2019 Kia Sportage Changes, Release date

The updated 2019 Kia Sportage has been spotted. Currently, in the fourth generation, this model is one of the company’s longest-lasting models. It’s been around for more than 25 years and there are numerous redesigns and updates behind it. This will be a classic facelift, which could include some interior changes as well.

The original model came back in 1993, while the current version is present since 2015. For these three years of production, we didn’t see bigger changes. The 2019 Sportage will soon enter the fifth year of production, so this refresh is more than welcome.

For this occasion, the company will introduce several novelties. This will be a classic mid-cycle refresh, which will include mostly changes in terms of styling. We also expect to see some novelties inside, especially in terms of new standard features. On the other side, powertrain options will remain pretty much unchanged. We expect 2019 Sportage to come somewhere in the second half of 2018.

2019 Kia Sportage spy shots

2019 Kia Sportage test model has been spotted

We have managed to get some spy photos of the upcoming 2019 Kia Sportage. Judging by what we can see on them, it is clear that this will be a massive facelift. Both ends of the crossover are covered, which is a clear indicator of where to expect changes.

The camouflage still keeps most of the novelties as secret, but some details could be noticed under these plastic blankets. First of all, it is obvious that the 2019 Kia Sportage will adopt brand’s latest corporate look. This means significant revisions at the front. Headlights will keep the same shape but you should expect to see new LED daytime running headlights, as well as new fog lights, maybe even a completely new bumper with larger intakes, new plastic trim etc.

These kinds of updated usually don’t include profile changes, so don’t expect anything special in this area. Still, a new wheels design is quite possible. The rear end of the testing model is also completely covered. This indicated big changes. We have noticed new taillights graphics, as well as few tweaks on the rear bumper. Still, it is hard to say more since the camo covers the complete area.

When it comes to the interior design, a completely uncovered dashboard is a clear indicator that we shouldn’t expect anything more important for the next year. Base cabin design should remain the same, but additional standard equipment is always welcome.

2019 Kia Sportage interior

2019 Kia Sportage features

As we already mentioned, this update will surely bring some new standard features to each trim level of 2019 Kia Sportage. The current model comes in three trim levels. The base LX comes with standard features like 17-inch wheels 5-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth and a six-speaker sound system with a USB port, an auxiliary input jack, and satellite radio. A mid-size EX trim adds things like 18-inch wheels, roof rails,  leather upholstery, heated front seats, an eight-way power driver seat (with power lumbar), a leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, a rear USB charging port and a 7-inch touchscreen.

Finally, there is an SX Turbo, which will a heated flat-bottom steering wheel with paddle shifters, an upgraded driver information display, an eight-way power passenger seat, ventilated front seats, dashboard accent stitching, gloss-black interior accents, an 8-inch touchscreen interface, a navigation system and an eight-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

2019 Kia Sportage rumors

2019 Kia Sportage engines

We definitely will not see changes in terms of engines. The 2019 Kia Sportage will continue with the same units, with a nice range of gasoline and diesel engines. For the North American market, there are two gasoline units in the offer.

The base model features a 2.4-liter engine that is good for about 181 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. The optional 2.0-liter Turbo features a max power of 240 horses and 260 pound-feet of torque. For some other markets, there is also a 1.6-liter Turbo engine with around 175 horses.

Finally, there is a 1.7-liter diesel engine, which is available in Europe and some other markets. It has a max output of 182 horsepower. Transmission choice depends on the engine. There are 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic and 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearboxes in the offer.

Latest reports also suggest that the new 2019 Kia Sportage could get a hybrid version. Still, more precise details are yet to be announced.

2019 Kia Sportage spy pictures

2019 Kia Sportage release date and price

The 2019 Kia Sportage will come somewhere in the second half of next year. Price should remain pretty much the same, which means that the new model will go in a range between 24.000 and 35.000 dollars. Main competitors will be models like Ford Escape, Chevy Equinox, VW Tiguan etc.

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