The redesign of the compact crossover is postponed. The new 2022 KIA Sportage will introduce fresh styling and a lot of features we couldn’t find before. Not only cosmetically, but also the drivetrain lineup is getting a reinforcement. The standard offer remains the same, and the Sportage Hybrid is about to enter the market. We already spotted test mules in the streets and the crossover might debut early next season.
The arrival of the Seltos subcompact model speeded up the development of the new 2022 KIA Sportage. Still, we will have to wait a bit more, since the COVID-19 pandemic spoiled plans and delayed the premiere. Experts claim it will be worth waiting. 2021 added only a couple of new additions. The Nightfall Edition is an upgrade for the S trim level. These are not the changes that will make the Sportage more competitive to the best-sellers in the class. But, the next one could take on Japanese and US models.
2022 KIA Sportage Hybrid is the Top Priority
Next season will bring a mild-hybrid system. But that is not what fans are expecting. Only the true hybrid configuration will make the 2022 KIA Sportage more competitive against Nissan Rogue and Honda CR-V. Toyota is already delivering the Rav4 with the PHEV system, which is not happening for the Sportage any time soon. On the other hand, we won’t write off chances since the Korean carmaker is already active in the electric segment. Niro and Soul are achieving better sales every season, so a similar setup for a larger crossover is going to happen sooner or later. However, before we see Sportage EV, a hybrid version will be in the market.
The MHEV is a setup for European countries. In the US, the 2022 KIA Sportage will enhance the current output with extra power and gas mileage. The company aims to make the crossover return at least 35 mpg, which won’t be a bad start. Leaders in this segment make 40+, while Chevy Equinox is one of the rare models that survive without a hybrid engine.
Specs
While the hybrid is a new configuration, the rest of the lineup is unchanged. There is a pair of four-cylinder engines available for US customers. The base version, and the most of the lineup, will appear with a 2.4-liter naturally-aspirated powertrain. This one is ready to produce 180 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque and these are the class-average numbers. Towing capacity is not great with 2,000 lbs, but for more potential, you will need more powerful units and larger cargo space of mid-size SUVs.
The top of the class SX trim level will still use a turbocharged engine. It is a 2.0-liter unit with the capability to produce 240 hp and 260 lb-ft. Kia did a great job when added this model, which will become a rival to some luxury compact SUVs with a level of equipment and extra power. 
Gas Mileage
The fuel economy is ok when the engine sends power to the front wheels (23/30 mpg). An all-wheel drive causes a lot of damage to the gas mileage, returning only 21/25 mpg. Engineers will revisit the system and try to make it more efficient. You should also count on weight cut after the redesign. Lighter materials, such as aluminum, will be used more than usual. Finally, there is a hybrid model on the way with 35 mpg (expectations). The turbocharged engine is also coming with a nice fuel economy (25 mpg) and we will see what happens when the AWD system gets upgrades.
2022 KIA Sportage Redesign
Spy photos of the 2022 KIA Sportage are already available. Fans are thrilled to see a heavily-covered crossover, although details are not visible. Still, it is good to know the next version is testing a new styling and possible new drivetrain. According to spy shots, the upcoming Sportage will take a lot of changes on the front fascia. The company covered it well, but experts assume a similar design language will be used like for the fresh Seltos.
We can also see a significant update of the interior. Base models are affordable, but these won’t offer too many features. On the other hand, the SX is nearly a premium crossover. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and higher trim will bring a larger infotainment screen, navigation, blind-spot monitoring, and advanced audio system.
2022 KIA Sportage Release Date and Price
The debut of the 2022 KIA Sportage is going to depend on the hybrid version. When this engine becomes ready, the company will set the release date of the compact crossover. The price will go up, but Kia has space for this maneuver since the Sportage is one of the cheapest models in the class. Well, the offer becomes better when you get a 7-year warranty. The Korean company set the challenge to other manufacturers, which are now ready to extend their coverage from 60 to 84 months.