On September 1, 2021, Kia Europe unveiled the new Sportage, designed specifically for the European market and developed from the ground up with the ambition to set new trends in the European SUV segment. It combines a sleek, dynamic, and modern exterior with a premium, high‑tech interior featuring an integrated curved display that enables drivers to take full advantage of the latest connectivity technologies.
The new Sportage is built on a new architecture and benefits from technologies developed through Kia’s advanced European engineering programs, resulting in a vehicle with a wheelbase, dimensions, and proportions ideally suited to European roads. This focused approach has produced an SUV that precisely meets the expectations of European customers, offering excellent practicality and usability. Customer‑oriented progressive design has delivered significantly more luggage space, headroom, and legroom than the previous Sportage, with best‑in‑class rear legroom.
The European Sportage is further distinguished by its latest hybrid powertrains, delivering substantially lower emissions and fuel consumption. Another European first for Sportage is the advanced plug‑in hybrid (PHEV) system, enabling most daily commuting and shopping trips to be completed with zero emissions in electric mode. The range is complemented by the latest low‑emission petrol and diesel engines in multiple power outputs, meeting the diverse needs of European customers.
Breakthrough Technologies for an Engaging Driving Experience
To deliver a dynamic, engaging, and optimized driving experience on European roads, the new Sportage introduces several groundbreaking technological innovations. A new generation of Electronically Controlled Suspension (ECS) ensures optimal comfort and outstanding safety in all driving conditions through continuous real‑time control. The new Terrain Mode provides excellent driving performance in challenging conditions such as snow, mud, or sand, enabling owners to enjoy more adventurous leisure activities.
The new Sportage also excels in active and passive safety. The advanced DriveWise system includes a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) familiar to Kia customers.
The European Sportage is an important addition to Kia’s all‑new fifth‑generation vehicle lineup, following the long‑wheelbase version introduced in July.
“The new Sportage has been meticulously designed, developed, and fine‑tuned for the European market. Throughout the development process, we repeatedly pushed boundaries and set new trends in the SUV segment,” said Jason Jeong, President of Kia Europe.
“With its progressive exterior and innovative interior, the new Sportage combines dynamic road performance with a premium, driver‑focused cabin equipped with the latest technologies.”
“The advanced electrified powertrain delivers an efficient and eco‑friendly hybrid system that meets all customer needs. With the ability to drive with zero emissions in full electric mode, the all‑new plug‑in hybrid Sportage embodies Kia’s mission to accelerate the adoption of sustainable mobility in Europe,” added Jason Jeong.
A Striking Design That Commands Attention
Bold New Design Identity
The exterior of the new Sportage pushes design boundaries, ensuring it stands out on European roads. Sharp, precise lines across a carefully sculpted body emphasize refined styling, while clean, bold surfaces combined with intricate details give the SUV a dynamic and confident presence.
Kia’s new design philosophy, “Opposites United,” unveiled this year to widespread acclaim within the global design community, underpins every aspect of the European Sportage’s appearance and character. The philosophy is built on five pillars: Joy for Reason, Power to Progress, Technology for Life, Tension for Serenity, and Bold for Nature. The final pillar—Bold for Nature—has had a particularly strong influence, shaping a design that is natural, emotional, modern, and organic.
At the front, the precisely detailed black grille dominates the fascia. Its geometric pattern integrates the brand’s modern tiger‑nose grille with distinctive futuristic boomerang‑shaped LED daytime running lights, which frame the striking LED Matrix headlights (Intelligent Front‑lighting System).
The side profile references the heritage of sport utility vehicles, combining clean surfaces with strong character lines. For the first time on a European Sportage, a black roof is available, enhancing the sporty silhouette and highlighting the dynamic C‑pillar design. A chrome window line elegantly wraps around the rear window, seamlessly connecting with the rear spoiler.
At the rear, the sloping tailgate flows into sharply styled taillights that appear to cut into the bodywork with surgical precision. A slim connecting element visually widens the vehicle.
Depending on specification, the new Sportage rides on 17‑, 18‑, or premium 19‑inch wheels, available in six different alloy designs, finishes, and colors.
A State‑of‑the‑Art Interior
The interior of the new Sportage blends advanced technology with modern style, creating a premium, driver‑focused space. Bold visual lines, soft‑touch materials, and innovative technologies define the cabin, where luxury meets functionality.
At its center is a beautifully sculpted curved touchscreen display, flanked by sporty air vents. The seamless curved display stretches across the dashboard, enhancing the sense of width and depth in the cockpit.
A 12.3‑inch touchscreen with advanced integrated controls acts as the vehicle’s central nervous system, enabling intuitive management of connectivity and vehicle functions. The 12.3‑inch digital instrument cluster delivers exceptionally sharp and detailed visuals using thin‑film transistor LCD technology.
Thanks to advanced connectivity solutions, the new Sportage supports over‑the‑air software and map updates. Through the Kia Connect smartphone app, users can remotely access key vehicle functions, including Kia Live Services, online navigation, voice recognition, and calendar integration. The app also allows drivers to check vehicle status, window closure, and parking location with a single tap.
An ergonomically designed center console provides easy access for both driver and passenger, featuring storage space, cup holders, soft‑touch buttons, and a 15 W wireless smartphone charger.
Only premium materials are used throughout the cabin, delivering a luxurious tactile feel. Dynamic color schemes energize the interior, while slim, sporty front seats combine innovation with comfort.
Intelligent Space and Practicality
With a wheelbase of 2,680 mm, width of 1,865 mm, length of 4,515 mm, and height of 1,645 mm, the European Sportage offers outstanding space efficiency. Rear passengers benefit from 996 mm of legroom and 998 mm of headroom, while luggage capacity reaches 591 liters (VDA). The 40:20:40 split‑folding rear seats expand cargo volume to 1,780 liters.
Passengers can enjoy immersive audio via the Harman Kardon premium sound system.
The European Sportage is also available in the sportier GT‑Line version, featuring bold exterior colors and a striking black‑and‑white interior contrast that enhances its dynamic character.
Advanced Powertrains for Performance and Efficiency
The new European Sportage offers a wide range of responsive, efficient powertrains, including HEV, PHEV, MHEV, and low‑emission petrol and diesel engines.
Both HEV and PHEV systems are engineered to preserve interior and cargo space. In HEV models, the battery is located beneath the rear seats, while in PHEV versions, the high‑voltage battery is centrally mounted between the axles, optimizing weight distribution.
The Sportage PHEV combines a 1.6‑liter T‑GDI engine, a 66.9 kW permanent‑magnet electric motor, and a 13.8 kWh lithium‑ion polymer battery, delivering a total system output of 265 hp.
The Sportage HEV uses the same 1.6 T‑GDI engine paired with a 44.2 kW electric motor and a 1.49 kWh battery, producing 230 hp.
Mild‑hybrid variants of the 1.6 T‑GDI engine offer 150 or 180 hp, while highly efficient 1.6‑liter diesel engines deliver 115 or 136 hp, with optional MHEV technology.
All European Sportage models feature Idle Stop‑and‑Go (ISG) technology, intelligently integrated with ADAS to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
Optimized Driving in All Conditions
The new Terrain Mode and advanced ECS suspension ensure excellent performance in all conditions. Drivers can choose between Comfort, Eco, and Sport drive modes, displayed on the high‑resolution digital cluster.
An electronically controlled AWD system optimizes torque distribution between the front and rear wheels, enhancing performance, safety, and comfort.
DriveWise: Safety Redefined
Safety was a top priority in developing the fifth‑generation Sportage. The vehicle features a stronger, lighter body structure with improved torsional rigidity and a comprehensive airbag system, including a center front airbag.
Kia’s award‑winning DriveWise ADAS suite includes Forward Collision‑Avoidance Assist with Junction Turning, Highway Driving Assist (HDA), Navigation‑based Smart Cruise Control (NSCC), Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA), Blind‑Spot Collision‑Avoidance Assist (BCA), Blind‑Spot View Monitor (BVM), Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA), Rear View Monitor (RVM), and Surround View Monitor (SVM).
