2022 Kia Sportage gains off-road variants in North America

The North American market has gained three new variants of the Kia Sportage, giving the Korean SUV a more aggressive stance.

Having globally released the fifth-generation Sportage earlier this year, the three grades – X-Line, Sportage X-Pro and X-Pro Prestige – add new trims for the exterior and interior of the SUV.

While the X-Line now features stain chrome surrounded front and rear bumpers, as well as 19-inch wheels, the X-Pro variants are aimed at the off-road market – with 17-inch wheels shod in all-terrain tyres.

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Australian model shown

However, it’s not just a visual upgrade, as the X-Pro and Prestige now gain a multi-terrain mode for the all-wheel-drive system, allowing the driver to select between normal, sport, smart and snow conditions.

Also added to the Sportage line-up will be a 2.5-litre, four-cylinder engine producing 140kW, which is potentially the same unit available in the Sorento elsewhere in the world – although it’s highly unlikely this powerplant will become available in Australia.

Set to arrive in Australian dealerships before the end of the year, the new Sportage will be available in four grades locally – S, SX, SX+ and GT-Line – with a choice of three engines (two petrol and one diesel) powering the range.