The refreshed Kia Sportage SUV boasts minor styling tweaks & improvements.
Kia Motors America are going all in on the popular SUV & crossover segment right now, with the 8-seater Telluride the largest vehicle that they have brought to market in North America.
They aren’t just stopping there, though, as they will also be delivering a refreshed Sportage in U.S.
The 2020 Kia Sportage facelift was officially unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show and features upgrades in design, safety, and convenience.
We are about to take a deep dive into all those upgrades, but let’s quickly touch on the most important changes:
- Revised fascias in front and back deliver a more aggressive presence
- Updated option package enhancements add more convenience features
- S trim is new and incorporates sporty exterior and interior design elements
Kia Sportage 2020 – what else is new?
The overall look of the Sportage has always been influenced by European design, which remains the case for the 2020 model. While the overall design language is about creating a more aggressive stance, this is also a vehicle that is not short on sweeping lines and beautiful curves.
The biggest change to the front of the redesigned Sportage 2020 (model year) can be found in the headlight set-up, where LED headlights and turn indicators rule the roost. The lighting also features projector-beam fog lights, while a restyled Kia “tiger nose” grille and skid plate complete the changes upfront.
Back at rear, the refreshed Kia compact SUV incorporates slightly updated tail lights, sportier bumper and newly designed exhaust tip. The alloy wheels, which range from 17-inch to 19-inch (depending on the trim level) have also been restyled for the 2020 Kia Sportage.
In terms of the Kia Sportage exterior color choices, US consumers now have the option of a new Steel Grey exterior paint shade.
The interior of the Kia Sportage facelift remain mainly unchanged, although the steering wheel and vent bezels have been slightly revised.
The focus on the interior is more about comfort and convenience, with a standard 8-inch infotainment system that supports Apple and Android helping with the latter. A wireless phone charging tray is a fine addition, as are the incredibly comfortable Sofino leatherette seats.
Trim levels for the 2020 model year
There are now 4 trim levels for the 2020 Sportage. The LX, EX, and SX all carry over, while the S trim level is brand new.
There are a pair of different engine options available, starting with the 2.4-liter unit producing 181 horsepower and 175 lb.-ft. or torque, as well as a 2.0-liter turbo engine that delivers up to 240 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque.
Regardless of engine choice, the transmission is a 6-speed automatic. All models come equipped with FWD, although AWD is available as an option.
When will it be available in the U.S.?
The 2020 Kia Sportage is already on sale at US Kia dealerships!
Pricing
People looking for an affordable crossover have routinely turned to the Sportage, which is something that we don’t expect to see change.
The new model will come with some extra features that were previously unavailable, and while the official MSRP for each trim level is yet to be released, we can probably expect to see a small price jump over the previous model.
Don’t expect this to be a huge leap, though, with an increase in the range of $200 to $500 being the most likely change. We will keep you updated on all news concerning the official US-market release of the 2020 Kia Sportage.
