The livestream begins at 2:00 PM EDT.
This week has been a busy one in terms livestreams, and this is only Wednesday. We’ve seen the world debuts for the Range Rover Z06 and Corvette Z06 but now our focus is on the Kia Sportage. It’s not a world premiere, but the compact crossover was first revealed back in June. The fifth-gen model was unveiled in European specification, with a shorter wheelbase, early last month.
Which one is North America getting? We’re betting on the long-wheelbase configuration, as Kia claims that the Euro version was designed for North America. The global Sportage measures 4660 millimeters (183.5 in) long, 1865mm (73.4in) wide and 1660mm (65.3in) high, with a wheelbase of 2755mm (108.4in). You can choose between all-wheel or front-wheel drive, and a rugged X-Line trim that echoes the larger Sorento.
The new Sportage is being sold in parts of the world with a diesel engine. However, the US-spec model will likely only come with gasoline engines. It seems reasonable to assume that a plug-in hybrid is possible considering its sister model, the Hyundai Hyundai Tucson, which has a PHEV powertrain in North America. The new generation has a shift-by-wire transmission. Both the Euro and global models have lost their chunky gearbox levers.
The 2022 model year has already been entered by the Sportage in the United States. This can only mean that the new version of the Sportage will be available as a 2023MY. The vehicle should be available for purchase in the first half next year. However, we are not surprised that the plug-in hybrid version will be released at a later time in the same vein of the electrified Tucson.
Livestream begins at 2:00 PM EDT. We will provide all details regarding the US-bound 2023 Kia Sportage.