The fifth-generation Kia Sportage has landed in Australia to take on a highly-competitive midsize SUV segment.
We’ve written a full review detailing the improvements made to areas including headroom, boot space and safety, but what you get depends on your grade of choice.
Up to three engine specifications are available on the new Sportage, along with the choice of either manual or automatic transmissions. All-wheel drive is also available on every grade.
While we doubt many owners will go serious off-roading, the Sportage is capable.
Four trim levels – S, SX, SX+ and GT Line – are available for the 2022 midsize SUV, so what’s included in each?
S (from $32,445)
The entry level S variant is available with a choice of two engines, with the cheapest a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol paired with either a six-speed manual or automatic that sends power to the front wheels only.
Also available is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine that is paired exclusively with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
The GT-Line has larger 19-inch alloy wheels and a digital cockpit.
Key features include 17-inch alloy wheels, 8.0-inch touchscreen display, 4.2-inch multi-function driver display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cloth seats, LED headlights and daytime running lights and a leather steering wheel.
The S model has an impressive standard safety list, including blind spot collision assist, rear cross traffic assist, lane follow assist, AEB (cyclist, pedestrian and junction), speed limit assist, tyre pressure monitoring, advanced smart cruise control, rear view camera and rear parking sensors. These all carry over into high levels in the range.
SX (from $35,000)
Stepping up to the Sportage SX grade, buyers will receive the same choice of engine options as the S grade, but the amount of equipped technology increases.
The SX rides on bigger 18-inch alloy wheels and has a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen for infotainment, however the driver screen remains the same as the S at 4.2-inch in size.
New Kia badging features on the 2022 Sportage.
Cloth seats remain but the driver gains powered lumbar support, along with rain sensing wipers and dual-zone climate control. LED headlights and DRLs carry over from the S grade model.
Safety assistance remains the same as S grade.
SX+ (from $41,500)
The SX+ sees a new engine brought into the mix, a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol that is paired with a seven-speed dual clutch transmission. This power plant produces 132kW of power and 265Nm of torque and is fed through an all-wheel drive system**.**
The 1.6-litre turbo four pot will give the Sportage some punch.
Kia continues to offer the 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engines on the Sportage SX+ grade options but the former loses its manual transmission option.
In terms of further features, the SX+ steps up its wheel game to 19-inch alloys and uses the same 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen as introduced in the SX. The SX+ gains a premium Harmon Kardon sound system with eight speakers.
Artificial leather seats help build comfort in the cabin, along with heated and electric front seats, power tailgate, push button start, steering wheel paddle shifters and LED taillights.
GT-Line (from $49,370)
The GT-Line is the flagship grade of the new Kia Sportage and naturally comes well equipped.
Two engine options are available for this high-spec model, the 1.6-litre turbo petrol unit and the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine, with both matched with an AWD system.
Dual 12.3-inch displays really give the cabin a premium feel.
Wheels are 19-inch in size (with a different design to the SX+). Inside, the standout is the 12.3-inch curved digital cluster which complements the 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen also featured. The eight speaker Harmon Kardon system carries over from the SX+.
Real leather seats are introduced in the GT-Line, along with ventilation for the front seats. A panoramic sunroof, wireless phone charging, smart park assist (diesel only), LED interior lights and alloy sports pedals are all good reasons to upgrade to this flagship grade.
Kia Sportage 2022: prices in Australia
All prices listed are before on-road costs.
- S manual petrol: $32,445
- S auto petrol: $34,445
- S auto diesel: $39,845
- SX manual petrol: $35,000
- SX auto petrol: $37,000
- SX auto diesel: $42,400
- SX+ auto petrol: $41,500
- SX+ DCT turbo: $43,500
- SX+ auto diesel: $46,900
- GT-Line DCT turbo: $49,370
- GT-Line auto diesel: $52,370