The latest 2021 Kia Sportage is a reasonably priced compact-crossover SUV that will be available to purchase later this year. The next-gen model will host an updated look and a good selection of high-tech features. As before, the Sportage remains to be two-row seater that is comfortably inside with plenty of space in the back for all your luggage.
Performance-wise, the upcoming model will deploy two engine options that include proven 2.4-liter inline-4 that is standard and optional 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4, which delivers a great output of 240 horsepower.
2021 Kia Sportage Design
The “Euro-focused” design is again present on the new 2021 Kia Sportage SUV. However, this time, Sportage will host more substantial changes than before. It means that the body will be revised and it will now feature new attractive grille, bumper, air intake, and skid plate.
This is just the beginning of the updates. On the back, we can see that the manufacturer redesigned the bumper and skid plate on the new S trim and it adds better shaped LED taillights and exhaust system. The side profile is also better looking and now 2021 Kia Sportage comes with an array of alloy wheels that range from 17-, 18- and 19-inch sizes.
Interior Host More Techs
The new 2021 Kia Sportage will continue to offer a modern and stylish cabin. Inside, there are plenty of new techs and we like its supportive, comfortable seats. Like before, this model will feature two rows of seats and enough rooms inside for five occupants. On the back, roomy rear seats feature plenty of space to stretch out.
However, the headroom is not so good when one adds an optional panoramic sunroof. The latest Sportage offers excellent cargo space of 30.7 feet, but in this department, it loses battle between models such as Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester.
Definitely, the new model is enhanced inside and it will come with a long list of techs. The standard package includes an 8-inch touch screen (with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility) and available Leatherette seating surfaces on the S trim.
2021 Kia Sportage Powertrain
The new 2021 Kia Sportage will continue to offer the same powertrain as before. As you may know, this model comes with two different engine options. The Sportage’s standard powertrain is a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder that produces 181 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. This engine comes standard with an FWD system, or one can choose AWD as optional. Finally, we can expect some efficiency improvements this time. The current model, on the other hand, is far from impressive because it provides in city/highway 23/30 mpg (FWD), 22/26 mpg (AWD).
The optional 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine provides an impressive 240 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. However, this model has quite a substantial drop in fuel economy city/highway fuel economy: 20/28 mpg (FWD), 19/24 mpg (AWD). The 6-speed automatic gearbox is the only available option for now on both models. Like before, we can expect the same tow rate of up to 2,000 pounds.
Price and Release Date
The latest 2021 Kia Sportage is an SUV that will continue its battle with models such as Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, and Toyota RAV4. Generally, the new Kia Sportage will get some facelift that will increase its price.
Still, this SUV is very affordable and it starts bellow $25,000 for the less expensive LX model. Moreover, going to the most equipment model AWD SX Turbo, the price will increase to $35,000. The new SUV will debut sometime this year as the 2021 model.