Compared with the previous generation Sportage, the new one is built on an 85 mm (3.35 Inch) longer wheelbase, is 175 mm (6.9 inches) longer overall and marginally wider and taller than before. Design-wise, the new Sportage represents a transition from the smooth elegance of Kia’s from the last decade to something new. The front end is dominated by a massive grille flanked by unusually-shaped headlamps and supplanted by small rectangular air inlets that look like nostrils. The main grille is underlined by yet another air intake, this one being wide and shallow and decorated by a bright trim element. The side profile is a bulkier version of the flanks of the elegant, but long-discontinued. Mazda CX-7.

The new Sportage dispenses with conventional gauges, replacing it with a wide, shallow, TFT computer tablet display. There is a vehicle info display in front of the driver, with infotainment functions reflected over the centre console. Climate controls use knobs for the dual climate system, with the remaining functions handled by touch surfaces. Ultra premium trims feature a push-button gear selector, with lesser models employing a conventional gear lever. The screen and the dashboard it is attached to is slightly banana shaped, with the right side curved slightly toward the driver. The tablet is flanked with bizarrely shaped dash vents. The passenger faces a plain dash that is closer to the windshield at its right end that in the middle. The rest of the cabin looks interesting, with some two-tone cabin combos offered and some interesting shapes and patterns, like the chevron sew patterns on the centre seat panels of premium trims. The Sportage is essentially a Kia version of the Hyundai Tucson that debuted a year ago, cabin space is ample, as is cargo capacity.

The sole powertrain available in the spring of 2022 was a 187 horsepower, normally-aspirated 2.5L four. Front-wheel drive is offered in the base LX trim, but most Sportages will send power to all wheels via a conventional eight-speed automatic transmission. The HEV version twins a 1.6L turbo four and an electric motor to create 227 total system horsepower. The PHEV uses the same engine and an electric motor to furnish 261 horsepower.

On the road, the Sportage PHEV runs in full electric mode a lot of the time. Transitions from electric to gas engine mode are near seamless and quiet. The PHEV powrtrain accelerates briskly and refinement is impressive at all times, even under full acceleration. The ride is supple and handling is predictable.

All-wheel drive is standard on all trims save the base LX, where it is a $2000 option. Moving up to the X-Line trim adds a power driver’s seat, heated steering wheel, remote starting, blind spot and rear cross traffic monitors, rear parking sensors, wireless cellphone charging and a number of minor features, but is a bit overpriced for what you get for the extra outlay. The EX upgrade adds a panoramic sunroof, a heated steering wheel, navigation, dual-zone climate control, active cruise control and junction turning intervention. and is a bargain of epic proportions. Moving up to the EX Premium model includes a memory system, power passenger seat, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats and alloy-accent pedals, and is good value. The X-Line Limited range topper adds L.E.D. headlights, a Harmon-Kardon audio system, rearward auto braking and a 360 degree camera system, and is reasonably priced if you like the equipment.

Average to above average predicted during the warranty period. Engine durability unproven