs unlike traditional choices like the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4. The Kia "tiger grille" seen on models like the Kia Forte has been enlarged.
No major changes are expected to the available powertrains, which currently consist of a base 2.4-liter 4-cylinder or a more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with direct injection. The base engine currently produces 182 hp with 177 ft-lbs of peak torque, while the turbo makes 260 hp with 269 ft-lbs. Transmission choices are not due for any major updates from the current model's 6-speed automatic.
Expect more detailed info to become available closer to launch.
Pricing & Release Date
Official
pricing has not yet been announced. However, it's reasonable to expect
Kia will aim to keep the Sportage accessible. The current model ranges
from $22,150 to $31,490 excluding destination, nearly identical to the
Hyundai Tucson.
When the Tucson was re-engineered for 2016, it received a $1,050 bump in price and became a bit more upscale with the elimination of the base GLS. It remains to be seen how Kia will decide to position the next Sportage.
The 2017 Kia Sportage is currently expected to arrive in Fall 2016. Stay tuned for the latest release info.
When the Tucson was re-engineered for 2016, it received a $1,050 bump in price and became a bit more upscale with the elimination of the base GLS. It remains to be seen how Kia will decide to position the next Sportage.
The 2017 Kia Sportage is currently expected to arrive in Fall 2016. Stay tuned for the latest release info.
Pictured: Euro-spec Kia Sportage (Source: Kia)
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