This is an early look at the redesigned compact crossover.
While we wait patiently for Hyundai’s next-gen Tucson to be revealed, Kia appears to have begun testing on public roads with its mechanically related Sportage. This prototype was found somewhere in South Korea and had copious amounts of camouflage on the reworked body. It indicates that there are major changes in the design department.
The disguise is so extensive that it’s almost impossible to identify some of the new details. Despite this, the prototype did not have provisional taillights or headlights. The rear bumper was missing. The side mirrors are now placed slightly lower on this test vehicle than they were at the base of A-pillars.
A tiny window replaces the ugly black plastic panel on the Sportage. The front-mounted radar system for safety and assistance looks huge. We hope it will not be too noticeable on the production model.
The cameraman also took a look inside the cabin but it was heavily camouflaged. The door cards are basic and easily discernible as a test vehicle. These appear to be made entirely of cheap plastics that you won’t find in the final model. It’s therefore impossible to assess the interior’s quality right now, as it is only using provisional parts at a low cost.
We are starting to suspect that Kia will not be releasing the fifth-gen Sportage soon, considering the prototype was far less than the production-spec parts. The Korean Car Blogger has confirmed that the redesign of the compact crossover is being held back and will be covered in the future.
Although the styling is still a mystery, we expect to find out more about the oily parts in the coming weeks and months. Hyundai is about to introduce the new Tucson, from which the Sportage will most likely inherit the majority of the hardware. Both vehicles will be equipped with a more advanced platform that allows them to shed some weight and allow for a hybrid powertrain.