By 
When the new Seltos crossover arrived, all fans asked is it a replacement for the 2021 Kia Sportage. The answer is no. A smaller model will take the position between the compact Sportage and subcompact Soul. Meanwhile, the carmaker will probably make some significant changes to one of its most popular vehicles. We saw the redesign of the Soul, then Seltos as an all-new model, and Kia will update Sportage before it moves to the mid-size Sorento. Let’s not forget the launch of the mid-size Telluride.
So, the lineup is nearly complete. The carmaker needs a full-size model, which is also announced for the future. However, before that one, we will see the redesign of the Sportage. The compact class achieves the best-selling result. However, the Korean company can’t keep the pace of Japanese and US carmakers. Still, it is one of the fastest-growing carmakers, not only in North America but worldwide. Attractive look, reliability, and cheap maintenance are the main reasons why more buyers opt for the Korean crossover.
2021 Kia Sportage Specs
The US version of the Sportage will continue to use a 2.4-l engine, as the best fit for the compact class. The drivetrain is capable to deliver 180 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque. Well, engineers could push it northern a bit. It won’t harm the fuel economy. Still, fans would like to see improvements for the all-wheel drive, which consumes a lot more fuel on the open road. Standard FWD setup can return 30 mpg, while the AWD manages to do only 26 miles per gallon. It is under the average for the compact segment. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard.
The same power router is distributing power produced by a turbocharged 2.0 mill. In this case, outputs jump to 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of twist. The gas mileage is 24 mpg combined. Again, an AWD increases the average consumption to 21 mpg. The turbo setup with more power provides higher max speed and quicker acceleration. The SX will need 7 seconds to reach 60 mph and the crossover can reach 135 mph of the top speed.
Hybrid
There are serious plans about adding the hybrid setup. Well, not only Sportage but also Sorento SUV and Sedona MPV are waiting for such powertrains. Kia already has an electric model in its lineup. Niro crossover is using hybrid, PHEV, and EV configurations to deliver the best mpg rating. We expect a similar boost to other models in the lineup.
At the first place, there is the 2021 Kia Sportage. Its rivals are already out with hybrid engines and the gas mileage over 40 mpg. So, to stay competitive, the Korean manufacturer will have to speed up the development. What’s more, the system must be powerful enough to provide a gas mileage that can cope with the Toyota Rav4 and Honda CR-V. That means at least 40 mpg and similar power outputs to current levels.
2021 Kia Sportage Redesign
Besides the mechanical updates, the new 2021 Kia Sportage will have to present the new styling. The company didn’t change its flagship model for a while and the next season is going to use a similar styling we can find on its twins.
We believe the new crossover will share the most with the closest brother, the new Kia Seltos. This model was built on the fresh SP concept, unveiled in 2018. So, the upcoming Sportage could adopt some of the solutions the SP is offering, especially up front. Fans reacted positively to the latest addition to the lineup. On the other hand, designers won’t have such an easy task just to make the Seltos bigger.
Besides the exterior, the interior will also host a revisit. The new layout should provide more room for passengers. Buyers will choose one of three available trim levels, while the SX is an exclusive offer with the turbo engine. LX is the base version, S upgrades it with larger wheels, and some advanced systems, while the top of the class model is EX with smart liftgate, 10-way power seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a few stylish details.
2021 Kia Sportage Release Date and Price
The next-gen Sportage is not going to rush to the market. Kia will buy some time, especially if the company really plans to add a hybrid engine to the lineup. So, the new model is not coming out until the last quarter of 2020. The sales of the Sportage are jumping every year. Well, the entire class achieves more sales in the US. So, the carmaker will improve the offer to draw more attention and make the 2021 Kia Sportage more capable to fight other models. For now, class leaders are out of the reach. Vehicles with similar sales, price, and offer are Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Compass, Subaru Outback, and Chevy Equinox. A hybrid engine would definitely push Sportage to the new level.
Comments